UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
_________________


FORM 10-K
_________________




x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172020


o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the transition period from to


Commission File Number 001-37468
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AppFolio, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_________________

Delaware26-0359894
(State of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

50 Castilian Drive
50 Castilian Drive
Santa Barbara, California
California93117
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)


(805) 364-6093
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
 
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of exchange on which registered
Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per shareAPPFThe NASDAQ Stock Market LLC


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
None
_________________


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES o NO xYes No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES  o NO xYes  No






Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES x NO oYes No


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).      YES x NO oYes No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K(§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Large accelerated filer¨Accelerated filerx
Non-accelerated filer
¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company¨
Emerging growth companyx
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  x


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES o NO xYes No


The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of the registrant’s Class A common stock on June 30, 20172020 (the last business day of the registrant’s mostly recently completed second fiscal quarter), as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market on such date, was approximately $398.7 million.$2.870 billion. Shares of the registrant’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock held by each executive officer, director and holder of 10% or more of the registrant’s outstanding Class A common stock and Class B common stock have been excluded from this calculation as such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This calculationThe determination of affiliate status for this purpose does not reflect a determination that theseany of such persons are affiliatesshall be deemed to be an affiliate of the registrant for any other purpose.


As ofAt February 16, 2018,15, 2021, the number of shares of the registrant’s Class A common stock outstanding was 14,966,51518,747,460 and the number of shares of the registrant’s Class B common stock outstanding was 19,102,408.15,650,311.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 20182021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”), to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this“Annual(this “Annual Report”), are incorporated by reference in Part III, Items 10-14 of this Annual Report. Except for the portions of the Proxy Statement specifically incorporated by reference in this Annual Report, the Proxy Statement shall not be deemed to be filed as part hereof.
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APPFOLIO, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20172020




TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
SectionPage No.
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Item 15.
 







CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


This Annual Report on Form 10-K (this "Annual Report") for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, or Annual Report,2020 (fiscal 2020), includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or the Securities Act,(the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or the Exchange Act,(the "Exchange Act"), which statements are subject to considerable risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not statements of historical facts contained in this Annual Report and can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “seeks,“could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts, “projects,” “should,“seeks,“could,“should,” “will,” “would” or similar expressions and the negatives of those expressions. Forward-looking statements also include the assumptions underlying or relating to such statements. In particular, forward looking statements contained in this Annual Report relate to, among other things, things:
our future or assumed financial condition, results of operations and liquidity;
business forecasts and plans, seasonality and other plans;
trends affecting our business and industry, and the economy as a whole;
capital needs and financing plans, including our potentialplans;
capital resource allocation plans;
share repurchase of shares, plans;
research and product development plans, services provided, the expansion of these services, plans;
future products and Value+ services;
growth in the size of our business and number of customers, customers;
strategic plans and objectives,objectives;
the impact of acquisitions, and investments and divestitures;
changes in the competitive environment;
commitments and contingencies, including with respect to the outcome of legal proceedings or regulatory matters;
the application of accounting guidance. We caution you thatguidance, including the impact from adoption of recent accounting pronouncements; and
the impacts of, and our response to, the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic.
The foregoing list may not include all of the forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report.

Forward-lookingOur forward-looking statements representare based on our management’s current beliefs, assumptions and expectations about future events and trends, which affect or may affect our business, strategy, operations or financial performance. Although we believe these forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, based on information currently available. Forward-looking statements involvethey are subject to numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause ourare made in light of information currently available to us. Our actual financial condition and results performance or achievements to becould differ materially different from any future results, performance or achievementsthose expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth below under the forward-looking statements. We discuss these risks and uncertainties in greater detail in the section entitledcaption “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7, and elsewhere in this Annual Report, as well as in ourthe other filingsreports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission or SEC. You should read this Annual Report, and the other documents that we have filed with the SEC, with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from the results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

(the "SEC").
Moreover, we operate in an evolving environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible for our management to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual future results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements.

ExceptForward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and, except to the extent required by applicable law or the rules of the NASDAQ Global Market, we assumeundertake no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even ifstatement because of new information, becomes available in the future.

future events or other factors.
We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.




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PART I


ITEM 1.BUSINESS
ITEM 1.     BUSINESS
Unless otherwise stated in this Annual Report, references to "AppFolio," "we," "us," and "our" refer to AppFolio, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Overview
We were formed in 2006 with a vision to revolutionize the way that smallAppFolio provides innovative software, services and medium-sized businesses, or SMBs, grow and compete by enabling their digital transformation. Today we provide industry-specific, cloud-based software solutionsdata analytics to the real estate market, which comprises a significant majority of our revenue,industry. Our industry-specific, cloud-based solutions are used primarily by property managers, and also by numerous other constituencies in the legal market, and we intend to enter new vertical markets over time. In 2008, we entered the real estate market with our first product, AppFolio Property Manager, or APM, a property management solutionbusiness ecosystem. These other constituencies include property owners, rental prospects, tenants and service providers, whom we refer to collectively as "users". Although specific functionality varies by product, our core solutions are designed to address the unique operational and business requirements of property management companies. Recognizing thatenable our customers would benefit from additionalto digitally transform their businesses, address critical business operations and enable exceptional customer service. In addition to our core solutions, we offer an array of optional, but often business-critical, Value+ services that they can purchase as needed, we launched a series ofare designed to enhance, automate and streamline processes and workflows that are essential to our customers' businesses. Our Value+ services beginning in 2009. In 2012, we entered the legal market by acquiring MyCase, a legal practiceare generally available on an as-needed basis and case management solution primarily for solo practitioners and small law firms.enable our customers to adapt our offerings to their specific operational requirements.
SMBs face a common set of challenges that divert limited time and resources away from serving their clients and growing their businesses. Day-to-day operations are often managed through inefficient manual processes and disparate software point solutions. This lack of automation and integrated technology results in a significant administrative burden on these businesses, particularly in industries that involve unique workflows, relationships among multiple industry participants, significant data inputs and management, and compliance or regulatory requirements. While larger enterprises and consumers have been experiencing a transformational shift into the digital age, the legacy systems and manual business processes currently used by many SMBs are lagging behind in terms of technological sophistication and ease of use.
Our mission is to revolutionize vertical industry businesses by providing great software and services. We accomplish this mission by delivering software solutions and services that provide our customers withare designed to be a system of record to automate essential business processes, a system of engagement to enhance business interactions between our customers and their clientsbusiness ecosystems and vendors, and, increasingly, a system of intelligence designed to anticipate, influence,leverage data to predict and optimize business workflows in order to enable exceptional customer experiences using data to take action in real time. We have builtand increase efficiency across our software solutions using a modern cloud-based architecture, and ourcustomers' businesses.Our mobile-optimized software solutions are designed for use across multiple devices and operating systems.
Although specific functionality varies by product, Our software solutions are offered as a service, are hosted using a modern cloud-based architecture, and in part, use artificial intelligence technologies. This architecture leads to rich data sets that have a consistent schema across our core solutions address common business operationscustomer and interactions of SMBs in our targeted verticals by providing key functionality, including accounting, document management, real-time interactive search, data analyticsuser base and communication options. In additionenables us to our core solutions, we offer a range of optional, but often business-critical, Value+ services. Our Value+deploy data-powered products and services are available on an as-needed basis and enablefor our customers to adapt our platform to their specific operational requirements. Over time, we anticipate offering additional Value+ services across our targeted verticals as appropriate for each particular market. We apply our disciplined market validation approach and customer-focused philosophy to select and develop additional Value+ services, as well as new core functionality, and to identify the most suitable adjacent markets and new verticals to target.users.
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, our revenue was $143.8$310.1 million, $105.6$256.0 million and $75.0$190.1 million, respectively. During eachrespectively, of these years we havewhich $284.7 million, $231.1 million and $172.4 million, respectively, were derived more than 90% of our revenue from our solutions servingsoftware services and data analytics offered to the real estate market. Our revenue has limited seasonality as discussed invertical. See Item 7, Management's"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsOperations" of this Annual Report, within the section entitled "Quarterly RevenueResults of Operations" for additional details regarding seasonality of revenue.
During certain periods covered by this Annual Report, we also provided software solutions and Cost Trends."services to the legal vertical. As previously disclosed, we completed our divestiture of MyCase, Inc. on September 30, 2020. For additional details, see Note 1, Nature of Business and Note 3, Divestitures and Business Combinations of our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.
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The Challenges We have invested,Address
We believe that many companies face a common set of challenges that divert limited time and intendresources away from serving their customers and growing their businesses. Significant administrative burdens from inefficient manual processes and the use of disparate technologies or loosely integrated solutions only exacerbate those challenges. This is particularly evident in businesses that involve unique workflows, relationships among multiple users, significant data inputs and management, and compliance or regulatory requirements. Our platform is designed to continueprovide our customers an intuitive, reliable and integrated solution that brings innovative technology and services to invest, heavily intheir specific workflows, meets their key operational requirements and enables delivery of exceptional customer experiences. We rely on partners and third party service providers to deliver certain aspects of our businesssolutions, and we strive to provide a seamlessly integrated experience for our customers. We believe our customer-centric culture fosters a focus on customer satisfaction which leads to long-term customer retention and our long-term success. We believe our solutions and services offer customers the ability to capitalize on our market opportunity.
Our Solutions
AppFolio Property Manager - Core Solution

APMthe power of fully integrated business management software to interact with their business ecosystems, and to mine the data and insights gleaned from these relationships, which is a cloud-based software solution for the real estate market that provides property managers of various sizes (including both third-party managers and owner-operators) innovative tools and services designed to streamline their property management businesses. Our software solution serves a variety of property types, including single- and multi-family residential, commercial, community association, and student housing, and is continuously evolving to help our customers more effectively market, manage and grow their businesses. Core functionality addresses key operational issues, including posting and tracking vacancies, efficiently leasing vacant properties, facilitating tenant, owner and vendor communications, and accounting, among other things.



AppFolio Property Manager - Value+ Services

In additionintegral to our core solution, we offer the following optional Value+ servicescustomers' ability to our APM customers. These Value+ services are integrated with our software solution and built to support workflows essential to our customers’ businesses.

Website Services. We deliver and maintain professionally designed and architected websites that showcase our customers’ businesses. Our websites are fully-integrated with APM functionality, including vacancy postings, payment options, owner portals, and maintenance requests. Property managers can track and analyze site traffic and lead generation and identify prospects by evaluating guest cards that are completed by prospective tenants who visit the websites in connection with posted vacancies.

Electronic Payment Services. Our payments platform allows property managers to streamline their payables and receivables online. Our customers can collect rental application fees, rent payments, and other tenant charges all through a secure online portal, as well as receive owner contributions. They can quickly and conveniently pay owners, vendors and even their own management companies through APM.

Tenant Screening Services. We offer instant background screening and credit checks for use in connection with the rental application process, leveraging an automated nationwide eviction and criminal records search. Customers also have the option to access and/or contribute to Experian Rent Bureau rental payments history data, updated every 24 hours, to identify quality residents and reduce the risk of bad debts.

Insurance. We offer two insurance products — legal liability to landlord insurance and renters insurance — that can be tailored to help property managers get the maximum protection for their properties and meet renters’ needs, whether proof of insurance is required or not. Customers can instantly enroll residents in legal liability to landlord, which offers owners and investors increased protection against resident-caused damage. Individual renters also have the option to purchase renters insurance to protect their personal belongings, as well as the property itself from unexpected damages.

Contact Center. Our contact center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and serves as an extension of our property manager customers’ offices to resolve or route incoming maintenance requests. Contact center agents are able to enter non-emergency work orders directly into APM’s property maintenance software for a property manager’s approval and dispatch vendors immediately in case of an emergency.

Premium Leads. Our customers have the option to upgrade a property vacancy listing to premium status, thereby instantly syndicating it to dozens of pay-to-list websites, including featured placement on many free sites. Customers also receive advanced call tracking and only pay for verified leads that they receive through the service.

Tenant Debt Collections. Our customers may choose to utilize a nationwide contingency-based debt collection service provided by a nationally-licensed third party provider. Property managers are able to electronically send past due tenant debt from their APM database directly to the collections service for processing. The service also includes reporting unpaid balances to three major credit bureaus.

MyCase - Core Solution

Our legal software solution, MyCase, enables solo practitioners and small law firms to more efficiently administer their practice and manage their caseload. MyCase is continuously evolving to help our customers more effectively market, manage and grow their businesses and contains core functionality that addresses key operational issues, including managing calendars, contacts and documents, time tracking, billing and collections, communicating with clients and sharing sensitive and privileged materials.compete effectively.

MyCase - Value+ Services

In addition to our core solution for MyCase, we offer the following optional Value+ services to our legal customers.

Website Services. We deliver and maintain professionally designed and architected websites that practitioners and their clients can utilize to access case and matter information, communicate, and manage bills. Our websites are fully-integrated with the MyCase platform and designed to improve the effectiveness of law firm marketing, streamline daily business tasks, and increase mobile presence.



Electronic Payment Services. Our payments platform allows practitioners to streamline billing and receivables online. Our customers can quickly and conveniently bill their clients and receive payments electronically through MyCase's secure online portal.
Our Customers
As of December 31, 2017, we had 11,708 property manager customers that directly and indirectly accounted for more than 90% of our annual revenue. Our property manager customers typically manage portfolios ranging from 50 to 3,000 units, and include third-party managers and owner-operators who manage single- and multi-family residences, commercial properties, community associations and student housing, as well as mixed real estate portfolios.
We also had 9,349 solo practitioners and small law firms - the latter typically with fewer than 20 lawyers - that directly and indirectly accounted for less than 10% of our annual revenue.
We define our customer base as the number of customers subscribing to our core solutions, exclusive of free trial periods with respect to MyCase. No individual customer represented 10% or more of our total revenue for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.
Our Culture and Employees
We believe our people are at the heart of our success and our customers’ success, and have worked hard not only to attract and hire quality individuals but also to nurture and develop our valuable human resources. We believe in the strong team we have cultivated, particularly in our deep bench of leaders who continue to execute our strategic plans and encourage innovation across the organization. We further believe that our company culture, driven by a dedication to the following six core values, provides us with a significant competitive advantage:
Simpler Is Better
Great, Innovative Products Are Key To A Great Business
Great People Make A Great Company
Listening To Customers Is In Our DNA
Small, Focused Teams Keep Us Agile
We Do The Right Thing Because It’s Good For Business
As of December 31, 2017, we had 672 employees, and we consider our relationship with them to be very good. We also hire temporary employees and consultants, and feel similarly about our relationships with them. None of our employees is represented by a labor union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Our Growth Strategy
We have managed, and plan to continue to manage, our business towards the achievement of long-term growth that we believe will positively impact long-term stockholder value, rather than the realization of short-term financial or business metrics, or short-term stockholder value. Our growth strategy is to provide increasingly valuable cloud-basedindustry-specific business management software, solutionsservices and data analytics to SMBs within each specific vertical we choosenew and existing customers and their business ecosystems. We believe our customer-centric culture and market validation techniques that direct our product strategy are key to target.our success. Key components of our growth strategy include:
Maintain Product and Technology Leadership.Leadership. We have made, and will continue to make, significant investments in research and new product development to expand our core functionality and add new Value+ servicesplatform capabilities as we deem appropriate in existing and/or new verticalour target markets. We intend to continue using our market validation techniques and close relationships with our customers and users as a key source of feedback to inform and direct our product roadmap.strategy. We may also choose to acquire rather than build certain technology capabilities, or to partner with third parties to deliver key functionality to serve the needs of our existing verticals or facilitate our entry into adjacent markets or new verticals.customers and their business ecosystems.
Keep Our Existing Customers Happy. Customerand Users Happy. We believe customer success is essential to our long-term success. We place significant emphasis on customer service, which we believe leads to long-term customer relationships, to differentiate our software, solutionsservices and data analytics from competing products and thisproducts. This emphasis will continue to be a critical component of our businessgrowth strategy in the future. We believe that maintaining our focus on customer satisfactionsuccess will drivelead to new product innovation, the referral of new customers from existing satisfied customers, and greater adoption and utilization of our software solutions over time.and services.
Expand Adoption and Use By Existing Customers.Acquire New Customers. We have made, and will continuebelieve new customer acquisition is essential to make, significant investments that expand our core functionality and add new Value+ services in existing vertical markets to meet the evolving needs


and requirements of our customers.long-term success. We expect our customers willto continue to use our technology to manage their businesses and increasingly adopt and use additional Value+ services.
Target New Customers. We plan to grow our customer base of customers with our investments in the development of increasingly valuable business management capabilities for our target markets, sales and marketing programs, including evolving industry thought leadership and education, and the referral power of satisfied customers.
Expand Adoption and Use By Existing Customers. We have made, and will continue to make, significant investments in our solutions and services that expand functionality and enhance or add new capabilities to meet the current and evolving needs of our customers. We expect our satisfied customers promotingwill expand their usage of our softwareValue+ services to adapt our platform to their specific operational requirements. In addition, as our customers grow, we expect they will continue to use our solutions within our targeted verticals.and services to manage their larger businesses.
Enter New Adjacent Markets.Markets. We expect to continue to evaluate and expand into adjacent markets based on our market validation strategy and targeted customer feedback.feedback in a manner consistent with our strategic plan. We firmly believe that, while we are continuously developing our software solutionsolutions and services within one market, we can apply certain relevant product enhancements and key learnings from that market as we extend our platformsolutions and services into each successive adjacent market.markets.
Expand into New Verticals.We expect to continue to review potential opportunities to expand into additional vertical markets. In that regard, we use market validation techniquesmarkets in a manner consistent with our strategic plan. We believe our expansion into and success from adjacent markets may present opportunities to assess the scope and nature of business challenges in any potentialenter new vertical, as well as the likelihood that our target customers may purchase a cloud-based solution to solve their problems in that vertical, and their potential spend on such solutions.verticals. Any new vertical must also must fit within our overall business strategy, including our management team's assessment of available alternatives, such as the number and size of potential adjacent market opportunities, and the relative risk and return of these opportunities.
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The growth strategy that our management and board of directors have developed reflects our customer-centric and long-term growth view of our business, rather than the realization of short-term financial or business metrics, or short-term value. If opportunities arise that might cause us to sacrifice our performance with respect to short-term financial or business metrics, but that we believe are in the best interests of our stockholders in the long term, we will take those opportunities. The technology surrounding our business management solutions and services is constantly evolving, and our growth strategy is thus subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties. Please refer to Item 1A., "Risk Factors", for a more complete discussion of these and other risk-related issues.
Human Capital
We believe our people are at the heart of our success and our customers’ success. We endeavor to not only attract and retain talented employees, but also to provide a challenging and rewarding environment to motivate and develop our valuable human capital. We look to our talented employees to lead and foster various initiatives that support our company culture including those related to diversity, equity and inclusion. In addition, we rely heavily on our talented team to execute our growth plans and achieve our long-term strategic objectives.
We believe that our company culture, driven by a dedication to the following six core values, provides us with a competitive advantage:
Simpler Is Better
Great, Innovative Products Are Key To A Great Business
Great People Make A Great Company
Listening To Customers Is In Our DNA
Small, Focused Teams Keep Us Agile
We Do The Right Thing; It’s Good For Business
At December 31, 2020, we had 1,335 full-time employees and also routinely engage temporary employees and consultants. We consider our relationship with our employees and consultants to be strong. None of our employees are represented by a labor union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We must continue to attract and retain highly qualified and motivated personnel across our organization to execute our growth plan and achieve our strategic objectives. If we fail to do so, our business and operating results may suffer. Please refer to Item 1A., "Risk Factors", for a more complete discussion of these and other related risks.
Compensation and Benefits
We provide competitive compensation and benefits for our employees. Our compensation packages may include base salary, commission or annual performance-based bonuses, and stock-based compensation. We also offer general employee medical, dental, and vision insurance, health savings and flexible spending accounts, mental health resources, paid time off, paid family leave, life and disability insurance, and 401(k) plan matching contributions. These programs and our overall compensation packages seek to attract and retain talented employees.
Health, Safety and Wellness
We take the health and welfare of our employees very seriously, and have encouraged safe practices designed to stem the infection and spread of COVID-19 within our workforce and beyond and to maintain the mental health and well-being of our employees. Beginning in March 2020, in an effort to protect our employees and comply with applicable government orders, we restricted non-essential employee travel and transitioned our employees to a remote work environment. We currently expect the majority of our employees will continue working remotely at least through the second quarter of 2021. We are committed to our employees returning to the workplace in the long-term, and have recently constructed a new office space in Santa Barbara, California, extended the lease for our office in Richardson, Texas and are seeking new office space to lease in San Diego, California to accommodate our employees' return to the workplace in the future.
Workplace Awards
By attracting and retaining a team of people who are inspired by these values, focusing on building an outstanding culture, and offering opportunities for professional and personal growth, AppFolio has been recognized as a 2020 Best Place to Work and Highest Rated Company for Work-Life Balance During COVID-19 by Glassdoor, a 2020 Best Workplace for Women by Fortune, and a 2020 Best Workplace for Parents by Great Place to Work.
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Property Management Market
In 2008, we introduced AppFolio Property Manager ("APM"), a property management solution designed to address the unique operational and business requirements of property management companies and their business ecosystems. Recognizing that our customers and their business ecosystems would benefit from additional business critical services, we launched a series of Value+ services beginning in 2009. Our Value+ services are tailored to the specific workflows of property management businesses and generally fall into the categories of marketing and leasing, electronic payment services, business optimization and risk mitigation. In 2018, we introduced AppFolio Property Manager PLUS, ("APM PLUS"), a tier of APM designed for larger businesses with more complex needs. APM PLUS builds upon the functionality of APM and additionally offers data analytics, configurable workflows, and revenue management and optimization functionality for our customers.
APM and APM PLUS serve our property management customers, including third-party property managers and owner operators, who typically manage single- and multi-family residential, and others who manage community association, and commercial properties. Our solutions and services also serve other constituencies in the property management market, including property owners, rental prospects, tenants and service providers.
Our Property Management Solutions
AppFolio Property Manager - Core Solutions
Core functionality addresses key operational issues, including accounting and business analytics and management, marketing and leasing functionality, and communications with key stakeholders. APM PLUS builds upon the functionality of APM and additionally offers data analytics, configurable workflows, and revenue management and optimization functionality for our larger and more complex property management customers.
AppFolio Property Manager - Value+ Services
Our Value+ services build on functionality and workflows in our core solutions and generally fall into the categories of marketing and leasing, electronic payment services, business optimization and risk mitigation. Although many of our Value+ services are enabled by third party partners, we prioritize a seamless experience for our customers and users which increases their efficiency and ease of use of APM and APM PLUS. Utilization and adoption of our Value+ services is typically higher for residential properties than community association or commercial properties because of the unique and complex needs of the residential rental lifecycle. We have generally organized our Value+ services below in the manner in which they are experienced throughout the rental lifecycle.
We deliver and maintain professionally designed and architected Websites that showcase our customers’ businesses. Our websites are fully integrated with our property manager functionality, including vacancy postings, electronic payment services, owner portals, tenant portals and maintenance requests. Property managers can track and analyze site traffic and lead generation by evaluating completed guest cards from rental prospects who visit the websites in connection with posted vacancies. Features include search engine optimized content, integrations with leading 3D tour providers, professional photography sourcing, and logo creation.
Our Premium Leads functionality allow customers to upgrade property listings to premium status and syndicate them to dozens of pay-to-list websites, including featured placement on many sites. Customers also receive advance call tracking and pay only for the verified leads they receive through the Value+ service.
Our Artificial Intelligence Leasing Assistant works 24/7 as part of a customers' leasing team to provide tailored text message or email responses to rental prospects in real-time, and leverages integrated reporting to track leasing performance with accurate data to drive increased occupancy rates and operational efficiency.
Our Tenant Screening Services include background screening, credit checks, and income verification for use in connection with the rental application process. In addition to obtaining an applicant's credit history, property managers have the option of leveraging an automated nationwide eviction and criminal records search, as well as accessing and/or contributing to rental payments history data, to better identify qualified tenants and reduce risk.
Our accounting features include Electronic Payment Services that allow property managers to streamline their payables and receivables through a variety of online payment options. Customers can collect funds through a secure online portal, mobile application and via electronic cash payments from various users, including: rental application fees, security deposits, rent payments and other tenant charges; contributions from property owners; and periodic dues from those living in community associations. Customers can also electronically send funds to various users, including: distributions to property owners; payments to service providers; and payment to their own management company. Customers can also use our automated accounts payable solution to automate their accounts payable and expense recording process with smart bill entry, powered in part by artificial intelligence technology.
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Through partnerships and wholly-owned subsidiaries, we make available two insurance options, Liability to Landlord Insurance and Renters Insurance, that can be tailored to help property managers protect their properties and meet renters’ needs. Property managers can instantly enroll residents in liability to landlord insurance, which offers owners and investors increased protection against tenant-caused damage. Renters have the option of purchasing renters insurance through an online portal to protect their personal belongings, as well as the property itself, from certain unexpected damages.
With our Utility Management functionality, our customers are able to automate utility bill processing and resident billing, and manage utility-related operating and capital expenditures.
Our Maintenance Contact Center functionality is built into our customers maintenance workflow and is staffed 24/7/365 by trained agents, each acting as an extension of our property management customers’ teams to resolve or route incoming maintenance requests. Contact center agents are able to enter non-emergency work orders directly into APM’s property maintenance software for a property manager’s approval, and to dispatch vendors immediately in case of an emergency.
With our Tenant Debt Collections functionality, our customers can electronically send past due tenant debt from their APM database to a national fully-licensed third party debt collection agency to attempt to recover uncollected revenue. This Value+ service also includes reporting unpaid balances to three major credit bureaus.
With our Mailing Services functionality, our customers with community association units can streamline the mailing of required home owner association documentation.
Investment Management Market
In April 2019, we launched AppFolio Investment Management, which is designed to enable real estate investment managers to better manage their investor relationships by increasing transparency and streamlining certain business processes.
AppFolio Investment Management - Core Solutions
AppFolio Investment Management is a cloud-based software solution for real estate investment managers of various sizes that provides innovative tools and services designed to streamline their real estate investment management businesses. Core functionality addresses key operational issues, including management of investor relationships by increasing transparency and streamlining communications with key stakeholders.
AppFolio Investment Management - Value+ Solutions
We deliver and maintain professionally designed and architected Websites tailored to fit our customers’ businesses. Investment managers can track and analyze site traffic and lead generation. Features include search engine optimized content and logo creation.
Regulatory Environment
Our software, services, and data analytics are subject to certain legal, regulatory and other requirements. These laws are complex and evolving. Various U.S. federal and state laws govern many of our business activities, including, without limitation, the processing of payments, tenant screening, the sale and solicitation of insurance, and handling of consumer information. Despite our significant efforts to comply with all applicable requirements, there can be no guarantee that our efforts will be sufficient or that existing laws, rules or other requirements will not be interpreted, revised, augmented or rewritten in a way that adversely affects our regulated business activities, which comprise a significant majority of our overall business. Please refer to Item 1A., "Risk Factors", for a more complete discussion of these and other risk-related issues.
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Our Customers
We believe our customer-centric culture fosters a focus on customer satisfaction which leads to long-term customer retention and our long-term success. We define customers as those paying for a subscription to our core solutions. Our solutions and services are primarily used by our customers, and also by numerous other constituencies in the business ecosystems we serve. In the property management market, these other constituencies include property owners, rental prospects, tenants, and service providers. We generate a portion of our revenue from these users.
As of December 31, 2020, we had 15,724 property management customers. No individual customer represented 10% or more of our total revenue for fiscal 2020.
Sales and Marketing

