SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2022

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Simulations Plus and, as of April 1, 2020, Lixoft. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Our financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by management’s application of accounting policies. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain numbers in the prior year have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.

Revenue Recognition

We generate revenue primarily from the sale of software licenses and by providing consulting services to the pharmaceutical industry for drug development.

In accordance with ASC 606, we determine revenue recognition through the following steps:

i.Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer

ii.Identification of the performance obligations in the contract

iii.Determination of the transaction price

iv.Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract

v.Recognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation

Components of Revenue

The following is a description of principal activities from which the Company generates revenue. As part of the accounting for these arrangements, the Company must develop assumptions that require judgment to determine the stand-alone selling price for each performance obligation identified in the contract. Stand-alone selling prices are determined based on the prices at which the Company separately sells its services or goods.

Revenue Components	Typical Payment Terms
Software Revenues:
Software revenues are generated primarily from sales of software licenses at the time the software is unlocked, and the term commences. The license period typically is one year or less. Along with the license a di minimis amount of customer support is provided to assist the customer with the software. Should the customer need more than a di minimis amount of support, they can choose to enter into a separate contract for additional training. Most software is installed on our customers’ servers and the Company has no control of the software once the sale is made.	Payments are generally due upon invoicing on a net 30 basis unless other payment terms are negotiated with the customer based on customer history. Typical industry standards apply.
For certain software arrangements the Company hosts the licenses on servers maintained by the Company, Revenue for those arrangements is accounted as Software as a Service over the life of the contract. These arrangements are a small portion of software revenues of the Company.
Consulting Contracts:
Consulting services provided to our customers are generally recognized over time as the contracts are performed and the services are rendered. The company measures its consulting revenue based on time expended compared to total estimated hours to complete a project. The Company believes the method chosen for its contract revenue best depicts the transfer of benefits to the customer under the contracts.	Payment terms vary, depending on the size of the contract, credit history and history with the client and deliverables within the contract.
Consortium Member Based Services:
The performance obligation is recognized on a time elapsed basis, by month, for which the services are provided, as the Company transfers control evenly over the contractual period.	Payment is due at the beginning of the period, generally on a net 30 or 60 basis.

Remaining Performance Obligations

Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations represents contracted revenue that has not yet been recognized, which includes deferred revenue and unbilled amounts that will be recognized as revenue in future periods. As of August 31, 2022, remaining performance obligations were $13.5 million. 86% of the remaining performance obligations are expected to be recognized over the next 12 months, with the remainder recognized thereafter. Remaining performance obligations estimates are subject to change and are affected by several factors, including contract terminations and changes in the scope of contracts.

Disaggregation of Revenues

The components of disaggregation of revenue for the years ended August 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 were as follows:

	Year ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2022		2021		2020
Software licenses
Point in time	$	31,587	$	26,725	$	20,668
Over time	1,055		945		919
Services
Over time	21,264		18,796		20,002
Total revenue	$	53,906	$	46,466	$	41,589

In addition, the Company allocates revenues to geographic areas based on the locations of its customers. Geographical revenues for the years ended August 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 were as follows:

(in thousands)	Year ended August 31,
	2022				2021				2020
	$		% of total		$		% of total		$		% of total
Americas	$	37,681	70	%	$	32,549	70	%	$	29,674	71	%
EMEA	10,388		19	%	7,906		17	%	5,827		14	%
Asia Pacific	5,837		11	%	6,011		13	%	6,088		15	%
Total	$	53,906	100	%	$	46,466	100	%	$	41,589	100	%

Contract Balances

We receive payments from customers based upon contractual billing schedules, while we recognize revenue when, or as, we satisfy our performance obligations. This timing difference results in accounts receivable, contract assets, and contract liabilities. We record accounts receivable when the right to consideration becomes unconditional. We record a contract asset if the right to consideration is conditioned on something other than the passage of time, such as our future performance. Contract assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on our consolidated balance sheets. We record a contract liability when we have an obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which we have either received consideration or a payment is due from a customer. We refer to contract liabilities as deferred revenue on our consolidated balance sheets.

Contract asset balances as of August 31, 2022, and August 31, 2021, were $1.7 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

During the year ended August 31, 2022, the Company recognized $0.6 million of revenue that was included in contract liabilities as of August 31, 2021, and during the year ended August 31, 2021, the Company recognized $0.4 million of revenue that was included in contract liabilities as of August 31, 2020.

