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Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Significant Accounting Policies | Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities; the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates, assumptions, and judgments are used for, but not limited to: revenue recognition, share-based compensation expense including grant-date fair value of PSUs with a market-based condition and estimated forfeitures, accounting for income taxes, useful lives assigned to long-lived assets for depreciation and amortization, impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets, the valuation of acquired intangible assets, and internal-use software and website development costs. We base our estimates on historical experience, knowledge of current business conditions, and various other factors we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates are based on management’s knowledge about current events and expectations about actions we may undertake in the future. Actual results could differ from these estimates, and such differences could be material to our financial position and results of operations. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Chegg and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity date of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Our cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and money market funds at financial institutions, and are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. We classify certain restricted cash balances within other current assets and other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets based upon the term of the remaining restrictions. Fair Value Measurements We account for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. We have established a fair value hierarchy used to determine the fair value of our financial instruments as follows: Level 1—Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2—Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instruments. Level 3—Inputs are unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value; the inputs require significant management judgment or estimation. A financial instrument’s classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while we believe our valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. Investments We hold investments in corporate debt securities, U.S. treasury securities and agency bonds. We classify our investments as available-for-sale that are either short or long-term based on the remaining contractual maturity of the investment. Our investments are carried at estimated fair value with any unrealized gains and losses, unrelated to credit loss factors, net of taxes, included in other comprehensive income (loss) on our consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity. Unrealized losses related to credit loss factors are recorded through an allowance for credit losses in other income (expense), net on our consolidated statements of operations, rather than as a reduction to other comprehensive income (loss), when a decline in fair value has resulted from a credit loss. When evaluating whether an investment's unrealized losses are related to credit factors, we review factors such as the extent to which fair value is below its cost basis, any changes to the credit rating of the security, adverse conditions specifically related to the security, changes in market interest rates and our intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not we will be required to sell, before recovery of cost basis. We invest in highly rated securities with a weighted average maturity of eighteen months or less. In addition, our investment policy limits the amount of our credit exposure to any one issuer or industry sector and requires investments to be investment grade, with the primary objective of preserving capital and maintaining liquidity. Fair values were determined for each individual security in the investment portfolio. We determine realized gains or losses on the sale of investments on a specific identification method and record such gains or losses as other income (expense), net. The estimated fair value of our investments are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs) or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2 inputs) in determining fair value. Other than our money market funds and U.S. treasury securities, we classify our fixed income available-for-sale investments as having Level 2 inputs. The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of our investments having Level 2 inputs were derived from non-binding market consensus prices that are corroborated by observable market data or quoted market prices for similar instruments. We do not hold any investments valued with a Level 3 input. Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and are non-interest bearing. We generally grant uncollateralized credit terms to our customers, which include partners and advertising customers. We maintain an allowance to account for potentially uncollectible receivables. We assess the creditworthiness of our customers based on multiple sources of information and analyze such factors as our historical bad debt experience, industry and geographic concentrations of credit risk, economic trends, and customer payment history. This assessment requires significant judgment. Because of this assessment, we maintain an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of certain customers to make all of their required payments. In making this estimate, we analyze historical payment performance and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable are written off as a decrease to the allowance when all collection efforts have been exhausted and an account is deemed uncollectible. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and investments in highly liquid instruments in accordance with our investment policy. We place the majority of our cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash with financial institutions in the United States that we believe to be of high credit quality, and accordingly minimal credit risk exists with respect to these instruments. Certain of our cash balances held with a financial institution are in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limits. Our investment portfolio consists of investments diversified among security types, industries and issuers. Our investments were held and managed by recognized financial institutions that followed our investment policy with the main objective of preserving capital, generating a competitive return, and maintaining liquidity. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivables exist to the full extent of amounts presented in the financial statements. We had no customers that represented over 10% of our net accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2023 and one customer that represented over 10% of our net accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2022. No customers represented over 10% of net revenues during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 or 2021. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and content amortization. Depreciation and content amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives of the assets:
Classification |  | Useful Life
Content |  | Shorter of the licensed content term or 5 years
Internal-use software and website development |  | 3 years
Leasehold improvements |  | Shorter of the remaining lease term or 5 years
Furniture and fixtures |  | 5 years
Computers and equipment |  | 3 years
We capitalize all costs associated with the development or acquisition of content that is utilized in our products and services. Content amortization is classified within cost of revenues on our consolidated statements of operations. We capitalize certain costs associated with software developed or obtained for internal use and website and application development. We capitalize costs when preliminary development efforts are successfully completed, management has authorized and committed project funding and it is probable that the project will be completed, and the software will be used as intended. Costs incurred prior to meeting these criteria, together with costs incurred for training and maintenance, are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred for enhancements that are expected to result in additional material functionality are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the upgrades. Depreciation expense is classified within cost of revenues or operating expenses categories on our consolidated statements of operations. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and content amortization are removed from their respective accounts, and any gain or loss on such sale or disposal is reflected in (loss) income from operations. Business Combinations We allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and intangible assets acquired through a business combination based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Significant estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from acquired users, acquired technology, and trade names from a market participant perspective, useful lives and discount rates. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable, and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates. During the measurement period, which is not to exceed one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings. Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of purchase consideration paid over the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Our indefinite-lived intangible asset represented the internships.com trade name. These assets are not amortized but rather tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if certain events or indicators of impairment occur between annual impairment tests. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. In our qualitative assessment, we consider factors including economic conditions, industry and market conditions and developments, overall financial performance and other relevant entity-specific events. If our qualitative assessment concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying amount, a quantitative assessment of impairment is performed. In the quantitative test, we compare fair value, estimated utilizing both the income approach, based on present value techniques, and the market approach, based on the guideline transaction method and guideline public company method, to the carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. Acquired Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets Acquired intangible assets with finite useful lives, which include developed technology, content library, customer lists, and trade and domain names, are amortized over their estimated useful lives. We assess the impairment of acquired intangible assets and other long-lived assets at least annually, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Leases We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right of use (ROU) assets and operating lease liabilities within current liabilities and long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. Our leases do not provide an implicit rate and therefore we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future minimum lease payments. Our incremental borrowing rate is estimated based on the estimated rate incurred to borrow, on a collateralized basis over a similar term as our leases, an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise such options. We do not record leases on our consolidated balance sheet with a term of one year or less. We do not separate lease and non-lease components but rather account for each separate component as a single lease component for all underlying classes of assets. Some of our leases include payments that are dependent on an index, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and our minimum lease payments include payments based on the index at inception with any future changes in such indices recognized as an expense in the period of change. Where leases contain escalation clauses, rent abatement, or concessions, such as rent holidays and landlord or tenant incentives or allowances, we apply them in the determination of straight-line operating lease cost over the lease term. ROU assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Strategic Investments Investments in partnerships where we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the investee are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and adjusted for our share of the investees' earnings or losses, based on our percentage ownership, recognized on a one-quarter lag basis within other income (expense), net on our consolidated statements of operations. Investments in entities where we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence and which do not have readily determinable fair values are accounted for at cost, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer, if any. Strategic investments are included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. We assess our strategic investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that they may be impaired. The factors we consider in our evaluation include, but are not limited to, a significant deterioration in the earnings performance or business prospects of the investee or factors that raise significant concerns about the investee’s ability to continue as a going concern, such as negative cash flows from operations or working capital deficiencies. Convertible Senior Notes, net In August 2020, we issued $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of 0% convertible senior notes due in 2026 (2026 notes). In March/April 2019, we issued $800 million in aggregate principal amount of 0.125% convertible senior notes due in 2025 (2025 notes, together with the 2026 notes, the notes). The aggregate principal amounts of both the 2026 notes and 2025 notes include $100 million from the initial purchasers fully exercising their option to purchase additional notes. The notes, including the embedded conversion features, are accounted for under the traditional convertible debt accounting model entirely as a liability net of unamortized issuance costs. The carrying amount of the liability is classified as a current