We leverage a modern and scalable marketing approach along with marketing automation technology to attract and engage prospects, build brand recognition and our reputation as an industry leader in our targeted verticals.

leader. We participate in and drive industry thought leadership and education with both online and offline activities, and we use a variety of inbound and outbound marketing techniques to promote our business software solutions. solutions, services and data analytics.
Our salesbusiness development team acts in partnership with our marketing organizationand sales teams to reach potential customers, generate additional sales opportunities and speedaccelerate the time from evaluation to close. Our sales representatives then assist prospective property manager customers as they evaluate APM, while prospective law firm customers generally sign up for a 30-day free trial on a self-service basis (with additional support from a live sales development representative as needed).

our software solutions. Our interactive sales methodology allows our sales team to quickly build relationships, assess our customers’ business challenges, and demonstrate the benefits of our core functionality and, where applicable, Value+ services. Throughout the customer relationship, we continue to promote adoption and usage of our Value+ services by customers and users through a variety of channels, including email, webinars, training, sales outreach and from within our software solution via in-app messaging.

As we serve larger and more complex real estate customers, we have invested in additional headcount to manage and grow these customer relationships over time.
Customer Service

OurWe believe our success is based ontied to long-term customer retention,relationships, not a one-time sale, and we partner with our customers throughout the life of the relationship to help them navigate their digital transformation. We design our software solutions to be simple and easy to implement, use and manage, and offer unlimited training and support at no extra charge.sale. We pride ourselves on being customer-centric and strive to educate our customers on the additional core functionalitysolutions and Value+ services capabilities they can use to improve business efficiency and productivity.

Our solutions are designed to be easy to use and manage, and we offer training and support at no extra charge.
Our dedicated onboarding team strivesworks to ensure that customers are prepared to run their businesses on our platform and provide a seamless onboarding experience. As a result of our assistance with data migration matters, we are able to provide valuable insights into data integrity and work diligently with our customers to help resolve any issues in their underlying business processes. We also assist our customers with the configuration of our platformsoftware solutions for particular property types or cases,investment structures as appropriate. We provide a dedicated team throughout the onboarding process and beyond, and share insights on best practices in both of our targeted verticals. In addition, certain members of our Value+ teams are focused on guidingfor the markets we serve and dedicate resources to guide our customers through the adoption and utilization of our Value+ services.

Technology and Operations

Data SecurityOur software solutions are powered by a highly scalable computing platform, and Availability

are designed with a strong focus on data security and availability. We use Ruby-on-Rails as our primary web application framework, for both APM and MyCase.we take great care to keep this application framework and the rest of our software stack current in order to mitigate known security vulnerabilities. Our software solutions run on a combination of both publiccomputing platform and private cloud infrastructure consisting of both our own servers and Amazon’sare primarily powered by Amazon Web Service’ Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) platform. In order to ensure that data is not lost and that customer requests can be satisfied, production assets are securely replicated and regularly backed up to multiple geographic regions.
Our servers are located in state-of-the-art data centers operated by third-party service providers. Physical security


at these facilities includes a variety of access controls, including electronic keycards, pin codes, biometric hand scans and mantraps, and policing by high resolution, motion sensitive video surveillance. These facilities provide redundant power and a system of heating, ventilating and air conditioning, as well as fire-threat detection and suppression. We utilize a system of redundant routers, switches, server clusters and back-up systemsoperators monitor our production infrastructure to help ensure high availability. Amazon is widely recognized for operating state-of-the-art, highly availableperformance and availability, and our architecture allows our operators significant flexibility in achieving these goals. In particular, our operators have fine-grained control over the specific server and region on which each customer's data centers.resides, and can move customer data between different geographic regions in order to avoid service disruption or to increase service performance.

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With respect to Internet security, sensitiveSensitive customer data, such asincluding passwords, Social Security, and tax identification numbers, areis encrypted during transmission, and before being written to disk. In addition, all sensitive data is encrypted both in transit and at rest. Data is backed up using Amazon’s Simple Storage Service providing high durability, and we also perform regular backups of all customer data. We regularly evaluate our Internetproduct and infrastructure security, regularly, including through third-party penetration testing.

In addition, our software solutions allow our customers to define roles that provide different levels of access to users, allowing them to view and modify specific items depending on their role. Supervisors can distribute work to on-site staff in a secure and controlled environment, while leadership retains visibility across the entire system.

Some sensitive customer actions require secondary verification via two-factor authentication, and any customer can enable two-factor authentication for logging into their account. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there can be no assurance that the significant data security measures we employ will prevent malicious or unauthorized access to our systems and information. Please refer to Item 1A., "Risk Factors", for a more complete discussion of these and other risk-related issues.
Research and Product Development

We entrust product design, development and testing to our team of engineers, who coordinate closely with our product management team to launch new core functionality and Value+ services. Our engineers are organized in smaller groups to foster agility and continued innovation in responding to the evolving needs of our customers. We leverage a collaborative, team-based and test-driven approach to engineering in order to release new code frequently. We believe that it is easier for our customers to adjust to continuous updates to our software solutions, which incrementally change and improve their user experience, than it is to adapt to infrequent, but more drastic upgrades of legacy on-premise software.

We rely heavily on input from our customers and prospective customers in developing products that meet their needs and in anticipating developments in their respective industries.businesses. Our product management team leads our research and market validation efforts and provides guidance to management and our engineering team based on our collective domain expertise and in-depth knowledge and understanding of our customers. As a result, our product management team engages regularly with customers, partners, and other industry participants, as well as our customer service and sales and marketing organizations. Our product management team manages our development projects generally and serves to align separate functions within the company with a single strategic vision.
We entrust product design, development and testing to our engineering and product teams, who coordinate closely to launch new capabilities and services. Our engineers work in small teams generally aligned with specific customer segments or product capabilities to foster agility and continued innovation in responding to the evolving needs of our customers. We leverage a collaborative, team-based and test-driven approach to engineering in order to release new capabilities frequently. We believe that it is easier for our customers to adjust to continuous updates to our platform, which incrementally change and improve their user experience, than it is to adapt to infrequent, but more drastic upgrades. The software industry in general is characterized by rapid technological advances, changing industry standards, evolving customer requirements and intense competition, and we cannot be certain that our research and product development expenses were $16.6 million, $12.6 millionstrategies will be successful in every market we seek to serve. Please refer to Item 1A., "Risk Factors", for a more complete discussion of these and $9.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.other risk-related issues.
Competition
The overall market for business management software is global, highly competitive and continually evolving in responseto respond to changes in technology, operational requirements, and ever-changing laws and regulations. While we focus on providing software solutions to SMBs in each of our targeted verticals, weWe believe our competitors primarily fall into the following primary categories:
On-premise or cloud-based vertical market business management software providers that serve companies of all sizes in our markets; and
On-premise or cloud-based horizontal business management software providers that offer broad solutions across multiple verticals.
We also seeexperience competition from numerous cloud-based solutionsolutions providers that focus almost exclusively on one or more point solutions. For example, in the property managementreal estate vertical, we compete with payment solutions providers, listing services, tenant screening applications and specialists in lease forms. In the legal vertical, we compete with time tracking, legal billing and payment services. Continued consolidation among cloud-based solution providers could lead to significantly increasedincrease competition.
We believe the principal competitive factors in each of our vertical markets include the following:
breadth and depth of functionality in software solutions and applications;
brand awareness and reputation;
ease of deployment and use of software solutions and applications;
total costlevel of ownership;customer satisfaction;
data security and availability;
breadth and depth of functionality in software solutions and applications;
nature and extent of mobile interface;


level of customer satisfaction;
size of customer base and level of user adoption and usage;
brand awareness and reputation;total cost of ownership;
ability to innovate and respond to customer needs rapidly;
domain expertise with respect to our targeted verticals;expertise; and
ability to leverage a common technology platform and business strategy.
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We believe that we compete favorably on the factors described above. However, some of our competitors may have greater financial, technical and other resources, greater name recognition and larger sales and marketing budgets; therefore, we may not always compare favorably with respect to some or all of the foregoing factors.
Intellectual Property
We rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures and contractual restrictions to establish and protect our proprietary rights in our core solutions and Value+ services. As of January 31, 2018, we had twelve issuedWe hold eleven United States patents that directly relate to our technology and expire between 2026 and 2033. We intendalso maintain one issued United States patent that relates directly to web-based legal workflow software, which was exclusively licensed to MyCase, Inc. in connection with our divestiture from the legal vertical in September 2020. For additional details regarding our divestiture, see Note 1, Nature of Business and Note 3, Divestitures and Acquisitions of our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report. We may pursue additional patent protection to the extent we believe it would be beneficial and cost effective.
We have registered “AppFolio,” "MyCase" and "RentLinx"“AppFolio” and certain other marks as trademarks in the United States and several other jurisdictions. We have also acquired certain marks and filed trademark applications and renewals in the United States and certain other jurisdictions, and will pursue additional trademark registrations to the extent we believe it would be beneficial and cost effective. We are the registered holder of a variety of domestic and international domain names that include “appfolioinc.com,” “appfolio.com,” “mycase.com”“appfolioinvestmentmanagement.com” and similar variations. We also license software from third parties for use in our solutions, including open source software and other software available on standard commercial terms.
We control access to our proprietary technology by entering into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees and contractors, and confidentiality agreements with third parties. Despite our precautions, it may be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy our software solutions and use information that we regard as proprietary to create products and services that compete with ours.
SeasonalityTrends and Uncertainties Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has created and may continue to create significant uncertainty and volatility in a wide variety of industries and markets, including the global real estate market, and has prompted many federal, state, local, and foreign governments to implement various lock-down measures in an attempt to contain the spread and mitigate the impact of the disease. The initial implementation of such lock-down measures, and their re-introduction in response to a nation-wide resurgence of COVID-19 cases in late-2020, resulted in business closures, work stoppages, slowdowns and delays, work-from-home policies, travel restrictions and the cancellation or postponement of events.
We experience limited seasonality inDespite recent approval and initial distribution of vaccines, both the pandemic and the containment and mitigation measures have had and are likely to continue to have an adverse impact on the global and U.S. economies, the severity and duration of which are uncertain. It is likely that government stabilization efforts will only partially mitigate the consequences to the economy. As such, both the pandemic and containment and mitigation measures may adversely affect our business, operations and financial condition by, among other things, reducing demand for our core solutions and/or Value+ services, revenue, primarilyimpairing the productivity of our workforce, and reducing our access to capital. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will impact our business, financial conditions, and results of operations in the future is highly uncertain and will be affected by a number of factors. These include the duration and extent of the pandemic, the duration and extent of imposed or recommended containment and mitigation measures, the extent, duration, and effective execution of government stabilization and recovery efforts, including those from the successful distribution of effective vaccines.
Beginning in March 2020, in an effort to protect our employees and comply with respectapplicable government orders, we restricted non-essential employee travel and transitioned our employees to a remote work environment. We currently expect the majority of our employees will continue working remotely at least through the second quarter of 2021. Our workforce has continued to effectively develop and support our product and service offerings notwithstanding the current environment. We take the health and welfare of our people very seriously, and have encouraged safe practices designed to stem the infection and spread of COVID-19 within our workforce and beyond and to maintain the mental health and well-being of our employees. However, if the COVID-19 pandemic requires remote working conditions for a prolonged period of time, it could have an adverse impact on the productivity of our employees, which would harm our business and impede our ability to achieve our strategic plan. For example, certain of our employees with younger children have been required to respond to ongoing school closures and adapt to a distance learning environment, and may be required to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Further, we have a limited history of remote work and the long-term impact on, and the resulting types of continuing investments necessary for, our employee base is uncertain.
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Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic may have long-term effects on the nature of the office environment and remote working. This may present operational and workplace culture challenges that may adversely affect our business. However, we are committed to our employees returning to the screening services we provide to our property manager customers. These customers historically have processed fewer applications for new tenants during the fourth quarter holiday season; therefore, revenue associated with our screening services and new tenant applications typically declinesworkplace in the fourth quarterlong-term, and have recently constructed a new office space in Santa Barbara, California, extended the lease for our office in Richardson, Texas and are seeking new office space to lease in San Diego, California to accommodate our employees' return to the workplace in the future.
We began fiscal year 2020 with healthy demand for our products and services, many of which are designed to enable our customers to manage their businesses virtually. During the year. Astwelve months ended December 31, 2020, we experienced some variability in demand for certain Value+ services after lock-down measures were implemented. We expect demand variability for our products and services could continue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, although it is presently unclear whether the cumulative impacts will be positive or negative. For example, the economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic caused an increase in residential rental defaults and deferrals. Together with eviction moratoriums in some jurisdictions, this seasonal declineadversely affected the rental income of certain customers. Although the impact has not been material to date, a prolonged downturn in revenue,economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our customers and demand for our services.
We continue to actively communicate with and listen to our customers to best ensure that we are responding to their needs in the current environment with innovative solutions that will not only be beneficial now but also over the long-term as well. However, our ability to interact with customers has been impacted by the current environment. We believe that our inability to meet in-person with current or prospective customers, as well as the cancellation or postponement of Company-sponsored events or third-party events at which our products are featured, may have a negative impact on our business.
We continue to monitor developments related to COVID-19 and remain flexible in our response to the challenges presented by the pandemic. To mitigate the adverse impact COVID-19 may have on our business and operations, we have typically experienced slower sequential revenue growth orimplemented a sequential decline in revenue innumber of measures to protect the fourth quarter of eachhealth and safety of our most recent fiscal years. We expect this seasonalityemployees, as well as to continuestrengthen our financial position. These efforts include eliminating, reducing, or deferring non-essential expenditures, as well as complying with local and state government recommendations to protect our workforce.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may also exacerbate other risks discussed in the foreseeable future.

Segments

We have one operating and reportable segment consisting of various products and services that are all related to our cloud-based business management software and Value + platforms for various vertical markets. For our revenue, net loss and total assets, see our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report. Refer to Item 1A. "Risk Factors" in this Annual Report for a complete description of the material risks that we currently face.
Corporate Information
We were formed in 2006 as a Delaware limited liability company and converted to a Delaware corporation in 2007. Our principal executive offices are located at 50 Castilian Drive, Santa Barbara, California 93117, and our telephone number is (805) 364-6093. Our corporate website is www.appfolioinc.com. The information contained on or accessed through our website does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report. References to our website address in this Annual Report are inactive textual references only.
“AppFolio,” “MyCase,” "RentLinx," the AppFolio logo, the MyCase logo,, and other trademarks and trade names of AppFolio MyCase and RentLinx appearing in this Annual Report are our property. All other trademarks or trade names appearing in this report are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, the trademarks and trade names in this report


are referred to without the ® and ™ symbols. We do not intend our use or display of the trademarks, trade names or service marks of other parties to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us, by such other parties.
Available Information
We file annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, as well as amendments to those reports pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Exchange Act. We also file proxy statements and information statements pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act. The public may obtain these filings at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549 or by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains the reports, proxy and information statements, and other information that we file with or furnish to the SEC electronically. Copies of the reports, proxy statements and other information may also be obtained, free of charge, electronically through our corporate website, at www.appfolioinc.com, as soon as reasonably practical after we file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.
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ITEM 1A.     RISK FACTORS


