SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation We conduct business globally and manage our business on a geographic basis. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") for annual financial information and the instructions to Form 10-K and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries; all intercompany activity and balances have been eliminated. We have evaluated subsequent events through the date that the financial statements were issued. Reclassifications In fiscal 2023, we separated the components of Interest expense, net to present Interest income and Interest expense separately in the Consolidated Statements of Income. We conformed the comparative figures for fiscal 2022 and 2021 to the current year's presentation. Use of Estimates The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP required management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates may include income taxes, stock-based compensation, goodwill and intangible assets, business combinations, long-lived assets, contingencies and impairment assessments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Revenue Recognition Revenues are measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for fulfilling our contractual performance obligations with our clients. The majority of our revenues are derived from client access to our multi-asset solutions powered by our suite of connected content available over the contractual term (referred to as the "hosted platform"). The hosted platform is a subscription-based service that provides client access to various combinations of products and services including workstations, portfolio analytics and enterprise solutions. In addition, through our CGS platform, we provide subscription access to a database of universally recognized identifiers reflecting differentiating characteristics for issuers and their financial instruments (referred to as the "identifier platform"). We determined the majority of our contracts with clients, whether for our hosted platform or identifier platform services, each represent a single performance obligation covering a series of distinct products and services that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern of transfer to the client. The primary nature of our promise to the client is to provide daily access to each of these data and analytics platforms, with revenue recognized over-time as performance is satisfied on an output time-based measure of progress, as the client is simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits of the platform. We record deferred revenues when payments are received in advance of performance under the contract. Stock-Based Compensation Our stock-based awards include stock options, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), performance share units ("PSUs") and common stock purchased by eligible employees under our employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP"). We measure and recognize stock-based compensation for all stock-based awards granted to our employees and our non-employee members of the Board of Directors ("non-employee directors") based on their estimated grant date fair value. To estimate the grant date fair value, we utilize a lattice-binomial option-pricing model ("binomial model") for our employee stock options and the Black-Scholes model for non-employee director stock options and common stock purchased by eligible employees under our ESPP. Both the binomial model and Black-Scholes model involve certain estimates and assumptions such as: •Risk-free interest rate - based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with maturities equal to the expected terms of the stock-based awards granted. •Expected life - the weighted average period the stock-based awards are expected to remain outstanding. •Expected volatility - based on a blend of historical volatility of the stock-based award's useful life and the weighted average implied volatility for call option contracts traded in the 90 days preceding the stock-based award's valuation date. •Dividend yield - the expectation of dividend payouts based on our history. The binomial model also incorporates market conditions, vesting restrictions and exercise patterns. For RSUs and PSUs, the grant date fair value is measured by reducing the grant date price of our common stock by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying stock during the requisite service period, discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate. The number of PSUs granted assumes target-level achievement of the specified performance levels within the payout range. The ultimate number of common shares that may be earned from a PSU is determined based on the actual achievement of the specified performance levels within the payout range. Stock-based compensation expense for stock option and RSU awards is recognized over the requisite service period using the straight-line method. The amount of stock-based compensation expense recognized on any date, for stock options and RSUs granted, is at least equal to the vested portion of the award on that date. Our PSUs require management to make assumptions regarding the probability of achieving specified performance levels established at the time of grant, and recognize stock-based compensation expense using the straight-line method over the requisite service period. The probability of achieving the specified performance levels is reviewed on a quarterly basis to ensure the amount of stock-based compensation expense appropriately reflects the expected achievement. For our ESPP, compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the offering period. Stock-based awards are subject to the continued employment and continued service at the time of vesting by employees and non-employee directors, respectively. Compensation expense for stock-based awards is recorded net of estimated forfeitures, which are based on historical forfeiture rates and are revised if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Research and Product Development Costs We do not have a separate research and product development ("R&D") department, but rather these costs primarily consist of employee expenses, such as salaries and related benefits for our product development, software engineering and technical support departments, and certain third parties. These teams collaborate with our strategists, product and content managers, technologists, sales and other team members to develop new products and process innovations and enhance existing products. Our R&D costs are expensed as incurred and are primarily recorded in employee compensation costs, which are included in our Cost of services and Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income, dependent on the nature of the