Basis of Presentation (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of presentation

Basis of presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).

Basis of consolidation

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Blackbaud, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of estimates

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires 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, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis, we reconsider and evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those that impact revenue recognition, long-lived and intangible assets, income taxes, business combinations, stock-based compensation, capitalization of software development costs, our allowances for credit losses and sales returns, costs of obtaining contracts, valuation of derivative instruments, loss contingencies and insurance recoveries, among others. Changes in the facts or circumstances underlying these estimates could result in material changes and actual results could materially differ from these estimates.

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting ("ASU 2020-04"). This update provides for optional financial reporting alternatives to reduce cost and complexity associated with accounting for contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform. This update applies only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference the London Interbank Offer Rate ("LIBOR") or other reference rates expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The accommodations are available for all entities through December 31, 2022, with early adoption permitted. We adopted ASU 2020-04 prospectively as of July 1, 2022, and the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue recognition

Revenue recognition

Our revenue is primarily generated from the following sources: (i) charging for the use of our software solutions in cloud and hosted environments; (ii) providing payment and transaction services; (iii) providing software maintenance and support services; and (iv) providing professional services, including implementation, consulting, training, analytic and other services. Revenues are 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 determine revenue recognition through the following steps:

•Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer;

•Identification of the performance obligations in the contract;

•Determination of the transaction price;

•Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and

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

Recurring

Recurring revenue represents stand-ready performance obligations in which we are making our solutions or services available to our customers continuously over time or the value of the contract renews. Therefore, recurring revenue is generally recognized over time on a ratable basis over the contract term, beginning on the date that the solution or service is made available to the customer. Our recurring revenue contracts are generally for a term of 3 years at contract inception with 1 to 3-year renewals thereafter, billed annually in advance and non-cancelable.

Recurring revenue is comprised of fees for the use of our subscription-based software solutions, which includes providing access to cloud solutions, hosting services, payment services, online training programs, and subscription-based analytic services, such as donor insight and data enrichment services. Recurring revenue also includes fees from maintenance services for our on-premises solutions, services included in our renewable subscription contracts, retained and managed services contracts that we expect to have a term consistent with our cloud solution contracts, and variable transaction revenue associated with the use of our solutions.

Our payment services are offered with the assistance of third-party vendors. In general, when we are the principal in a transaction based on the factors identified in ASC 606-10-55-36 through 55-40, we record the revenue and related costs on a gross basis. Otherwise, we net the cost of revenue associated with the service against the gross revenue (amount withheld for the transaction fees) and record the net amount as revenue. For payment and transaction services, we have the right to invoice the customer in an amount that directly corresponds with the value to the customer of our performance to date. Therefore, we recognize revenue for these services over time based on the amount we withhold for the transaction fees in accordance with the 'as invoiced' practical expedient in ASC 606-10-55-18.

One-time services and other

One-time services and other revenue is primarily comprised of fees for one-time consulting, analytic and onsite training services and fees for retained and managed services contracts that we do not expect to have a term consistent with our cloud solution contracts.

We generally bill consulting services based on hourly rates plus reimbursable travel-related expenses. Fixed price consulting engagements are generally billed as milestones towards completion are reached. Revenue for one-time consulting services is generally recognized over time as the services are performed.

Fees for retained and managed services contracts are generally billed in advance and recognized over time on a ratable basis over the contract term, beginning on the date the service is made available to the customer.

Contracts with multiple performance obligations

Some of our contracts with customers contain multiple performance obligations. For these contracts, we account for individual performance obligations separately if they are distinct. The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis. Standalone selling prices of our solutions and services are typically estimated based on observable transactions when the solutions or services are sold on a standalone basis.

Costs of obtaining contracts, contract assets and deferred revenue

We pay sales commissions at the time contracts with customers are signed or shortly thereafter, depending on the size and duration of the sales contract. Sales commissions and related fringe benefits earned by our sales force are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. These costs are deferred and then amortized in a manner that aligns with the expected period of benefit, which we have primarily determined to be 5 years. We determined the period of benefit by taking into consideration our customer contracts, including renewals, retention, our technology and other factors. We generally do not pay commissions for contract renewals that are commensurate with the commission paid on the initial contract. The related amortization expense is included in sales, marketing and customer success expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

A contract asset is recorded when revenue is recognized in advance of our right to receive consideration (i.e., we must satisfy additional performance obligations in order to receive consideration). Amounts are recorded as receivables when our right to consideration is unconditional (i.e., only the passage of time is required before payment of the consideration is due). Our contract assets are recorded within prepaid expenses and other current assets on our consolidated balance sheets. To the extent that our customers are billed for our solutions and services in advance of us satisfying the related performance obligations, we record such amounts in deferred revenue.