An investment in our Class A common stock involves risks.    You should consider carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information included in this Annual Report, as well as in our other public filings with the SEC, before makingin evaluating our business and/or an investment decision.in our Class A common stock. If any of the following risks are realized,actually occur, our business, financial condition, and operating results and future prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our Class A common stock may decline and you couldmight lose all or part of your investment. Furthermore, additionalThe risks and uncertainties of whichdescribed below are not the only ones we are currently unaware, or whichface. Additional risks that we currently considerdo not know about or that we currently believe to be immaterial could have a material adverse effect onmay also impair our business.business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.
Please be advised that certain of the risks and uncertainties described below contain “forward-looking statements.” See the section of this Annual Report entitled “CautionaryCautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”Statements for additional information.
Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry
Health epidemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have had, and could in the future have, a material adverse impact on our operations, the operations of our customers and other business partners, and the markets and communities in which we and our customers and partners operate.
In December 2019, a novel coronavirus disease, referred to as COVID-19, was reported and has spread globally, including to every state in the United States. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and on March 13, 2020, the United States government declared a national emergency with respect to COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and another public health crisis or epidemic in the future could have, repercussions across local, regional and global economies and financial markets. The outbreak of COVID-19 in many countries, including the United States, has adversely impacted global economic activity and has contributed to volatility in and negative pressure on financial markets. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many state, local, and foreign governments have put in place, and others in the future may put in place, travel restrictions, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders, and similar government orders and restrictions, in an attempt to control the spread of the disease. Such restrictions or orders, or the perception that such restrictions or orders could be implemented, have resulted in business closures, work stoppages, slowdowns and delays, work-from-home policies, and cancellation or postponement of events, among other effects that could negatively impact our operations, as well as the operations of our customers and business partners. These potential impacts are only amplified by the length of time they remain in place, as the cumulative effect upon our customers and their businesses may exacerbate the potential harm to our business and results of operations.
Beginning in March 2020, in an effort to protect our employees and comply with applicable government orders, we restricted non-essential employee travel and transitioned our employees to a remote work environment. We currently expect the majority of our employees will continue working remotely at least through the second quarter of 2021. Our workforce has continued to effectively develop and support our product and service offerings notwithstanding the current environment. We take the health and welfare of our people very seriously, and have encouraged safe practices designed to stem the infection and spread of COVID-19 within our workforce and beyond and to maintain the mental health and well-being of our employees. However, if the COVID-19 pandemic requires remote working conditions for a prolonged period of time, it could have an adverse impact on the productivity of our employees, which would harm our business and impede our ability to achieve our strategic plan. For example, certain of our employees with younger children have been required to respond to ongoing school closures and adapt to a distance learning environment, and may be required to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Further, we have a limited history of remote work and the long-term impact on, and the resulting types of continuing investments necessary for, our employee base is uncertain.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a rapid rise in unemployment and a sudden decrease in global economic activity, and many businesses have experienced, or are anticipating that they may experience, a significant negative impact on their operating results. Our inability to meet in-person with current or prospective customers, or the cancellation or postponement of Company-sponsored events or third-party events at which our products are featured, could have a negative impact on our customer engagement efforts, which could further impact demand in future periods. Furthermore, the demand for our products and services, as well as our operating results, could be adversely impacted due to a number of other factors, including the following:
customers delaying decisions to adopt our core products, or expand the use of our Value+ services, as they seek to reduce or delay spending in response to the impacts of COVID-19 on their own businesses;
a complete or partial closure of, or other operational issues at, properties owned by our customers resulting from government restrictions or orders;
a deterioration in our ability, or the ability of our customers, to operate in affected geographic areas;
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bankruptcies or other financial difficulties facing our customers, which could cause them to delay making payments to us, or result in them terminating or reducing their use of our core products or Value+ services;
the inability of tenants to meet their obligations to our customers, resulting in tenant evictions or the sale of properties;
the failure of key business partners to provide services needed for our efficient operations, including with respect to electronic payments and tenant screening;
a decrease in the reliability or availability of our core products or Value+ services as a result of errors, defects or service interruptions caused by the remote work environment;
an increase in risks related to cyber-attacks or fraud designed to exploit perceived or actual gaps in security as a result of the remote work environment; and
a decrease in the availability or utility of our customer service organization caused by the remote work environment.
Any of the factors described above, or any number of other risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic, could disrupt our business, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, operations and financial results. Despite recent approval and initial distribution of vaccines, both the pandemic and the containment and mitigation measures have had and are likely to continue to have an adverse impact on the global and U.S. economies, the severity and duration of which are uncertain. It is likely that government stabilization efforts will only partially mitigate the consequences to the economy. As such, both the pandemic and containment and mitigation measures may adversely affect our business, operations and financial condition by, among other things, reducing demand for our core solutions and/or Value+ services, impairing the productivity of our workforce, and reducing our access to capital. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will impact our business, financial conditions, and results of operations in the future is highly uncertain and will be affected by a number of factors. These include the duration and extent of the pandemic, the duration and extent of imposed or recommended containment and mitigation measures, the extent, duration, and effective execution of government stabilization and recovery efforts, including those from the successful distribution of effective vaccines.
We manage our business towards the achievement ofto achieve long-term growth, which may not be consistent with the short-term expectations of some investors.
We plan to continue to manage our business towards the achievement of long-term growth that we believe willto positively impact long-term stockholder value, and not towards the realization of short-term financial or business metrics or short-term stockholder value. If opportunities arise that might cause us to sacrifice our performance with respect to short-term financial or business metrics, but that we believe are in the best interests of our stockholders, we will take those opportunities.
We focus on growing our customer base by launching new and innovative core functionality and Value+ services to address our customers’ evolving business needs, developing new products for adjacent markets and additional verticals, and improving the experience of our users across our targeted verticals. We prioritize product innovation and user experience over short-term financial or business metrics. We will make product decisions and pursue opportunities that may reduce our short-term operating results if we believe that these decisions are consistent with our strategic objective to achieve long-term growth. These decisions may not be consistent with the short-term expectations of some investors, and may cause significant fluctuations in our operating results and our stock price from period to period. In addition, notwithstanding our intention to make strategic decisions that positively impact long-term stockholder value, the decisions we make may not produce the long-term benefits we expect.
Our principal stockholders, some of whom also serve as our directors and executive officers, directors and principal stockholders control a majority of the combined voting power of our outstanding capital stock. As a result, they are able to exercise significant influence and control over the establishment and implementationelection of a majority of our future business plansdirectors and thereby have the power to control our affairs and policies, including the appointment of management and strategic objectives,decisions, as well as control all matters that are submitted to a vote by our stockholders for approval. These persons may manageholders of our business in ways with which you disagree and whichcommon stock. The interests of our principal stockholders may be inconsistent with or adverse to your interests.those of holders our Class A common stock.
If we fail
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Failure to manage our growth effectively it could adversely affect our operating results and preclude us from achievingour achievement of our strategic objectives.plans.
We have experienced significant growth since our formation in 2006, and we anticipate that we will continue to experience growth and expansion of our operations. This growth in the size, complexity and diversity of our business has placed, and we expect that our growthit will continue to place, a significant strain on our management, administrative, operational and financial resources, as well as our company culture. Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to manage this growth effectively.effectively, which we expect to be more challenging in the current environment as we seek to respond to the uncertainty and disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To manage the expected growth of our operations, and personnel, we will need to continue to develop and improve our operational and financial controls and our reporting systems and procedures, attract and toretain highly qualified and motivated personnel across our organization, and nurture and build on our company culture. Failure to effectively manage growth could adversely impact our business, including by resulting in errors or delays in deploying new core


functionality to our customers, delays or difficulties in introducing new Value+ services or other products, declines in the quality or responsiveness of our customer service organization, exposure to legal, regulatory and operational risks inherent in our business and resulting from any new products or services we provide to our customers or to our customers’ customers, increases in costs and operating expenses, and other operational difficulties. If any of these risks actually occur, it could adversely affect our operating results, and preclude us from achieving our strategic objectives.
We have a limited operating history and limited experience selling our solutions. As a result of continuingexpect to make substantial investments across our organization to grow our business we expect our financial resultsand may fluctuate significantly for the foreseeable future.not sustain profitability.
We were formed in 2006 and in 2008 we entered the real estate market with our first product, APM, to serve property managers. In 2012, we entered the legal vertical through the acquisition of MyCase. As a result, we have a limited operating history and limited experience selling our software solutions in two continually evolving vertical markets, especially within the legal vertical. These and other factors combine to make it more difficult for us to accurately forecast our future operating results, which in turn makes it more difficult for us to prepare accurate budgets and implement strategic plans. We expect that this uncertainty will continue to exist in our business for the foreseeable future, and will be exacerbated to the extent we introduce new functionality, or enter adjacent markets or new verticals.
We have made substantial investments across our organization to develop our software solutions and capitalize on our market opportunity. In order to implement our business and growth strategy, we intend tohave made and will continue to make substantial investments in, among other things:
our researchacross our organization and, product development organization to enhance the ease of use and functionality of our software solutions by adding new core functionality, Value+ services and other improvements to address the evolving needs of our customers, as well as to develop new products for adjacent markets and new verticals;
our customer service organization to deepen our relationships with our customers, assist our customers in achieving success through the use of our software solutions, and promote customer retention;
our sales and marketing organization, including expansion of our direct sales organization and marketing programs, to increase the size of our customer base, increase adoption and utilization of new and existing Value+ services by our new and existing customers, and enter adjacent markets and new verticals;
maintaining and expanding our technology infrastructure and operational support, including data center operations, to promote the security and availability of our software solutions, and support our growth;
our general and administrative functions, including hiring additional finance, IT, human resources, legal and administrative personnel, to support our growth and assist us in achieving and maintaining compliance with public company reporting and compliance obligations;
the expansion of our existing facilities, including leasing and building out additional office space, to support our growth and strategic expansion; and
our continued strategic efforts to identify and expand into key adjacent and new vertical markets.
As a result, of our continuing investments to grow our business in these and other areas, we expect our expenses to increase significantly and we may not be consistently profitable. For example, we intend to continue to make substantial investments in, among other things: our research and product development organization to enhance the ease of use and functionality of our software solutions and develop new products; our continued efforts to identify acquisition targets that enhance the depth and/or functionality of our software solutions or Value+ services; our customer service organization to deepen our relationships with our customers and promote customer retention; our sales and marketing organization, including expansion of our direct sales organization and marketing programs, to increase the size of our customer base and increase adoption and utilization of new and existing Value+ services by our new and existing customers; maintaining and expanding our technology infrastructure and operational support to promote the security and availability of our software solutions; our general and administrative functions, to support our growth and assist us in maintaining compliance with legal, regulatory and other compliance-related obligations; and the expansion of our existing facilities, including leasing and building out additional office space, to support our growth and strategic development. Even if we are successful in growing our customer base and increasing revenue from new and existing customers, we may not be able to generate additional revenue in an amount that is sufficient to cover our expenses. We cannot assure you that we will continue to achieve profitability in the near term or that we will sustain profitability on a sequential quarterly basis or over any particular period of time.
Our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly and period-to-period comparisons of our results may not be meaningful.
Our quarterly results, including the levels of our revenue, costs, operating expenses, and operating margins, may fluctuate significantly in the future, and period-to-period comparisons of our results may not be meaningful. Accordingly, the results of any one quarter should not be relied upon as an indication of our future performance. Our focus on managing our business towards the achievement of long-term growth, rather than the realization of short-term metrics, may also exacerbate fluctuations in our quarterly results, which could negatively impact the value of our Class A common stock. We may incur significant losses in a particular period for a number of reasons, and may experience significant fluctuations in our operating results from period to period,period. These and other factors, including the significant disruption and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, combine to make it difficult for us to accurately forecast our future operating results, which in turn makes it difficult for us to prepare accurate budgets and implement strategic plans. Furthermore, if our quarterly results fall below the expectations of investors or any securities analysts who follow our stock, or below any financial guidance we may provide, the price of our Class A common stock could decline substantially.
Our estimates of market opportunity are subject to significant uncertainty and, even if the markets in which we compete meet or exceed our size estimates, we could fail to increase our revenue or market share.
We determine the level of our investment in various aspects of the business, in part, based on our market opportunity estimates. Market opportunity estimates are subject to significant uncertainty and are based on assumptions and estimates, including our internal analysis and industry experience. Assessing the market for industry-specific, cloud-based business management software is particularly difficult due to a number of factors, including limited available information and rapid evolution of the market. Further, market opportunity estimates sometimes change based on relevant macro-trends and market conditions, or evolving assessment methodologies. The disruptions and impacts caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic may ultimately require us to significantly reduce our estimates of the market opportunities in certain markets or industry verticals, which could negatively impact our long-term growth prospects.
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Our acquisition of other companies or technologies would subject us to integration risks, as well as risks related to the financing of such acquisitions.
We have acquired, and may in the future acquire, other companies or technologies to complement or expand our software solutions, optimize our technical capabilities, enhance our ability to compete in our targeted vertical, provide an opportunity to expand into an adjacent market or new vertical, or otherwise offer growth or strategic opportunities. For example, in the real estate vertical, we acquired substantially all of the assets of WegoWise in 2018 and completed the acquisition of Dynasty in 2019. The identification, investigation and negotiation of acquisitions may divert the attention of management and cause us to incur various expenses, whether or not they are consummated. We have limited experience acquiring other businesses and we may not be able to effectively integrate acquired assets, technologies, personnel and operations or achieve the anticipated synergies or other benefits from the acquired business due to the inherent risks associated with acquisitions. If an acquisition fails to meet our expectations in terms of its contribution to our overall business strategy or operating results, or if the costs of acquiring or integrating the acquired business exceed our estimates, our business, operating results and financial condition may suffer.
Acquisitions could also subject us to related financing risks. We cannot guarantee that additional financing will be available to us on favorable terms when required, or at all. Acquisitions could result in the issuance of equity securities, which would result in immediate dilution to our stockholders and those securities may have powers, preferences or rights senior to the rights of our Class A common stock. We may incur debt to finance acquisitions, which could impose debt service obligations and restrictions on our ability to operate our business. Our ability to obtain additional capital for acquisitions will depend on numerous factors, including investor and lender demand, our compliance with debt obligations, our historical and forecasted financial and operating performance, our liquidity position, the overall condition of the capital markets, and the global economy as a resultwhole. If we raise funds in the form of debt, we may incur interest expense or other costs to service the debt, we may be required to encumber certain assets, and we may become subject to restrictions on our ability to conduct business, any of which could negatively impact our operating results. Furthermore, a significant portion of the purchase price of companies we may acquire could be allocated to goodwill and other risks and uncertainties described elsewhere inintangible assets, which must be assessed for impairment. In the future, if our acquisitions do not yield expected returns, we may be required to take charges to our operating results based on this Annual Report. We cannot assure you that we will continue to achieve profitability in the near term or that we will sustain profitability over any particular period of time. Any additionalimpairment assessment process, which could adversely affect our operating losses will have a negative impact on our stockholders’ equity.results.
Actual or perceived securitySecurity vulnerabilities in our software solutions breachesor a breach of our security controls could result in the loss, theft, misuse, unauthorized disclosure, or other unauthorized access to our customers’customer or employee data, could result in liability or reputational harm to us,other confidential or cause us to lose customers, any ofsensitive information, which could harm our customer and/or employee relationships, expose us to litigation or harm our reputation.
Our business involves the storage and operating results.
transmission of a significant amount of confidential and sensitive information, including the personal information of our employees and other individuals, customer data, and our proprietary financial, operational and strategic information. In providing our software solutions, we store and transmit large amounts of our customers’ data, including sensitive and proprietary data.data and personal information collected by or on behalf of our customers. Our software solutions are typically the system of record, system of engagement and, increasingly, the system of intelligence for all or a portion of our customers’ businesses, and the data processed through our software solutions is critical to their businesses. Cyber-attacksLike many other businesses, we have experienced, and other malicious Internet-based activities continue on a regular basis, as evidenced by the recent targetingare continually at risk of a number of high profile companiesbeing subject to, cyber attacks and organizations.data security incidents. As our business grows, the number of users of our software solutions, as well as the amount of information we collect and store, is increasing, and our brands are becoming more widely


recognized. We believe these factors combine to make recognized which makes us an even greater target for this type of malicious activity. Techniques used to sabotage,There can be no assurance that the security measures we employ will prevent malicious or to obtain unauthorized access to our systems and information. Furthermore, no security program can entirely eliminate the risk of human error, such as an employee or networks change frequently and generally are not recognized until launched against a target.contractor’s failure to follow one or more security protocols. Therefore, despite our significant efforts to keep our systems, products and networks protected and up to date, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques,cyber attacks, detect security incidents or react to them in a timely manner, or implement adequate preventive measures, any of which may expose us to a risk of loss, litigation and potential liability. In addition, some of our third-party partnersservice providers also collect and/or store our sensitive information from transactions withand our customers,customers’ data on our behalf, and these third partiesservice providers are subject to similar threats of cyber-attackscyber attacks and other malicious Internet-based activities.
If our security measures, or the security measures of our third-party partners,service providers, are breached as a result of negligence, wrongdoing or malicious activity on the part of our employees, our partners’ employees, our customers’ employees, or any third party, or as a result of any human error or neglect, product defect or otherwise, and this results in the disruption of the confidentiality, availabilityloss, theft, misuse, unauthorized disclosure, or integrity of our customers’unauthorized access to customer data or other sensitive information, we could incur liability to our customers and to individuals or organizations whose information was being stored by us or our customers, as well as fines from payment processing networks and regulatory action by governmental bodies. If we experience a widespread security breach, we cannot be certain that our insurance coverage will be sufficient to compensate us for liabilities actually incurred or that insurance will continue to be available to us on reasonable terms, or at all. In addition, anysecurity breaches of our security controls or other unauthorized access to our customers’ data could result in reputational damage, adversely affect our ability to attract new customers and cause existing customers to reduce or discontinue the use of our software solutions, any of which could harm our business and operating results.solutions. Furthermore, the perception by our current or potential customers that our software solutions could be vulnerable to exploitation or that our security breaches,measures are inadequate, even in the absence of a particular problem or threat, could reduce market acceptance of our software solutions and cause us to lose customers. The legal and regulatory
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environment around data security and governance is significantly evolving, and both regulators and consumers are increasingly taking action on data-related matters, which may contribute to increased reputational, economic and other harm in the event of a data security incident.
Service outages due to malicious activities orand other infrastructure performance problems associated with our technology infrastructure could harm our reputation and adversely affect our ability to attract new customers and cause us to lose existingretain customers.
We have experienced significant growth in the number of users and the amount of data that our technology infrastructure supports, and we expect this growth to continue. We seek to maintain sufficient excess capacity in our technology infrastructure to meet the needs of all of our customers, including to facilitatefacilitating the expansion of existing customer deployments and the provisioning of new customer deployments. In addition, we need to properly manage our technology infrastructure in order to support version control, changes in hardware and software parameters, and the evolution of our software solutions. However, the provision of new hosting infrastructure requires significant lead-time.
We have experienced, and may in the future experience, website disruptions, service outages and other performance problems with our technology infrastructure. These problems may be caused by a variety of factors, including infrastructure changes, power or network outages, fire, flood or other natural disasters affecting our data centers,cloud computing platform providers, human or software errors, viruses, security breaches, fraud or other malicious activity, spikes in customer usage and distributed denial of service issues. In some instances, we may not be able to identify the cause or causes of these service outages and performance problems within an acceptable period of time.attacks. If our technology infrastructure fails to keep pace with the increased number of users and amount of data, or if we are unable to avoid service outages and performance problems, or to resolve them quickly, this could adversely affect our ability to attract new customers, result in the loss of existing customers and harm our reputation, any or all of which could adversely affect our business and operating results.
Errors, defects or other disruptions in our software solutions could harm our reputation, cause us to lose customers, and result in significant expenditures to correct the problem.
Our customers use our software solutions to manage critical aspects of their businesses, and any errors, defects or other disruptions in the performance of our software solutions, including with respect to third party partners upon which certain of our software solutions are dependent, may result in loss of or damage to our customers’ data and disruption to our customers’ businesses, which could harm our reputation. We faceprovide continuous updates to our software solutions and these updates may contain undetected errors when first introduced. In the past, we have discovered errors, failures, vulnerabilities and bugs in our software updates after they have been released, and similar problems may arise in the future. Real or perceived errors, failures, vulnerabilities or bugs in our software solutions could result in negative publicity, reputational harm, loss of customers, delay in market acceptance of our software solutions, loss of competitive position, withholding or delay of payment to us, claims by customers for losses sustained by them and potential litigation or regulatory action. In any such event, we may be required to expend additional resources in order to help correct the problem or we may choose to expend additional resources to take corrective action even where not required. The costs incurred in correcting any material errors, defects or other disruptions could be substantial and there may not be any corresponding increase in revenue to offset these costs. In addition, we may not carry insurance sufficient to compensate us for any losses that may result from claims arising from errors, defects or other disruptions in our software solutions.
Privacy and data security laws and regulations could impose additional costs and reduce demand for our software solutions.
We store and transmit personal information relating to our employees and other individuals, and our customers use our technology platform to store and transmit a significant amount of personal information relating to their customers, vendors, employees and other industry participants. Federal, state and foreign government bodies and agencies have in the past adopted, and may in the future adopt, laws and regulations regarding the collection, use, processing, storage and disclosure of personal or identifying information obtained from customers and other individuals. For instance, the California Consumer Privacy Act created new data privacy and security rights for California residents. Similarly, there are a number of existing and proposed laws and regulations in the European Union and the United States at both the federal and state level, as well as other jurisdictions that could impose new obligations in areas affecting our business. These new obligations could increase the cost and complexity of delivering our services, and divert our managements’ attention from pursuing strategic objectives.
In addition to government regulation, privacy advocates and industry groups may propose various self-regulatory standards that may legally or contractually apply to our business. As new laws, regulations and industry standards take effect, and as we expand into new jurisdictions, adjacent markets or, potentially, verticals consistent with our strategic plan, we will need to understand and comply with various new requirements, which may result in significant additional costs. These laws, regulations and industry standards could have negative effects on our business, including by increasing our costs and operating expenses, and/or delaying or impeding our deployment of new or existing core functionality or Value+ services. Failure to comply with these laws, regulations and industry standards could result in negative publicity, subject us to fines or penalties, expose us to litigation, or result in demands that we modify or cease existing business practices. In addition, the costs of compliance with, and other burdens imposed by, such laws, regulations and industry standards may adversely affect our customers’ ability or desire to collect, use, process and store personal information using our software solutions, which could reduce overall demand for them. Furthermore, privacy and data security concerns may cause our customers’ clients, vendors, employees and other industry participants to resist providing the personal information necessary to allow our customers to use our applications effectively. Any of these outcomes could adversely affect our business and operating results.
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We face risks in our electronic payment processingservices business that could adversely affect our business and/or operating results.
In connection with our electronic paymentpayments services business, we processfacilitate the processing of both inbound and outbound payments and subsequently submit these payments tofor our customers after varying clearing times established by us.customers. These payments are settled through our sponsoring clearing bank, card payment processors, and in the case ofother third-party electronic funds transfers, or EFTs, through our Originating Depository Financial Institutions, or ODFIs, pursuant to agreements with one or more national banking institutionspayment services providers that we may contract with from time to time. Our electronic payment services subject us to a number of risks, including, but not limited to:
to, liability for customer costs related to disputed or fraudulent transactions if those costs exceed the amount of the customer reserves we have during the clearing period or after payments have been settled to our customers;
electronic processing limits on the amounts that any single ODFI, or collectively all of our ODFIs, will underwrite;
our reliance on sponsoring clearing banks, card payment processors and other electronic payment partners to process electronic transactions, especially where those partners are highly scrutinized and regulated themselves;
failure by us, our partners or our customers to adhere to applicable laws, regulations and standards that may legally or contractually apply to the provision of electronic payment services;
continually evolving and developing laws and regulations governing money transmission and anti-money