liability if we have committed to settle with current assets or the holders have the option to convert the notes at any time within twelve months after the reporting date; otherwise, we classify it as a long-term liability as we retain the election to settle conversion requests in shares of our common stock. The embedded conversion features are not remeasured as long as they do not meet the separation requirement of a derivative; otherwise, they are classified as derivative instruments and recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in other income (expense), net on our consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of any derivative instruments related to the notes are determined utilizing Level 2 inputs. Issuance costs are amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest rate method, to interest expense over the term of the notes. In accounting for conversions of the notes, the carrying amount of the converted notes is reduced by the total consideration paid or issued for the respective converted notes and the difference is recorded to additional paid-in capital on our consolidated balance sheets. In accounting for extinguishments of the notes, the reacquisition price of the extinguished notes is compared to the carrying amount of the respective extinguished notes and a gain or loss is recorded in other income (expense), net on our consolidated statements of operations. Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue We recognize revenues when the control of goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. We determine revenue recognition through the following steps: •Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer •Identification of the performance obligations in the contract •Determination of the transaction price •Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract •Recognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation Revenues are presented net of sales tax collected from customers to be remitted to governmental authorities and net of allowances for estimated and actual refunds, which are based on historical data. Revenues from our Chegg Study Pack, Chegg Study, Chegg Writing, Chegg Math, and Busuu offerings are primarily recognized ratably over the monthly subscription period. Revenues from Chegg Skills are recognized over the delivery period, adjusted for an estimate of non-redemption. Revenues from advertising services are recognized upon fulfillment. Revenues from print textbooks and eTextbooks are recognized immediately. Some of our customer arrangements include multiple performance obligations. We have determined these performance obligations qualify as distinct performance obligations, as the customer can benefit from the service on its own or together with other resources that are readily available to the customer, and our promise to transfer the service is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. For these arrangements that contain multiple performance obligations, we allocate the transaction price based on the relative standalone selling price (SSP) method by comparing the SSP of each distinct performance obligation to the total value of the contract. We determine the SSP based on our historical pricing and discounting practices for the distinct performance obligation when sold separately. If the SSP is not directly observable, we estimate the SSP by considering information such as market conditions, and information about the customer. Additionally, we limit the amount of revenues recognized for delivered promises to the amount that is not contingent on future delivery of services or other future performance obligations. Some of our customer arrangements may include an amount of variable consideration in addition to a fixed revenue share that we earn. This variable consideration can either increase or decrease the total transaction price depending on the nature of the variable consideration. We estimate the amount of variable consideration that we will earn at the inception of the contract, adjusted during each period, and include an estimated amount each period. For sales of third-party products, we evaluate whether we are acting as a principal or an agent. Where our role in a transaction is that of principal, revenues are recognized on a gross basis. This requires revenue to comprise the gross value of the transaction billed to the customer, after trade discounts, with any related expenditure charged as a cost of revenues. Where our role in a transaction is that of an agent, revenues are recognized on a net basis with revenues representing the margin earned. Our determination is based on our evaluation of whether we control the specified goods or services prior to transferring them to the customer. When deciding the most appropriate basis for presenting revenues or costs of revenues, both the legal form and substance of the agreement between us and our business partners are reviewed to determine each party’s respective role in the transaction. We have concluded that we control our Subscription Services and therefore we recognize revenues and cost of revenues on a gross basis. For print textbooks and eTextbooks, we have concluded that we do not control the service and therefore we recognize revenues on a net basis based on our role in the transaction as an agent. Contract assets are contained within other current assets and other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Contract assets represent the goods or services that we have transferred to a customer before invoicing the customer and primarily consist of the income sharing payment arrangements we offer to students for our Skills service. Contract receivables are contained within accounts receivable, net on our consolidated balance sheets and represent unconditional consideration that will be received solely due to the passage of time. Contract liabilities are contained within deferred revenue on our consolidated balance sheets. Deferred revenue primarily consists of advanced payments from students related to subscription performance obligations that have not been satisfied and estimated variable consideration. Deferred revenue related to rental and subscription performance obligations is recognized as revenues ratably over the term for subscriptions or when the services are provided, and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Deferred revenue related to variable consideration is recognized as revenues during each reporting period based on the estimated amount we believe we will earn over the life of the contract. Deferred contract costs are contained within other current assets on our consolidated balance sheets and are recognized if we expect to receive a future benefit from such costs. Deferred contract cost amortization expense is recognized consistent with the pattern of revenue recognition as cost of revenues on our consolidated statements of operations. Cost of Revenues Our cost of revenues consists primarily of expenses associated with the delivery and distribution of our products and services. Cost of revenues primarily consists of content amortization expense related to content that we develop, license from publishers, or acquire through acquisitions, web hosting fees, customer support fees, payment processing costs, amortization of acquired intangible assets, employee-related expenses, which includes salaries, benefits and share-based compensation expense, and other direct costs related to providing content or services. In addition, cost of revenues includes allocated information technology and facilities costs. Research and Development Costs Our research and development expenses consist of employee-related expenses, which includes salaries, benefits, and share-based compensation expense for employees on our product, engineering, and technical teams who are responsible for maintaining our website, developing new products, and improving existing products. Research and development costs also include technology costs to support our research and development, and outside services. We expense substantially all of our research and development expenses as they are incurred. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and consist primarily of online advertising and marketing promotional expenditures. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, advertising costs were approximately $57.4 million, $62.0 million and $45.1 million, respectively. Share-based Compensation Expense Share-based compensation expense for restricted stock units (RSUs), performance-based restricted stock units (PSUs) with either a market-based condition or financial and strategic performance targets, and the employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) is accounted for under the fair value method based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Share-based compensation expense for RSUs and PSUs with financial and strategic performance targets is measured based on the closing fair market value of our common stock, PSUs with a market-based condition are estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation model, and ESPP is estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. We recognize share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis for RSUs and ESPP and on a graded basis for PSUs. Vesting for all awards is subject to continued service over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. Vesting of PSUs with a market-based condition is also subject to the achievement of certain per share price of our common stock targets and vesting of PSUs with financial and strategic performance targets is also subject to our achievement of specified financial and strategic performance targets. RSUs and PSUs are converted into shares of our common stock upon vesting on a one-for-one basis. RSUs typically vest over three or four years, while PSUs with a market-based condition typically vest over a four-year period and PSUs with financial and strategic performance targets typically vest over a three-year period. Share-based compensation expense for PSUs with a market-based condition is recognized regardless of whether the market condition is satisfied whereas share-based compensation expense for PSUs with financial performance targets is recognized upon estimated or actual achievement of such targets. We assess the achievement of financial and strategic performance targets on a quarterly basis and adjust our share-based compensation expense as appropriate. These amounts are reduced by estimated forfeitures, which are estimated at the time of the grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Income Taxes We account for income taxes under an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax asset and liability account balances are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We record uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold, we recognize the tax benefit as the largest amount that is cumulative more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. Our policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. Net Income (Loss) Per Share Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by adjusting net income (loss) for all related interest expense and gains and losses recognized during the period, net of tax, and giving effect to all potential shares of common stock, including stock options, PSUs, RSUs, and shares related to convertible senior notes, to the extent dilutive. This assumes that all stock options and dilutive convertible shares were exercised or converted and is computed by applying the treasury stock method for outstanding stock options, PSUs, and RSUs, and the if-converted method for outstanding convertible senior notes. Under the treasury stock method, options, PSUs, and RSUs are assumed to be exercised or vested at the beginning of the period (or at the time of issuance, if later) and as if funds obtained thereby were used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period. Under the if-converted method, outstanding convertible senior notes are assumed to be converted into common stock at the beginning of the period (or at the time of issuance, if later). Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is the local currency, and our reporting currency is the U.S. Dollar. Adjustments resulting from the translation of foreign currencies into U.S. Dollars for balance sheet amounts are based on the exchange rates as of the consolidated balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the period. Foreign currency translation gains or losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a component of stockholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheets. Gains or losses resulting from the remeasurement of foreign currency transactions, which are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency, are included in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2021, the net gains from remeasurement of foreign currency transactions were not material. During the year ended December 31, 2022, net gains from remeasurement of foreign currency transactions were $3.7 million. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. ASU 2023-09 requires disaggregated information about our effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on income taxes paid that meet a quantitative threshold. Early adoption is permitted, and the guidance will be applied prospectively with the option to apply retrospectively. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. We did not early adopt ASU 2023-09 and we are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of this guidance. In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. ASU 2023-07 enhances current interim and annual reportable segment disclosures and requires additional disclosures about significant segment expenses. Early adoption is permitted, and we are required to adopt the changes on a retrospective basis. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods beginning December 15, 2024. We did not early adopt ASU 2023-07 and we are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of this guidance. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements We did not adopt any accounting pronouncements during the year ended December 31, 2023 that had a material impact on our financial statements.

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