Sales taxes

Sales taxes

We present sales taxes and other taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis and, as such, exclude them from revenues.

Fair value measurements

Fair value measurements

We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including derivative instruments. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. An active market is defined as a market in which transactions for the asset or liability take place with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. We use a three-tier fair value hierarchy to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows:

•Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;

•Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and

•Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.

Our financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety within the hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to fair value measurement. Changes to a financial asset's or liability's level within the fair value hierarchy are determined as of the end of a reporting period. All methods of assessing fair value result in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized.

Derivative instruments

Derivative instruments

We generally use derivative instruments to manage interest rate and foreign currency exchange risk. We view derivative instruments as risk management tools and do not use them for trading or speculative purposes. Our policy requires that derivatives used for hedging purposes be designated and effective as a hedge of the identified risk exposure at the inception of the contract. Accordingly, changes in fair value of the derivative contract must be highly correlated with changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged item at inception of the hedge and over the life of the hedge contract.

We record all derivative instruments on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value as either an asset or liability. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of the changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified to earnings in a manner that matches the timing of the earnings impact of the hedged transactions. If the derivative is designated as a net investment hedge, the effective portions of the changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded to translation adjustment, a component of other comprehensive income, and recognized in earnings only when the hedged investment is liquidated. Ineffective portions of the changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized currently in earnings.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less and cash items in transit to be cash equivalents.

Restricted cash due to customers; customer funds receivable; due to customers

Restricted cash due to customers; Customer funds receivable; Due to customers

Restricted cash due to customers consists of monies collected by us (or in transit) and payable to our customers, net of the associated transaction fees earned. Monies associated with amounts due to customers are segregated in separate bank accounts and used exclusively for the payment of amounts due to customers. This usage restriction is either legally or internally imposed and reflects our intention with regard to such deposits. Customer funds receivable consists of monies we expect to collect and remit to our customers.

Concentration of credit risk

Concentration of credit riskFinancial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash due to customers and accounts receivable. Our cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash due to customers are placed with high credit-quality financial institutions. Our accounts receivable is derived from sales to customers. With respect to accounts receivable, we perform ongoing evaluations of our customers and maintain an allowance for credit losses based on historical experience and our expectations of future credit losses.

Property and equipment

Property and equipment

We record property and equipment assets at cost and depreciate them over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the asset. Upon retirement or sale, the cost of assets disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to earnings. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

Construction-in-progress primarily related to purchases of facilities and information technology assets which had not been placed in service at the respective balance sheet dates. We transfer these assets to the applicable property and equipment category on the date they are placed in service.

Business combinations

Business combinations

We include the operating results of acquired companies as well as the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed in our consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. We are required to allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date based upon their estimated fair values. Goodwill as of the acquisition date represents the excess of the purchase consideration of an acquired business over the fair value of the underlying net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

We apply significant judgement in estimating the fair value of intangible assets acquired, which involves the use of significant assumptions. Significant assumptions used in the valuation of customer relationships include future revenue and operating expenses, customer attrition rates, contributory asset charges, tax amortization benefit, and discount rates. Significant assumptions used in the valuation of certain developed technology assets include future revenue, proprietary technology obsolescence curve, royalty rate, and discount rate. Significant assumptions used in the valuation of marketing assets include assumptions about the period of time the brand will continue to be valuable, royalty rate, and discount rate. Significant assumptions used in the valuation of content intangible assets include cost-based assumptions. Our estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable, and unanticipated events and changes in circumstances may occur.

Goodwill

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the purchase price in excess of the net amount assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed by us in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized, but tested annually for impairment on the first day of our fourth quarter, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment arise.

Accounting guidance permits entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. Significant judgment is required in the assessment of qualitative factors, including but not limited to an evaluation of macroeconomic conditions as they relate to our business, industry and market trends, as well as the overall future financial performance of identified reporting units and future opportunities in the markets in which we operate.

The quantitative impairment test compares the fair values of identified reporting units with their respective carrying amounts. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets other than goodwill

We amortize finite-lived intangible assets over their estimated useful lives as follows.

	Basis of amortization	Amortization period (in years)
Customer relationships	Straight-line and accelerated(1)	8-17
Marketing assets	Straight-line and accelerated(1)	14-15
Developed technology	Straight-line and accelerated(1)	3-14
Content	Straight-line	9

(1)Certain of the customer relationships, marketing assets and developed technology assets are amortized on an accelerated basis.