laundering, the application or interpretationfraudulent transactions and other incidences of which is not clearfraud in some jurisdictions;
incidences of fraud, security breaches, errors, defects, failures, vulnerabilities or bugs in our electronic payments platform, or our failure to comply with required external audit standards; and
our inability to increase our fees at times when our electronic payment partners increase their transaction processing fees.
If any of these risks related to our electronic payment services were to materialize, our business or operating results could be negatively affected. Although we attempt to structure and adapt our electronic payment services to comply with complex and evolving laws, regulations and standards, our underwriting efforts do not guarantee compliance.ecosystem. In the event that we are found to be in violation of our legal, regulatory or contractual requirements, we may be subject to monetary fines or penalties, cease and desistcease-and-desist orders, mandatory product changes, or other liabilities that could have an adverse effect on our operating results.
Additionally, with respect to the processing of EFTs,electronic payment transactions by our third-party electronic payment services providers, we are exposed to financial risk. EFTsElectronic payment transactions between our customer and another user may be returned for various reasons such as insufficient funds, fraud or stop payment orders. These returns are charged back to the customer by us. However, ifIf we or our sponsoring clearing bankelectronic payment services provider is unable to collect such amounts from the customer’s account, (such as if the customer is illegitimate, or if the customer refuses or is unable to reimburse us for the amounts charged back), we bear the ultimate risk of loss for the amount of the transfer. While we have not experienced material losses resulting from amounts charged back in the past, there can be no assurance that we will not experience these types of significant losses in the future.
In addition to the foregoing risks associated with our electronic payment services themselves,transaction amount. Further, there is an overarching risk stemming from the potential widespread adoption of quickly evolving financial technology products, including, for example, blockchain or other distributed ledger technologies, that could materially impact the manner in which payments are processed. Suchprocessed, the mix of payment methodologies conventionally utilized by payors and payees, and the regulatory framework applicable to such payments. The adoption of new disruptive financial technologies could significantly reduce the volume of payments processed by us and our third party partners electronic payment services business and/or change the transaction costs associated with or potential revenue derived from those payments, thereby reducing our revenue and increasing our associated expenses, which could materially impact our business, financial condition, and operating results and, ultimately, our stock price.results.
Evolution and expansion of our electronic payment services may subject us to additional risks and regulatory requirements.
The evolution and expansion of our electronic payment services may subject us to additional risks and regulatory requirements, including, without limitation, laws and regulations governing money transmission and anti-money laundering. These requirements vary throughout the markets in which we operate, and several jurisdictions lack clarity with respect to the application and interpretation of these rules. Our efforts to comply with these rules could require significant management time and effort, as well as significant expenditures, and will not guarantee our compliance with all regulatory requirements, especially given that the applicable regulatory frameworks are constantly changing and subject to evolving interpretation. While we maintain a compliance program focused on applicable laws and regulations throughout our applicable industries, there is no guarantee that we will not be subject to fines, penalties or other regulatory actions in one or more jurisdictions, or be required to adjust our business practices to accommodate future regulatory requirements.
Errors, defects or other disruptionsWe face risks in our software solutions could harm our reputation, cause us to lose customers, and result in significant expenditures to correct the problem.
Our customers use our software solutions to manage critical aspects of their businesses, and any errors, defects or other disruptions in the performance of our software solutions may result in loss of or damage to our customers’ data and disruption to our customers’ businesses, which could harm our reputation. We provide continuous updates to our software solutions and, while our software updates undergo extensive testing prior to their release, these updates may contain undetected errors when first introduced. In the past, we have discovered errors, failures, vulnerabilities and bugs in our software updates after they have been released, and similar problems may arise in the future. Real or perceived errors, failures, vulnerabilities or bugs in our software solutions could result in negative publicity, reputational harm, loss of customers, delay in market acceptance of our software solutions, loss of competitive position, withholding or delay of payment to us, claims by customers for losses sustained by them and potential litigation. In any such event, we may be required to expend additional resources in order to help correct the problem or, in order to address customer service or reputational concerns, we may choose to expend additional resources to take corrective action even where not required. The costs incurred in correcting any material errors, defects or other disruptions could be substantial and there may not be any corresponding increase in revenue to offset these costs. In addition, we may not carry insurance sufficient to compensate us for any losses that may result from claims arising from errors, defects or other disruptions in our software solutions.


Our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly and period-to-period comparisons of our results may not be meaningful.
Our quarterly results, including the levels of our revenue, costs, operating expenses, and operating margins, may fluctuate significantly in the future, and period-to-period comparisons of our results may not be meaningful. Accordingly, the results of any one quarter should not be relied upon as an indication of our future performance. In addition, our quarterly results may not fully reflect the underlying performance of our business. Factors that may cause fluctuations in our quarterly results include, but are not limited to:
our ability to retain our existing customers, and to expand adoption and utilization of our core solutions and Value+tenant screening services by our existing customers;
our ability to attract new customers, the type of customers we are able to attract, the size and needs of their businesses, and the cost of acquiring these customers;
the mix of our core solutions and Value+ services sold during the period;
the timing and impact of security breaches, service outages or other performance problems with our technology infrastructure and software solutions;
variations in the timing of sales of our core solutions and Value+ services as a result of trends impacting the verticals in which we sell our software solutions;
the timing and market acceptance of new core functionality, Value+ services and other products introduced by us and our competitors;
changes in our pricing policies or those of our competitors;
the timing of our recognition of revenue;
our ability to convert customers who start their accounts on a free trial into paying subscribers;
the amount and timing of costs and operating expenses related to the maintenance and expansion of our business infrastructure and operations;
the amount and timing of costs and operating expenses associated with assessing or entering adjacent markets or new verticals;
the amount and timing of costs and operating expenses related to the development or acquisition of businesses, services, technologies or intellectual property rights, and potential future charges for impairment of goodwill from these acquisitions;
the timing and costs associated with legal or regulatory actions;
changes in the competitive dynamics of our industry, including consolidation among competitors, strategic partners or customers;
loss of our executive officers or other key employees;
industry conditions and trends that are specific to the verticals in which we sell or intend to sell our software solutions; and
general economic and market conditions.
Fluctuations in quarterly results may negatively impact the value of our Class A common stock, regardless of whether they impact or reflect the overall performance of our business. If our quarterly results fall below the expectations of investors or any securities analysts who follow our stock, or below any guidance we may provide, the price of our Class A common stock could decline substantially.
Business management software for SMBs is a relatively new and developing market and, if the market is smaller than we estimate or develops more slowly than we expect, our operating results could be adversely affected.
We currently provide cloud-based business management software for SMBs in the real estate and legal markets and, as part of our business strategy, we will assess entry into new verticals. While the overall market for cloud-based business management software is rapidly growing, it is not as mature as the market for legacy on-premise software applications. In addition, when


compared to larger enterprises, SMBs have not historically purchased enterprise resource planning or other enterprise-wide software systems to manage their businesses due to the cost and complexity of implementing such systems, which generally did not address their industry-specific needs. Furthermore, a number of widely adopted cloud-based solutions have not traditionally targeted SMBs. As a result, many SMBs still run their businesses using manual processes and disparate software systems that are not web-optimized, while others may have invested substantial resources to integrate a variety of point solutions into their organizations to address one or more specific business needs and, therefore, may be reluctant to migrate to a vertical cloud-based solution designed to apply to their entire business. Because we derive, and expect to continue to derive, substantially all of our revenue from sales of our cloud-based business management software to SMBs in our targeted verticals, our success will depend, to a substantial extent, on the widespread adoption by SMBs in these verticals of cloud computing in general and of cloud-based business management software in particular.
The market for industry-specific, cloud-based business management software for SMBs, both generally, and specifically within the real estate and legal markets, is evolving and, in comparison to the overall market for cloud-based solutions, is relatively small. The continued expansion of this market depends on numerous factors, including:
the cost and perceived value associated with cloud-based business management software relative to on-premise software applications and disparate point solutions;
the ability of cloud-based solution providers to offer SMBs the functionality they need to operate and grow their businesses;
the willingness of SMBs to transition from their existing software systems, or otherwise alter their existing businesses practices, to migrate their businesses to a vertical cloud-based business management software solution; and
the ability of cloud-based solution providers to address security, privacy, availability and other concerns.
If cloud-based business management software does not achieve widespread market acceptance among SMBs, our revenue may increase at a slower rate than we expect and may even decline, which could adversely affect our operating results. In addition, it is difficult to estimate the rate at which SMBs will be willing to transition to vertical cloud-based business management software in any particular period, which makes it difficult to estimate the overall size and growth rate of the market for cloud-based business management software for SMBs at any given point in time or to forecast growth in our revenue or market share.
Our estimates of market opportunity are subject to significant uncertainty and, even if the markets in which we compete meet or exceed our size estimates, we could fail to increase our revenue or market share.
Market opportunity estimates are subject to significant uncertainty and are based on assumptions and estimates, including our internal analysis and industry experience. Assessing the market for industry-specific, cloud-based business management software for SMBs is particularly difficult due to a number of factors, including limited available information and rapid evolution of the market. If we had made different assumptions, our estimates of market opportunity could be materially different.
In addition, even if the markets in which we compete meet or exceed our size estimates, our business could fail to grow in line with our forecasts, or at all, and we could fail to increase our revenue or market share. Our growth, and our ability to serve a significant portion of our target markets, will depend on many factors, including our success in executing our business strategy, which is subject to many risks and uncertainties, including the other risks and uncertainties described elsewhere in this Annual Report.
 If we are unable to introduce successful enhancements, including new and innovative core functionality and Value+ services for our existing markets and verticals, or new products for adjacent markets or additional verticals, our operating results could be adversely affected.
The software industry in general, and our targeted verticals in particular, are characterized by rapid technological advances, changing industry standards, evolving customer requirements and intense competition. Our ability to attract new customers, increase revenue from our existing customers, and expand into adjacent markets or new verticals depends, in part, on our ability to enhance the functionality of our existing software solutions by introducing new and innovative core functionality and Value+ services that keep pace with technological developments, and provide functionality that addresses the evolving business needs of our customers. In addition, our growth over the long term depends, in part, on our ability to introduce new products for adjacent markets and additional verticals that we identify through our market validation process. Market acceptance of our current and future software solutions will depend on numerous factors, including:
the unique functionality of our software solutions and the extent to which our software solutions meet the business needs of our customers;


the perceived benefits and security of our cloud-based business management software solutions relative to on-premise software applications or other competitive products;
the pricing of our software solutions relative to competitive products;
perceptions about the security, privacy and availability of our software solutions relative to competitive products;
time-to-market of the updates and enhancements to our core functionality, Value+ services and new products; and
perceptions about the quality and responsiveness of our customer service organization.
If we are unable to successfully enhance the functionality of our existing software solutions, including our core solutions and Value+ services, and develop new products that gain market acceptance in adjacent markets and additional verticals, our revenue may increase at a slower rate than we expect and may even decline, which could adversely affect our operating results.
Our business depends substantially on existing customers renewing their subscriptions with us and expanding their use of our Value+ services, and a decline in customer renewal rates, or failure to convince existing customers to adopt and utilize our Value+ services, could adversely impact our operating results.
In order for us to maintain or increase our revenue and improve our operating results, it is important that our existing customers continue to pay subscription fees for the use of our core solutions, which tend to incrementally rise over time, as well as increase their adoption and utilization of our Value+ services. Our customers have no obligation to renew their subscriptions with us upon expiration of their subscription periods, which typically range from one month to one year. We cannot assure you that our customers will renew their subscriptions with us. In addition, our customers that start their accounts using a 30-day free trial have no obligation to begin a paid subscription. Furthermore, although a significant portion of our revenue growth has historically resulted from the adoption and utilization of our Value+ services by our existing customers, we cannot assure you that our existing customers will continue to broaden their adoption and utilization of our Value+ services, or use our Value+ services at all. If our existing customers do not renew their subscriptions and increase their adoption and utilization of our existing or newly developed Value+ services, our revenue may increase at a slower rate than we expect and may even decline, which could adversely impact our operating results.
Word-of-mouth referrals represent a significant source of new customers for us and provide us with an opportunity to cost-effectively market and sell our software solutions. The loss of our existing customers could have a significant impact on our reputation in our targeted verticals and our ability to acquire new customers cost-effectively. A reduction in the number of our existing customers, even if offset by an increase in new customers, could have the impact of reducing our revenue and operating margins.
     In an effort to retain our customers and to expand our customers’ adoption and utilization of our Value+ services, we may choose to use increasingly costly sales and marketing efforts. In addition, we may make significant investments in research and product development to introduce Value+ services that ultimately are not broadly adopted by our customers. In either of those cases, we could incur significantly increased costs without a corresponding increase in revenue. Furthermore, we may fail to identify Value+ services that our customers need for their businesses, in which case we could miss opportunities to increase our revenue.
We expect to continue to derive a significant portion of our revenue from our property manager customers, and factors resulting in a loss of these customers could adversely affect our operating results.
Historically, more than 90% of our revenue has been derived from APM, our property management solution, and we expect that our property manager customers will continue to account for a significant portion of our revenue for the foreseeable future. We could lose property manager customers as a result of numerous factors, including:
the expiration and non-renewal of subscriptions or termination of subscription agreements;
the introduction of competitive products or technologies;
a failure or inability by us to continue to provide high quality, useful products and services to our customers;
changes in pricing policies by us or our competitors;
acquisitions or consolidations within the property management industry;
bankruptcies or other financial difficulties facing our customers; and


conditions or trends that are specific to the property management industry such as the economic factors that impact the rental market.
The loss of a significant number of our property manager customers, or the loss of even a small number of our larger property manager customers, could cause our revenue to increase at a slower rate than we expect or even decline. In addition, even if we are able to retain our property manager customers, we may be unable to grow revenue from these property manager customers by increasing their adoption and utilization of our Value+ services. Any of these outcomes could adversely affect our operating results.
Our growth depends in part on the success of our strategic relationships with third parties, and if we are unsuccessful in establishing or maintaining these relationships, our ability to compete in the market place or grow our revenue could be impaired.
In order to grow our business, we anticipate that we will continue to depend on our relationships with third parties, including our data center operators, electronic payment and background and credit check partners, and other third parties that support delivery of our software solutions. Identifying partners, negotiating agreements and maintaining relationships requires significant time and resources. Our competitors may be more effective than us in cost-effectively building relationships with third parties that enhance their products and services, allow them to provide more competitive pricing, or offer other benefits to their customers. In addition, acquisitions of our partners by our competitors could result in a decrease in the number of current and potential strategic partners willing to establish or maintain relationships with us, and could increase the price at which products or services are available to us. If we are unsuccessful in establishing or maintaining our relationships with third parties, our ability to compete in the marketplace or to grow our revenue could be impaired, which could negatively impact our operating results. Even if we are successful, we cannot assure you that these relationships will result in increased customer adoption and usage of our software solutions or improved operating results. Furthermore, if our partners fail to perform as expected, we may be subjected to litigation, our reputation may be harmed, and our business and operating results could be adversely affected.  
We depend on data centers and computing infrastructure operated by third parties and any disruption in these operations could adversely affect our operating results.
We currently serve our customers through a combination of our own servers located in third-party data center facilities, and servers and data centers operated by Amazon and other third parties. While we control and have access to our own servers and the other components of our network that are located in our third-party data centers, we do not control the operation of any of these third-party data center facilities. The owners of our data center facilities have no obligation to renew their agreements with us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If we are unable to renew these agreements on commercially reasonable terms, or if one of our third-party data center operators is acquired, we may be required to transfer our servers and other infrastructure to new data center facilities, and we may incur significant costs and possible service interruptions in connection with doing so. Further, our third-party data center providers could experience significant outages outside of our control that could adversely affect our business.business and/or operating results.
Problems faced byOur tenant screening services business is subject to a number of complex laws that are subject to varying interpretations, including the FCRA and related regulations. The FCRA has recently been the subject of multiple class-based litigation proceedings, as well as numerous regulatory inquiries and enforcement actions. In addition, entities such as the FTC and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB") have the authority to promulgate rules and regulations that may impact our third-party data center operators,customers and our business. Although we attempt to structure our tenant screening services to comply with the relevant laws and regulations, we may be found to be in violation of them and we may be subject to routine regulatory inquiries, enforcement actions, class-based litigation or indemnity demands.
As previously disclosed, we received a Civil Investigative Demand from the FTC in December 2018 requesting certain information relating to our compliance with anythe FCRA in connection with our tenant screening services business (the "FTC Investigation"). On April 30, 2020, the FTC staff informed us of its belief that there is a reasonable basis for asserting claims against us for our alleged failure to comply with certain sections of the service providers with whom we or they contract, could adversely affect the experience of our customers. Our third-party data center operators could decide to close their facilities without adequate notice. In addition, any financial difficulties, such as bankruptcy, faced by our third-party data center operators, or any of the service providers with whom we or they contract, may have negative effects on our business. Additionally, if our data centers are unable to keep up with our growing needs for capacity or any spikes in customer demand, this could have an adverse effect on our business. Any changes in third-party service levels at our data centersFCRA that could result in lossmonetary penalty and injunctive relief. Notwithstanding our disagreement with the FTC's position and vigorous defense of our position, and primarily in an effort to avoid protracted litigation and potential distraction to our business, we entered into settlement negotiations with the FTC in an effort to resolve all claims and allegations arising out of or damagerelating to the FTC Investigation. Those settlement negotiations resulted in a final agreement between the parties that is memorialized in a Stipulated Order for Permanent Injunction and Civil Penalty Judgment filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on January 12, 2021. We admitted no wrongdoing in connection with the settlement.
In the second quarter of 2020, we determined that a loss stemming from the FTC Investigation was probable and that a reasonable estimate of the loss was approximately $4.3 million. Accordingly, an accrual of $4.3 million is included within accrued expenses on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020. The ultimate settlement amount of approximately $4.3 million was paid in January 2021.
In addition, we received a Request for Information from the DOJ in July 2019 requesting certain information relating to our customers’ stored informationcompliance with the SCRA in connection with our tenant screening services business. On November 6, 2020, the DOJ issued a no action letter, declining to take any action against us and service interruptions,closing its investigation.
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Due to the large number of tenant screening transactions in which we participate, our potential liability in any enforcement action or a class action lawsuit could hurthave a material impact on our reputation. These issues could also cause us to lose customers, harmbusiness, especially given that certain applicable laws and regulations provide for fines or penalties on a per occurrence basis. The existence of any such enforcement action or class action lawsuit, whether meritorious or not, may adversely affect our ability to attract new customers, result in the loss of existing customers, harm our reputation and subjectcause us to potential liability, any of which could adversely affect our operating results.
Our systems are not fully redundant, and we have not yet implemented a complete disaster recovery planincur defense costs or business continuity plan. Although the redundancies we do have in place will permit us to respond, at least to some degree, to service outages, our third-party data centers are vulnerable in the event of failure. We do not yet have adequate structure or systems in place to recover from a data center’s severe impairment or total destruction, and recovery from the total destruction or severe impairment of any of our third-party data centers could be difficult or may not be possible at all.other expenses.
We use third-party service providers for importantelectronic payment processing and reporting functions,tenant screening services, and their failure to fulfill their contractual obligations could harm our reputation, disrupt our business and adversely affect our operating results.
We use third-party electronic payment processing organizations and other serviceservices providers to enable us to provide electronic payment services, and third-party tenant screening services providers to our customers, including EFT, and accessenable us to various reporting tools,provide tenant screening services such as background and credit checks. As a result, we rely on these organizations and service providerschecks to provide us with accurate and timely information, and we have significantly less


control over these payment processing and reporting functions than if we were to maintain and operate them ourselves.our customers. In some cases, functions necessary to our business are performed on proprietary third-party systems and software to which we have no access. We also generally do not have long-term contracts with these organizations and service providers. In addition, some of these organizations and service providers compete with us by directly or indirectly selling payment processing or reporting services to customers. The failure of these organizations and service providers to provide us with accurate and timely information, to fulfill their contractual obligations ofto us, or to renew their contracts with us, could result in direct liability to us, harm our reputation, result in significant disruptions to our business, and adversely affect our operating results.
Our platform must integrate with a variety of devices, operating systems and browsers that are developed by others, and if we are unable to ensure that our software solutions interoperate with such devices, operating systems and browsers, our software solutions may become less competitive, and our operating results may be harmed.
We offer our software solutions across a variety of operating systems and through the Internet. We are dependent on the interoperability of our platform with third-party devices, desktop and mobile operating systems, as well as web browsers that we do not control. Any changes in such devices, systems or web browsers that degrade the functionality of our software solutions or give preferential treatment to competitive services could adversely affect adoption and usage of our software solutions. In addition, in order to deliver high quality software solutions, we will need to continuously enhance and modify our functionality to keep pace with changes in Internet-related hardware, mobile operating systems such as iOS and Android, browsers and other software, communication, network and database technologies. We may not be successful in developing enhancements and modifications that operate effectively with these devices, operating systems, web browsers and other technologies or in bringing them to market in a timely manner. Furthermore, uncertainties regarding the timing or nature of new network platforms or technologies, and modifications to existing platforms or technologies, could increase our research and product development expenses. In the event that it is difficult for our customers to access and use our software solutions, our software solutions may become less competitive, and our operating results could be adversely affected.
The markets in which we participate are intensely competitive and, if we do not compete effectively, our business could be harmed.
The overall market for business management software is global, highly competitive and continually evolving in response to a number of factors, including changes in technology, operational requirements, and laws and regulations. Although relatively early in its development, the market for cloud-based business management software is also highly competitive and subject to similar market factors.
While we focus on providing industry-specific, cloud-based business management software solutions to SMBs in our targeted verticals, we compete with other vertical cloud-based solution providers that serve companies of all sizes, as well as with horizontal cloud-based solution providers that provide broad cloud-based solutions across multiple verticals. Our competitors include established vertical software vendors, as well as newer entrants in the market. We also face competition from numerous cloud-based solution providers that focus almost exclusively on one or more point solutions. Continued consolidation among cloud-based providers could lead to significantly increased competition.
Although the domain expertise required to successfully develop, market and sell cloud-based business management software solutions in the real estate and legal verticals may hinder new entrants that are unable to invest the necessary resources to develop and deploy cloud-based solutions with the same level of functionality as ours, many of our competitors and potential competitors are larger and have greater name recognition, longer operating histories, and significantly greater resources than we do. As a result, our competitors may be able to respond more quickly and effectively to new or changing opportunities, technologies, operational requirements and industry standards. Some of these competitors may have more established customer relationships or strategic partnerships with third parties that enhance their products and services. Other competitors may offer products or services that address one or a number of business functions on a standalone basis at lower prices or bundled as part of a broader product sale, or with greater depth than our software solutions. In addition, our current and potential competitors may develop, market and sell new technologies with comparable functionality to our software solutions, which could cause us to lose customers, slow the rate of growth of new customers and cause us to decrease our prices in order to remain competitive. For all of these reasons, we may not be able to compete effectively against our current and future competitors, which could harm our business.
Pricing pressure may cause us to change our pricing model, which could hurt our renewal rates and our ability to attract new customers, as well as our ability to increase adoption and usage of our Value+ services, which could adversely affect our operating results.
As the markets for our existing software solutions mature, or as current and future competitors introduce new products or services that compete with ours, we may experience pricing pressure and be unable to renew our subscription agreements with existing customers or increase adoption and usage of our Value+ services, or attract new customers at prices that are consistent


