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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation
12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation. Historically, our fiscal years have been 52- or 53-week periods ending on the Saturday nearest to October 31. Fiscal 2024 was a 53-week year ending on November 2, 2024. Fiscal 2023 and 2022 were 52-week years and ended on October 28, 2023 and October 29, 2022, respectively. For presentation purposes, the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes refer to the closest calendar month end. We have changed our fiscal year end from the Saturday nearest to October 31 and consisting of 52 or 53 fiscal weeks to a fiscal year end of October 31 each year. The fiscal year change becomes effective with our fiscal 2025, which began on November 3, 2024. Our fiscal quarters will end on January 31, April 30, July 31 and October 31 of each year.
The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates. To prepare financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, management must make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates and could have a material impact on our operating results and financial position.
Software Integrity Divestiture. On May 5, 2024, we entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement, by and between Synopsys and Sapphire Software Buyer, Inc., an entity controlled by funds affiliated with Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. and Francisco Partners (together, the Sponsors). On September 30, 2024, we completed the previously announced sale of our Software Integrity business to entities controlled by funds affiliated with the Sponsors (the Software Integrity Divestiture). We previously determined that the Software Integrity Divestiture met the criteria to be disclosed as discontinued operations in the second quarter of fiscal 2024 as it represented a significant strategic shift that had a major effect on our operations and financial results. The results of the Software Integrity business, including the gain on divestiture, are presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income, and as such, have been excluded from both continuing operations and segment results for all periods presented. Further, we reclassified the assets and liabilities of the Software Integrity business as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheets as of October 31, 2023. The consolidated statements of cash flows are presented on a consolidated basis for both continuing operations and discontinuing operations. We did not allocate any general corporate overhead to the Software Integrity business. Unless otherwise noted, reference within these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements relates to continuing
operations. See Note 3. Discontinued Operations of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.
Segment Reporting. As a result of the Software Integrity Divestiture, we changed our reportable segment from the three reportable segments to the following two reportable segments: (1) Design Automation, which includes our advanced silicon design, verification products and services, system integration products and services, digital, custom and FPGA IC design software, verification software and hardware products, manufacturing software products and other; and (2) Design IP, which includes our interface, foundation, security, and embedded processor IP, IP subsystems, and IP implementation services. Our Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) reviews disaggregated segment information, assess performance against our key growth strategies and allocates resources. See Note 20. Segment Disclosure of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report. Prior period segment results and related disclosures have been reclassified to conform to the current period segment presentation.
Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments. We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Our investments in debt securities with remaining maturities greater than three months at the date of purchase are designated as available-for-sale securities as we may convert these investments into cash at any time to fund general operations, and included in short-term investments in the consolidated balance sheets. Our debt securities generally have an effective maturity term of less than three years and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). For available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, we evaluate whether a current expected credit loss exists based on available information relevant to the credit rating of the security, current economic conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The allowance for credit loss is recorded in interest and other income (expense), net, in the consolidated statements of income, not to exceed the amount of the unrealized loss. Any excess unrealized loss other than the credit loss is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss in the stockholders' equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method and realized gains and losses are included in interest and other income (expense), net. See Note 9. Financial Assets and Liabilities of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.
Investments in Equity Securities. We hold equity securities in privately held companies for the promotion of business and strategic objectives. We account for these investments using either the measurement alternative approach when the fair value of the investment is not readily determinable and we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence, or the equity method of accounting when it is determined that we have the ability to exercise significant influence. Investments accounted for using the measurement alternative approach are initially recorded at cost and adjusted for changes in fair value from observable transactions. For investments accounted for using the equity method of accounting, we record our proportionate share of the investee’s income or loss to interest and other income (expense), net, in our consolidated statements of income. These investments are subject to a periodic impairment review, and are included in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
Accounts Receivable, Net. The balances consist of billed accounts receivable and current portion of unbilled accounts receivable. Trade accounts receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest.
Allowance for Credit Losses. We maintain an allowance for credit losses for expected uncollectible accounts receivable and contract assets, which is recorded as an offset to accounts receivable or contract assets and provisions for credit losses are recorded in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income. The allowance for current expected credit losses is based on a review of customer accounts and considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The allowance for credit losses is reviewed on a quarterly basis to assess the adequacy of the allowance. The following table presents the changes in the allowance for credit losses:
Fiscal YearBalance at
Beginning
of Period
ProvisionsWrite-offs/AdjustmentsBalance at
End of
Period
 (in thousands)
2024$50,366 $19,286 $(5,609)$64,043 
2023$38,586 $18,345 $(6,565)$50,366 
2022$27,034 $11,486 $66 $38,586 
Inventories. Inventories are computed at standard costs which approximate actual costs, on a first-in, first-out basis and valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Inventories primarily include components and finished goods for complex emulation and prototyping hardware systems. The valuation process includes a review of the forecasts based upon future demand and market conditions. Inventory provisions are recorded when the costs are determined to be in excess of anticipated demand or considered obsolete. Inventory provisions are impacted by market and economic conditions, technology changes, new product introductions and changes in strategic direction, and require estimates that may include uncertain elements.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments. Our cash equivalents, short-term investments and foreign currency contracts are carried at fair value. The fair value of our accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates the carrying amount due to their short duration. Non-marketable equity securities are accounted for using either the measurement alternative or equity method of accounting. We perform periodic impairment analysis on these non-marketable equity securities. The carrying amount of the short-term and long-term debt approximates the estimated fair value. See Note 10. Fair Value Measurements of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.