We write off the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization balances for all fully amortized intangible assets. We evaluate the estimated useful lives and the potential for impairment of finite and indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate revised estimates of useful lives may be appropriate or that the carrying amount may be impaired. If the carrying amount of a finite-lived intangible asset is no longer recoverable based upon the undiscounted cash flows of the asset, the amount of impairment is the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset.

Impairment of long-lived assets

Impairment of long-lived assetsWe review long-lived assets for impairment when events change or circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable include, but are not limited to, a significant decrease in the market value of the business or asset acquired, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which the business or asset acquired is used or significant adverse change in the business climate. If such events or changes in circumstances are present, the undiscounted cash flow method is used to determine whether the asset or asset group is impaired.

Deferred financing costs

Deferred financing costs and debt discount

Deferred financing costs included in other assets represent the direct third-party costs of entering into the revolving (line-of-credit) portion of our credit facility in October 2020 and portions of the unamortized deferred financing costs from prior facilities. These costs are amortized ratably over the term of the credit facility as interest expense.

Other debt issuance costs, as well as the debt discount associated with our 2021 Incremental Term Loan (as defined below), 2020 Credit facility (as defined below) and portions of the unamortized balances from prior facilities, are recorded as a direct deduction from debt. These costs are amortized over the term of the credit facility as interest expense.

Stock-based compensation

Stock-based compensation

We measure stock-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognize it as expense over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period.

We recognize the effect of awards for which the requisite service period is not rendered when the award is forfeited (that is, we recognize the effect of forfeitures in compensation cost when they occur). Previously recognized compensation cost for an award is reversed in the period that the award is forfeited. Income tax benefits resulting from the vesting and exercise of stock-based compensation awards are recognized in the period the unit or award is vested or option or right is exercised.

Income taxes

Income taxes

We make estimates and judgments in accounting for income taxes. The calculation of the income tax provision requires estimates due to transactions, credits and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Uncertainties arise as a consequence of the actual source of taxable income between domestic and foreign locations, the outcome of tax audits and the ultimate utilization of tax credits. To the extent actual results differ from estimated amounts recorded, such differences will impact the income tax provision in the period in which the determination is made.

We make estimates in determining tax assets and liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes. We record valuation allowances to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In assessing the adequacy of a recorded valuation allowance significant judgment is required. We consider all positive and negative evidence and a variety of factors including the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, historical and projected future taxable income, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. If we determine there is less than a 50% likelihood that we will be able to use a deferred tax asset in the future in excess of its net carrying value, then an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance is made to increase income tax expense, thereby reducing net income in the period such determination was made.

We measure and recognize uncertain tax positions. To recognize such positions, we must first determine if it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon audit. We must then measure the benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Significant judgment is required in the identification and measurement of uncertain tax positions.

Foreign currency

Foreign currency

Net assets recorded in a foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenue and expense items are translated using an average of monthly exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions denominated in currency other than the functional currency are recorded at the approximate rate of exchange at the transaction date in other income, net.

Research and development

Research and development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred except as noted below under Software and content development costs. These costs include compensation costs for engineering and product management personnel, third-party contractor expenses, software development tools and other expenses related to researching and developing new solutions or upgrading and enhancing existing solutions that do not qualify for capitalization, and allocated depreciation, facilities and IT support costs.

Software development costs, software for internal use

Software and content development costs

We incur certain costs associated with the development of internal-use software and content, which are primarily related to activities performed to develop our cloud solutions and the development of online education curriculum to be delivered on the Company's cloud platform. Internal and external costs incurred in the preliminary project stage of internal-use software development and content are expensed as incurred. Once the software or content being developed has reached the application development stage, qualifying internal costs including payroll and payroll-related costs of employees who are directly associated with and devote time to the software or content project as well as external direct costs of materials and services are capitalized. Capitalization ceases at the point at which the developed software or content is substantially complete and ready for its intended use, which is typically upon completion of all substantial testing. Qualifying costs capitalized during the application development stage include those related to specific upgrades and enhancements when it is probable that those costs incurred will result in additional functionality. Overhead costs, including general and administrative costs, as well as maintenance, training and all other costs associated with post-implementation stage activities are expensed as incurred. In addition, internal costs that cannot be reasonably separated between maintenance and relatively minor upgrades and enhancements are expensed as incurred. In certain circumstances, content development costs are considered deferred costs, when ownership of developed content belongs to the customer.