with our current pricing model and operating budget. If this were to occur, it is possible that we would have to change our pricing model, offer pricing incentives, or generally reduce our prices. In addition, our customers are SMBs, which are typically more cost sensitive than larger enterprises. Changes to our pricing model could harm our customer retention rates and our ability to attract new customers, whether in connection with our core solutions or our Value+ services, which could adversely affect our operating results.
If we lose key members of our management team, our business may be harmed.
Our success and future growth depend, in part, upon the continued services of our executive officers and other key employees. From time to time, there may be changes in our executive officers or other key employees resulting from the hiring or departure of these personnel, which may disrupt our business. Our executive officers and other key employees are generally employed on an at-will basis, which means that these personnel could terminate their employment with us at any time. Additionally, the equity awards held by many of our executive officers and other key employees are close to fully vested, and these employees may not have sufficient financial incentive to stay with us. The loss of one or more of our executive officers or other key employees, or the failure by our executive team to work effectively with our employees and lead our company, could have an adverse effect on our business.
Our corporate culture has contributed to our success and, if we cannot maintaincontinue to foster this culture as we grow, we could lose the passion, creativity, teamwork, focus and innovation fostered by our culture.
We believe that our culture has been and will continue to be a key contributor to our success. If we do not continue to develop our corporate culture or maintain our core values as we grow and evolve, we may be unable to foster the passion, creativity, teamwork, focus and innovation we believe we need to support our growth. Any failure to preserve our culture could negatively affect our ability to recruit and retain personnel and to effectively focus on and pursue our strategic objectives. Moreover, liquidity available to our employee security holders could lead to disparities of wealth among our employees, which could adversely impact relations among employees and our culture in general. As we grow and mature as a public company, we may find it difficult to maintain our corporate culture. This difficulty will only be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in travel restrictions, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders and similar government orders and restrictions that collectively make it more difficult for employees to interact, communicate and innovate.
We depend on highly skilled personnel and, if we are unable to retain or hire additional qualified personnel or if we lose key members of our management team, we may not be able to achieve our strategic objectives.objectives and our business may be harmed.
ToOur success and future growth depend, in part, upon the continued services of our executive officers and other key employees. There may be changes in our executive officers or other key employees resulting from the hiring or departure of these personnel, which may disrupt our business. The loss of one or more of our executive officers or other key employees could have an adverse effect on our business. In addition, to execute our growth plan and achieve our strategic objectives, we must continue to attract and retain highly qualified and motivated personnel across our organization. In particular, in order to continue to enhance our software solutions, add new and innovative core functionality andand/or Value+ services, as well as develop new products, it will be critical for us to increase the size of our research and product development organization, including hiring highly skilled engineers with experience in designing, developing and testing cloud-based software solutions.engineers. Competition for software engineers is intense within our industry and there continues to be upward pressure on the compensation paid to these professionals. In addition,Further, in order for us to achieve broader market acceptance of our software solutions, grow our customer base, and pursue adjacent markets and, potentially, new verticals consistent with our strategic plan, we will need to continue to significantly increase the size of our sales and marketing organization.and customer service and support organizations. Identifying, recruiting, training and recruitingretaining qualified sales personnel is difficult and training them in the userequires a significant investment of our platform requires significant time and expense, and it can be particularly difficult to retain these personnel.resources.
Many of the companies with which we compete for experienced personnel have greater name recognition and financial resources than we have. If we hire employees from competitors or other companies, their former employers may attempt to assert that we or these employees have breached their legal obligations, resulting in a diversion of our time and resources. In addition, our headquarters are located in Santa Barbara, California, which is not generally recognized as a prominent commercial center, and it is challenging to attract qualified professionals due to our geographic location. As a result, we may have even greater difficulty hiring and retaining suitably skilled personnel with the qualifications and motivation to expandthan our business.competitors. If we are unablehire employees from other companies, their former employers may attempt to attractassert that we or these employees have breached their legal obligations, resulting in a diversion of our time and retain the personnel necessary to execute our growth plan, we may be unable to achieve our strategic objectives and our operating results may suffer.
resources. In addition, prospective and existing employees often consider the value of the equity awards they receive in connection with their employment. If the perceived value of our equity awards declines, or if the price of our Class A common stock experiences significant volatility, this may adversely affect our ability to recruit and retain highly skilled employees. If we failare unable to attract and retain the personnel necessary to execute our growth plan, we may be unable to achieve our strategic objectives and our operating results may suffer.
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The vertical market in which we participate is intensely competitive and our business could be harmed if we do not compete effectively.
The overall market for cloud-based business management software is global, highly competitive and continually evolving in response to a number of factors, including changes in technology, operational requirements, and laws and regulations. While we focus on providing industry-specific, cloud-based business management software solutions to the real estate vertical, we compete with other vertical cloud-based solution providers, as well as with horizontal cloud-based solution providers that provide broad cloud-based solutions across multiple verticals. Our competitors include established vertical software vendors, as well as newer entrants in the market. We also face competition from numerous cloud-based solution providers that focus almost exclusively on one or more point solutions. Continued consolidation among cloud-based providers could lead to significantly increased competition. Many of our competitors and potential competitors are larger and have greater name recognition, longer operating histories, and significantly greater resources. As a result, our competitors may be able to respond more quickly and effectively to new personnel or changing opportunities, technologies, operational requirements and industry standards, as well as to retain and motivatenew challenges such as those resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, our current personnel,and potential competitors may develop, market and sell new technologies with comparable functionality to our software solutions, which could cause us to lose customers, slow the rate of growth of new customers and/or cause us to decrease our prices in order to remain competitive. For all of these reasons, we may not be able to achievecompete effectively against our strategic objectives.current and future competitors, which could harm our business.
IfAs the markets for our existing software solutions mature, or as current and future competitors introduce new products or services that compete with ours, we aremay experience pricing pressure and be unable to enterrenew our subscription agreements with existing customers or increase adoption and usage of our Value+ services, or attract new verticals,customers at prices that are consistent with our current pricing model and operating budget. We may ultimately have to change our pricing model or offer pricing incentives which may adversely affect our revenue even if adoption and utilization remain constant. Changes to our software solution for any new vertical fails to achieve market acceptance,pricing model could harm our operating results could be adversely affectedcustomer retention rates and we may be required to reconsider our growth strategy.
Our growth strategy is dependent, in part, on our ability to expand intoattract new verticals, beyond the real estate and legal markets. However, we may be unable to identify new verticals that meet our criteria for selecting industries that cloud-based


solutions are ideally suited to address. In addition, our market validation process may not support entry into selected verticals due to our perception of the overall market opportunity or of the willingness of market participants within those verticals to adopt our software solutions. Further, instead of pursuing new verticals, we may prefer for various reasons to pursue alternative growth strategies, such as entry into markets that are adjacent to the marketscustomers, whether in which we currently participate within our existing verticals, or the development of additional products or services for our existing markets.
Even if we choose to enter new verticals, our market validation process does not guarantee our success in any particular vertical. We may be unable to develop a software solution for a new vertical or, in the event that we enter a new vertical by way of a strategic acquisition, we may be unable to leverage the acquired software solution in time to take advantage of the identified market opportunity, and any delay in our time-to-market could expose us to additional competition or other factors that could impede our success. In addition, any software solution we develop or acquire for a new vertical may not provide the functionality required by potential customers and, as a result, may not achieve widespread market acceptance within the new vertical. To the extent we choose to enter new verticals, whether organically or via strategic acquisition, we may invest significant resources to develop and expand the functionality of our software solutions to meet the needs of customers in those verticals, which investments will occur in advance of our realization of revenue from them. 
In addition, while we expedited our entry into the legal vertical through the acquisition of MyCase in 2012, our practice and case management solution is in an earlier stage of development than APM, our property management solution, and we are at an earlier stage in the process of expanding the core functionality and Value+ services associatedconnection with our legal software. We face significant competition in the legal market from both vertical software vendors and cloud-based solution providers that offer onecore solutions or more point solutions. There can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve market acceptance for our legal software at or near the levels achieved by our property management software. The success of our vertical market strategy depends, in part, on our ability to continue to significantly increase the number of our law firm customers and the revenue derived from them, and our failure to achieve these objectives could have an adverse impact on our operating results.
We have acquired, and may in the future acquire, other companies or technologies, which could divert our management’s attention, result in additional dilution to our stockholders and otherwise disrupt our operations.
We have acquired, and may in the future acquire, other companies or technologies to complement or expand our software solutions, optimize our technical capabilities, enhance our ability to compete in our targeted verticals, provide an opportunity to expand into an adjacent market or new vertical, or otherwise offer growth or strategic opportunities. For example, in 2012, we acquired MyCase and in April 2015, we acquired RentLinx. The pursuit of acquisitions may divert the attention of management and cause us to incur various expenses in identifying, investigating and pursuing suitable acquisitions, whether or not they are consummated.
We have limited experience acquiring other businesses. We may not be able to integrate acquired assets, technologies, personnel and operations successfully or achieve the anticipated synergies or other benefits from the acquired business due to a number of risks associated with acquisitions, including:
incurrence of acquisition-related costs;
difficulties integrating the assets, technologies, personnel or operations of the acquired business in a cost-effective manner, or inability to do so;
difficulties and additional expenses associated with supporting legacy products andValue+ services, of the acquired business;
difficulties converting the customers of the acquired business to our software solutions and contract terms;
diversion of management’s attention from our business to address acquisition and integration challenges;
adverse effects on our existing business relationships with customers and strategic partners as a result of the acquisition;
cultural challenges associated with integrating employees from the acquired organization into our company;
the loss of key employees;
use of resources that are needed in other parts of our business;
use of substantial portions of our available cash to consummate the acquisition; and
unanticipated costs or liabilities associated with the acquisition.


If an acquired business fails to meet our expectations in terms of its contribution to our overall business strategy, or if the costs of acquiring or integrating the acquired business exceed our estimates, our business, operating results and financial condition may suffer. In addition, acquisitions could also result in dilutive issuances of equity securities or the incurrence of debt, which could impose restrictions on our ability to operate our business and adversely affect our operating results. Furthermore, a significant portion of the purchase price of companies we may acquire could be allocated to goodwill and other intangible assets, which must be assessed for impairment. In the future, if our acquisitions do not yield expected returns, we may be required to take charges to our operating results based on this impairment assessment process, which could adversely affect our operating results.
Business management software for small and medium-sized businesses ("SMBs") is an evolving market. If our property manager customers stop requiring residentsthe market is smaller than estimated or the transition to provide proof of legal liability to landlord insurance, if insurance premiums decline or if insureds experience greater than expected losses,between cloud-based business management software slows, our operating results could be harmed.
We generate revenue by offering legal liability to landlord insurance through a wholly owned subsidiary. Some of our property manager customers require residents to provide proof of legal liability to landlord insurance and offer to enroll residents in their legal liability to landlord insurance policy. If demand for rental housing declines, or if our property manager customers believe that it may decline, these customers may reduce their rental rates and stop requiring residents to provide proof of legal liability to landlord insurance in order to reduce the overall cost of renting and make their rental offerings more competitive. If our property manager customers stop requiring residents to provide proof of legal liability to landlord insurance or elect to enroll residents in insurance programs offered by competing providers, or if insurance premiums otherwise decline, our revenues from insurance services could be adversely affected.
Additionally, our legal liability to landlord insurance policies are underwritten by us, and we are required by our insurance partner to maintain a reserve to cover potential claims under the policies. While our policies have a limit of $100,000 per occurrence, there is no limit on the dollar amount of claims that could be made against us in any particular period or in the aggregate. In the event that claims by the insureds increase unexpectedly, our reserve may not be sufficient to cover our resulting liability under the policies. To the extent we are required to pay out amounts to insureds that are significantly higher than our current reserves, this could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
Our insuranceWe provide cloud-based business is subject to state governmental regulation, which could limit the growth of our insurance business and impose additional costs on us.
Our insurance-related wholly owned subsidiaries and third-party service providers maintain licenses with a number of individual state departments of insurance. Collectively, we are subject to state governmental regulation and supervision in connection with the operation of our insurance business, which includes both our legal liability to landlord insurance and more recent renters insurance businesses. This state governmental supervision could limit the growth of our insurance business by increasing the costs of regulatory compliance, limiting or restricting the products or services we provide or the methods by which we provide them, and subjecting us to the possibility of regulatory actions or proceedings. Our continued ability to maintain these insurance licenses in the jurisdictions in which we are licensed depends on our compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated from time to time by the regulatory authorities in each of these jurisdictions. Furthermore, state insurance departments conduct periodic examinations, audits and investigations of the affairs of insurance companies and agencies, any of which could result in the expenditure of significant management time or financial resources.
     In all jurisdictions, the applicable laws and regulations are subject to amendment or interpretation by regulatory authorities. Generally, such authorities are vested with relatively broad discretion to grant, renew and revoke licenses and approvals and to implement and interpret rules and regulations. Accordingly, we may be precluded or temporarily suspended from carrying on some or all of the activities of our insurance business or otherwise be fined or penalized in a given jurisdiction. No assurances can be given that our insurance business can continue to be conducted in any given jurisdiction as it has been conducted in the past or that we will be able to expand our insurance business in the future.


All of our revenues are generated by sales to customers in our targeted verticals, and factors that adversely affect the applicable industry could also adversely affect us.
Currently, all of our sales are to customerssoftware for SMBs in the real estate vertical and legal markets. Demand for our software solutions could be affected by factors that are unique to and adversely affect our targeted verticals. In particular, the real estate and legalwill assess entry into new or adjacent markets are highly regulated, subject to intense competition and impacted by changes in general economic and market conditions. For example, changes in applicable laws and regulations could significantly impact the software functionality demanded by our customers and require us to expend significant resources to ensure our software solutions continue to meet their evolving needs. In addition, other industry-specific factors, such as industry consolidation or the introduction of competing or disruptive technology, could lead to a significant reduction in the number of customers that use our software solutions within a particular vertical or the Value+ services demanded by these customers. Further, if the real estate or legal markets decline, our customers may decide not to renew their subscriptions or they may cease using our Value+ services in order to reduce costs to remain competitive. As a result, our ability to generate revenue from our real estate and legal market customers could be adversely affected by specific factors that affect the real estate or legal markets.
In addition to the foregoing risks associatedconsistent with our targeted verticals themselves, there is an overarching risk stemming from potentialstrategic plan. Our success will depend, in part, on the continued widespread adoption by SMBs of quickly evolving financial or other disruptive technology products that could significantly impact our targeted verticals, even if that technology is notcloud-based business management software. The market for industry-specific, cloud-based business management software for SMBs, both generally, and specifically designed to apply directly to our targeted verticals. The adoption of these new technologies could significantly reduce the volume or demand of customers in our targeted verticals, thereby reducing our revenue, which could materially impact our business, financial condition, operating results and, ultimately, our stock price.
Our software solutions address functions within the heavily regulated real estate and legal markets, and our customers’ failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject us to litigation.
We sell our software solutions to customers within the real estate market, is evolving and legal markets. Our customers use ouris relatively small. The continued expansion of this market depends on numerous factors, including the cost and perceived value associated with cloud-based business management software relative to disparate point solutions, for business activities that are subjectthe willingness of SMBs to a numbertransition from their existing software systems or otherwise alter their existing businesses practices, and the ability of laws and regulations, including without limitation state and local real property laws and legal ethics rules. Any failure by our customers to comply with laws and regulations applicable to their businesses could result in fines, penalties or claims for substantial damages against our customers. To the extent our customers believe that our software solutions or our customer service organization caused or contributed to such failures, our customers may make claims for damages against us, regardless of whether we are responsible for the failure. As a result, we may be subject to lawsuits that, even if unsuccessful, could divert our resources and our management’s attention and adversely affect our business, and our insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover such claims against us.
If we are unable to deliver effective customer service, it could harm our relationships with our existing customers and adversely affect our ability to attract new customers.
Our business depends, in part, on our ability to satisfy our customers, both by providing software solutions that address their business needs, and by providing on-boarding services and ongoing customer service, which contributes to retaining customers and increasing adoption and utilization of our Value+ services by our existing customers. Once our software solutions are deployed, our customers depend on our customer service organization to resolve technical issues relating to their use of our solutions. We may be unable to respond quickly to accommodate short-term increases in customer demand for support services or may otherwise encounter a customer issue that is difficult to resolve. If a customer is not satisfied with the quality or responsiveness of our customer service, we could incur additional costscloud-based solution providers to address security, privacy, availability and other concerns. If the situation. Aswidespread adoption of cloud-based business management software by SMBs does not continue, our revenue may increase at a slower rate than we do not separately charge our customers for support services, increased demand for our support services would increase costs without corresponding revenue,expect and may even decline, which could adversely affect our operating results. In addition, regardlessit is difficult to estimate the rate at which SMBs will be willing to transition to or between vertical cloud-based business management software in any particular period, which makes it difficult to estimate the overall size and growth rate of the qualitymarket for cloud-based business management software at any point in time or responsiveness ofto forecast revenue growth or market share. This transition rate may be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as customers may delay decisions to adopt our customer service efforts, a customer that is not satisfied with an outcome may choose to terminate,core products, or not to renew, their relationship with us.
     Our sales process is highly dependent onexpand the ease of use of our software solutions, our reputation and positive recommendations from our existing customers. Any failure to maintain high-quality or responsive customer service, or a market perception that we do not maintain high-quality or responsive customer service, could harm our reputation, cause us to lose customers and adversely impact our ability to sell our software solutions to prospective customers.
If we are unable to maintain and promote our brands, or to do so in a cost-effective manner, our ability to maintain and expand our customer base will be impaired, and our operating results could be adversely affected.
We believe that maintaining and promoting our brands is critical to achieving widespread awareness and acceptance of our software solutions, and maintaining and expanding our customer base. We also believe that the importance of brand recognition will increase as competition in our targeted verticals increases. If we do not continue to build awareness of our brands, we could be placed at a competitive disadvantage as compared to companies whose brands are, or become, more recognizable than ours. Maintaining and promoting our brands will depend, in part, on our ability to continue to provide new and innovative core


functionality and Value+ services, and best-in-class customer service, as well as the effectiveness of our sales and marketing efforts. If we failthey seek to deliver products and functionality that address our customers’ business needs,reduce or if we fail to meet our customers’ expectations for customer service, it could weaken our brands and harm our reputation. Additionally, the actions of third parties which are out of our control may affect our brands and reputation if customers do not have a positive experience using the services of our third-party partners that support our software solutions. Maintaining and enhancing our brands may require us to make substantial investments, and these investments may not result in commensurate increases in our revenue. If we fail to successfully maintain and promote our brands, or if we make investments that are not offset by increased revenue, our operating results could be adversely affected.delay spending within their businesses.
If we are unable to increase sales of our software solutions to larger customers while mitigating the risks associated with serving such customers, our business and operating results may suffer.
While we plan to continue to market and sell our software solutions to SMBs,smaller companies or firms, our growth strategy is dependent, in part, upon increasing sales of our software solutions to larger customers within the SMB market.real estate vertical. Sales to larger customers may involve risks that are not present, or are present to a lesser extent, in sales to smaller businesses. As we seek to increase our sales to larger customers, we may invest considerably greater amounts of time and financial resources in our sales and marketing efforts. In addition, we may face longer sales cycles and experience less predictability and greater competition in completing some of our sales than we have in selling our software solutions to smaller businesses. Although we generally have not configured our software solutions or negotiated our pricing for specific customers, which has historically resulted in reduced upfront selling costs, oursales. Our ability to successfully sell our software solutions to larger customers may be dependent, in part, on our ability to develop functionality, or to implement pricing policies, that are unique to particular customers. It may also be dependent on our ability to attract and retain sales personnel with experience selling tocustomers or are necessary for success in a market segment dominated by larger organizations.customers. Also, because security breaches or other performance problems with respect to larger customers may result in greater economic harm to these customers and more adverse publicity, there is increased financial and reputational risk associated with serving such customers. If we are unable to increase sales of our software solutions to larger customers, while mitigating the risks associated with serving such customers, our business and operating results may suffer.
BecauseIf we recognizeare unable to introduce successful enhancements, including new and innovative core functionality and/or Value+ services, or new products for adjacent markets or additional verticals, our operating results could be adversely affected.
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The software industry is characterized by rapid technological advances, changing industry standards, evolving customer requirements and intense competition. Our ability to attract new customers, increase revenue from our existing customers, and expand into adjacent markets or, potentially, new verticals depends, in part, on our ability to enhance the functionality of our existing software solutions by introducing new and innovative core functionality and/or Value+ services that keep pace with technological developments and address the evolving business needs of our customers. In addition, our growth over the long-term depends, in part, on our ability to introduce new products for adjacent markets and, potentially, additional verticals that we identify through our market validation process consistent with our strategic plan. Market acceptance of our current and future software solutions will depend on numerous factors, including the pricing of our software solutions relative to competitive products, perceptions about the security, privacy and availability of our software solutions relative to competitive products, and the time-to-market of our updates and enhancements to our core functionality, Value+ services and products. If we are unable to successfully enhance the functionality of our existing software solutions and timely develop or acquire new products that gain market acceptance in adjacent markets and additional verticals consistent with our strategic plan, our revenue may increase at a slower rate than we expect and may even decline, which could adversely affect our operating results.
Our business depends substantially on existing customers renewing their subscriptions with us and expanding their use of our Value+ services, and a decline in either could adversely impact our operating results.
In order for us to maintain or increase our revenue and improve our operating results, it is important that our existing customers continue to pay subscription fees for the use of our core solutions, which tend to incrementally rise over time, as well as increase their adoption and utilization of our Value+ services. We cannot assure you that our customers will renew their subscriptions with us, that our existing customers will continue to broaden their adoption and utilization of our Value+ services, or that they will use our Value+ services at all. If our existing customers do not renew their subscriptions and increase their adoption and utilization of our existing or newly developed Value+ services, our revenue may increase at a slower rate than we expect and may even decline, which could adversely impact our financial condition and operating results. The loss of our existing customers could have a significant impact on our reputation and our ability to acquire new customers cost-effectively via word-of-mouth. A reduction in the number of our existing customers, even if offset by an increase in new customers, could reduce our revenue and operating margins. We may need to employ increasingly costly sales and marketing efforts and make significant investments in research and product development to introduce Value+ services that ultimately are not broadly adopted by our customers. In either of those cases, we could incur significantly increased costs without a corresponding increase in revenue. Furthermore, we may fail to identify Value+ services that our customers need for their businesses, in which case we could miss opportunities to increase our revenue. We may experience lower rates of subscription renewals, as well as lower rates of adoption and utilization of Value+ services, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as customers may seek to reduce or delay spending within their businesses.
All of our revenues are presently generated by sales to customers and users in the real estate vertical, and factors that adversely affect that vertical, or our customers or users within it, could also adversely affect us.
We expect that our real estate customers and users will continue to account for a significant portion or all of our revenue for the foreseeable future. Demand for our software solutions overand services could be affected by factors that are unique to and adversely affect the termreal estate vertical and our customers and users within it. If the vertical itself declines, our customers may decide not to renew their subscriptions or they may cease using our Value+ services in order to reduce costs to remain competitive. Further, we could lose real estate customers as a result of each subscription agreement, downturnsacquisitions or upturnsconsolidations within the real estate vertical, bankruptcies or other financial difficulties facing our real estate customers, new or enhanced legal or regulatory regimes that negatively impact the real estate vertical, and conditions or trends specific to the real estate vertical such as the economic factors that impact the rental market. It is possible that the significant increase in unemployment rates, regulation and financial uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could have a disproportionate impact on businesses within the real estate vertical, which may, in turn, disproportionately affect our customers and users and, therefore, our business, financial condition and operating results. In addition to the foregoing risks, there is an overarching risk stemming from potential widespread adoption of quickly evolving financial or other disruptive technology products that could significantly impact the real estate vertical, even if the disruptive technology is not specifically designed to apply directly to it. The adoption of these new technologies could significantly reduce the volume or demand of our customers and users, thereby reducing our revenue, which could materially impact our business, may not be immediately reflected in ourfinancial condition and operating results.
We recognize revenue from customers ratably over the term of each subscription agreement, which typically ranges from one month to one year. As a result, some of the revenue we report in each period is derived from the recognition of deferred revenue relating to subscription agreements entered into during previous periods. Consequently, a decline in new or renewed subscriptions in any one period may not be reflected in our revenue results for that period. However, any such decline will negatively affect our revenue in future quarters. Our subscription model also makes it difficult for us to rapidly increase our revenue through additional sales in any period, as revenue from new customers must be recognized over the applicable subscription period. Accordingly, the effect of downturns or upturns in our sales, the market acceptance of our software solutions, and potential changes in our customer retention rates, may not be apparent in our operating results until future periods.
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Because our invoicing is generally for periods less than one year, our revenue growth is heavily dependent on new subscription sales, consumption of our usage-based Value+ services and renewals of our subscription services in the current year.

