ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2022

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation -

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, after elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions. We have prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification and Updates (“ASC” and "ASU") and we consider the various staff accounting bulletins and other applicable guidance issued by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Our fiscal year ends on March 31. References to fiscal 2022, for example, are to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates -In preparing consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, we must make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used in determining, among other items, revenue recognition criteria, allowance for doubtful accounts, the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities, restructuring and impairment accruals, litigation and facilities lease loss accruals, stock-based compensation, and the recognition and measurement of current and deferred income taxes, including the measurement of uncertain tax positions.

Operating Segments

Operating Segments -

The Company operates as one operating segment. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is evaluated regularly by our Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"). Our Chief Executive Officer is our CODM. Our CODM evaluates our financial information and resources and assesses the performance of these resources on a consolidated basis. Since we operate as one operating segment, all required financial segment information can be found in the consolidated financial statements.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations -Discontinued operations comprise those activities that have been disposed of during the period or that have been classified as held for sale at the end of the period and represent a separate major line of business or geographical area that can be clearly distinguished for operational and financial reporting purposes. In fiscal 2019, the Company sold its Acxiom Marketing Solutions business (“AMS”) and began reporting the results of operations, cash flows and the balance sheet amounts pertaining to AMS as a component of discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. The amount recorded in fiscal 2020 relates to the final working capital true-up and receipt of final proceeds.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents -The Company considers all highly-liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash held in bank deposit accounts and short-term, highly-liquid money-market fund investments with remaining maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition -

LiveRamp recognizes revenue from the following sources: (i) subscription revenue, which consists primarily of subscription fees from clients accessing our LiveRamp platform; and (ii) marketplace and other revenue, which primarily consists of revenue-sharing fees generated from access to data through our LiveRamp Data Marketplace, and transactional usage-based revenue from arrangements with certain publishers and addressable TV providers.

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, the performance obligations are satisfied.

Identification of the contract

We consider the terms and conditions of the contract and our customary business practices when identifying our contracts under ASC 606. We determine we have a contract with a customer when the contract or contract modification is approved and the parties are committed to performing their respective obligations, we can identify each party's rights regarding the services to be transferred, we can identify the payment terms for the services, we have determined the contract has commercial substance, and we have determined that collection of at least some of the contract consideration is probable. At contract inception we evaluate whether two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as a single contract and whether the single or combined contract includes one or multiple performance obligations. We apply judgment in determining the customer's ability to pay, which is based on a variety of factors, including the customer's historical payment experience or, in the case of a new customer, credit and financial information pertaining to the customer.

Identification of the performance obligations

As part of accounting for arrangements with multiple performance obligations, we must assess whether each performance obligation is distinct. A good or service that is promised to a customer is distinct if the customer can benefit from the good or service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available to the customer, and a company's promise to transfer the good or service to the customer is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. We have determined that our subscriptions to the platform are a distinct performance obligation and access to data for revenue-sharing and usage-based arrangements is a distinct performance obligation because, once a customer has access to the platform, the service is fully functional and does not require any additional development, modification, or customization.

Determination of the transaction price

The transaction price is the amount of consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for transferring services to a customer, excluding sales taxes that are collected on behalf of government agencies. Variable consideration is assessed and included in the transaction price if, in our judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur. None of our contracts contain a significant financing component.

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

If the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation. Contracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price to each distinct performance obligation based on the standalone selling price ("SSP") of each service. We generally determine the SSP based on contractual selling prices when the obligation is sold on a standalone basis, as well as market conditions, competition, and pricing practices. As pricing and marketing strategies evolve, we may modify our pricing practices in the future, which could result in changes to SSP.

Recognition of revenue when, or as, the performance obligations are satisfied

Revenues are recognized when or as control of the promised services is transferred to customers. Subscription revenue is generally recognized ratably over the subscription period beginning on the date the services are made available to customers. Marketplace and other revenue is typically transactional in nature, tied to a revenue share or volumes purchased. We report revenue from Data Marketplace and other similar transactions on a net basis because our performance obligation is to facilitate a transaction between data providers and data buyers, for which we earn a portion of the gross fee. Consequently, the portion of the gross amount billed to data buyers that is remitted to data providers is not reflected as revenues.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable includes amounts billed to customers as well as unbilled amounts recognized in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policies. Unbilled amounts included in trade accounts receivable, net, which generally arise from the performance of services to customers in advance of billings, were $12.5 million at March 31, 2022, and $8.0 million at March 31, 2021.

Trade accounts receivable are presented net of allowances for credit losses, returns and credits based on the probability of future collections. The probability of future collections is based on specific considerations of historical loss patterns and an assessment of the continuation of such patterns based on past collection trends and known or anticipated future economic events that may impair collectability. Accounts receivable that are determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Indicators that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery include past due status greater than 360 days or bankruptcy of the debtor.