Deferred Commissions

Sales commissions earned by our sales force and our commissioned sales representatives are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. We apply the practical expedient as described in ASC 340-40-25-4 to expense costs as incurred for sales commissions, since the amortization period of the asset that we otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. This expense is included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income as selling, general, and administrative expense.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, we consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company extends credit to its customers in the normal course of business. The Company evaluates its allowance for credit losses based on its estimate of the collectability of its trade accounts receivable. As part of this assessment, the Company considers various factors including the financial condition of the individual companies with which it does business, the aging of receivable balances, historical experience, changes in customer payment terms, current market conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions. In times of economic turmoil, the Company’s estimates and judgments with respect to the collectability of its receivables is subject to greater uncertainty than in more stable periods. Accounts receivable balances will be charged off against the allowance for credit losses after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.

Investments

The Company may invest excess cash balances in short-term and long-term marketable debt securities. Investments may consist of certificates of deposit, money market accounts, government-sponsored enterprise securities, corporate bonds, and/or commercial paper within the parameters of our Investment Policy and Guidelines. The Company accounts for its investments in marketable securities in accordance with ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. This statement requires debt securities to be classified into three categories:

Held-to-maturity—Debt securities that the entity has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are measured at amortized cost and are presented at the net amount expected to be collected. Any change in the allowance for credit losses during the period is reflected in earnings. Discounts and premiums to par value of the debt securities are amortized to interest income/expense over the term of the security.

Trading Securities—Debt securities that are bought and held primarily for the purpose of selling in the near term are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.

Available-for-Sale—Debt securities not classified as either securities held-to-maturity or trading securities are reported at fair value. For available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, we evaluate as of the balance sheet date whether the unrealized losses are attributable to a credit loss or other factors. The portion of unrealized losses related to a credit loss is recognized in earnings, and the portion of unrealized loss not related to a credit loss is recognized in other comprehensive income.

We classify our investments in marketable debt securities based on the facts and circumstances present at the time of purchase of the securities. We subsequently reassess the appropriateness of that classification at each reporting date. During the year ended August 31, 2022, all of our investments were classified as held-to-maturity.

Capitalized Computer Software Development Costs

Software development costs are capitalized in accordance with ASC 985-20. Capitalization of software development costs begins upon the establishment of technological feasibility and is discontinued when the product is available for sale.

The establishment of technological feasibility and the ongoing assessment for recoverability of capitalized software development costs require considerable judgment by management with respect to certain external factors including, but not limited to, technological feasibility, anticipated future gross revenue, estimated economic life, and changes in software and hardware technologies. Capitalized software development costs are comprised primarily of salaries and direct payroll-related costs and the purchase of existing software to be used in our software products.

Amortization of capitalized software development costs is calculated on a product-by-product basis on the straight-line method over the estimated economic life of the products (not to exceed five years). Amortization of software development costs amounted to $1.2 million, $1.4 million, and $1.2 million for the years ended August 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. We expect future amortization expense to vary due to increases in capitalized computer software development costs.

We test capitalized computer software development costs for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost, or fair market value for property and equipment acquired in business combinations, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as follows:

Equipment	5 years
Computer equipment	3 to 7 years
Furniture and fixtures	5 to 7 years
Leasehold improvements	Shorter of life of asset or lease

Maintenance and minor replacements are charged to expense as incurred. Gains and losses on disposals are included in the results of operations.

Internal-use Software

We have capitalized certain internal-use software costs in accordance with ASC 350-40, which are included in intangible assets. The amortization of such costs is classified as selling, general, and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. Maintenance of and minor upgrades to internal-use software are also classified as selling, general, and administrative expenses as incurred.

Leases

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and operating lease liabilities (current and long-term) in our consolidated balance sheets.

ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we generally use our incremental borrowing rate based on the estimated rate of interest for collateralized borrowing over a similar term of the lease payments at the commencement date. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made at or before the commencement date and excludes lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases was as follows as of August 31, 2022:

(in thousands)
Right of use assets	$	1,420
Lease liabilities, current	$	461
Lease liabilities, long-term	$	943
Operating lease costs	$	520
Weighted-average remaining lease term	3.05 years
Weighted-average discount rate	3.41		%

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

We perform valuations of assets acquired and liabilities assumed on each acquisition accounted for as a business combination and recognize the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition-date fair value. Acquired intangible assets include customer relationships, software, trade names, and noncompete agreements. We determine the appropriate useful life by performing an analysis of expected cash flows based on historical experience of the acquired businesses. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method, which approximates the pattern in which the majority of the economic benefits are expected to be consumed. Finite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable.

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of the acquired net assets. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually or when events or circumstances change that would indicate that they might be impaired. Events or circumstances that could trigger an impairment review include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business, significant negative industry or economic trends, or significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future results of operations.

Goodwill and intangible assets are tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is one level below or the same as an operating segment. As of August 31, 2022, we determined that we have four reporting units: Simulations Plus, Cognigen, DILIsym, and Lixoft. We did not recognize any impairment charges during the periods ended August 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020.