Our growth is heavily dependentdepends in part on subscription sales, adoptionour strategic relationships with third parties and, consumption ofif we are unsuccessful in establishing or maintaining these relationships, our usage-based Value+ services and renewals ofability to compete in our subscription services in the current year. We offertargeted markets or grow our core solutions and Value+ subscription servicesrevenue could be impaired.
In order to customers pursuant to subscription agreements with relatively short terms, typically ranging from one month to one year. We generally invoicegrow our customers for subscription services in monthly, quarterly or annual installments, typically in advance of the subscription period. We do not currently intend to extend the typical terms of our subscription agreements with any regularity, or to invoice our customers less frequently, andbusiness, we expectanticipate that we will continue to depend on current-yearour relationships with third parties, including cloud computing service providers, electronic payment, tenant screening and insurance services providers, and other third parties that support delivery of our software solutions. Identifying partners, negotiating agreements and maintaining relationships requires significant time and resources. Our competitors may be more effective than us in cost-effectively building relationships with third parties that enhance their products and services, allow them to provide more competitive pricing, or offer other benefits to their customers. In addition, acquisitions of our partners by our competitors or others could result in a decrease in the number of current and potential strategic partners willing to establish or maintain relationships with us, and could increase the price at which products or services are available to us. If we are unsuccessful in establishing or maintaining our relationships with third parties, our ability to compete in the marketplace or to grow our revenue could be impaired, which could negatively impact our operating results.
We depend on cloud computing platforms and computing infrastructure operated by third parties and any disruption in these operations could adversely affect our operating results.
We currently rely on cloud computing resources operated by Amazon Web Services and other third party cloud computing service providers to power the products and services that we provide to our customers. These cloud computing service providers may experience service interruptions that are outside of our control, possibly even across multiple regions, which could adversely affect our business. Furthermore, they may not be able to provide us with additional computing resources needed to scale our infrastructure ahead of our growing customer base. If any of these issues arise, we may be required to migrate our cloud computing resources, or add new computing resources, to other cloud computing service providers. It may require significant effort to migrate all of our services to a different region if we are forced to recover from a regional, or multi-regional, outage by any of our cloud computing service providers. Problems faced by any of these service providers with whom we contract, or changes in service levels provided by them, could adversely affect the experience of our customers, result in loss of or damage to our customers’ stored information, which could harm our reputation, impair our ability to attract and retain customers, and subject us to potential liability, any of which could adversely affect our operating results.
Our platform must integrate with a variety of devices, operating systems and browsers that are developed by others, and if we are unable to ensure that our software solutions interoperate with such devices, operating systems and browsers, our software solutions may become less competitive and our operating results may be harmed.
We offer our software solutions across a variety of operating systems and through the Internet. We depend on the interoperability of our platform with third party devices, desktop and mobile operating systems, as well as web browsers that we do not control. Any changes in such devices, systems or web browsers that degrade the functionality of our software solutions or give preferential treatment to competitive services could adversely affect the adoption and usage of our software solutions. In addition, in order to deliver high quality software solutions, we will need to continuously enhance and modify our functionality to keep pace with changes in Internet-related hardware, mobile operating systems such as iOS and Android, browsers and other software, communication, network and database technologies. We may not be successful in developing enhancements and modifications that operate effectively with these devices, operating systems, web browsers and other technologies or in bringing them to market in a timely manner. Furthermore, uncertainties regarding the timing or nature of new network platforms or technologies, and modifications to existing platforms or technologies, could increase our research and product development expenses. In the event that it is difficult for our customers to access and use our software solutions, our software solutions may become less competitive, and our operating results could be adversely affected.
If our property management customers stop requiring residents to provide proof of legal liability to landlord insurance, if insurance premiums decline or if insureds experience greater than expected losses, our operating results could be harmed.
We generate revenue by offering legal liability to landlord insurance through a wholly owned subsidiary. Some of our property management customers require residents to provide proof of legal liability to landlord insurance and offer to enroll residents in their legal liability to landlord insurance policy. If demand for rental housing declines, or if our property management customers believe that it may decline, these customers may reduce their rental rates and stop requiring residents to provide proof of legal liability to landlord insurance in order to reduce the overall cost of renting and make their rental offerings more competitive. If our property management customers stop requiring residents to provide proof of legal liability to landlord insurance or elect to enroll residents in insurance programs offered by competing providers, or if insurance premiums otherwise decline, our revenues from insurance services could be adversely affected. Additionally, we underwrite our legal liability to landlord insurance policies, and we are required by our insurance partner to maintain a reserve to cover potential claims under the policies. While our policies have per-occurrence limits, there is no limit on the dollar amount of claims that could be made against us in any particular period or in the aggregate. In the event that claims by the insureds increase unexpectedly, our reserve may not be sufficient to cover our resulting liability under the policies. If we are required to pay out significantly higher amounts to insureds than our current reserves, this could have a material adverse impact on our operating results.
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Our insurance business is subject to state governmental regulation, which could limit the growth of our insurance business and impose additional costs on us.
Our insurance-related wholly owned subsidiaries and third-party service providers maintain licenses with a number of individual state departments of insurance. Collectively, we are subject to state governmental regulation and supervision in connection with the operation of our insurance business, which includes both our legal liability to landlord insurance and renters insurance businesses. Such supervision could limit the growth of our insurance business by increasing the costs of regulatory compliance, limiting or restricting the products or services we provide or the methods by which we provide them, and subjecting us to regulatory actions or proceedings. Our continued ability to maintain these insurance licenses in the jurisdictions in which we are licensed depends on our compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated from time to time by the regulatory authorities in each of these jurisdictions. Furthermore, we are routinely subject to periodic state examinations, audits and investigations of the affairs of insurance companies and agencies, any of which could result in the expenditure of significant management time or financial resources.Generally, such authorities are vested with relatively broad discretion to grant, renew and revoke licenses and approvals and to implement and interpret rules and regulations. Accordingly, we may be precluded or temporarily suspended from carrying on some or all of the activities of our insurance business or otherwise be fined or penalized. No assurances can be given that our insurance business can continue to be conducted in any given jurisdiction as it has been conducted in the past or that we will be able to expand our insurance business in the future.
If we are unable to deliver effective customer service and/or effectively maintain and promote our brands, it could harm our relationships with our existing customers and adversely affect our ability to attract new customers and our operating results.
Our business depends, in part, on our ability to satisfy our customers, both by providing software solutions that address their business needs, and by providing onboarding services and ongoing customer service. Once our software solutions are deployed, our customers depend on our customer service organization to resolve technical issues relating to their use of our solutions. As we do not separately charge our customers for support services, increased demand for our support services would increase costs without corresponding revenue, which could adversely affect our operating results. Further, our sales process is highly dependent on the ease of use of our software solutions, our reputation and positive recommendations from our existing customers. Any failure to maintain high-quality or responsive customer service, or a market perception that we do not maintain high-quality or responsive customer service, could harm our reputation, cause us to lose customers and adversely impact our ability to sell our software solutions to prospective customers.
We believe that maintaining and promoting our brands is critical to achieving widespread awareness and acceptance of our software solutions, and maintaining and expanding our customer base. We also believe that the importance of brand recognition will increase as competition in the real estate vertical increases. If we do not continue to build awareness of our brands, we could be placed at a competitive disadvantage as compared to companies whose brands are, or become, more recognizable than ours. Maintaining and promoting our brands will depend, in part, on our ability to continue to provide new and innovative core functionality and Value+ services and best-in-class customer service, as well as the effectiveness of our sales and renewalsmarketing efforts. If we fail to drivedeliver products and functionality that address our growth.customers’ business needs, or if we fail to meet our customers’ expectations for customer service, it could weaken our brands and harm our reputation. Maintaining and enhancing our brands may require us to make substantial investments, and these investments may not result in commensurate increases in our revenue. If we fail to successfully maintain and promote our brands, or if we make investments that are not offset by increased revenue, our operating results could be adversely affected.
Failure to protect our intellectual property rights could impair our ability to protect our proprietary technology and our brands, which could harm our business.
We currently rely on patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws, trade secret protection and confidentiality or license agreements with our employees, customers, partners and others to protect our intellectual property rights. Our success and ability to compete depend, in part, on our ability to continue to protect our intellectual property, including our proprietary technology and our brands. If we are unable to protect our proprietary rights adequately, our competitors could use the intellectual property we have developed to enhance their own products and services, which could harm our business.
In order to monitor and protect our intellectual property rights, we may be required to expend significant resources. Litigation brought to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights could be costly, time-consuming and distracting to


management, and could result in the impairment or loss of portions of our intellectual property or require us to pay costly royalties. Furthermore, our efforts to enforce our intellectual property rights may be met with defenses, counterclaims and countersuits attacking the validity and enforceability of our intellectual property rights. Accordingly, we may not be able to prevent third parties from infringing upon or misappropriating our intellectual property. Our failure to secure, protect and enforce our intellectual property rights could adversely affect our business and operating results.
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We may be sued by third parties for alleged infringement of their proprietary rights, which could cause us to incur significant expenses and require us to pay substantial damages.
There is considerable patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret and other intellectual property development activity in our industry. Our success depends, in part, on our not infringing upon the intellectual property rights of others. Our competitors, as well as a number of other entities and individuals, may legally own or claim to own intellectual property relating to our technology or software solutions.solutions, including without limitation technology we develop and build internally and/or acquire. From time to time, our competitors or other third parties may claim that we are infringing upon their intellectual property rights. However, we may be unaware of the intellectual property rights that others may claim cover some or all of our technology or software solutions. Any claims or litigation, regardless of merit, could cause us to incur significant expenses and, if successfully asserted against us, could require that we pay substantial damages, settlement costs or ongoing royalty payments, require that we comply with other unfavorable license and other terms, or prevent us from offering our software solutions in their current form. Even if the claims do not result in litigation or are resolved in our favor, these claims, and the time and resources necessary to resolve them, could divert the attention of our management and key personnel from our business operations and harm our operating results.
Our software solutions contain both third-party and open source software, which may pose risks to our proprietary source code and/or introduce security vulnerabilities, and could have a negative impact on our business and operating results.

We use open source software in our software solutions and expect to continue to do so in the future. The terms of many open source licenses to which we are subject have not been interpreted by United States or foreign courts, and there is a risk that open source licenses could be construed in a manner that imposes unanticipated conditions, restrictions or costs on our ability to provide or distribute our software solutions. Additionally, we may from time to time face claims from third parties alleging ownership of, or demanding release of, the open source software or of derivative works that we developed using such software, which could include our proprietary source code, or otherwise seeking to enforce the terms of the applicable open source license. These claims could result in litigation, which could be costly for us to defend, and could require us to make our source code freely available, purchase a costly license or cease offering the implicated core functionality and Value+ services unless and until we can re-engineer them to avoid infringement. This re-engineering process could require significant additional research and product development resources, and we may not be able to complete it successfully or in a timely manner. In addition to risks related to license requirements, usage of certain open source software can lead to greater risks than use of third-party commercial software, as open source licensors generally do not provide warranties or controls on the origin of software. These risks could be difficult to eliminate or manage, and could have a negative impact on our business and operating results.

We also use third-party commercial software in our software solutions and expect to continue to do so in the future. Third-party commercial software is developed outside of our direct control and may introduce security vulnerabilities that may be difficult to anticipate or mitigate. Further, there is no guarantee that third-party software developers or open source software providers will continue active work on the third-party software that we use. Should development of in-use third-party software cease, significant engineering effort may be required to create an in-house solution. These risks could also be difficult to eliminate or manage, and could have a negative impact on our business and operating results.
Changes in laws and regulations related to the Internet or changes in the Internet infrastructure itself may diminish the demand for our software solutions, and could have a negative impact on our business.
TheThere are risks associated with potential future success of our business depends upon the continued use of the Internet as a primary medium for commerce, communication and business services. Federal, state or foreign government bodies or agencies have in the past adopted, and may in the future adopt, laws or regulations affecting the use of the Internet as a commercial medium. Changes in these laws or regulations, including laws impacting net neutrality, could decrease the demand for our software solutions and services and/or increase our cost of doing business, or require us to modify our software solutions to comply with or otherwise address any new or changed laws or regulations.
In addition, government agencies or private organizations may begin to impose taxes, fees or other charges for accessing the Internet, or for the commerce conducted via the Internet. These laws or charges could limit the growth of Internet-related commerce or communications generally, result in reductions in the demand for Internet-based business services such as ours, and cause us to incur significant expenses.
The use of the Internet in general could be adversely affected by delays in the development or adoption of new standards


and protocols to handle increased demands of Internet activity, accessibility, reliability, security, cost, ease of use and quality of service. In addition, the use of the Internet as a medium for commerce, communication and business services may have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by concerns regarding network outages, software errors, viruses, security breaches, fraud or other malicious activity. If the use of the Internet is adversely affected by these issues, demand for our software solutions could decrease.
Privacy and data security laws and regulations could impose additional costs on us and reduce the demand for our software solutions.
Our customers store and transmit a significant amount of personal or identifying information through our technology platform. Privacy and data security have become significant issues in the United States and in other jurisdictions where we may offer our software solutions. The regulatory framework relating to privacy and data security worldwide is rapidly evolving and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. Federal, state and foreign government bodies and agencies have in the past adopted, and may in the future adopt, laws and regulations regarding the collection, use, processing, storage and disclosure of personal or identifying information obtained from customers and other individuals. In addition to government regulation, privacy advocates and industry groups may propose various self-regulatory standardsindebtedness that may legally or contractually apply to our business. Because the interpretation and application of many privacy and data security laws, regulations and applicable industry standards are uncertain, it is possible that these laws, regulations and standards may be interpreted and applied in a manner inconsistent with our existing privacy and data management practices. As we expand into new jurisdictions or verticals, we will need to understand and comply with various new requirements applicable in those jurisdictions or verticals.
To the extent applicable to our business or the businesses of our customers, these laws, regulations and industry standards could have negative effects on our business, including by increasing our costs and operating expenses, and/or delaying or impeding our deployment of new or existing core functionality or Value+ services. Compliance with these laws, regulations and industry standards requires significant management time and attention, and failure to comply could result in negative publicity, subject us to fines or penalties, or result in demands that we modify or cease existing business practices. In addition, the costs of compliance with, and other burdens imposed by, such laws, regulations and industry standards may adversely affect our customers’ ability or desire to collect, use, processfinancial condition and store personal information using our software solutions, which could reduce overall demand for them. Even the perception of privacyfuture financing agreements may contain restrictive operating and data security concerns, whether or not valid, may inhibit market acceptance of our software solutions in certain verticals. Furthermore, privacy and data security concerns may cause our customers’ clients, vendors, employees and other industry participants to resist providing the personal information necessary to allow our customers to use our applications effectively. Any of these outcomes could adversely affect our business and operating results.financial covenants.
We may requireincur additional capitalindebtedness in the future and/or enter into new financing arrangements. Our ability to supportmeet expenses, to remain in compliance with the covenants under any future debt instruments, and to pay fees, interest and principal on our operations or the growth ofindebtedness will depend on, among other things, our business,operating performance and we cannotmarket conditions. Accordingly, our cash flow may not be certain that this capital will be availablesufficient to allow us to pay principal and interest on favorable terms when required, or at all.
We may need additional capital to grow our businessfuture indebtedness and meet our strategic objectives. Our ability to obtain additional capital, if and when required, will depend on numerous factors, including investor and lender demand, our historical and forecasted financial and operating performance, our market position, and the overall condition of the capital markets. We cannot guarantee that additional financing will be available to us on favorable terms when required, or at all. In addition, if we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity securities, those securities may have powers, preferences or rights senior to the rights of our Class A common stock, and our existing stockholders may experience dilution. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of debt securities, we may incur interest expense or other costs to service the indebtedness, or we may be required to encumber certain assets, which could negatively impact our operating results. Furthermore, if we are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to us when we require it, our ability to continue to support the growth of our business and the achievement of our strategic objectives could be significantly impaired and our operating results may be harmed.customer obligations.
Financing agreements that we are party to or may become party to may contain operating and financial covenants that restrict our business and financing activities. Failure to comply with these covenants, or other restrictions, could result in default under these agreements.
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Our existing credit agreement with Wells Fargo as administrative agent, and the lenders that are parties thereto, which we refer to as our Credit Agreement, contains certain operating and financial restrictions and covenants, including limitations on dividends, dispositions, mergers or consolidations, incurrence of indebtedness and liens, and other corporate activities. These restrictions and covenants, as well as those contained in any future financing agreements that we may enter into, may restrict our ability to finance our operations, and to engage in, expand or otherwise pursue our business activities and strategic objectives. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, and breaches of these covenants could result in a default under our existing Credit Agreement and any future financing agreements that we may enter into. If not waived, defaults could cause any outstanding indebtedness under our Credit Agreement and any future financing agreements that we may enter into to become immediately due and payable.



Because our long-term growth strategy involves expansion of our sales to customers outside the United States, our business will be susceptible to the risks associated with international operations.
A component of our growth strategy involves the expansion of our international operations and worldwide customer base. To date, we have realized an immaterial amount of revenue from customers outside the United States. Operating in international markets will require significant resources and management attention and will subject us to regulatory, economic, geographic and political risks that are different from those in the United States. Because of our limited experience with international operations and significant differences between the United States and international markets, our international expansion efforts may not be successful in creating demand for our software solutions outside of the United States or in effectively selling our software solutions in any international markets we may enter. If we invest substantial time and resources to expand our international operations and are unable to do so successfully, our business and operating results could suffer.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations could be impaired.
In connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2014, our independent registered public accounting firm identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. As of December 31, 2015, we completed remediation of these material weaknesses. However, the completion of remediation does not provide assurance that our controls will continue to operate properly or that our financial statements will not contain any material errors. There may be future material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, and as a result we may not detect financial statement errors on a timely basis. Moreover, in the future we may engage in business transactions, such as acquisitions or reorganizations, implement new accounting standards, or adopt other changes to our business processes, any of which could require us to develop and implement new controls or to modify existing controls, which could negatively affect our internal control over financial reporting and result in material weaknesses.
In the event we experience a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting in the future, we may not detect errors on a timely basis and our financial statements may be materially misstated. Ineffective internal control over financial reporting, failure to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 in a timely manner and the inability to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial statements and other information, which could have a negative effect on the market price of our Class A common stock. Additionally, it could lead to an investigation by the SEC, NASDAQ Global Market or other regulatory authorities, which could require the expenditure of additional financial and management resources.
We are an emerging growth company and our decision to comply with certain reduced reporting and disclosure requirements could make our Class A common stock less attractive to investors.

We qualify as an emerging growth company under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups, or JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting requirements and may be relieved of other significant requirements that are otherwise generally applicable to public companies. These provisions include:
an exemption from compliance with the auditor attestation requirement on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting;
an exemption from compliance with any requirement that the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board may adopt regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements;
reduced disclosure about our executive compensation arrangements; and
exemptions from the requirements to obtain a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation or stockholder approval of any golden parachute arrangements.

We have irrevocably elected to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards pursuant to Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act. However, in this Annual Report, we are taking advantage of the other exemptions discussed above. Accordingly, the information that we provide to our stockholders may be different from the information you receive from other public companies in which you have invested. If some investors find our Class A common stock less attractive as a result of our reliance on these exemptions, there may be a less active trading market for our Class A common stock, the market price of our Class A common stock may be more volatile, and the trading price of our Class A common stock may be lower than that of comparable companies.



Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.