We are monitoring the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic on our customers and various counterparties and have considered these risks in establishing our reserve balance as of March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Deferred Revenue

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue consists of amounts billed in excess of revenue recognized. Deferred revenues are subsequently recorded as revenue when earned in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policies.

Deferred Commissions, net

Deferred Commissions, net - The Company capitalizes incremental costs to acquire contracts and amortizes them on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit, which we have determined to be four years. Net capitalized costs of $8.0 million and $6.6 million were recognized as a reduction of operating expense for the years ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We did not recognize any impairment charges in fiscal 2022, 2021, or 2020.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment -Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: leasehold improvements, 5 - 7 years; data processing equipment, 2 - 5 years, and office furniture and other equipment, 3 - 7 years.

Operating Leases

Operating Leases -

Right-of-use ("ROU") assets represent the Company's right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time, or term, in exchange for consideration, and operating lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the aforementioned right.

The Company determines if an arrangement is, or contains, a lease at inception, and whether lease and non-lease components are combined or not. Operating leases with a duration of one year or less are excluded from ROU assets and lease liabilities and related expense is recorded as incurred. ROU assets and lease liabilities are initially recorded based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term, which includes the minimum unconditional term of the lease, and may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain at the commencement date that such options will be exercised. As the rate implicit for each of the Company's leases is not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company uses judgment in determining its incremental borrowing rate, which includes selecting a yield curve based on a hypothetical credit rating. ROU assets also include any initial direct costs and any lease payments made prior to the lease commencement date and are reduced by any lease incentives received. ROU assets are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. Short-term lease liabilities are included in other accrued expenses and long-term lease liabilities are included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. ROU assets are amortized on a straight-line basis as operating lease cost in the consolidated statements of operations.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations –

We apply the provisions of ASC 805, Business Combinations, in accounting for acquisitions. ASC 805 requires us to determine if assets or a business was acquired. If a business was acquired, it requires us to recognize separately from goodwill the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of the fair value of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. While we use our best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as any contingent consideration, where applicable, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we record adjustments resulting from new information about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date and falls within the measurement period to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to our consolidated statements of operations.

Goodwill

Goodwill -

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in business acquisitions accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and is not amortized. Goodwill is measured and tested for impairment on an annual basis in the first quarter of the Company's fiscal year in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Such events and changes may include significant changes in performance related to expected operating results, significant changes in asset use, significant changes in asset use, significant negative industry or economic trends, and changes in our business strategy.

Our test for goodwill impairment starts with a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. If qualitative factors indicate that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than its carrying amount, then a quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed. For the purposes of impairment testing, we have determined that we have three reporting units. We completed our annual impairment test during the first quarter of fiscal 2022 and assessed whether there were any triggering events quarterly. We did not recognize any goodwill impairment charges in fiscal 2022, 2021 or 2020.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets -

We amortize intangible assets with finite lives over their estimated useful lives and review them for impairment whenever an impairment indicator exists. We continually monitor events and changes in circumstances that could indicate carrying amounts of our long-lived assets, including our intangible assets, may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, we assess recoverability by determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through the undiscounted expected future cash flows. If the future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of these assets, we recognize an impairment loss based on any excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets. We did not recognize any intangible asset impairment charges in fiscal 2022, 2021 or 2020.

During fiscal 2022, our intangible assets were amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from two years to six years. Amortization is based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset will be consumed or on a straight-line basis when the consumption pattern is not apparent. The weighted average useful lives of our intangible assets were as follows:

	Weighted Average Useful Life (years)
Developed technology	4.1
Customer relationships	5.3
Publisher and Data Supply relationships	5.2

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

Impairment of Long-lived Assets -

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company considers factors such as operating losses, declining outlooks, and business conditions when evaluating the necessity for an impairment analysis. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group. If such assets are impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

We did not recognize any impairment charges related to long-lived assets in fiscal 2022, 2021 or 2020.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments -

We apply the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, to our assets and liabilities that we are required to measure at fair value pursuant to other accounting standards. The additional disclosure regarding our fair value measurements is included in Note 18 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers

Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers -

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable.

The Company maintains deposits in federally insured financial institutions more than federally insured limits. Management, however, believes the Company is not exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial position of the depository institutions in which those deposits are held.

The Company has no significant off-balance sheet risk such as foreign exchange contracts, options contracts, or other hedging arrangements.

The Company’s trade accounts receivables are from a large number of customers. Accordingly, the Company’s credit risk is affected by general economic conditions.

At March 31, 2022, there were no customers that represented more than 10% of the trade accounts receivable balance. Our ten largest clients represented approximately 28% of our revenues in fiscal year 2022. One client, The Interpublic Group of Companies, accounted for 11% of our revenues in fiscal year 2022.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes -

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. The Company’s foreign subsidiaries file separate income tax returns in the countries in which their operations are based.

The Company makes estimates and judgments in determining the provision for income taxes for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of tax credits, benefits, and deductions, and in the calculation of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities that arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes, as well as the interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. Significant changes in these estimates may result in an increase or decrease to the tax provision in a subsequent period. The Company assesses the likelihood that it will be able to recover its deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, the Company increases the provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that it estimates will not ultimately be recoverable.

