Refer to accompanying Notes to the unaudited consolidated and combined financials statements.
Refer to accompanying Notes to the unaudited consolidated and combined financials statements.
Refer to accompanying Notes to the unaudited consolidated and combined financials statements.
Refer to accompanying Notes to the unaudited consolidated and combined financials statements.
Refer to accompanying Notes to the unaudited consolidated and combined financials statements.
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements
Note 1. Business Overview
History
On October 1, 2019, or the “Distribution Date”, Nuance Communications, Inc., or “Nuance”, a leading provider of speech and language solutions for businesses and consumers around the world, completed the complete legal and structural separation and distribution to its stockholders of all of the outstanding shares of our common stock, and its consolidated subsidiaries, in a tax free spin-off (which we refer to as the “Spin-Off”). The distribution was made in the amount of one share of our common stock for every eight shares of Nuance common stock (which we refer to as the “Distribution”) owned by Nuance’s stockholders as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on September 17, 2019, the record date of the Distribution.
In connection with the Distribution, on September 30, 2019, we filed an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, or the Charter, with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which became effective on October 1, 2019. Our Amended and Restated By-laws also became effective on October 1, 2019. On October 2, 2019, our common stock began regular-way trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol CRNC.
Business
Cerence Inc. (referred to in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as “we,” “our,” “us,” “ourselves,” the “Company” or “Cerence”) is a global, premier provider of AI-powered assistants and innovations for connected and autonomous vehicles. Our customers include all major automobile original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, or their tier 1 suppliers worldwide. We deliver our solutions on a white-label basis, enabling our customers to deliver customized virtual assistants with unique, branded personalities and ultimately strengthening the bond between automobile brands and end users. We generate revenue primarily by selling software licenses and cloud-connected services. In addition, we generate professional services revenue from our work with OEMs and suppliers during the design, development and deployment phases of the vehicle model lifecycle and through maintenance and enhancement projects.
Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies
Principals of Consolidation
Fiscal 2020
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, as well as those of our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal 2019
All prior period information is presented on a combined basis. The combined financial statements have been derived from Nuance’s historical accounting records and are presented on a “carve-out” basis to include the historical financial position, results of operations and cash flows applicable to the Cerence business. As a direct ownership relationship did not exist among all the various business units comprising the Cerence business, Nuance’s investment in the Cerence business is shown in lieu of stockholder’s equity in the combined financial statements.
The Combined Statements of Operations include all revenues and costs directly attributable to Cerence as well as an allocation of expenses related to functions and services performed by centralized parent organizations. These corporate expenses have been allocated to the Cerence business based on direct usage or benefit, where identifiable, with the remainder allocated on a pro rata basis of revenues, headcount, number of transactions or other measures as determined appropriate. The Combined Statements of Cash Flows present these corporate expenses that are cash in nature as cash flows from operating activities, as this is the nature of these costs for Nuance. Non-cash expenses allocated from Nuance include corporate depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation included as add-back adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations. Current and deferred income taxes and related tax expense have been determined based on the standalone results of the Cerence business by applying Accounting Standards Codification No. 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), to the Cerence business’s operations in each country as if it were a separate taxpayer (i.e. following the Separate Return Methodology).
7
The combined financial statements include the allocation of certain assets and liabilities that have historically been held at the Nuance corporate level or by shared entities but which are specifically identifiable or allocable to the Cerence business. These shared assets and liabilities have been allocated to the Cerence business on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, or allocated on a pro rata basis of revenue, headcount or other systematic measures that reflect utilization of the services provided to or benefits received by Cerence. Nuance uses a centralized approach to cash management and financing its operations. Accordingly, none of the cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, foreign currency hedges or debt and related interest expense has been allocated to the Cerence business in the combined financial statements. Nuance’s short and long-term debt has not been pushed down to the Cerence business’s combined financial statements because the Cerence business is not the legal obligor of the debt and Nuance’s borrowings were not directly attributable to the Cerence business.
Transactions between Nuance and the Cerence business are considered to be effectively settled in the combined financial statements at the time the transaction is recorded. The total net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions is reflected in the Combined Statements of Cash Flows as a financing activity and in the Combined Balance Sheets as net parent investment. All of the allocations and estimates in the combined financial statements are based on assumptions that management believes are reasonable.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnote disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements.
The consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated results of operations and financial position for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or for the year ending September 30, 2020. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited combined financial statements and notes contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2019.
Use of Estimates
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and the footnotes thereto. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.