As ofAt December 31, 2017,2020, we had United States federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $73.5 million and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $48.0$46.5 million, which will begin to expire in 2027 and 2023, respectively. As of2028. At December 31, 20172020, we also had federal and state research and development credit carryforwards of $5.0$4.1 million and $5.4$11.5 million, respectively. The federal creditscredit carryforwards will begin to expire in 2027,2040, while the state credit carryforwards apply indefinitely. Under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change net operating loss carryforwards and other pre-change tax attributes, such as research tax credits, to offset its post-change income and taxes may be limited. In general, an “ownership change” occurs if there is a cumulative change in our ownership by “5% shareholders” that exceeds 50 percentage points50% over a rolling three-year period. Similar rules may apply under state tax laws. It is possible that our existing net operating loss and/or credit carryforwards may be subject to limitations arising from previous ownership changes, and future issuances of our stock could cause an ownership change. Furthermore, our ability to utilize net operating loss and/or credit carryforwards of companies that we have acquired or may acquire in the future may be subject to limitations. AnyThere is also a risk that due to legislative changes, such limitationsas suspensions on our ability tothe use ourof net operating loss carryforwards, and other tax assets could adversely impact our business, financial condition and operating results.
Tax laws or regulations could be enacted or changed and existing tax laws or regulations could be applied to us or to our customers in a manner that could increase the costs of our software solutions and adversely impact our operating results.

The application of federal, state, local and foreign tax laws to services provided electronically is continuously evolving. New income, sales, use or other tax laws, statutes, rules, regulationsunforeseen reasons, our existing net operating loss carryforwards could expire or ordinances couldotherwise be enacted or amended at any time, possibly with retroactive effect, and could be applied solely or disproportionatelyunavailable to services provided over the Internet. These enactments or amendments could adversely affect our sales activity due to the inherent cost increase the taxes would represent and could ultimately result in a negative impact on our operating results.

In addition, existing tax laws, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances could be interpreted, modified or applied adversely to us, possibly with retroactive effect, which could require us or our customers to pay additional tax amounts, as well as require us or our customers to pay fines or penalties, as well as interest on past amounts. If we are unsuccessful in collecting such taxes due from our customers, we could be held liable for such costs, thereby adversely impacting our operating results.
We may be subject to additionaloffset future income tax liabilities.

We are subject to income, sales, use, value added and other taxes in the United States and other jurisdictions in which we conductOur business and such laws and rates vary by jurisdiction. Certain jurisdictions in which we do not collect sales, use, value added or other taxes on our sales may assert that such taxes are applicable, which could result in tax assessments, penalties and interest, and we may be required to pay or collect such taxes in the future. If we receive an adverse determination as a result of an audit or related litigation, or we unilaterally determine that we have misinterpreted provisions of the tax regulations to which we are subject, there could be a material effect on our tax provision, net income or cash flows in the period or periods for which that determination is made.
Our reported financial results may be adversely affected by changesdevelopments in accounting principles generally accepted inthe global economy, including if we seek to expand our sales to customers outside of the United States.

Generally accepted accounting principlesTo date, we have realized an immaterial amount of revenue from customers outside the United States. We may nonetheless be affected by economic, regulatory or other developments in the global economy or particular countries, such as China, because certain of our customers’ businesses may be based in or have significant ties to international jurisdictions.This may, for example, affect our ability to meet customer requirements in a cost-effective manner or the ability of our customers to expand their relationships with us.Furthermore, to the extent that we seek to expand our operations to international markets, such expansion will require significant resources and management attention and will subject us to additional regulatory, economic, geographic and political risks. Because of our limited experience with international operations and significant differences between the United States are subject to interpretationand international markets, any international expansion efforts may not be successful in creating demand for our software solutions outside of the United States or in effectively selling our software solutions in any international markets we may enter. The significant disruptions caused by the Financial Accounting Standards Board,COVID-19 pandemic, especially in certain countries in the SECEuropean Union and various bodies formed to promulgate and interpret appropriate accounting principles. A change in these principles or interpretationsAsia, could have a significantprolonged negative impact on our reported financialability to expand our sales to customers outside the United States. If we invest substantial time and resources to expand our international operations and are unable to do so successfully, our business and operating results and could affect the reporting of transactions completed before the announcement of a change.suffer.
Risks Related to Our Class A Common Stock
The market price of our Class A common stock may be volatile or may decline regardless of our operating performance, which could result in substantial losses for our stockholders.

The market price of our Class A common stock has been, and is likely to continue to be, highly volatile, and fluctuations in the price of our Class A common stock could cause you to lose all or part of your investment. For example, during 2017, the share price of our Class A common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market fluctuated between $21.63 and $52.25.


There are numerousa wide variety of factors, many of which are outside our control, that could cause fluctuations in the market price of our Class A common stock including:
price and, volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;
volatility in the market prices and trading volumes of securities issued by software companies;
changes in operating performance and stock market valuations of other software companies generally, and of companies that sell cloud-based solutions within our targeted verticals in particular;
sales of shares of our Class A common stock by us or our stockholders, or perceptions that such sales may occur;
any future announcements to repurchase our Class A common stock;
failure of securities analysts to maintain coverage of us, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts who follow us, or our failure to meet these estimates or the expectations of investors;
the guidance we may provide to the public, any changes in that guidance, and our performance relative to that guidance;
announcements by us or our competitors of new products or services;
public reaction to our press releases, filings with the SEC and other public announcements;
rumors and market speculation involving us or other software companies;
actual or anticipated changes in our operating results or fluctuations in our operating results;
actual or anticipated developments in our business, our competitors’ businesses or the competitive landscape generally;
litigation involving us, our industry or both, or investigations by regulators into our operations or those of our competitors;
developments or disputes concerning our intellectual property or other proprietary rights;
announced or completed acquisitions of businesses or technologies by us or our competitors;
new laws or regulations or new interpretations of existing laws or regulations applicable to our business;
changes in accounting standards, policies, guidelines, interpretations or principles;
changes in our management; and
general economic conditions and trends, including slow or negative growth of our markets.

In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against these companies. If instituted against us, any such litigation, regardless of its merit or final outcome, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention, thereby adversely affecting our operating results and, potentially,and/or the price of our Class A common stock.

The dual class structure of our common stock has the effect of concentratingconcentrates voting control with a limited number of stockholders, including our executive officers, directors and principal stockholders, which will limiteffectively limiting your ability to influence corporate matters.
Our Class B common stock has 10 votes per share, and our Class A common stock has one vote per share. As of December 31, 2017,2020, the holders of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock, including our executive officers, directors, and principal stockholders, collectively holdheld approximately 93%90% of the combined voting power of our outstanding capital stock. Because of the 10-to-1 voting ratio between our Class B common stock and Class A common stock, the holders of our Class B common stock collectively control a majority of the combined voting power of our outstanding capital stock and therefore are able to exercise significant influence and control over the establishment and implementationelection of a majority of our future business plansdirectors and thereby have the power to control our affairs and policies, including the appointment of management and strategic objectives,decisions, as well as to control all matters that are submitted to a vote by our stockholders for approval. These persons may manageholders of our business in ways with which you disagree and whichcommon stock.The interests of our principal stockholders may be inconsistent with or adverse to your interests.those of holders our Class A common stock. This concentrated control may also have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change-in-control transaction, depriving our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their capital stock or negatively affecting the market price of our Class A common stock.


Transfers In addition, transfers by holders of our Class B common stock will generally result in those shares converting to Class A common stock, subject to limited exceptions. The conversion of our Class B common stock to Class A common stock will have the effect, over time, of increasing the relative voting power of the holders of our Class B common stock who retain their shares over the long term.

23


We cannot predict the impact that our capital structure may have on our stock price.
In July 2017, S&P Dow Jones, a provider of widely followed stock indices, has announced that companies with multiple share classes such as ours,of stock will not be eligible for inclusion in certain of their indices. As a result, our Class A common stock will likely not be eligible for those stock indices. Additionally, FTSE Russell, another provider of widely followed stock indices, recently stated that it plans to requirerequires new constituents of its indices to have at least five percent of their voting rights in the hands of public stockholders. As of December 31, 2017, the holders of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock, including our executive officers, directors, and principal stockholders, collectively hold approximately 93% of the combined voting power of our outstanding capital stock. Many investment funds are precluded from investing in companies that are not included in such indices, and these funds would be unable to purchase our Class A common stock. We cannot assure you that other stock indices will not take a similar approach to S&P Dow Jones or FTSE Russell in the future. Exclusion from these and other indices could make our Class A common stock less attractive to investors and, as a result, the market price of our Class A common stock could be adversely affected.
Anti-takeover provisions contained in our amended and restated certificate In addition, several shareholder advisory firms have announced their opposition to the use of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, as well as provisions of Delaware law, could impair a takeover attempt.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that could have the effect of rendering more difficult hostile takeovers, change-in-control transactions or changes in our board of directors or management. Among other things, these provisions:
authorize the issuance of preferred stock with powers, preferences and rights that may be senior to our common stock, which can be created and issued by our board of directors without prior stockholder approval;
provide for the adoption of a staggered board of directors whereby our board is divided into three classes, each of which has a different three-year term;
provide that the number of directors will be fixed by our board of directors;
prohibit our stockholders from filling vacancies on our board of directors;
provide for the removal of a director only for cause and then only by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the combined voting power of our outstanding capital stock;
prohibit stockholders from calling special stockholder meetings;
prohibit stockholders from acting by written consent without holding a meeting of stockholders;
require the vote of at least two-thirds of the combined voting power of our outstanding capital stock to approve amendments to our certificate of incorporation or bylaws;
require advance written notice of stockholder proposals and director nominations;
provide for a dual-class common stock structure, as discussed above; and
require the approval of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock, voting as a separate class, prior to consummating a change-in-control transaction.

multiple class structures. As a Delaware corporation, we are also subjectresult, shareholder advisory firms may publish negative commentary about our corporate governance practices or otherwise seek to provisions of Delaware law, including Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which may delay, detercause us to change our capital structure. Any actions or prevent a change-in-control transaction. Section 203 imposes certain restrictions on mergers, business combinations and other transactions between us and holders of 15% or morepublications by shareholder advisory firms critical of our common stock.
Any provision of Delaware law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation,corporate governance practices or our amended and restated bylaws, that has the effect of rendering more difficult, delaying, deterring or preventing a change-in-control transaction could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our capital stock, andstructure could also adversely affect the


price that some investors are willing to pay for value of our Class A common stock.
Future sales of shares of our Class A common stock, or the perception that these sales could occur, could depress the market price of our Class A common stock.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our Class A common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales might occur, could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to decline or make it more difficult for you to sell your Class A common stock at a time and price that you deem appropriate, and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities. We are unable to predict the effect that sales, or the perception that our shares may be available for sale, will have on the prevailing market price of our Class A common stock.
As of December 31, 2017,2020, we had an aggregate of 1.71.2 million options outstanding that, if fully exercised, would result in the issuance of additional shares of Class A common stock or Class B common stock, as applicable. Our Class B common stock converts into Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. In addition, as of December 31, 2017,2020, we had 0.60.5 million restricted stock units, or RSUs, outstanding which, if fully vested and settled in shares, would result in the issuance of additional shares of Class A common stock. All of the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon the exercise of options (or upon conversion of shares of Class B common stock issued upon the exercise of options), or upon the vesting and settlement of RSUs, have been registered for public resale under the Securities Act. Accordingly, these shares will be able to be freely sold in the public market upon issuance.
Certain In addition, certain holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock have rights, subject to certain conditions, to require us to file registration statements for the public resale of such shares (in the case of Class B common stock, the Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of such shares) or to include such shares in registration statements that we may file for us or other stockholders. Any sales of securities by these stockholders could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our Class A common stock.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about us, our business, our market or our competitors, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our Class A common stock, the market price and trading volume of our Class A common stock could decline.
The trading market for our Class A common stock is influenced, to some extent, by the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us, our business, our market or our competitors. If any of the analysts who cover us adversely change their recommendations regarding our Class A common stock or provide more favorable recommendations about our competitors, the market price of our Class A common stock may decline. If any of the analysts who cover us were to cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, visibility of our company in the financial markets could decrease, which in turn could cause the market price or trading volume of our Class A common stock to decline.
We do not expect to declare any dividends in the foreseeable future.future and may repurchase stock in accordance with our Share Repurchase Program.
We have never declared, or paid any cash dividends on our existing common stock. Weand we do not anticipate declaring or paying, any cash dividends to holders of our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future and intend to retain all future earnings for use in the growth of our business.future. In addition, the terms of our Credit Agreementfuture borrowing arrangements we may enter into from time to time may restrict our ability to pay dividends. Consequently, investors may need to rely on sales of our Class A common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gains on their investment. Investors should
Price appreciation, which may never occur, may be further impacted by repurchases of our shares in accordance with our Share Repurchase Program. Repurchases of our shares could increase the volatility of the trading price of our shares, which could have a negative impact on the trading price of our shares. Similarly, the future announcement of the termination or suspension of the Share Repurchase Program, or our decision not purchaseto utilize the full authorized repurchase amount under the Share Repurchase Program, could result in a decrease in the trading price of our shares. In addition, the Share Repurchase Program could have the impact of diminishing our cash reserves, which may impact our ability to finance our growth, complete acquisitions and execute our strategic plan. For additional information regarding our Share Repurchase Program, refer to Note 12, Stockholders' Equity, of our Consolidated Financial Statements.

General Risk Factors
Anti-takeover provisions contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, as well as provisions of Delaware law, could impair a takeover attempt.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that could have the effect of rendering more difficult hostile takeovers, change-in-control transactions or changes in our Board of Directors or management. Among other things, these provisions authorize the issuance of preferred stock with powers, preferences and rights that may be senior to our common stock, provide for the adoption of a staggered three-class Board of Directors, prohibit our stockholders from filling vacancies on our Board of Directors or calling special stockholder meetings, require the vote of at least two-thirds of the combined voting power of our outstanding capital stock to approve amendments to our certificate of incorporation or bylaws, and require the approval of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock voting as a separate class prior to consummating a change-in-control transaction. As a Delaware corporation, we are also subject to provisions of Delaware law, including Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation
24


Law, which may delay, deter or prevent a change-in-control transaction. Section 203 imposes certain restrictions on mergers, business combinations and other transactions between us and holders of 15% or more of our common stock. Any provision of Delaware law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, or our amended and restated bylaws that has the effect of rendering more difficult, delaying, deterring or preventing a change-in-control transaction could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our capital stock and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our Class A common stockstock.
Government regulations and laws are continuously evolving and unfavorable changes could adversely affect our operating results, subject us to litigation or governmental investigation, or otherwise harm our business.
We are subject to general business regulations and laws, as well as regulations and laws specifically governing the highly regulated real estate market, electronic payment, background screening and insurance services markets, the Internet itself, the use of mobile devices to conduct business and communicate, and many other products and services we provide. It is not clear how existing laws governing issues such as property ownership, management, rental and investment, data protection, and personal privacy apply to the Internet, digital content, communication services, web services, and artificial intelligence technologies and services. Unfavorable regulations, laws, and administrative or judicial decisions interpreting or applying those laws and regulations could diminish the demand for, or availability of, our products and services, subject us to litigation or governmental investigation and increase our cost of doing business, any of which may adversely affect our operating results. In addition, the application of federal, state, local and foreign tax laws to services provided electronically is continuously evolving. New income, sales, use or other tax laws, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances could be enacted or amended at any time, possibly with retroactive effect, and could be applied solely or disproportionately to services provided over the expectation of receiving cash dividends.Internet. These enactments or amendments could adversely affect our sales activity due to the inherent cost increase such taxes would represent and could ultimately result in a negative impact on our operating results. In addition, existing tax laws, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances could be interpreted, modified or applied adversely to us, possibly with retroactive effect, which could require us or our customers to pay additional tax amounts, as well as require us or our customers to pay fines or penalties, as well as interest on past amounts. If we are unsuccessful in collecting such taxes due from our customers, we could be held liable for such costs, thereby adversely impacting our operating results.

ITEM 1B.     UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS


None.


ITEM 2.PROPERTIES
ITEM 2.         PROPERTIES
Our corporate headquarters is located in twothree adjacent office buildings in Santa Barbara, California. The lease on the first building covers approximately 43,30043,700 square feet, 86,000 square feet, and expires in December 2021. The lease on the second building covers approximately 35,900 square feet, respectively, in the three buildings. These leases expire in February 2032 and expires in November 2020.
may be extended for two additional five-year terms at our election. We also lease office space in San Diego, California anda variety of other U.S. cities, most notably Richardson, Texas under leases that expire at various times between 2021 and 2022.


Texas.
We intend to procure additional space as we add employees and expand our operations geographically. We believe our current facilities are adequate for our current needs and that, should it be needed, suitable additional or alternative space will be available to us to accommodate any such expansion of our operations.
We lease all of our facilities and do not own any real property.

ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we are involved in various investigative inquiries, legal proceedings and other disputes arising from or related to claimsmatters incident to the normalordinary course of our business activities.activities, including actions with respect to intellectual property, employment, regulatory and contractual matters. Although the results of such investigative inquiries, legal proceedings and claimsother disputes cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that we are not currently a party to any legal proceeding(s)matters which, if determined adversely to us, would, individually or taken together, have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition or cash flows. However, regardless of the merit of any claimsmatters raised or the ultimate outcome, investigative inquiries, legal proceedings and other disputes may generally have an adverse impact on us as a result of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources, and other factors.
For additional information regarding legal proceedings, refer to Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies of our Consolidated Financial Statements.
25


ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.




PART II


ITEM 5.
ITEM 5.     MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information for our Class A Common Stock
Our Class A common stock began trading publicly on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol "APPF" on June 26, 2015. Prior to that date, there was no public trading market for our Class A common stock. The following table sets forth the high and low intraday sales prices per share of our
Our Class AB common stock as reportedis not listed or traded on the NASDAQ Global Market for the periods indicated:any stock exchange.
 High Low
Year ended December 31, 2017:   
First quarter$27.90
 $21.63
Second quarter$35.20
 $25.05
Third quarter$48.40
 $31.15
Fourth quarter$52.25
 $39.60
    
 High Low
Year ended December 31, 2016:   
First quarter$15.19
 $11.07
Second quarter$15.57
 $12.07
Third quarter$19.98
 $14.12
Fourth quarter$24.50
 $18.27

Holders of Record

As ofAt February 1, 2018,15, 2021, there were 3023 holders of record of our Class A common stock and 11678 holders of record of our Class B common stock. Because many of our shares of Class A common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of stockholders represented by these record holders.

Dividend Policy

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock. We have no plansdo not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends to declare or pay any dividends onholders of our capital stock in the foreseeable future and intend to retain all future earnings if any, generated by our operations for use in the growth of our business. AnyConsequently, investors may need to rely on sales of our Class A common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future decision to declare or pay dividends will be made by our board of directors in its sole discretion and will depend upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, general economic conditions and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant at the time of its decision.gains on their investment. Investors should not purchase our Class A common stock with the expectation of receiving cash dividends. In addition, the terms of our Credit Agreement may restrict our ability to pay dividends.

Stock Repurchase Program
Our board of directors may, from time to time, authorize our management to repurchase shares of our Class A common stock in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.



Stock Performance Graph

The following performance graph compares the cumulative total return on our Class A common stock with that of the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ Computer Index. This chart assumes $100 was invested in our Class A common stock at the close of market on June 26,December 31, 2015, which was our initial trading day,and in our Class A common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ Computer Index, and assumes the reinvestment of any dividends.

The comparisons in the graph below are based upon historical data and are not indicative of, nor intended to forecast, future performance of our common stock.

26




    appf-20201231_g1.jpg
This performance graph shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or incorporated by reference into any of our other filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Purchases of Equity Securities
None.

Use of Proceeds
None.