The calculation of tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations. The Company recognizes liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process pursuant to ASC 740, Income Taxes. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining whether the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. If the Company determines that a tax position will more likely than not be sustained on audit, the second step requires the Company to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as the Company must determine the probability of various outcomes.

The Company re-evaluates these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors such as changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, new audit activity, and effectively settled issues. Determining whether an uncertain tax position is effectively settled requires judgment. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision.

Foreign Currency

Foreign Currency -

The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of our foreign operations generally is the applicable local currency for each foreign subsidiary. The balance sheets of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated at period-end rates of exchange, and the statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of equity and comprehensive income (loss). We reflect net foreign exchange transaction gains and losses, resulting from the conversion of the transaction currency to functional currency, as a component of foreign currency exchange gain (loss) in total other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations.

Advertising Expense

Advertising Expense -

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was approximately $10.5 million, $7.0 million, and $9.8 million for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Advertising expense is included in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Legal Contingencies

Legal Contingencies -

We are currently involved in various claims and legal proceedings. Quarterly, we review the status of each significant matter and assess our potential financial exposure. We accrue a liability for an estimated loss if the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable, and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Note 13 - Commitments and Contingencies provides additional information regarding certain of our legal contingencies.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation -

The Company records stock-based compensation expense according to the provisions of ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. ASC Topic 718 requires all stock-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the statement of operations over the service period of the award based on their fair values. Under the provisions of ASC Topic 718, the Company determines the appropriate fair value model to be used for valuing stock-based payments and the amortization method for compensation cost.

The Company has stock option plans and equity compensation plans (collectively referred to as the “stock-based plans”) administered by the compensation committee of the board of directors (“compensation committee”) under which options and restricted stock units were outstanding as of March 31, 2022.

The Company’s equity compensation plan provides that all employees (employees, officers, directors, affiliates, independent contractors or consultants) are eligible to receive awards (grant of any option, stock appreciation right, restricted stock award, restricted stock unit award, performance award, performance share, performance unit, qualified performance-based award, or other stock unit award) under the plan with the terms and conditions applicable to an award set forth in applicable grant documents.

Incentive stock option awards granted under the stock-based plans cannot be granted with an exercise price less than 100% of the per-share market value of the Company’s shares at the date of grant and have a maximum duration of ten years from the date of grant. Board policy currently requires that non-qualified options also must be priced at or above 100% of the fair market value of the common stock at the time of grant with a maximum duration of ten years.

Restricted stock units may be issued under the equity compensation plan and represent the right to receive shares in the future by way of an award agreement that includes vesting provisions. Award agreements can further provide for forfeitures triggered by certain prohibited activities, such as breach of confidentiality. All restricted stock units are expensed over the vesting period and adjusted for forfeitures as incurred. The vesting of some restricted stock units is subject to the Company’s achievement of certain performance criteria, as well as the individual remaining employed by the Company for a period of years.

The Company receives income tax deductions because of the exercise of non-qualified stock options and the vesting of other stock-based awards. To the extent the income tax deductions differ from the corresponding stock-based compensation expense, such excess tax benefits and deficiencies are included as a component of income tax expense and reflected as an operating cash flow included in changes in operating assets and liabilities.

Restructuring

Restructuring –The Company records costs associated with employee terminations and other exit activity in accordance with ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations, depending on whether the costs relate to exit or disposal activities under the accounting standards, or whether they are other post-employment termination benefits. Under applicable accounting standards for exit or disposal costs, the Company records employee termination benefits as an operating expense when the benefit arrangement is communicated to the employee and no significant future services are required. Under the accounting standards related to post employment termination benefits, the Company records employee termination benefits when the termination benefits are probable and can be estimated. The Company recognizes the present value of facility lease termination obligations, net of estimated sublease income and other exit costs, when the Company has future payments with no future economic benefit or a commitment to pay the termination costs of a prior commitment. In future periods the Company will record accretion expense to increase the liability to an amount equal to the estimated future cash payments necessary to exit the leases. This requires judgment and management estimation to determine the expected time frame for securing a subtenant, the amount of sublease income to be received and the appropriate discount rate to calculate the present value of the future cash flows. Should actual lease exit costs differ from estimates, the Company may be required to adjust the restructuring charge within gains, losses and other items, net in the consolidated statement of operations in the period any adjustment is recorded.

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted During the Current Year and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted During the Current Year -
Standard	Description	Date of Adoption	Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2019-12 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU 2019-12")	ASU 2019-12 simplified the accounting for income taxes, eliminated certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and clarifies and amended existing guidance to improve consistent application.	April 1, 2021	The effect of prospectively adopting ASU 2019-12 on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures was not material.

Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted -
Standard	Description	Date of Adoption	Effect on Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
There are no material accounting pronouncements applicable to the Company not yet adopted