On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, assumptions and judgments. Significant estimates inherent to the preparation of financial statements include: revenue recognition; the allowances for doubtful accounts; accounting for deferred costs; accounting for internally developed software; the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets; accounting for business combinations; accounting for stock-based compensation; accounting for income taxes, deferred tax assets, and related valuation allowances; and loss contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience, market participant fair value considerations, projected future cash flows, and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual amounts could differ significantly from these estimates.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” (“ASU 2016-02”), and codified as ASC 842, which became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The guidance requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet a right-of-use, or ROU, asset, representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, and a lease liability for all leases with terms greater than 12 months. The guidance also requires qualitative and quantitative disclosures designed to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases.
In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, “Codification Improvements to “Topic 842, Leases” and ASU 2018-11, “Leases Topic Targeted Improvements”, which provides an additional and optional transition method whereby the new lease standard is applied at the adoption date and recognized as an adjustment to retained earnings. Additionally, in March 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-01, “Codification Improvements to Topic 842”, which provides guidance in the following areas: (1) determining the fair value of the underlying asset by lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers and (2) clarification of interim disclosure requirements during transition.
8
We adopted the new standard effective October 1, 2019 under the modified retrospective transition approach. Results for reporting periods beginning after October 1, 2019 are presented under ASC 842, while prior periods have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting under previous GAAP. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance. The new standard does not have a material impact on our consolidated statement of operations and cash flows. Approximately $2.2 million of deferred rent balances were reclassified against the costs of the right of use assets. The effects of applying ASC 842 as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of October 1, 2019 is immaterial.
The following tables summarize the impact of adopting ASC 842 on the consolidated balance sheet as of October 1, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
|
|
As of October 1, 2019
|
|
|
|
As Previously
Reported
|
|
|
Impact of Adoption
of Topic ASC 842
|
|
|
As Adjusted
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating lease right of use assets
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
19,594
|
|
|
$
|
19,594
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term operating lease liabilities
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
4,863
|
|
|
$
|
4,863
|
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
|
|
|
24,194
|
|
|
|
(1,465
|
)
|
|
|
22,729
|
|
Long-term operating lease liabilities
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
16,883
|
|
|
|
16,883
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
$
|
21,536
|
|
|
$
|
(687
|
)
|
|
$
|
20,849
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net parent investment
|
|
$
|
1,097,127
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
1,097,127
|
|
Other Accounting Pronouncements
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”, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The guidance requires that implementation costs related to a hosting arrangement that is a service contract be capitalized and amortized over the term of the hosting arrangement, starting when the module or component of the hosting arrangement is ready for its intended use. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Note 3. Revenue Recognition
We primarily derive revenue from the following sources: (1) royalty-based software license arrangements, (2) connected services, and (3) professional services. Revenue is reported net of applicable sales and use tax, value-added tax and other transaction taxes imposed on the related transaction including mandatory government charges that are passed through to our customers. We account for a contract when both parties have approved and committed to the contract, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable.
Our arrangements with customers may contain multiple products and services. We account for individual products and services separately if they are distinct—that is, if a product or service is separately identifiable from other items in the contract and if a customer can benefit from it on its own or with other resources that are readily available to the customer.
We currently recognize revenue after applying the following five steps:
|
•
|
identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer;
|
|
•
|
identification of the performance obligations in the contract, including whether they are distinct within the context of the contract;
|
|
•
|
determination of the transaction price, including the constraint on variable consideration;
|
9
|
•
|
allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract;
|
|
•
|
recognition of revenue when, or as, performance obligations are satisfied.
|
We allocate the transaction price of the arrangement based on the relative estimated standalone selling price (“SSP”) of each distinct performance obligation. In determining SSP, we maximize observable inputs and consider a number of data points, including:
|
•
|
the pricing of standalone sales (in the instances where available);
|
|
•
|
the pricing established by management when setting prices for deliverables that are intended to be sold on a standalone basis;
|
|
•
|
contractually stated prices for deliverables that are intended to be sold on a standalone basis; and
|
|
•
|
other pricing factors, such as the geographical region in which the products are sold and expected discounts based on the customer size and type.
|
We only include estimated amounts in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. We reduce transaction prices for estimated returns and other allowances that represent variable consideration under ASC 606, which we estimate based on historical return experience and other relevant factors, and record a corresponding refund liability as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Other forms of contingent revenue or variable consideration are infrequent.
Revenue is recognized when control of these services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services.
We assess the timing of the transfer of products or services to the customer as compared to the timing of payments to determine whether a significant financing component exists. In accordance with the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-32-18, we do not assess the existence of a significant financing component when the difference between payment and transfer of deliverables is a year or less. If the difference in timing arises for reasons other than the provision of finance to either the customer or us, no financing component is deemed to exist. The primary purpose of our invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing our services, not to receive or provide financing from or to customers. We do not consider set-up fees nor other upfront fees paid by our customers to represent a financing component.