Foreign Currency Contracts. We operate internationally and are exposed to potentially adverse movements in currency exchange rates. We enter into hedges in the form of foreign currency forward contracts to reduce our exposure to foreign currency rate changes on non-functional currency denominated forecasted transactions and balance sheet positions. The assets or liabilities associated with the forward contracts are recorded at fair value in other current assets or accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
The accounting for gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value depends on the use of the foreign currency forward contract and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting. See Note 9. Financial Assets and Liabilities of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.
Concentration of Credit Risk. Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents, short-term investments, foreign currency contracts, and trade accounts receivable. We maintain cash equivalents primarily in highly rated taxable and tax-exempt money market funds located in the U.S. and in various overseas locations. Our short-term investments include a variety of financial instruments, such as corporate debt and municipal securities, U.S. Treasury and Government agency securities. By policy, we limit the amount of credit exposure with any one issue, issuer and type of instrument.
We sell our products worldwide primarily to customers in the global electronics market. We perform on-going credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition and do not require collateral. We establish reserves for potential credit losses and such losses have been within management’s expectations and have not been material in any year presented.
Income Taxes. We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
We account for uncertainty in income taxes using a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount which is more than 50% likely of being realized
upon ultimate settlement. An uncertain tax position is considered effectively settled on completion of an examination by a taxing authority if certain other conditions are satisfied.
Property and Equipment. Property and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Assets, excluding land, are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation expenses were $162.9 million, $141.4 million and $103.9 million in fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred and such costs were $89.4 million, $74.4 million and $65.2 million in fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The useful lives of depreciable assets are as follows:
 Useful Life in Years
Computer and other equipment
3 - 8
Buildings30
Furniture and fixtures5
Leasehold improvements Shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life
Leases. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception of the contract, which is the date on which the terms of the contract are agreed to, and the agreement creates enforceable rights and obligations. A contract is or contains a lease when we have the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time. The commencement date of the lease is the date that the lessor makes an underlying asset available for use by the lessee. On the commencement date, leases are evaluated for classification and assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term.
The lease term used to calculate the lease liability includes options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. The right of use (ROU) asset is initially measured as the amount of lease liability, adjusted for any initial lease costs, prepaid lease payments and any lease incentives. Variable lease payments, consisting primarily of reimbursement of costs incurred by lessors for common area maintenance, real estate taxes and insurance, are not included in the lease liability and are recognized as they are incurred.
As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use the incremental borrowing rate at lease commencement to measure ROU assets and lease liabilities. We use a benchmark senior unsecured yield curve for debt instruments over the similar term, and consider specific credit quality, market conditions, tenor of lease arrangements, and quality of collateral to determine the incremental borrowing rate.
Operating lease expense is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We have elected the practical expedient to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for the majority of our asset classes. For leases with an initial term of one year or less, we have elected not to record the ROU asset or liability.
Business Combinations. We allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their acquisition-date fair values with the exception of contract assets and contract liabilities (deferred revenue) which are recognized and measured on the acquisition date in accordance with our “Revenue Recognition” policy. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair value of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition-related expenses are recognized separately from the business combination and are expensed as incurred. We include the results of operations of the businesses that are acquired from the acquisition date.
Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired by us. All goodwill acquired in a business combination is assigned to one or more reporting units as of acquisition date. We have two reportable segments, and reporting units are determined to be the same as reportable segments. The carrying amount of goodwill at each reporting unit is tested for impairment annually on the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter, or more frequently if facts and circumstances warrant a review. We perform either a qualitative or quantitative assessment for goodwill impairment test. When a quantitative goodwill impairment assessment is performed, we use an income approach based on discounted cash
flow analysis, a market approach based on market multiples, or a combination of both. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a goodwill impairment loss is recorded for the difference.
Intangible Assets. Intangible assets consist of acquired technology, certain contract rights, customer relationships, trademarks and trade names, and capitalized software. These intangible assets are acquired through business combinations, direct purchases, or internally developed capitalized software. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives which range from one to thirteen years.