team. We incurred R&D costs of $267.4 million, $255.1 million and $250.1 million during fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Income Taxes We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. In addition, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which they are expected to be realized or settled. Deferred tax assets are evaluated for future realization and reduced by a valuation allowance to the amount that is more likely than not (defined as a likelihood of more than 50%) to be realized. Applicable accounting guidance prescribes a comprehensive model for financial statement recognition, measurement, classification and disclosure of uncertain tax positions that a company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. We follow a two-step approach in 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 that it is more likely than not (defined as a likelihood of more than 50%) that a tax position will be sustained based on its technical merits as of the reporting date. The second step, for those positions that meet the recognition criteria, is to measure and recognize the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon effective settlement with a taxing authority. We classify the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as Taxes Payable (non-current) and to the extent we anticipate payment of cash within one year, the benefit is classified as Current taxes payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The determination of liabilities related to uncertain tax positions and associated interest and penalties requires significant estimates and assumptions; as such, there can be no assurance that we will accurately predict the outcomes of these audits. For this reason and due to ongoing audits by multiple tax authorities, we regularly engage in discussions and negotiations with tax authorities regarding tax matters in various jurisdictions. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. We accrue interest on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws, and classify this interest as Provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Current taxes payable or Taxes payable (non-current), based on the expected timing of the payment, within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments including demand deposits and money market funds available for withdrawal without restriction or with original maturities of 90 days or less. The carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value. Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount, net of an allowance for any potential uncollectible amounts. Accounts receivable also includes unbilled receivables reflecting revenues earned but not yet invoiced. Amounts included in accounts receivable are expected to be collected within one year. We evaluate our allowance to include expected credit losses and collectability trends based on a variety of factors, including our historical write-off activity, current economic environment, customer-specific information and expectations of future economic conditions. Our allowance is recorded to SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Income and we assess the adequacy of the allowance on a quarterly basis. Recoveries of accounts previously reserved are recognized as a reversal to SG&A when payment is received. We write-off accounts receivable balances when we have exhausted our collection efforts. Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements Property, equipment and leasehold improvements ("PPE") are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Property and equipment are depreciated based on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from three to five years for computers and related equipment and seven years for furniture and fixtures. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their respective useful lives or the related lease term. Repairs and maintenance expenditures, which are not considered leasehold improvements, and do not extend the useful life of the property and equipment, are expensed as incurred. We review our PPE to determine if any indicators of impairment are present on a quarterly basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment are present, the asset group is tested for impairment by comparing the carrying value to undiscounted cash flows and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. In addition, we periodically evaluate the estimated remaining useful lives of long-lived intangible assets to determine whether events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of depreciation or amortization. Goodwill We recognize the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired at the acquisition date as goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators occur. Goodwill is deemed to be impaired and written-down in the period in which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. We have three reporting units, Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific, which are consistent with our operating segments. When assessing goodwill for impairment, we may first elect to perform a qualitative analysis for the reporting units to determine whether it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the qualitative analysis indicates that it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount or if we elect not to perform a qualitative analysis, a quantitative analysis is performed to determine whether a goodwill impairment exists. The quantitative goodwill impairment analysis is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the carrying amount of a reporting unit with its fair value. To perform this analysis, we apply the income approach which utilizes discounted cash flows, along with other relevant market information. The annual review of the carrying value of goodwill requires us to develop estimates of expected cash flows by reporting unit, based on future business performance, discounted by their respective weighted average cost of capital. Changes in our estimates can impact the present value of expected cash flows used in determining fair value of a reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, then the goodwill is considered impaired and written down to the reporting unit’s fair value. The impairment loss for the reporting unit cannot exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Intangible Assets Acquired Intangible Assets We amortize intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, assuming no residual value. We evaluate the useful lives annually to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. If the estimate of the remaining useful life is changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over that revised remaining useful life. Intangible assets