Reimbursements for out-of-pocket costs generally include, but are not limited to, costs related to transportation, lodging and meals. Revenue from reimbursed out-of-pocket costs is accounted for as variable consideration.
(a) Performance Obligations
Licenses
Software and technology licenses sold with non-distinct professional services to customize and/or integrate the underlying software and technology are accounted for as a combined performance obligation. Revenue from the combined performance obligation is recognized over time based upon the progress towards completion of the project, which is measured based on the labor hours already incurred to date as compared to the total estimated labor hours. For income statement presentation purposes, we separate license revenue from professional services revenue based on their SSPs.
Revenue from distinct software and technology licenses, which do not require professional service to customize and/or integrate the software license, is recognized at the point in time when the software and technology is made available to the customer and control is transferred.
Revenue from software and technology licenses sold on a royalty basis, where the license of non-exclusive intellectual property is the predominant item to which the royalty relates, is recognized in the period the usage occurs in accordance with the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-55-65(A).
10
Connected Services
Connected services, which allow our customers to use the hosted software over the contract period without taking possession of the software, are provided on a usage basis as consumed or on a fixed fee subscription basis. Subscription basis revenue represents a single promise to stand-ready to provide access to our connected services. Our connected services contract terms generally range from one to five years.
As each day of providing services is substantially the same and the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits as access is provided, we have determined that our connected services arrangements are a single performance obligation comprised of a series of distinct services. These services include variable consideration, typically a function of usage. We recognize revenue as each distinct service period is performed (i.e., recognized as incurred).
Our connected service arrangements generally include services to develop, customize, and stand-up applications for each customer. In determining whether these services are distinct, we consider dependence of the Cloud service on the up-front development and stand-up, as well as availability of the services from other vendors. We have concluded that the up-front development, stand-up and customization services are not distinct performance obligations, and as such, revenue for these activities is recognized over the period during which the cloud-connected services are provided, and is included within connected services revenue.
Professional Services
Revenue from distinct professional services, including training, is recognized over time based upon the progress towards completion of the project, which is measured based on the labor hours already incurred to date as compared to the total estimated labor hours.
(b) Significant Judgments
Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment. Our license contracts often include professional services to customize and/or integrate the licenses into the customer’s environment. Judgment is required to determine whether the license is considered distinct and accounted for separately, or not distinct and accounted for together with professional services.
Judgments are required to determine the SSP for each distinct performance obligation. When the SSP is directly observable, we estimate the SSP based upon the historical transaction prices, adjusted for geographic considerations, customer classes, and customer relationship profiles. In instances where the SSP is not directly observable, we determine the SSP using information that may include market conditions and other observable inputs. We may have more than one SSP for individual products and services due to the stratification of those products and services by customers and circumstances. In these instances, we may use information such as the size of the customer and geographic region in determining the SSP. Determining the SSP for performance obligations which we never sell separately also requires significant judgment. In estimating the SSP, we consider the likely price that would have resulted from established pricing practices had the deliverable been offered separately and the prices a customer would likely be willing to pay.
(c) Disaggregated Revenue
Through the evaluation of the discrete financial information that is reviewed by the chief operating decision maker (our chief executive officer), we have determined that we have one reportable segment.
Revenues, classified by the major geographic region in which our customers are located, for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (dollars in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
United States
|
|
$
|
35,041
|
|
|
$
|
38,064
|
|
Other Americas
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
354
|
|
Germany
|
|
|
20,217
|
|
|
|
13,716
|
|
Other Europe, Middle East and Africa
|
|
|
4,597
|
|
|
|
4,784
|
|
Japan
|
|
|
11,411
|
|
|
|
9,753
|
|
Other Asia-Pacific
|
|
|
6,185
|
|
|
|
5,813
|
|
Total net revenues
|
|
$
|
77,459
|
|
|
$
|
72,484
|
|
11
Revenues within the United States, Germany, and Japan accounted for more than 10% of revenue for all periods presented.
Revenues relating to one customer accounted for $18.0 million, or 23.2% of revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2019. Two customers accounted for $13.5 million, or 18.7%, and $8.1 million, or 11.2% of revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2018.