We review the carrying values of long-lived assets including intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability of long-lived assets is measured by comparing the carrying value of such asset group to the future undiscounted cash flows that asset group is expected to generate. If the undiscounted future cash flow is less than the carrying amount of the asset group, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the asset group.
Redeemable Non-controlling Interest. Non-controlling interest that is not solely redeemable within our control is reported as temporary equity in our consolidated balance sheets. The carrying value of the redeemable non-controlling interest equals the redemption value at the end of each reporting period, after giving effect to the change from the net income (loss) attributable to the redeemable non-controlling interest. We remeasure the redemption value of the non-controlling interest on a quarterly basis and changes in the estimated redemption value are recognized through retained earnings and may also impact the net income or loss attributable to common stockholders of Synopsys if the redemption value falls below a stated threshold. See Note 5. Business Combinations of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for more information regarding the redeemable non-controlling interests.
Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue for the transfer of services or products to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those services or products. The principle is achieved through the following five-step approach:
Identification of the contract, or contracts, with the customer
Identification of the performance obligation in the contract
Determination of the transaction price 
Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract 
Recognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation 
Nature of Products and Services
We generate revenue from the licensing of our EDA software and IP blocks, as well as sale of hardware products, and maintenance and services. The various types are set forth below.
Electronic Design Automation
Software license revenue consists of fees associated with the licensing of our software primarily through Technology Subscription License (TSL) contracts. TSLs are time-based licenses for a finite term and generally provide the customer with limited rights to receive, or to exchange certain quantities of licensed software for, unspecified future technology. The majority of our arrangements are TSLs due to the nature of our business and customer requirements. In addition to the licenses, the arrangements also include: post-contract customer support, which includes providing frequent updates and upgrades to maintain the utility of the software due to rapid changes in technology; other intertwined services such as multiple copies of the tools; assisting our customers in applying our technology in the customers' development environment; and rights to remix licenses for other licenses. Payments are generally received in equal or near equal installments over the term of the arrangement. We have concluded that our software licenses in TSL contracts are not distinct from our obligation to provide unspecified software updates to the licensed software throughout the license term. Such updates represent inputs to a single, combined performance obligation, commencing upon the later of the arrangement effective date or transfer of control to the software license. Remix rights are not an additional promised good or service in the contract, and where unspecified additional software product rights are part of the contract with the customer, such rights are accounted for as part of
the single performance obligation that includes the licenses, updates, and technical support because such rights are provided for the same period of time and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer over the duration of the subscription term. 
Design IP Products
We generally license IP under nonexclusive license agreements that provide usage rights for specific applications. Additionally, for certain IP license agreements, royalties are collected as customers sell their own products that incorporate our IP. These arrangements generally have two distinct performance obligations that consist of transferring the licensed IP and the post contract support service. Support services consist of a stand-ready obligation to provide technical support and software updates over the support term. Revenue allocated to the IP license is recognized at a point in time upon the later of the delivery date or the beginning of the license period, and revenue allocated to support services is recognized ratably over the support term. Royalties are recognized as revenue is earned, generally when the customer sells its products that incorporate our IP. 
Hardware
We generally have two performance obligations in arrangements involving the sale of hardware products. The first performance obligation is to transfer the hardware product, which includes embedded software integral to the functionality of the hardware product. The second performance obligation is to provide maintenance on the hardware and our embedded software, including rights to technical support, hardware repairs and software updates that are all provided over the same term and have the same time-based pattern of transfer to the customer. The portion of the transaction price allocated to the hardware product is recognized as revenue at a point in time when control of the hardware is transferred to the customer. We have concluded that control generally transfers upon shipment because the customer has the ability to direct the use of the asset and an obligation to pay for the hardware. The portion of the transaction price allocated to maintenance is recognized as revenue that is ratable over the maintenance term.
Professional Services
Our arrangements often include service elements other than maintenance and support services. These services include training, design assistance, and consulting. These services are generally performed on a time and materials basis, and are recognized over time, as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefit provided. Certain arrangements also include the customization or modification of licensed IP. Revenue from these contracts is recognized over time as the services are performed, when the development is specific to the customer’s needs and we have enforceable rights to payment for performance completed. Inputs such as costs incurred and hours expended are used in order to measure progress of performance. We have a history of accurately estimating project status and the costs necessary to complete projects. A number of internal and external factors can affect these estimates, including labor rates, utilization and efficiency variances, specification and testing requirement changes, and changes in customer delivery priorities. Payments for services are generally due upon milestones in the contract or upon consumption of the hourly resources.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Our customers frequently enter into non-cancelable Flexible Spending Account arrangements (FSA) whereby the customer commits to a fixed dollar amount over a specified period of time that can be used to purchase from a list of our products or services. These arrangements do not meet the definition of a revenue contract until the customer executes a separate order (pulldown request) to identify the required products and services that they are purchasing. The combination of the FSA arrangement and the subsequent order creates enforceable rights and obligations, thus meeting the definition of a revenue contract. Each separate order under the agreement is treated as an individual contract and accounted for based on the respective performance obligations included within the pulldown requests.