are tested for impairment qualitatively on a quarterly basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group is not recoverable. If indicators of impairment are present, amortizable intangible assets are tested for impairment by comparing the carrying value to undiscounted cash flows and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. Developed Technology Our developed technology intangible assets include capitalized internal-use software related to internal and external costs incurred during the application development stage related to developing, modifying or obtaining software for internal-use. Costs related to software upgrades and enhancements are capitalized if it is determined that these upgrades or enhancements provide additional functionality to the software. The capitalized software is amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software, generally three to five years. These assets are subject to the impairment test guidance specified in the Acquired Intangible Assets disclosure above. Leases Our lease portfolio consists of operating leases primarily related to our office space. We determine if an arrangement qualifies as a lease at inception by evaluating if there is an identified asset and whether we obtain substantially all the economic benefits of and have the right to control the use of an asset. For operating leases with a term greater than one year, we recognize lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and lease liabilities as the present value of future minimum lease payments over the reasonably certain lease term beginning at the commencement date. The future minimum lease payments include fixed lease payments and certain qualifying index-based variable payments. Our lease ROU assets may further be impacted by prepayments, lease incentives received and initial direct costs incurred. Our operating leases are classified within Lease right-of-use assets, net, Current lease liabilities and Long-term lease liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our leases generally do not have a readily determinable implicit rate, therefore we use our incremental borrowing rate ("IBR") at the lease commencement date, or on the date of lease modification, if applicable, in determining the present value of future payments. Our IBR is derived by selecting U.S. corporate yield curves observed for public companies that are reflective of our credit rating, adjusted to approximate a secured rate of borrowing. We also consider revisions to the rate to reflect the geographic location where the leased asset is located. Certain of our lease agreements include options to extend and options to terminate the lease, which we do not include in our minimum lease terms unless management is reasonably certain to exercise. We account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component, which we recognize over the expected term on a straight-line expense basis in occupancy costs (a component of SG&A expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income). Variable lease payments are not included in the calculation of lease ROU assets and lease liabilities and are expensed as incurred within occupancy costs. We review our lease ROU assets for impairment when there is an indication that an asset may no longer be recoverable. The impairment assessment requires significant judgments and estimates, including estimating subtenant rental income, calculating an appropriate discount rate and assessing other applicable future cash flows associated with the leased location. These estimates are based on our experience and knowledge of the market in which the property is located, previous efforts to dispose of similar assets and the assessment of existing market conditions. Impairments are recognized as a reduction to the carrying value of the Lease right-of-use assets, net with a corresponding increase to Asset impairments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Income, respectively. Derivative Instruments We use derivative financial instruments (“derivatives”) to manage exposure to foreign currency exchange rates and variable interest rates. Our primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility in cash flows associated with foreign currency fluctuations and funding activities arising from changes in interest rates. We do not employ derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. Foreign Currency Forward Contracts As we conduct business outside the U.S. in several currencies, we utilize derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts) to mitigate our currency exposures from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates that can create volatility in our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Our primary currency exposures include the Indian Rupee, Euro, British Pound Sterling and Philippine Peso. In designing a specific hedging approach, we consider several factors, including offsetting exposures, significance of exposures, forecasting risk and potential effectiveness of the hedge. Interest Rate Swap Agreement We leverage interest rate swap agreements to hedge the variability of our cash flows resulting from floating interest rates on our debt. Through a swap agreement, for the portion of the debt that is hedged, we pay interest at a fixed interest rate as opposed to a floating interest rate per the contractual terms of our debt agreement, at specified intervals throughout the life of the interest rate swap agreement. Derivative Instrument Classification At inception of the hedge accounting relationship and on a quarterly basis, we formally assess whether derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are highly effective in offsetting changes to the forecasted cash flows of the hedged items. If the cash flow hedges are deemed to be highly effective, the gain or loss on the cash flow hedges are initially reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL") on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These changes are subsequently reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Income and recorded in SG&A for the foreign currency forward contracts and Interest expense for the interest rate swap agreements, when the hedged exposure affects earnings. All our derivatives are assessed for effectiveness at each reporting period and are designated as hedging instruments. Treasury Stock We account for treasury stock under the cost method and include treasury stock as a component of Stockholders' equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We may repurchase shares of our common stock under our share repurchase program in the open market and via privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. Repurchased shares of our common stock are recorded at the market price on the trade date and are held as treasury shares until they are reissued or retired. When treasury shares are reissued, if the issuance price is higher than the average price paid to acquire the shares ("the cost"), the excess of the issuance price over the cost is credited to additional paid-in capital ("APIC"). If the issuance is lower than the cost, the difference is first charged against any credit balance in APIC from treasury stock, with the remaining balance charged to Retained earnings. We account for the formal retirement of treasury shares by deducting its par value from common stock, reflecting any excess over par value as a reduction to APIC (to the extent created by previous issuances of the shares) and then Retained earnings. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 ("IRA"), which was enacted into law on August 16, 2022, imposed a nondeductible 1% excise tax on the net value of certain stock repurchases made after December 31, 2022. During fiscal 2023, we reflected the applicable excise tax in treasury stock as part of the cost basis of the stock repurchased, and recorded a corresponding liability for the excise taxes payable in Accounts payable and accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Fair Value Measurements Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the "exit price") in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the use of various valuation methodologies, including market, income and cost approaches is permissible. The inputs to these methodologies consider market comparable information taking into account the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact. The accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value based on the reliability of inputs. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement Certain wholly-owned subsidiaries operate under a functional currency different from the U.S. dollar, including our primary currency exposures of the Indian Rupee, Euro, British Pound Sterling and Philippine Peso. The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries that are local currency functional are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities and average monthly rates for revenues and expenses. The resulting translation gains and losses that arise from translating these assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of our foreign operations are recorded in AOCL in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries that are U.S. dollar functional, but maintain their books of record in their respective local currency, we remeasure our revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars at the average rates of exchange for the period, monetary assets and liabilities using period-end rates and non-monetary assets and liabilities at their historical rates. The resulting remeasurement gains and losses that arise from remeasuring the assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are recorded to SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Concentrations of Credit Risk Credit risk arises from the potential nonperformance by counterparties to fulfill their financial obligations. Our financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, investments in mutual funds and derivative instruments. The maximum credit exposure of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and investments in mutual funds is their carrying values as of the balance sheet date. The maximum credit exposure related to our derivative instruments is based upon the gross fair values as of the balance sheet date. Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments We are exposed to credit risk on our cash and cash equivalents and investments in mutual funds in the event of default by the financial institutions with which we transact. We invest our cash and cash equivalents and investments in mutual funds in accordance with our restrictive cash investment practices with the primary objective to preserve capital and maintain liquidity while minimizing our exposure to credit risk. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts and we limit our exposure to credit loss by placing our cash and cash equivalents and investments in mutual funds with multiple financial institutions that we believe are high-quality and credit-worthy. Accounts Receivable Our accounts receivable credit risk is dependent upon the financial stability of our individual clients. Our receivable reserve was $7.8 million and $2.8 million as of August 31, 2023 and August 31, 2022, respectively. We do not require collateral from our clients; however, no single client represented more than 3.5% of our total subscription revenues in any fiscal year presented. Our concentration of credit risk related to our accounts receivable is generally limited, due to our large and geographically dispersed client base. Derivative Instruments Our use of derivative instruments exposes us to credit risk to the extent counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of their agreements. To mitigate credit risk, we limit counterparties to financial institutions we believe are credit-worthy and use several institutions to reduce concentration risk. We do not expect any losses as a result of default by our counterparties. Concentrations of Data Providers We integrate data from various third-party sources into our hosted proprietary data and analytics platform. As certain data sources have a limited number of suppliers, we make every effort to assure that, where reasonable, alternative sources are available. We are not dependent on any individual third-party data supplier to meet the needs of our clients, with only two data suppliers each representing more than 10% of our total data costs for the year ended August 31, 2023. Concentrations of Cloud Providers Our clients rely on us for the delivery of time-sensitive, up-to-date data and applications. Our business is dependent on our ability to process substantial volumes of data and transactions rapidly and efficiently. We currently use multiple providers of cloud services; however, one supplier provided the majority of our cloud computing support for fiscal 2023. We maintain back-up facilities and other redundancies at our major data centers, take security measures and have emergency planning procedures to minimize the risk that an event will disrupt our operations. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements We did not adopt any new standards or updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") during fiscal 2023 that had a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted There were no new accounting pronouncements issued or effective as of August 31, 2023 that had, or are expected to have, a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