(d) Contract Acquisition Costs
In conjunction with the adoption of ASC 606, we are required to capitalize certain contract acquisition costs. The capitalized costs primarily relate to paid commissions. In accordance with the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-10-4, we apply a portfolio approach to estimate contract acquisition costs for groups of customer contracts. We elect to apply the practical expedient in ASC 340-40-25-4 and will expense contract acquisition costs as incurred where the expected period of benefit is one year or less. Contract acquisition costs are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of benefit, which we have estimated to be, on average, between one and five years. The period of benefit was determined based on an average customer contract term, expected contract renewals, changes in technology and our ability to retain customers, including canceled contracts. We assess the amortization term for all major transactions based on specific facts and circumstances. Contract acquisition costs are classified as current or noncurrent assets based on when the expense will be recognized. The current and noncurrent portions of contract acquisition costs are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, and in other assets, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, we had $2.1 million of contract acquisition costs. We had amortization expense of $0.2 million related to these costs during the three months ended December 31, 2019. There was no impairment related to contract acquisition costs.
(e) Capitalized Contract Costs
We capitalize incremental costs incurred to fulfill our contracts that (i) relate directly to the contract, (ii) are expected to generate resources that will be used to satisfy our performance obligation under the contract, and (iii) are expected to be recovered through revenue generated under the contract. Our capitalized costs consist primarily of setup costs, such as costs to standup, customize and develop applications for each customer, which are incurred to satisfy our stand-ready obligation to provide access to our connected offerings. These contract costs are expensed to cost of revenue as we satisfy our stand-ready obligation over the contract term which we estimate to be between one and five years, on average. The contract term was determined based on an average customer contract term, expected contract renewals, changes in technology, and our ability to retain customers, including canceled contracts. We classify these costs as current or noncurrent based on the timing of when we expect to recognize the expense. The current and noncurrent portions of capitalized contract fulfillment costs are presented as deferred costs. As of December 31, 2019, we had $43.0 million of capitalized contract costs.
We had amortization expense of $2.7 million related to these costs during the three months ended December 31, 2019. There was no impairment related to contract costs capitalized
(f) Trade Accounts Receivable and Contract Balances
We classify our right to consideration in exchange for deliverables as either a receivable or a contract asset. A receivable is a right to consideration that is unconditional (i.e. only the passage of time is required before payment is due). We present such receivables in accounts receivable, net at their net estimated realizable value. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts to provide for the estimated amount of receivables that may not be collected. The allowance is based upon an assessment of customer creditworthiness, historical payment experience, the age of outstanding receivables and other applicable factors.
Our contract assets and liabilities are reported in a net position on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period.
Contract assets include unbilled amounts from long-term contracts when revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer, and right to payment is not solely subject to the passage of time. Contract assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. The table below shows significant changes in contract assets (dollars in thousands):
|
|
Contract assets
|
|
Balance as of October 1, 2019
|
|
$
|
9,219
|
|
Revenues recognized but not billed
|
|
|
19,524
|
|
Amounts reclassified to accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
(5,765
|
)
|
Balance as of December 31, 2019
|
|
$
|
22,978
|
|
12
Our contract liabilities, which we present as deferred revenue, consist of advance payments and billings in excess of revenues recognized. We classify deferred revenue as current or noncurrent based on when we expect to recognize the revenues. The table below shows significant changes in deferred revenue (dollars in thousands):
|
|
Deferred revenue
|
|
Balance as of October 1, 2019
|
|
$
|
353,284
|
|
Amounts billed but not recognized
|
|
|
31,663
|
|
Revenue recognized
|
|
|
(25,244
|
)
|
Balance as of December 31, 2019
|
|
$
|
359,703
|
|
(g) Remaining Performance Obligations
The following table includes estimated revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied at December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
|
|
Within One
Year
|
|
|
Two to Five
Years
|
|
|
Greater
than
Five Years
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Total revenue
|
|
$
|
156,695
|
|
|
$
|
155,875
|
|
|
$
|
98,423
|
|
|
$
|
410,993
|
|
The table above includes fixed backlogs and does not include variable backlogs derived from contingent usage-based activities, such as royalties and usage-based connected services.
Note 4. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, increased to include the number of shares of common stock that would have been outstanding had potential dilutive shares of common stock been issued. The dilutive effect of restricted stock units are reflected in diluted net income per share by applying the treasury stock method. Due to the net loss recognized for the three months ended December 31, 2019, there were no dilutive shares. There were no Cerence equity awards outstanding prior to the Spin-Off, thus the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share (EPS) for all prior periods disclosed was calculated using the shares issued in connection with the Spin-Off totaling 36.4 million shares.
The numerator for both basic and diluted EPS is net (loss) income.