Significant Judgments
Our contracts with customers often include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer. Determining whether services and products are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together requires significant judgment. We have concluded that (1) our EDA software licenses in TSL contracts are not distinct from our obligation to provide unspecified software updates to the
licensed software throughout the license term, because those promises represent inputs to a single, combined performance obligation, and (2) where unspecified additional software product rights are part of the contract with the customer, such rights are accounted for as part of the single performance obligation that includes the licenses, updates, and technical support, because such rights are provided for the same period of time and have the same time-based pattern of transfer to the customer. In reaching this conclusion, we considered the nature of the obligation to customers, which is to provide an ongoing right to use the most up to date and relevant software. As EDA customers operate in a rapidly changing and competitive environment, satisfying the obligation requires providing critical updates to the existing software products, including ongoing iterative interaction with customers to make the software relevant to customers’ ability to meet the time to go to market with advanced products.
Our contracts with customers can involve hundreds of products and various license rights. Customers often negotiate a broad portfolio of solutions, and favorable terms along with future purchase options to manage their overall costs. Determining whether the purchase options are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately as material rights versus combined together may require significant judgment.
Judgment is also required to determine the standalone selling price (SSP) for each distinct performance obligation. For non-software performance obligations (IP, Hardware, and services), SSP is established based on observable prices of products and services sold separately. SSP for license (and related updates and support) in a contract with multiple performance obligations is determined by applying a residual approach whereby all other non-software performance obligations within a contract are first allocated a portion of the transaction price based upon their respective SSP, using observable prices, with any residual amount of the transaction price allocated to the license because we do not sell the license separately, and the pricing is highly variable.
Contract Balances
The timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing customers, and these timing differences result in receivables (billed or unbilled), contract assets, or contract liabilities (deferred revenue) in our consolidated balance sheets. We record a contract asset when revenue is recognized prior to the right to invoice, or deferred revenue when revenue is recognized subsequent to invoicing. For time-based software agreements, customers are generally invoiced in equal, quarterly amounts, although some customers prefer to be invoiced in single or annual amounts. We record an unbilled receivable when revenue is recognized and we have an unconditional right to invoice and receive payment.
Warranties and Indemnities
Warranties. We generally warrant our products to be free from defects in media and to substantially conform to material specifications for a period of 90 days for our software products and for up to six months for our hardware products.
Indemnities. In addition to such warranties, in certain cases, we provide our customers with limited indemnification with respect to claims that their use of our software products infringes on patents, copyrights, trademarks or trade secrets. We are unable to estimate the potential impact of these commitments on the future results of operations.
Net Income Per Share. We compute basic net income per share by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the dilution from potential common shares outstanding such as stock options and unvested restricted stock units and awards during the period using the treasury stock method. See Note 17. Net Income Per Share of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.
Foreign Currency Translation. The functional currency of the majority of our active foreign subsidiaries is the foreign subsidiary’s local currency. Assets and liabilities that are not denominated in the functional currency are remeasured into the functional currency with any related gains or losses recorded in earnings. We translate assets and liabilities of our non-U.S. dollar functional currency foreign operations into the U.S. dollar reporting currency at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. We translate income and expense items of such foreign operations into the U.S. dollar reporting currency at average exchange rates for the period. Accumulated translation adjustments are reported in stockholders’ equity, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions, which applies to all equity securities measured at fair value that are subject to contractual sale restrictions. This change prohibits entities from taking into account contractual restrictions on the sale of equity securities when estimating fair value and introduces required disclosures for such transactions. The ASU will be effective for us beginning the fiscal year 2025 and will be applied prospectively. Any future impact from the adoption of this ASU will depend on the facts and circumstances of future transactions.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The ASU expands public entities’ segment disclosures by requiring disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss, an amount and description of its composition for other segment items, and interim disclosures of a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets. The ASU will be effective for our annual reports beginning in fiscal 2025, and interim period reports beginning in fiscal 2026. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which enhances the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures primarily through changes to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. The ASU will be effective for us beginning in fiscal 2026 and will be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. The ASU requires the disclosure of additional information related to certain costs and expenses, including amounts of inventory purchases, employee compensation, and depreciation and amortization included in each income statement line item. The ASU also requires disclosure of the total amount of selling expenses and our definition of selling expenses. The ASU is effective for our annual reports beginning in fiscal 2028, and interim period reports beginning in fiscal 2029 either on a prospective or retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.