We conduct business globally and manage our business on a geographic basis. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") for annual financial information and the instructions to Form 10-K and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries; all intercompany activity and balances have been eliminated.

In fiscal 2023, we separated the components of Interest expense, net to present Interest income and Interest expense separately in the Consolidated Statements of Income. We conformed the comparative figures for fiscal 2022 and 2021 to the current year's presentation.

The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP required management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates may include income taxes, stock-based compensation, goodwill and intangible assets, business combinations, long-lived assets, contingencies and impairment assessments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenues are measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for fulfilling our contractual performance obligations with our clients. The majority of our revenues are derived from client access to our multi-asset solutions powered by our suite of connected content available over the contractual term (referred to as the "hosted platform"). The hosted platform is a subscription-based service that provides client access to various combinations of products and services including workstations, portfolio analytics and enterprise solutions. In addition, through our CGS platform, we provide subscription access to a database of universally recognized identifiers reflecting differentiating characteristics for issuers and their financial instruments (referred to as the "identifier platform").

We determined the majority of our contracts with clients, whether for our hosted platform or identifier platform services, each represent a single performance obligation covering a series of distinct products and services that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern of transfer to the client. The primary nature of our promise to the client is to provide daily access to each of these data and analytics platforms, with revenue recognized over-time as performance is satisfied on an output time-based measure of progress, as the client is simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits of the platform.

Our stock-based awards include stock options, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), performance share units ("PSUs") and common stock purchased by eligible employees under our employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP"). We measure and recognize stock-based compensation for all stock-based awards granted to our employees and our non-employee members of the Board of Directors ("non-employee directors") based on their estimated grant date fair value. To estimate the grant date fair value, we utilize a lattice-binomial option-pricing model ("binomial model") for our employee stock options and the Black-Scholes model for non-employee director stock options and common stock purchased by eligible employees under our ESPP.

•Expected volatility - based on a blend of historical volatility of the stock-based award's useful life and the weighted average implied volatility for call option contracts traded in the 90 days preceding the stock-based award's valuation date.

For RSUs and PSUs, the grant date fair value is measured by reducing the grant date price of our common stock by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying stock during the requisite service period, discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate. The number of PSUs granted assumes target-level achievement of the specified performance levels within the payout range. The ultimate number of common shares that may be earned from a PSU is determined based on the actual achievement of the specified performance levels within the payout range.

Stock-based compensation expense for stock option and RSU awards is recognized over the requisite service period using the straight-line method. The amount of stock-based compensation expense recognized on any date, for stock options and RSUs granted, is at least equal to the vested portion of the award on that date.

Our PSUs require management to make assumptions regarding the probability of achieving specified performance levels established at the time of grant, and recognize stock-based compensation expense using the straight-line method over the requisite service period. The probability of achieving the specified performance levels is reviewed on a quarterly basis to ensure the amount of stock-based compensation expense appropriately reflects the expected achievement.