The following is a reconciliation of basic shares to diluted shares:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
in thousands
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Basic shares
|
|
|
35,995
|
|
|
|
36,391
|
|
Effect of dilutive shares
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Diluted shares
|
|
|
35,995
|
|
|
|
36,391
|
|
Note 5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
(a) Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2019 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
|
|
Total
|
|
Balance as of October 1, 2019
|
|
$
|
1,119,329
|
|
Acquisitions
|
|
|
—
|
|
Effect of foreign currency translation
|
|
|
3,536
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2019
|
|
$
|
1,122,865
|
|
13
(b) Intangible Assets, Net
The following tables summarizes the gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of intangible assets by major class (dollars in thousands):
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
Gross
Carrying
Amount
|
|
|
Accumulated
Amortization
|
|
|
Net
Carrying
Amount
|
|
|
Weighted Average
Remaining Life
(Years)
|
|
Customer relationships
|
|
$
|
108,863
|
|
|
$
|
(65,369
|
)
|
|
$
|
43,494
|
|
|
|
3.7
|
|
Technology and patents
|
|
|
90,174
|
|
|
|
(72,955
|
)
|
|
|
17,219
|
|
|
|
2.3
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
199,037
|
|
|
$
|
(138,324
|
)
|
|
$
|
60,713
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2019
|
|
|
|
Gross
Carrying
Amount
|
|
|
Accumulated
Amortization
|
|
|
Net
Carrying
Amount
|
|
|
Weighted Average
Remaining Life
(Years)
|
|
Customer relationships
|
|
$
|
104,783
|
|
|
$
|
(58,568
|
)
|
|
$
|
46,215
|
|
|
|
4.0
|
|
Technology and patents
|
|
|
116,757
|
|
|
|
(97,411
|
)
|
|
|
19,346
|
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
221,540
|
|
|
$
|
(155,979
|
)
|
|
$
|
65,561
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization expense related to intangible assets in the aggregate was $5.2 million and $5.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We expect amortization of intangible assets to be $15.5 million for the remainder of 2020.
Note 6. Leases
We have entered into a number of facility leases to support our research and development activities, sales operations, and other corporate and administrative functions in North America, Europe, and Asia, which qualify as operating leases under GAAP. We also have a limited number of equipment leases that also qualify as operating leases. We determine if contracts with vendors represent a lease or have a lease component under GAAP at contract inception. As part of our acquisition of Voicebox Technologies, or Voicebox, we assumed certain leases for various equipment, which we have accounted for as finance leases. Our leases have remaining terms ranging from less than one year to eight years. Some of our leases include options to extend or terminate the lease prior to the end of the agreed upon lease term. For purposes of calculating lease liabilities, lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise such options.
Operating lease right of use assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the lease commencement date. As our leases generally do not provide an implicit rate, we use an estimated incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of future payments. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of a lease within a particular location and currency environment.
The following table presents certain information related to lease term and incremental borrowing rates for leases as of December 31, 2019:
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
|
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in months):
|
|
|
|
|
Operating leases
|
|
|
59.7
|
|
Finance leases
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
Weighted-average discount rate:
|
|
|
|
|
Operating leases
|
|
|
8.0
|
%
|
Finance leases
|
|
|
10.6
|
%
|
14
The following table presents the lease-related assets and liabilities reported in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands):
|
|
Classification
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating lease assets
|
|
Operating lease right of use assets
|
|
$
|
19,681
|
|
Finance lease assets
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
253
|
|
Total lease assets
|
|
|
|
$
|
19,934
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
|
|
Short-term operating lease liabilities
|
|
$
|
4,986
|
|
Finance
|
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
|
|
|
12
|
|
Noncurrent
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
|
|
Long-term operating lease liabilities
|
|
$
|
17,040
|
|
Finance
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total lease liability
|
|
|
|
$
|
22,038
|
|
Lease costs for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For operating leases, costs are included within research and development, marketing and selling, and general and administrative lines on the consolidated statements of operations. For financing leases, amortization of the finance right-of-use assets is included within research and development, marketing and selling, and general and administrative lines on the consolidated statements of operations, and interest expense is included within the other income (expense), net.
The following table presents lease expense for the three months ended December 31, 2019 (in thousands):
|
|
Three months ended
December 31, 2019
|
|
Finance lease costs:
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of right-of-use asset
|
|
$
|
36
|
|
Interest on lease liability
|
|
|
-
|
|
Operating lease cost
|
|
|
1,890
|
|
Short-term lease cost
|
|
|
-
|
|
Variable lease cost
|
|
|
309
|
|
Sublease income
|
|
|
(55
|
)
|
Total lease cost
|
|
$
|
2,180
|
|
For operating leases, the related cash payments are included in the operating cash flows on the consolidated statements of cash flows. For the three months ended December 31, 2019, cash payments related to operating leases were $1.7 million. For financing leases, the related cash payments for the principal portion of the lease liability are included in the financing cash flows on the consolidated statement of cash flows and the related cash payments for the interest portion of the lease liability are included within the operating section of the consolidated statement of cash flows. For the three months ended December 31, 2019, cash payments related to financing leases were $0.1 million, of which an immaterial amount related to the interest portion of the lease liability.