Reconciliation of Goodwill as of August 31, 2022, and 2021:

(in thousands)	Cognigen		DILIsym		Lixoft		Total
Balance, August 31, 2020	$	4,789	$	5,598	$	2,534	$	12,921
Addition	—		—		—		—
Impairments	—		—		—		—
Balance, August 31, 2021	4,789		5,598		2,534		12,921
Addition	—		—		—		—
Impairments	—		—		—		—
Balance, August 31, 2022	$	4,789	$	5,598	$	2,534	$	12,921

The following table summarizes other intangible assets as of August 31, 2022:

(in thousands)	Amortization Period	Acquisition Value		Accumulated Amortization		Net book value
Simulations Plus
ERP	Straight line 15 years	$	1,702	$	80	$	1,622
Cognigen
Customer relationships	Straight line 8 years	1,100		1,100		—
Trade Name	None	500		—		500
DILIsym
Customer relationships	Straight line 10 years	1,900		997		903
Trade Name	None	860		—		860
Lixoft
Customer relationships	Straight line 14 years	2,550		437		2,113
Trade Name	None	1,550		—		1,550
Covenants not to compete	Straight line 3 years	60		48		12
		$	10,222	$	2,662	$	7,560

The following table summarizes other intangible assets as of August 31, 2021:

(in thousands)	Amortization Period	Acquisition Value		Accumulated Amortization		Net book value
Cognigen
Customer relationships	Straight line 8 years	$	1,100	$	963	$	137
Trade Name	None	500		—		500
Covenants not to compete	Straight line 5 years	50		50		—
DILIsym
Customer relationships	Straight line 10 years	1,900		807		1,093
Trade Name	None	860		—		860
Covenants not to compete	Straight line 4 years	80		80		—
Lixoft
Customer relationships	Straight line 14 years	2,550		258		2,292
Trade Name	None	1,550		—		1,550
Covenants not to compete	Straight line 3 years	60		28		32
		$	8,650	$	2,186	$	6,464

Total amortization expense for the years ended August 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 was $0.6 million, $0.5 million, and $0.4 million, respectively.

Future amortization of finite-lived intangible assets for the next five years is as follows:

(in thousands)
Year ending August 31,	Amount
2023	$	493
2024	$	481
2025	$	481
2026	$	481
2027	$	434

Business Acquisitions

The Company accounted for the acquisition of Lixoft using the acquisition method of accounting where the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized based on their respective estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Determining the fair value of certain acquired assets and liabilities is subjective in nature and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including, but not limited to, the selection of appropriate valuation methodology, projected revenue, expenses and cash flows, weighted average cost of capital, discount rates, estimates of advertiser and publisher turnover rates, and estimates of terminal values. Business acquisitions are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements as of the date of the acquisition.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. The categories are as follows:

Level Input:	Input Definition:
Level I	Inputs that are unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date.
Level II	Inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level I, that are observable for the asset or liability through corroboration with market data at the measurement date.
Level III	Unobservable inputs that reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

For certain of our financial instruments, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued compensation and other accrued expenses, the amounts approximate fair value due to their short maturities.

The following table summarizes fair value measurements as of August 31, 2022, and August 31, 2021, for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

	August 31, 2022
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Cash and cash equivalents	$	51,567	$	—	$	—	$	51,567
Short-term investments	$	76,668	$	—	$	—	$	76,668

	August 31, 2021
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Cash and cash equivalents	$	36,984	$	—	$	—	$	36,984
Short-term investments	$	86,620	$	—	$	—	$	86,620
Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations	$	—	$	—	$	3,217	$	3,217

As of August 31, 2022, we had no liability for contingent consideration related to our acquisition of Lixoft as the remaining contingent obligation was settled in May 2022. As of August 31, 2021, we had a liability for contingent consideration related to our acquisition of Lixoft. The fair value measurement of the contingent consideration obligations was determined using Level 3 inputs and was based on a discounted cash flow model using a probability-weighted income approach. The liability is recorded as contracts payable on our consolidated balance sheets, and changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations are recorded as other income (expense), net in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

The following is a reconciliation of contingent consideration value:

(in thousands)
Value as of August 31, 2021	$	3,217
Contingent consideration payments in cash	(2,334)
Contingent consideration payments in stock	(1,166)
Change in value of contingent consideration	283
Value as of August 31, 2022	$	—

Marketing

The Company expenses marketing costs as incurred. Marketing costs for the years ended August 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 were $0.2 million, $0.1 million, and $0.1 million, respectively.

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred until technological feasibility has been established. These costs include salaries, laboratory experiments, and purchased software that was developed by other companies and incorporated into, or used in the development of, our final products.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740 which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns.

Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year-end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The provision for income taxes represents the tax payable for the period and the change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Intellectual property

On February 28, 2012, we bought out the royalty agreement with Enslein Research. The cost of $0.1 million is being amortized over 10 years under the straight-line method.