Stock-based awards are subject to the continued employment and continued service at the time of vesting by employees and non-employee directors, respectively. Compensation expense for stock-based awards is recorded net of estimated forfeitures, which are based on historical forfeiture rates and are revised if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

We do not have a separate research and product development ("R&D") department, but rather these costs primarily consist of employee expenses, such as salaries and related benefits for our product development, software engineering and technical support departments, and certain third parties. These teams collaborate with our strategists, product and content managers, technologists, sales and other team members to develop new products and process innovations and enhance existing products. Our R&D costs are expensed as incurred and are primarily recorded in employee compensation costs, which are included in our Cost of services and Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income, dependent on the nature of the team. We incurred R&D costs of $267.4 million, $255.1 million and $250.1 million during fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. In addition, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which they are expected to be realized or settled. Deferred tax assets are evaluated for future realization and reduced by a valuation allowance to the amount that is more likely than not (defined as a likelihood of more than 50%) to be realized.

Applicable accounting guidance prescribes a comprehensive model for financial statement recognition, measurement, classification and disclosure of uncertain tax positions that a company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. We follow a two-step approach in 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 that it is more likely than not (defined as a likelihood of more than 50%) that a tax position will be sustained based on its technical merits as of the reporting date. The second step, for those positions that meet the recognition criteria, is to measure and recognize the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon effective settlement with a taxing authority. We classify the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as Taxes Payable (non-current) and to the extent we anticipate payment of cash within one year, the benefit is classified as Current taxes payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The determination of liabilities related to uncertain tax positions and associated interest and penalties requires significant estimates and assumptions; as such, there can be no assurance that we will accurately predict the outcomes of these audits. For this reason and due to ongoing audits by multiple tax authorities, we regularly engage in discussions and negotiations with tax authorities regarding tax matters in various jurisdictions. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.

We accrue interest on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws, and classify this interest as Provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Current taxes payable or Taxes payable (non-current), based on the expected timing of the payment, within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments including demand deposits and money market funds available for withdrawal without restriction or with original maturities of 90 days or less. The carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount, net of an allowance for any potential uncollectible amounts. Accounts receivable also includes unbilled receivables reflecting revenues earned but not yet invoiced. Amounts included in accounts receivable are expected to be collected within one year. We evaluate our allowance to include expected credit losses and collectability trends based on a variety of factors, including our historical write-off activity, current economic environment, customer-specific information and expectations of future economic conditions. Our allowance is recorded to SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Income and we assess the adequacy of the allowance on a quarterly basis. Recoveries of accounts previously reserved are recognized as a reversal to SG&A when payment is received. We write-off accounts receivable balances when we have exhausted our collection efforts.

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements ("PPE") are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Property and equipment are depreciated based on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from three to five years for computers and related equipment and seven years for furniture and fixtures. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their respective useful lives or the related lease term. Repairs and maintenance expenditures, which are not considered leasehold improvements, and do not extend the useful life of the property and equipment, are expensed as incurred.

We review our PPE to determine if any indicators of impairment are present on a quarterly basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment are

present, the asset group is tested for impairment by comparing the carrying value to undiscounted cash flows and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. In addition, we periodically evaluate the estimated remaining useful lives of long-lived intangible assets to determine whether events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of depreciation or amortization.

We recognize the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired at the acquisition date as goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators occur. Goodwill is deemed to be impaired and written-down in the period in which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. We have three reporting units, Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific, which are consistent with our operating segments.

When assessing goodwill for impairment, we may first elect to perform a qualitative analysis for the reporting units to determine whether it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the qualitative analysis indicates that it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount or if we elect not to perform a qualitative analysis, a quantitative analysis is performed to determine whether a goodwill impairment exists.

The quantitative goodwill impairment analysis is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the carrying amount of a reporting unit with its fair value. To perform this analysis, we apply the income approach which utilizes discounted cash flows, along with other relevant market information. The annual review of the carrying value of goodwill requires us to develop estimates of expected cash flows by reporting unit, based on future business performance, discounted by their respective weighted average cost of capital. Changes in our estimates can impact the present value of expected cash flows used in determining fair value of a reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, then the goodwill is considered impaired and written down to the reporting unit’s fair value. The impairment loss for the reporting unit cannot exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

We amortize intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, assuming no residual value. We evaluate the useful lives annually to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. If the estimate of the remaining useful life is changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over that revised remaining useful life.