15
The table below reconciles the undiscounted future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable leases with terms of more than one year to the total lease liabilities recognized on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands):
Year Ending September 30,
|
|
Operating Leases
|
|
|
Financing Leases
|
|
2020 (excluding three months ended December 31, 2019)
|
|
$
|
5,003
|
|
|
$
|
12
|
|
2021
|
|
|
5,862
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
2022
|
|
|
4,934
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
2023
|
|
|
3,681
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
2024
|
|
|
3,380
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
4,113
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total future minimum lease payments
|
|
$
|
26,973
|
|
|
$
|
12
|
|
Less effects of discounting
|
|
|
(4,947
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total lease liabilities
|
|
$
|
22,026
|
|
|
$
|
12
|
|
Reported as of December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term lease liabilities
|
|
$
|
4,986
|
|
|
$
|
12
|
|
Long-term lease liabilities
|
|
|
17,040
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total lease liabilities
|
|
$
|
22,026
|
|
|
$
|
12
|
|
The future minimum lease commitments under non-cancelable leases at September 30, 2019 were as follows (in thousands):
Year Ending September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
$
|
6,323
|
|
2021
|
|
|
5,421
|
|
2022
|
|
|
4,493
|
|
2023
|
|
|
3,237
|
|
2024
|
|
|
2,922
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
4,039
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
26,435
|
|
Note 7. Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
|
|
September 30, 2019
|
|
Compensation
|
|
$
|
19,876
|
|
|
$
|
13,031
|
|
Cost of revenue related liabilities
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
|
1,668
|
|
Sales and other taxes payable
|
|
|
13,443
|
|
|
|
219
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
4,948
|
|
|
|
3,863
|
|
Facilities related liabilities
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
|
273
|
|
Other
|
|
|
8,707
|
|
|
|
5,140
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
51,033
|
|
|
$
|
24,194
|
|
16
Note 8. Restructuring and Other Costs, Net
Restructuring and other costs, net include restructuring expenses as well as other charges that are unusual in nature, are the result of unplanned events, and arise outside of the ordinary course of our business such as employee severance costs, costs for consolidating duplicate facilities, and separation costs directly attributable to the Cerence business becoming a standalone public company. The following table sets forth accrual activity relating to restructuring reserves for the three months ended December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
|
|
Personnel
|
|
|
Facilities
|
|
|
Separation
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Balance at October 1, 2019
|
|
$
|
489
|
|
|
$
|
26
|
|
|
$
|
3,876
|
|
|
$
|
4,391
|
|
Restructuring and other costs, net
|
|
|
360
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
7,194
|
|
|
|
7,554
|
|
Cash payments
|
|
|
(201
|
)
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
(3,004
|
)
|
|
|
(3,210
|
)
|
Foreign exchange impact on ending balance
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2019
|
|
$
|
656
|
|
|
$
|
22
|
|
|
$
|
8,066
|
|
|
$
|
8,744
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
|
Personnel
|
|
|
Facilities
|
|
|
Separation
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Personnel
|
|
|
Facilities
|
|
|
Separation
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Restructuring charges
|
|
$
|
360
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
7,194
|
|
|
$
|
7,554
|
|
|
$
|
(663
|
)
|
|
$
|
2,055
|
|
|
$
|
1,735
|
|
|
$
|
3,127
|
|
For the three months ended December 31, 2019, we recorded restructuring charges of $7.6 million, which included a $0.4 million severance charge related to the elimination of personnel, and $7.2 million related to costs incurred to establish the Cerence business as a standalone public company.
For the three months ended December 31, 2018, we recorded restructuring charges of $3.1 million, which included a $0.7 million severance charge reversal related to the elimination of personnel across multiple functions, $2.1 million primarily resulting from the restructuring of facilities that will no longer be utilized, and $1.7 million related to professional services fees incurred to establish the Cerence business as a standalone public company.
Note 9. Stockholder’s Equity
Per the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which was adopted on October 1, 2019, 600,000,000 shares of capital stock have been authorized, consisting of 40,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, or Preferred Stock, and 560,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, or Common Stock.
On October 2, 2019, we registered the issuance of 6,350,000 shares of Common Stock, consisting of 5,300,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options granted, or in respect of awards granted, under the Cerence 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, or Equity Incentive Plan, and 1,050,000 shares of Common Stock that are reserved for issuance under the Cerence 2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or the ESPP.
The Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, stock awards, stock units, stock appreciation rights, and certain other stock-based awards. Awards issued under the Plan may not have a term greater than ten years from the date of grant.