On May 15, 2014, we entered into a termination and non-assertion agreement with TSRL, Inc., pursuant to which the parties agreed to terminate an exclusive software licensing agreement entered into between the parties in 1997. As a result, the Company obtained a perpetual right to use certain source code and data, and TSRL relinquished any rights and claims to any GastroPlus products and to any claims, royalties, or other payments under that 1997 agreement. We agreed to pay TSRL total consideration of $6.0 million, which is being amortized over 10 years under the straight-line method.

On June 1, 2017, as part of the acquisition of DILIsym, the Company acquired certain developed technologies associated with the drug-induced liver disease (DILI). These technologies were valued at $2.9 million and are being amortized over 9 years under the straight-line method.

In September 2018, we purchased certain intellectual property rights of Entelos Holding Company. The cost of $0.1 million is being amortized over 10 years under the straight-line method.

On April 1, 2020, as part of the acquisition of Lixoft, the Company acquired certain developed technologies associated with the Lixoft scientific software. These technologies were valued at $8.0 million and are being amortized over 16 years under the straight-line method.

The following table summarizes intellectual property as of August 31, 2022:

(in thousands)	Amortization Period	Acquisition Value		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value
Royalty Agreement buy out-Enslein Research	Straight line 10 years	$	75	$	75	$	—
Termination/nonassertion agreement-TSRL Inc.	Straight line 10 years	6,000		4,975		1,025
Developed technologies–DILIsym acquisition	Straight line 9 years	2,850		1,662		1,188
Intellectual rights of Entelos Holding Company	Straight line 10 years	50		20		30
Developed technologies–Lixoft acquisition	Straight line 16 years	8,010		1,196		6,814
		$	16,985	$	7,928	$	9,057

The following table summarizes intellectual property as of August 31, 2021:

(in thousands)	Amortization Period	Acquisition Value		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value
Royalty Agreement buy out-Enslein Research	Straight line 10 years	$	75	$	71	$	4
Termination/nonassertion agreement-TSRL Inc.	Straight line 10 years	6,000		4,375		1,625
Developed technologies–DILIsym acquisition	Straight line 9 years	2,850		1,346		1,504
Intellectual rights of Entelos Holding Company	Straight line 10 years	50		15		35
Developed technologies–Lixoft acquisition	Straight line 16 years	8,010		709		7,301
		$	16,985	$	6,516	$	10,469

Total amortization expense for intellectual property agreements for the years ended August 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 was $1.4 million, $1.4 million, and $1.1 million, respectively.

Future amortization of intellectual property for the next five years is as follows:

(in thousands)
Year ending August 31,	Amount
2023	$	1,373
2024	$	1,198
2025	$	773
2026	$	697
2027	$	457

Earnings per Share

We report earnings per share in accordance with ASC 260. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed similarly to basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potential common shares had been issued and if the additional common shares were dilutive. The components of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended August 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 were as follows:

	August 31,
(in thousands)	2022		2021		2020
Numerator
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	12,483	$	9,782	$	9,332
Denominator
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year	20,196		20,045		17,819
Dilutive effect of stock options	553		698		719
Common stock and common stock equivalents used for diluted earnings per share	20,749		20,743		18,538

Stock-Based Compensation

Compensation costs related to stock options are determined in accordance with ASC 718. Compensation cost is calculated based on the grant-date fair value estimated using the Black-Scholes pricing model and then amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options, not including shares issued to directors for services, was $2.7 million, $2.4 million, and $1.3 million for the years ended August 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

We account for the impairment and disposition of long-lived assets in accordance with ASC 360. Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for events or changes in circumstances that indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. We measure recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to the expected future undiscounted net cash flows generated by the asset. If we determine that the asset may not be recoverable, or if the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future undiscounted cash flows, we recognize an impairment charge to the extent of the difference between the fair value and the asset's carrying amount. No impairment losses were recorded during the years ended August 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2021-08”). The amendment requires contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination to be recognized and measured in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as if the acquirer had originated the contract. The amendment is intended to improve the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination, related to the recognition of an acquired contract liability, and to payment terms and their effect on subsequent revenue recognized by the acquirer. The amendment also provides certain practical expedients when applying the guidance. ASU 2021-08 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022, on a prospective basis, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2021-08 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2021-08 to its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-10, Government Assistance (Topic 832), which requires business entities to disclose information about transactions with a government that are accounted for by applying a grant or contribution model by analogy (for example, IFRS guidance in IAS 20 or guidance on contributions for not-for-profit entities in ASC 958-605). For transactions within scope, the new standard requires the disclosure of information about the nature of the transaction, including significant terms and conditions, as well as the amounts and specific financial statement line items affected by the transaction. The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements; however, the Company expects to increase its disclosures with respect to government assistance beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023.