Intangible assets are tested for impairment qualitatively on a quarterly basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group is not recoverable. If indicators of impairment are present, amortizable intangible assets are tested for impairment by comparing the carrying value to undiscounted cash flows and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows.

Our developed technology intangible assets include capitalized internal-use software related to internal and external costs incurred during the application development stage related to developing, modifying or obtaining software for internal-use. Costs related to software upgrades and enhancements are capitalized if it is determined that these upgrades or enhancements provide additional functionality to the software. The capitalized software is amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software, generally three to five years. These assets are subject to the impairment test guidance specified in the Acquired Intangible Assets disclosure above.

Our lease portfolio consists of operating leases primarily related to our office space. We determine if an arrangement qualifies as a lease at inception by evaluating if there is an identified asset and whether we obtain substantially all the economic benefits of and have the right to control the use of an asset. For operating leases with a term greater than one year, we recognize lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and lease liabilities as the present value of future minimum lease payments over the reasonably certain lease term beginning at the commencement date. The future minimum lease payments include fixed lease payments and certain qualifying index-based variable payments. Our lease ROU assets may further be impacted by prepayments, lease

incentives received and initial direct costs incurred. Our operating leases are classified within Lease right-of-use assets, net, Current lease liabilities and Long-term lease liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Our leases generally do not have a readily determinable implicit rate, therefore we use our incremental borrowing rate ("IBR") at the lease commencement date, or on the date of lease modification, if applicable, in determining the present value of future payments. Our IBR is derived by selecting U.S. corporate yield curves observed for public companies that are reflective of our credit rating, adjusted to approximate a secured rate of borrowing. We also consider revisions to the rate to reflect the geographic location where the leased asset is located.

Certain of our lease agreements include options to extend and options to terminate the lease, which we do not include in our minimum lease terms unless management is reasonably certain to exercise. We account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component, which we recognize over the expected term on a straight-line expense basis in occupancy costs (a component of SG&A expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income). Variable lease payments are not included in the calculation of lease ROU assets and lease liabilities and are expensed as incurred within occupancy costs.

We review our lease ROU assets for impairment when there is an indication that an asset may no longer be recoverable. The impairment assessment requires significant judgments and estimates, including estimating subtenant rental income, calculating an appropriate discount rate and assessing other applicable future cash flows associated with the leased location. These estimates are based on our experience and knowledge of the market in which the property is located, previous efforts to dispose of similar assets and the assessment of existing market conditions. Impairments are recognized as a reduction to the carrying value of the Lease right-of-use assets, net with a corresponding increase to Asset impairments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Income, respectively.

We use derivative financial instruments (“derivatives”) to manage exposure to foreign currency exchange rates and variable interest rates. Our primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility in cash flows associated with foreign currency fluctuations and funding activities arising from changes in interest rates. We do not employ derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

As we conduct business outside the U.S. in several currencies, we utilize derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts) to mitigate our currency exposures from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates that can create volatility in our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Our primary currency exposures include the Indian Rupee, Euro, British Pound Sterling and Philippine Peso. In designing a specific hedging approach, we consider several factors, including offsetting exposures, significance of exposures, forecasting risk and potential effectiveness of the hedge.

We leverage interest rate swap agreements to hedge the variability of our cash flows resulting from floating interest rates on our debt. Through a swap agreement, for the portion of the debt that is hedged, we pay interest at a fixed interest rate as opposed to a floating interest rate per the contractual terms of our debt agreement, at specified intervals throughout the life of the interest rate swap agreement.

At inception of the hedge accounting relationship and on a quarterly basis, we formally assess whether derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are highly effective in offsetting changes to the forecasted cash flows of the hedged items. If the cash flow hedges are deemed to be highly effective, the gain or loss on the cash flow hedges are initially reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL") on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These changes are subsequently reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Income and recorded in SG&A for the foreign currency forward contracts and Interest expense for the interest rate swap agreements, when the hedged exposure affects earnings. All our derivatives are assessed for effectiveness at each reporting period and are designated as hedging instruments.