In connection with the Spin-Off from Nuance, all outstanding Nuance restricted stock units and performance stock units held by Cerence employees were cancelled, and Cerence regranted such employees economically equivalent restricted stock units of Cerence. 1,208,931 restricted stock units were issued by Cerence in connection with the Spin-Off.
17
Restricted Units
Information with respect to our non-vested restricted stock units for the three months ended December 31, 2019 was as follows:
|
Non-Vested Restricted Stock Units
|
|
|
Time-Based
Shares
|
|
Performance-
Based Shares
|
|
Total Shares
|
|
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
|
|
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (years)
|
|
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands)
|
|
Non-vested at October 1, 2019
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
2,668,702
|
|
|
768,192
|
|
|
3,436,894
|
|
$
|
16.19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested
|
|
(21,022
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(21,022
|
)
|
$
|
17.74
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
(10,004
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(10,004
|
)
|
$
|
17.74
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-vested at December 31, 2019
|
|
2,637,676
|
|
|
768,192
|
|
|
3,405,868
|
|
$
|
16.18
|
|
|
1.48
|
|
$
|
77,063
|
|
Expected to vest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,405,868
|
|
$
|
16.18
|
|
|
1.48
|
|
$
|
77,063
|
|
Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based compensation was included in the following captions in our consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and combined statement of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Cost of licensing
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
5
|
|
Cost of connected services
|
|
|
352
|
|
|
|
128
|
|
Cost of professional services
|
|
|
871
|
|
|
|
247
|
|
Research and development
|
|
|
2,975
|
|
|
|
3,454
|
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
1,590
|
|
|
|
1,468
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
3,181
|
|
|
|
1,272
|
|
|
|
$
|
8,969
|
|
|
$
|
6,574
|
|
Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation and Other Claims
Similar to many companies in the software industry, we are involved in a variety of claims, demands, suits, investigations and proceedings that arise from time to time relating to matters incidental to the ordinary course of our business, including at times actions with respect to contracts, intellectual property, employment, benefits and securities matters. At each balance sheet date, we evaluate contingent liabilities associated with these matters in accordance with ASC 450 “Contingencies.” 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. Significant judgments are required for the determination of probability and the range of the outcomes, and estimates are based only on the best information available at the time. Due to the inherent uncertainties involved in claims and legal proceedings and in estimating losses that may arise, actual outcomes may differ from our estimates. Contingencies deemed not probable or for which losses were not estimable in one period may become probable, or losses may become estimable in later periods, which may have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position. As of December 31, 2019, accrued losses were not material to our consolidated financial statements, and we do not expect any pending matter to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Guarantees and Other
We include indemnification provisions in the contracts we enter with customers and business partners. Generally, these provisions require us to defend claims arising out of our products’ infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, breach of contractual obligations and/or unlawful or otherwise culpable conduct. The indemnity obligations generally cover damages, costs and attorneys’ fees arising out of such claims. In most, but not all cases, our total liability under such provisions is limited to either the value of the contract or a specified, agreed-upon amount. In some cases, our total liability under such provisions is unlimited. In many, but not all cases, the term of the indemnity provision is perpetual. While the maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under all the indemnification provisions is unlimited, we believe the estimated fair value of these provisions is minimal due to the low frequency with which these provisions have been triggered.
18
We indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, which provides among other things, indemnification to directors and officers for expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and settlement amounts incurred by such persons in their capacity as a director or officer of the Company, regardless of whether the individual is serving in any such capacity at the time the liability or expense is incurred. Additionally, in connection with certain acquisitions, we agreed to indemnify the former officers and members of the boards of directors of those companies, on similar terms as described above, for a period of six years from the acquisition date. In certain cases, we purchase director and officer insurance policies related to these obligations, which fully cover the six-year period. To the extent that we do not purchase a director and officer insurance policy for the full period of any contractual indemnification, and such directors and officers do not have coverage under separate insurance policies, we would be required to pay for costs incurred, if any, as described above.
Note 11. Income Taxes
The components of (loss) income before income taxes are as follows (dollars in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Domestic
|
|
$
|
(7,128
|
)
|
|
$
|
(2,069
|
)
|
Foreign
|
|
|
(1,632
|
)
|
|
|
4,862
|
|
(Loss) income before income taxes
|
|
$
|
(8,760
|
)
|
|
$
|
2,793
|
|
The components of provision for income taxes are as follows (dollars in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Domestic
|
|
$
|
(3,218
|
)
|
|
$
|
(491
|
)
|
Foreign
|
|
|
6,220
|
|
|
|
1,029
|
|
Provision for income taxes
|
|
$
|
3,002
|
|
|
$
|
538
|
|
Effective income tax rate
|
|
|
(34.3
|
)%
|
|
|
19.3
|
%
|
The effective tax rates were estimated based upon estimated income for the year, and the composition of the income in different countries. Our aggregate income tax rate in foreign jurisdictions is lower than our income tax rate in the United States. Our effective tax rate may be adversely affected by earnings being lower than anticipated in countries where we have lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated in countries where we have higher statutory tax rates.