Software development costs, software to be sold

Qualifying capitalized software and content development costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the software asset's estimated useful life, which is generally 3 to 7 years. We evaluate the useful lives of these assets on an annual basis and test for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that could impact the recoverability of these assets. See Note 6 to these consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our impairment of certain capitalized software development costs during 2022 and 2020.

Credit losses and sales returns

Allowance for credit losses

Our accounts receivable consist of a single portfolio segment. Accounts receivable are recorded at original invoice amounts less an allowance for credit losses, an amount we estimate to be sufficient to provide adequate protection against lifetime expected losses resulting from extending credit to our customers. In judging the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, we consider multiple factors including historical bad debt experience, the current aging of our receivables and current economic conditions that may affect our customers' ability to pay. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing these factors and if any receivables were to deteriorate, an additional provision for credit losses could be required. Accounts are written off after all means of collection are exhausted and recovery is considered remote. Provisions for credit losses are recorded in general and administrative expense.

Below is a summary of the changes in our allowance for credit losses.

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)	Balance at beginning of year		Provision/ adjustment		Write-off		Recovery		Balance at end of year
2022	$	9,375	$	1,281	$	(5,162)	$	528	$	6,022
2021	9,016		4,483		(4,565)		441		9,375
2020	4,011		6,787		(2,363)		581		9,016

Our allowance for credit losses decreased during the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to improvement in the aging of accounts receivable and write-offs during 2022 of aged receivables primarily generated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount of write-offs during the year ended December 31, 2021 was higher than during 2020 as we temporarily suspended sending past due customer accounts to collections during the second and third quarters of 2020 due to payment delays related to COVID-19.

Allowance for sales returns

We maintain a reserve for returns and credits which is estimated based on several factors including historical experience, known credits yet to be issued, the aging of customer accounts and the nature of service level commitments. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing these factors. Provisions for sales returns and credits are charged against the related revenue items.

Advertising costs

Advertising costsWe expense advertising costs as incurred

Restructuring costs

Restructuring costs

Restructuring costs include charges for the costs of exit or disposal activities. The liability for costs associated with exit or disposal activities is measured initially at fair value and only recognized when the liability is incurred.

Leases

Leases

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease ROU assets, accrued expense and other current liabilities, and operating lease liabilities, net of current portion in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

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 lease 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 in determining the present value of lease payments. Our incremental borrowing rate is based on the estimated rate of interest for collateralized borrowing over a similar term of the lease payments at the commencement date. We use the implicit rate when readily determinable. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any initial direct costs and lease payments made 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 for lease payments related to our operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. We do not recognize short-term leases (those that, at the commencement date, have a lease term of 12 months or less) on our consolidated balance sheets. Variable lease payments, which are primarily comprised of common-area maintenance, utilities and real estate taxes that are passed on from the lessor in proportion to the space leased by us, are recognized in operating expenses in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred.

Contingencies

Loss contingencies

We are subject to the possibility of various loss contingencies, including legal proceedings and claims, that arise in the normal course of business, as well as certain other non-ordinary course proceedings, claims and investigations, as described in Note 11 to these consolidated financial statements. We record an accrual for a loss contingency when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Often these issues are subject to substantial uncertainties and, therefore, the probability of loss and the estimation of damages are difficult to ascertain. These assessments can involve a series of complex judgments about future events and can rely heavily on estimates and assumptions that have been deemed reasonable by us. Although we believe we have substantial defenses in these matters, we could incur judgments or enter into settlements of claims that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows in any particular period.

Earnings per share

(Loss) earnings per share

We compute basic (loss) earnings per share by dividing net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted (loss) earnings per share is computed by dividing net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted (loss) earnings per share reflect the assumed exercise, settlement and vesting of all dilutive securities using the “treasury stock method” except when the effect is anti-dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities consist of shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights and vesting of restricted stock awards and units.

Legal contingencies

Legal proceedings

We are subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business, as well as certain other non-ordinary course proceedings, claims and investigations, as described below. We record an accrual for a loss contingency when it is both probable that a material liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If only a range of estimated losses can be determined, we accrue an amount within the range that, in our judgment, reflects the most likely outcome; if none of the estimates within that range is a better estimate than any other amount, we accrue the low end of the range. For proceedings in which an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible but not probable and an estimate of the loss or range of losses arising from the proceeding can be made, we disclose such an estimate, if material. If such a loss or range of losses is not reasonably estimable, we disclose that fact. We review any such loss contingency accruals at least quarterly and adjust them to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other information and events pertaining to a particular case. We recognize insurance recoveries, if any, when they are probable of receipt. All associated costs due to third-party service providers and consultants, including legal fees, are expensed as incurred.