We account for treasury stock under the cost method and include treasury stock as a component of Stockholders' equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We may repurchase shares of our common stock under our share repurchase program in the open market and via privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. Repurchased shares of our common stock are recorded at the market price on the trade date and are held as treasury shares until they are reissued or retired. When treasury

shares are reissued, if the issuance price is higher than the average price paid to acquire the shares ("the cost"), the excess of the issuance price over the cost is credited to additional paid-in capital ("APIC"). If the issuance is lower than the cost, the difference is first charged against any credit balance in APIC from treasury stock, with the remaining balance charged to Retained earnings.

We account for the formal retirement of treasury shares by deducting its par value from common stock, reflecting any excess over par value as a reduction to APIC (to the extent created by previous issuances of the shares) and then Retained earnings.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 ("IRA"), which was enacted into law on August 16, 2022, imposed a nondeductible 1% excise tax on the net value of certain stock repurchases made after December 31, 2022. During fiscal 2023, we reflected the applicable excise tax in treasury stock as part of the cost basis of the stock repurchased, and recorded a corresponding liability for the excise taxes payable in Accounts payable and accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the "exit price") in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the use of various valuation methodologies, including market, income and cost approaches is permissible. The inputs to these methodologies consider market comparable information taking into account the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact. The accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value based on the reliability of inputs. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries that are local currency functional are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities and average monthly rates for revenues and expenses. The resulting translation gains and losses that arise from translating these assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of our foreign operations are recorded in AOCL in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

For the financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries that are U.S. dollar functional, but maintain their books of record in their respective local currency, we remeasure our revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars at the average rates of exchange for the period, monetary assets and liabilities using period-end rates and non-monetary assets and liabilities at their historical rates. The resulting remeasurement gains and losses that arise from remeasuring the assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are recorded to SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Credit risk arises from the potential nonperformance by counterparties to fulfill their financial obligations. Our financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, investments in mutual funds and derivative instruments. The maximum credit exposure of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and investments in mutual funds is their carrying values as of the balance sheet date. The maximum credit exposure related to our derivative instruments is based upon the gross fair values as of the balance sheet date.

We are exposed to credit risk on our cash and cash equivalents and investments in mutual funds in the event of default by the financial institutions with which we transact. We invest our cash and cash equivalents and investments in mutual funds in accordance with our restrictive cash investment practices with the primary objective to preserve capital and maintain liquidity while minimizing our exposure to credit risk. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts and we limit our exposure to credit loss by placing our cash and cash equivalents and investments in mutual funds with multiple financial institutions that we believe are high-quality and credit-worthy.

Our accounts receivable credit risk is dependent upon the financial stability of our individual clients. Our receivable reserve was $7.8 million and $2.8 million as of August 31, 2023 and August 31, 2022, respectively. We do not require collateral from our clients; however, no single client represented more than 3.5% of our total subscription revenues in any fiscal year presented. Our concentration of credit risk related to our accounts receivable is generally limited, due to our large and geographically dispersed client base.

Our use of derivative instruments exposes us to credit risk to the extent counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of their agreements. To mitigate credit risk, we limit counterparties to financial institutions we believe are credit-worthy and use several institutions to reduce concentration risk. We do not expect any losses as a result of default by our counterparties.

We integrate data from various third-party sources into our hosted proprietary data and analytics platform. As certain data sources have a limited number of suppliers, we make every effort to assure that, where reasonable, alternative sources are available. We are not dependent on any individual third-party data supplier to meet the needs of our clients, with only two data suppliers each representing more than 10% of our total data costs for the year ended August 31, 2023.

Our clients rely on us for the delivery of time-sensitive, up-to-date data and applications. Our business is dependent on our ability to process substantial volumes of data and transactions rapidly and efficiently. We currently use multiple providers of cloud services; however, one supplier provided the majority of our cloud computing support for fiscal 2023. We maintain back-up facilities and other redundancies at our major data centers, take security measures and have emergency planning procedures to minimize the risk that an event will disrupt our operations.