Our effective income tax rate was (34.3)% for the three months ended December 31, 2019, compared to 19.3% for the three months ended December 31, 2018. The effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2019 differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0%, primarily due to our composition of jurisdictional earnings, U.S. inclusions of foreign taxable income as a result of 2017 tax laws changes, and an income tax benefit of approximately $5.0 million related to an increase in tax rates in the Netherlands enacted in the first quarter. The effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2018 differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to our earnings in foreign jurisdictions.
Note 12. Long Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
|
|
September 30, 2019
|
|
Senior Facilities, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discount of $21,578 at December 31, 2019
|
|
$
|
248,422
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Less: current portion
|
|
|
9,396
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total long-term debt
|
|
$
|
239,026
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
19
The following table summarizes the maturities of our borrowing obligations as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands):
Fiscal Year
|
|
Senior Facilities
|
|
2020
|
|
$
|
7,047
|
|
2021
|
|
|
9,396
|
|
2022
|
|
|
27,000
|
|
2023
|
|
|
27,000
|
|
2024
|
|
|
199,557
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total before unamortized discount
|
|
|
270,000
|
|
Less: unamortized discount and issuance costs
|
|
|
21,578
|
|
Less: current portion of long-term debt
|
|
|
9,396
|
|
Total long-term debt
|
|
$
|
239,026
|
|
Senior Facilities
On October 1, 2019, in connection with the Spin-Off, Cerence entered into a Credit Agreement, by and among Cerence, the lenders and issuing banks party thereto and Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent (the “Credit Agreement”) consisting of a five-year senior secured term loan facility in the aggregate principal amount of $270.0 million, which was primarily intended to finance a cash distribution of approximately $153.0 million to Nuance and provide approximately $110.0 million initial support for the cash flow needs of the Cerence business. We also entered into a 54-month senior secured first-lien revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $75.0 million, which shall be drawn on in the event that our working capital and other cash needs are not supported by our operating cash flow. As of December 31, 2019, there were no amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
Cerence’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are jointly and severally guaranteed by certain of our existing and future direct and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions customary for financings of this type. All obligations are secured by substantially all of our tangible and intangible personal property and material real property, including a perfected first-priority pledge of all (or, in the case of foreign subsidiaries or subsidiaries (“FSHCO”) that own no material assets other than equity interests in foreign subsidiaries that are “controlled foreign corporations” or other FSHCOs, 65%) of the equity securities of our subsidiaries held by any loan party, subject to certain customary exceptions and limitations.
Cerence is obligated to make quarterly principal payments on the last business day of each quarter in an aggregate annual amount equal to 3.5% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan Facility during the first two years of the Term Loan Facility, and 10% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan Facility thereafter, with the balance payable at the maturity date. Quarterly principal payments will commence on March 31, 2020. Interest accrues on outstanding borrowings under the Senior Facilities at a rate of either a base rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus 5.00% or a LIBOR rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus 6.00%. Interest payments with respect to the Senior Facilities are required either on a quarterly basis (for ABR loans) or at the end of each interest period (for LIBOR loans) or, if the duration of the applicable interest period exceeds three months, then every three months. Total interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2019 was $6.8 million, reflecting the coupon and accretion of the discount.
Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are prepayable at Cerence’s option without premium or penalty, subject to a 1.00% prepayment premium in connection with any repricing transaction for the term loan facility in the first six months after the closing date. Cerence may request to extend the maturity date of all or a portion of the Senior Facilities subject to certain conditions customary for financings of this type. The Credit Agreement also contains certain mandatory prepayment provisions in the event that Cerence incurs certain types of indebtedness or receives net cash proceeds from certain non-ordinary course asset sales or other dispositions of property or generates positive excess cash flow, in each case subject to terms and conditions customary for financings of this type.
The Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for financings of this type that, among other things, limit our and our subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness or liens, to dispose of assets, to make certain fundamental changes, to designate subsidiaries as unrestricted, to make certain investments, to prepay certain indebtedness and to pay dividends, or to make other distributions or redemptions/repurchases, in respect of our and our subsidiaries’ equity interests. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains a financial covenant requiring the maintenance of a net first lien leverage ratio of not greater than 6.00 to 1.00. The Credit Agreement also contains events of default customary for financings of this type, including certain customary change of control events. As of December 31, 2019, we were in compliance with the Credit Agreement covenants.
20