ITEM 6.     SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


The following tables providepresent our historical selected consolidated financial data for the periods indicated. We have derived the selected Consolidated Statements of Operations data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 20152018 and the selected Consolidated Balance Sheet data as ofat December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. We have derived the selected Consolidated Statements of Operations data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20142017 and 20132016 and the selected Consolidated Balance Sheet data as ofat December 31, 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 20132016 from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements, which are not included in this Annual Report. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results we expect in the future.
The following historical selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, the section of this Annual Report entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
27


Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015 2014
 
 2013
 
2020 (1)
2019 (2)
2018 (3)
20172016
(in thousands, except per share data) (in thousands, except per share data)
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:         Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:  
         
Revenue$143,803
 $105,586
 $74,977
 $47,671
 $26,542
Revenue$310,056 $256,012 $190,071 $143,803 $105,586 
Costs and operating expenses:         Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)(1)
55,283
 44,630
 33,903
 22,555
 13,616
Sales and marketing(1)
28,709
 28,827
 26,076
 16,876
 10,337
Research and product development(1)
16,578
 12,638
 9,554
 6,505
 5,057
General and administrative(1)
21,199
 17,979
 14,343
 6,489
 2,286
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)(4)
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)(4)
119,029 101,642 73,549 55,283 44,630 
Sales and marketing(4)
Sales and marketing(4)
58,445 51,528 33,288 28,709 28,827 
Research and product development(4)
Research and product development(4)
48,529 39,508 24,111 16,578 12,638 
General and administrative(4)
General and administrative(4)
47,480 34,478 24,891 21,199 17,979 
Depreciation and amortization12,699
 9,935
 6,104
 3,805
 2,850
Depreciation and amortization26,790 22,395 14,576 12,699 9,935 
Total costs and operating expenses134,468
 114,009
 89,980
 56,230
 34,146
Total costs and operating expenses300,273 249,551 170,415 134,468 114,009 
Income (loss) from operations9,335
 (8,423) (15,003) (8,559) (7,604)Income (loss) from operations9,783 6,461 19,656 9,335 (8,423)
Other income (expense), net(96) (37) 5
 (121) 287
Other income (expense), net188,897 16 (56)(96)(37)
Interest income (expense), net535
 246
 (595) 59
 12
Interest (expense) income, netInterest (expense) income, net(1,849)(1,654)787 535 246 
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes9,774
 (8,214) (15,593) (8,621) (7,305)Income (loss) before provision for income taxes196,831 4,823 20,387 9,774 (8,214)
Provision for income taxes58
 67
 75
 
 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxesProvision for (benefit from) income taxes38,428 (31,459)420 58 67 
Net income (loss)$9,716
 $(8,281) $(15,668) $(8,621) $(7,305)Net income (loss)$158,403 $36,282 $19,967 $9,716 $(8,281)
Net income (loss) per common share:         Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic0.29
 (0.25) (0.73) (0.98) (0.87)Basic$4.62 $1.07 $0.59 $0.29 $(0.25)
Diluted0.28
 (0.25) (0.73) (0.98) (0.87)Diluted$4.44 $1.02 $0.56 $0.28 $(0.25)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:         Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic33,849
 33,561
 21,336
 8,757
 8,437
Basic34,264 34,016 34,128 33,849 33,561 
Diluted35,151
 33,561
 21,336
 8,757
 8,437
Diluted35,713 35,567 35,562 35,151 33,561 
(1) Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows (in thousands):
      
(1) MyCase was divested on September 30, 2020. The results of MyCase have been included in our results of operations through the date of divestiture. Refer to Note 3, Divestitures and Business Combinations of our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report for additional information regarding this transaction.
(1) MyCase was divested on September 30, 2020. The results of MyCase have been included in our results of operations through the date of divestiture. Refer to Note 3, Divestitures and Business Combinations of our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report for additional information regarding this transaction.
(2) We acquired Dynasty on January 7, 2019. The results of Dynasty have been included in our results of operations from the date of acquisition. Refer to Note 3, Divestitures and Business Combinations of our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report for additional information regarding this transaction.
(2) We acquired Dynasty on January 7, 2019. The results of Dynasty have been included in our results of operations from the date of acquisition. Refer to Note 3, Divestitures and Business Combinations of our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report for additional information regarding this transaction.
(3) We acquired WegoWise on August 31, 2018. The results of WegoWise have been included in our results of operations from the date of acquisition.
(3) We acquired WegoWise on August 31, 2018. The results of WegoWise have been included in our results of operations from the date of acquisition.
(4) The following table presents stock-based compensation expense included in each respective expense category:
(4) The following table presents stock-based compensation expense included in each respective expense category:


Year Ended December 31,
20202019201820172016
(in thousands)
Stock-based compensation expense included in costs and operating expenses:
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)$1,506 $1,466 $1,103 $725 $471 
Sales and marketing1,415 1,271 1,034 723 442 
Research and product development1,818 1,411 1,079 657 382 
General and administrative4,286 3,161 3,121 3,991 3,006 
Total stock-based compensation expense$9,025 $7,309 $6,337 $6,096 $4,301 
28


 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014
 
 2013
 
 (in thousands)
Stock-based compensation expense included in Costs and operating expenses:         
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)$725
 $471
 $124
 $68
 $63
Sales and marketing723
 442
 115
 48
 39
Research and product development657
 382
 41
 19
 49
General and administrative3,991
 3,006
 727
 757
 96
Total stock-based compensation expense$6,096
 $4,301
 $1,007
 $892
 $247
At December 31,
20202019201820172016
(in thousands)
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents and investment securities$175,289 $50,778 $101,963 $68,310 $52,860 
Capitalized software development costs, net35,459 30,023 20,485 17,609 15,539 
Total assets389,480 260,102 175,741 110,248 92,583 
Deferred revenue2,262 4,586 3,414 7,080 7,638 
Operating lease liabilities41,991 36,138 — — — 
Current and long-term debt, net— 48,583 49,815 — — 
Total stockholders’ equity285,920 131,950 91,846 85,079 69,682 


 December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014
 
 2013
 
 (in thousands)
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:         
Cash and cash equivalents and investment securities(1)
$68,310
 $52,860
 $56,715
 $5,412
 $11,269
Total assets110,248
 92,583
 90,481
 25,434
 27,707
Deferred revenue7,080
 7,638
 4,953
 3,780
 2,943
Convertible preferred stock
 
 
 63,166
 63,166
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)85,079
 69,682
 72,697
 (51,467) (43,959)
(1) Amounts for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 include cash and cash equivalents, investment securities-current and investment securities-noncurrent. We held no investment securities during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ITEM 7.     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that are based on our current expectations and reflect our plans, estimates and anticipated future financial performance. See the section of this Annual Report entitled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for additional information. These statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties.uncertainties, including those related to the anticipated impact on our business from, and our response to, the COVID-19 pandemic. Our actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set forth in the section of this Annual Report entitled “Risk Factors.”"Risk Factors". See the section of this Annual Report entitled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for additional information.

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations discusses 2020 and 2019 items and year-over-year comparisons between 2020 and 2019. For discussion of 2018 items and year-over-year comparisons between 2019 and 2018, refer to Part II. Item 7. “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Overview
AppFolio is a provider of industry-specific, cloud-basedWe provide innovative software, solutionsservices and data analytics to customers in the real estate market, which comprises a significant majority of our revenue, as well as toindustry. Our industry-specific, cloud-based solutions are used primarily by property managers, and also by numerous other constituencies in the legal market, and we intend to enter new vertical markets over time. We were formed in 2006 with a vision to revolutionize the way that small and medium-sized businesses, or SMBs, grow and compete by enabling their digital transformation.
In 2008, we entered the real estate market with our first product, AppFolio Property Manager, or APM, a property management solution designedbusiness ecosystem. These other constituencies include property owners, rental prospects, tenants and service providers, whom we refer to address the unique operational and business requirements of property management companies. In 2012, we entered the legal marketcollectively as "users". Although specific functionality varies by acquiring MyCase, a legal practice and case management solution primarily for solo practitioners and small law firms. Recognizing thatproduct, our customers would benefit from additional business-critical services that they can purchase as needed, we launched a series of Value+ services beginning in 2009. Through our market validation approach and ongoing investment in product development, we continuously update our software solutions with new and innovative core functionality and Value+ services, as well as assess opportunities in adjacent markets and new verticals.
Our solutions are designed to beenable our customers to digitally transform their businesses, address critical business operations and enable exceptional customer service. In addition to our core solutions, we offer an array of optional, but often business-critical, Value+ services that are designed to enhance, automate and streamline processes and workflows that are essential to our customers' businesses. Our Value+ services are generally available on an as-needed basis and enable our customers to adapt our offerings to their specific operational requirements.
Our property management solutions and services provides our customers with a system of record to automate essential business processes, a system of engagement to enhance business interactions between our customers and their clientsa variety of users and vendors, and, increasingly, a system of intelligence designed to anticipate, influence,leverage data to predict and optimize business workflows to increase efficiency across our customers' businesses. Our mobile-optimized software solutions are designed for use across multiple devices and operating systems. Our software solutions are offered as a service, are hosted using a modern cloud-based architecture, and in part, use artificial intelligence technologies. This architecture leads to rich data sets that have a consistent schema across our customer experiences usingand user base and enables us to deploy data-powered products and services for our customers and users.
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In 2008, we introduced APM, a property management solution designed to address the unique operational and business requirements of property management companies and their business ecosystems. Recognizing that our customers and their business ecosystems would benefit from additional business critical services, we launched a series of Value+ services beginning in 2009. Our Value+ services are tailored to the specific workflows of property management businesses and generally fall into the categories of marketing and leasing, electronic payment services, business optimization and risk mitigation. In 2018, we introduced APM PLUS, a tier of APM designed for larger businesses with more complex needs. APM PLUS builds upon the functionality of APM and additionally offers data analytics, configurable workflows, and revenue management and optimization functionality for our customers. In April 2019, we launched AppFolio Investment Management, which is designed to take action inenable real estate investment managers to better manage their investor relationships by increasing transparency and streamlining certain business processes. We do not separately break out customer information at this time.
We have focused on growingAPM and APM PLUS serve our revenue by increasing the size of our customer baseproperty management customers, including third-party property managers and owner operators, who typically manage single- and multi-family residential, and others who manage community association, and commercial properties. Our solutions and services also serve other constituencies in the markets we serve, increasingproperty management market, including property owners, rental prospects, tenants and service providers. Revenue generated from each customer varies based on the type of property, the number of units under management, introducing new or expanded Value+ services, retaining customers, and increasing the


level of adoption and utilization of our Value+ services by newthe customer and existing customers.users. Revenue per unit generated from each customer typically varies based on the type of property and the level of adoption and utilization of Value+ services by the customer and users. For example, revenue generated per community association unit, which represent a growing percentage of our overall units, is lower than revenue generated per residential unit given the unique and complex needs of the residential rental lifecycle and resulting impact on the adoption and utilization of V+ services.
Property management customer count and property management units under management are presented in the table below. We define our customer base as the number of customers subscribing to our core solutions, exclusive of free trials.
Our property management software solutioncustomers as those paying for the real estate market provides property managers of various sizes (including both third-party managers and owner-operators) innovative tools and services designed to streamline their property management businesses. Our software solution serves a variety of property types, including single- and multi-family residential, commercial, community association, and student housing, and is continuously evolving to help our customers more effectively market, manage and grow their businesses. Core functionality addresses key operational issues, including posting and tracking vacancies, efficiently leasing vacant properties, facilitating tenant, owner and vendor communications, and accounting, among other things.
Today our property manager customers directly and indirectly account for more than 90% of our annual revenue. We define our property manager customer base as the number of customers subscribingsubscription to our core solutions. Customer count and property manager units under management are summarized in the table below:
Quarter Ended
December 31,September 30,June 30,March 31,December 31,September 30,June 30,March 31,
20202019
Property management customers15,724 15,352 15,011 14,729 14,385 14,034 13,737 13,409 
Property management units under management (in millions)5.36 5.12 4.94 4.8 4.64 4.41 4.23 4.08 
 Quarter Ended
 2017 2016
 December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
Property manager11,708
 11,258
 10,820
 10,468
 10,038
 9,612
 9,275
 8,816
Property manager units under management (in millions)3.25
 3.08
 2.93
 2.83
 2.68
 2.53
 2.41
 2.30

Our legal software solution, MyCase, enables solo practitioners and small law firms to more efficiently administer their practice and manage their caseload. MyCase is continuously evolving to help our customers more effectively market, manage and grow their businesses, and contains core functionality that addresses key operational issues, including managing calendars, contacts and documents, time tracking, billing and collections, communicating with clients and sharing sensitive and privileged materials.
Our legal customers directly and indirectly account for less than 10% of our annual revenue. We define our legal customer base as the number of customers subscribing to our core solutions, exclusive of free trial periods. Law firm customer count is summarized in the table below:
 Quarter Ended
 2017 2016
 December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
Law firm9,349
 
9,128(1)
 8,913
 8,676
 8,135
 7,799
 7,349
 6,834
(1)    This customer count has been corrected from the previously-reported count of 9,214.
To date, we have experienced rapid revenue growth due to strong relationships with our customers, our investments in research and product development, sales and marketing, customer service and support, and infrastructure. We have invested, and intend to continue to invest, in growth across our organization as we expand in our current markets, adjacent markets and enter into new verticals. These investments to grow our business willto capitalize on our market opportunity by working closely with our customers, prospects, partners and other industry participants to inform our product strategy. Over the long-term, these investments are expected to continue to increase our costs and operating expenses on an absolute basis. Many of these investments will occur in advance of our realization of revenue or any other benefit, andwhich will make it difficult to determine if we are allocating our resources effectively and efficiently. We expect cost of revenue, research and product development expense, sales and marketing expense, and general and administrative expense to decrease as a percentage of revenue over the long term as revenue increases and we gain additional operating leverage in our business. As a result of this increased operating leverage, we expect our operating margins will improve over the long term,long-term, but this trend may be interrupted from time to time as a result of accelerated investment opportunities occurring in advance of realization of revenue.
We rely heavily on our talented team of employees to execute our growth plans and achieve our long-term strategic objectives. We believe our people are at the heart of our success and our customers' success, and we have managed,worked hard not only to attract and planretain talented individuals, but also to provide a challenging and rewarding environment to motivate and develop our valuable human capital. Beginning in March 2020, in an effort to protect our employees and comply with applicable government orders, we transitioned our employees to a remote work environment and restricted non-essential employee travel. We currently expect the majority of our employees will continue working remotely at least through the second quarter of 2021. Our workforce has continued to effectively develop and support our software and services offerings notwithstanding the current environment. We take the health and welfare of our people very seriously, and have encouraged safe practices designed to stem the infection and spread of COVID-19 within our workforce and beyond and to maintain the mental health and well-being of our employees. However, if the COVID-19 pandemic requires remote working conditions for a prolonged period of time, it could have an adverse impact on the productivity of our employees, which would harm our business and impede our ability to achieve our strategic objectives. For example, certain employees with younger children have been required to respond to ongoing school closures and adapt to a distance learning environment, and may be required to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, we have a limited history of remote work and the long-term impact on, and the resulting types of continuing investments necessary for, our employee base is uncertain.    
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Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic may have long-term effects on the nature of the office environment and remote working. This may present operational and workplace culture challenges that may adversely affect our business. However, we are committed to our employees returning to the workplace in the long-term, and have recently constructed a new office space in Santa Barbara, California, extended the lease for our office in Richardson, Texas and are seeking new office space to lease in San Diego, California to accommodate our employees' return to the workplace in the future.
We began fiscal year 2020 with healthy demand for our core solutions and Value+ services, many of which are designed to enable our customers to manage their businesses virtually. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, we experienced some variability in demand for certain Value+ services after lock-down measures were implemented. We expect demand variability could continue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, although it is presently unclear whether the cumulative impacts will be positive or negative.
During certain periods covered by this Annual Report, we also provided software solutions and services to the legal vertical. As previously disclosed, we completed our business towardsdivestiture of MyCase, Inc. on September 30, 2020. In connection with the achievement of long-term growth that we believe will positively impact long-term stockholder value,MyCase Transaction, our Credit Agreement was terminated and not towardsall obligations outstanding under the realization of short-term financial or business metrics, or short-term stockholder value. Accordingly, if opportunities arise that might cause us to sacrifice our performanceTerm Loan and Revolving Facility, including all guarantees and security interests granted with respect to short-term financial or business metrics, but that we believe aresuch obligations, were satisfied in full with proceeds from the best interestssale and extinguished. For additional details, see Note 1, Nature of Business and Note 3, Divestitures and Business Combinations of our stockholders, we will take those opportunities.Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.
Key Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
We charge our customers on a subscription basis for ourOur core solutions and certain of our Value+ services.services are offered on a subscription basis. Our core solutions subscription fees vary by property type and are designed to scale to the size of our customers’ businesses. We recognize subscription revenue ratablyfor subscription-based services over time on a straight-line basis over the terms of


contract term beginning on the subscription agreements, which typically range from one month to one year.date that our service is made available. We generally invoice our customers for subscription services in monthly quarterly or annual installments, typicallyannually in advance of the subscription period. Revenue from subscription services is impacted by a number of factors, including the change in the number and type of our customers, the size and needs of our customers’ businesses, our customer renewal rates, and the level of adoption of our Value+ subscription services by new and existing customers.
We also charge our customers usage-based fees for using certainoffer Value+ services althoughthat are not covered by subscription fees for electronic payment processing are paid by either our customers or clients of our customers.on per use basis. Usage-based fees are charged on a flat fee per transaction basis with no minimum usage commitments. We recognize revenue for usage-based services in the period the service is rendered. We generally invoice our customers for usage-based services on a monthly basis for services rendered inor collect the preceding month. Revenue from usage-based services is impacted by a numberfee at the time of factors, including the numberservice. A significant majority of new and existing customers that adopt and utilize our Value+ services, the size and needs of our customers and our customer renewal rates.
We experience some seasonality in our Value+ services revenue primarily with respect tocomes directly and indirectly from the screeninguse of our electronic payment services, we provide to our property manager customers. These customers historically have processed fewer applications for new tenants during the fourth quarter holiday season; therefore, revenue associated with ourtenant screening services, and new tenant applications typically declinesinsurance services. Usage-based fees are paid both by customers and users in the fourth quarter of the year. As a result of this seasonal decline in revenue, we have typically experienced slower sequential revenue growth or a sequential decline in revenue in the fourth quarter of each of our most recent fiscal years. customers' business ecosystems.
We expect this seasonality to continue in the foreseeable future.
We also offer assistance tocharge our customers withfor on-boarding assistance to our core solutions as well as website designand certain other non-reoccurring services. We generally invoice our customers for these other services in advance of the services being completed. Wecompleted and recognize revenue for these other services upon completion of the related service. We also generate revenue from legacy RentLinx, WegoWise, and Dynasty standalone customers by providing services that allow these customers to advertise rental houses and apartments online. Revenue derived from customers using the RentLinx services outside of our property managermanagement core solution platformplatform. Revenue derived from these services is being recorded under other revenue.in Other revenue.
Costs and Operating Expenses
Cost of Revenue. Many of our Value+ services are facilitated by third-party service providers. Cost of revenue consists ofincludes the fees paid to these third-party service providers (including legal fees and costs associated with the delivery and provision of those services, as well as loss reserves and other costs associated with our legal liability to landlord insurance services), which vary both in cost and as a percent of revenue for each Value+ service offering, personnel-related costs (including salaries, incentive-basedperformance-based compensation, benefits, and stock-based compensation) for our employees focused on customer service and the support of our operations, platform infrastructure costs (such as data center operations and hosting-related costs), payment processing fees and allocated shared costs. We typically allocate shared costs across our organization based on headcount within the applicable part of our organization. Cost of revenue excludes depreciation of property and equipment, and amortization of capitalized software development costs and intangible assets. We intend to continue to invest in customer service and support and the expansion of our technology infrastructure as we grow the number of our customers and roll out additional Value+ services. We also intend to expand our Value+ offerings over time, which will impact cost of revenue both in absolute dollars and overall percentage of revenue.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expense consists of personnel-related costs (including salaries, sales commissions, incentive-basedperformance-based compensation, benefits, and stock-based compensation) for our employees focused on sales and marketing, costs associated with sales and marketing activities, and allocated shared and other costs. Marketing activities include advertising, online lead generation, lead nurturing, customer and industry events, and the creation of industry-related content and collateral. Sales commissions and other incremental costs to acquire customers and grow adoption and utilization of our Value+ services by our new and existing customers are expensed as incurred.deferred and then amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of benefit, which we have determined to be three years. We focus our sales and marketing efforts on generating awareness of our software solutions, creating sales leads, establishing and promoting our brands, and cultivating an educated community of successful and vocal customers. We intend to continue to invest in sales and marketing as we grow to increase the size of our customer base and increase the adoption and utilization of Value+ services by our new and existing customers.
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Research and Product Development. Research and product development expense consists of personnel-related costs (including salaries, incentive-basedperformance-based compensation, benefits, and stock-based compensation) for our employees focused on research and product development, fees for third-party development resources, and allocated shared and other costs. Our research and product development efforts are focused on enhancing functionality and the ease of use and functionality of our existing software solutions by adding new core functionality, Value+ services and other improvements, as well as developing new products and services.services for new and existing markets. We capitalize the portion of our software development costs that meetswhich meet the criteria for capitalization. Amortization of capitalized software development costs is included in depreciation and amortization expense. We intend to continue to invest in research and product development as we continue to introduce new core functionality, roll out new Value+ services, develop new products and services, and expand into adjacent markets and new verticals.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expense consists of personnel-related costs (including salaries, incentive-baseda majority of total performance-based compensation, benefits, and stock-based compensation) for employees in our executive, finance, information technology, or IT, human resources, legal, compliance, corporate development legal and administrative organizations. In addition, general and


administrative expense includes fees for third-party professional services (including audit, legal, compliance, tax, and consulting services), transaction costs related to business combinations and divestitures, regulatory fines and penalties, other corporate expenses, and allocated shared costs. We intend to incur incremental general and administrative costs associated with supporting the growth of our business.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense includes depreciation of property and equipment, amortization of capitalized software development costs, and amortization of intangible assets. We depreciate or amortize property and equipment, software development costs, and intangible assets over their expected useful lives on a straight-line basis, which approximates the pattern in which the economic benefits of the assets are consumed. As we expand our facilities footprint
Other Income (Expense), Net. Other income (expense), net includes gains and increase our baselosses associated with the sale of employees, we expect to have increasedbusinesses, property and equipment expenditures and incremental depreciation expense. In addition, as we continueinvestment securities and income from certain post-closing transition services to investbe provided by us to MyCase in our research and product development organization andconnection with the development or acquisition of new technology, we expect to have increased capitalized software development costs and incremental amortization.MyCase Transaction.
Interest Income (Expense)Expense, Net. Interest expense includes interest paid on any outstanding borrowings. Interest income includes interest earned on investment securities, amortization and accretion of the premium and discounts paid from the purchase of investment securities, and interest earned on notes receivable and on cash deposited withinin our bank accounts. Interest expense includes interest paid on outstanding borrowings under our Credit Agreement.
Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes. Provision for (benefit from) income taxes consists of federal and state income taxes in the United States.
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Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2020 and 20152019
The following table sets forthpresents our results of operations for the periods presented in dollars (in thousands) and as a percentage of revenue:
Year Ended December 31,
20202019
Amount%Amount%
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:
Revenue$310,056 100.0 %$256,012 100.0 %
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)(1)
119,029 38.4 101,642 39.7 
Sales and marketing(1)
58,445 18.8 51,528 20.1 
Research and product development(1)
48,529 15.7 39,508 15.4 
General and administrative(1)
47,480 15.3 34,478 13.5 
Depreciation and amortization26,790 8.6 22,395 8.7 
Total costs and operating expenses300,273 96.8 249,551 97.5 
Income from operations9,783 3.2 6,461 2.5 
Other income, net188,897 60.9 16 — 
Interest expense, net(1,849)(0.6)(1,654)(0.6)
Income before provision for (benefit from) income taxes196,831 63.5 4,823 1.9 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes38,428 12.4 (31,459)(12.3)
Net income$158,403 51.1 %$36,282 14.2 %
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 Amount % Amount % Amount %
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:           
Revenue$143,803
 100.0 % $105,586
 100.0 % $74,977
 100.0 %
Costs and operating expenses:           
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)(1)
55,283
 38.4
 44,630
 42.3
 33,903
 45.2
Sales and marketing(1)
28,709
 20.0
 28,827
 27.3
 26,076
 34.8
Research and product development(1)
16,578
 11.5
 12,638
 12.0
 9,554
 12.7
General and administrative(1)
21,199
 14.7
 17,979
 17.0
 14,343
 19.1
Depreciation and amortization12,699
 8.8
 9,935
 9.4
 6,104
 8.1
Total costs and operating expenses134,468
 93.5
 114,009
 108.0
 89,980
 120.0
Income (loss) from operations9,335
 6.5
 (8,423) (8.0) (15,003) (20.0)
Other income (expense), net(96) (0.1) (37) 
 5
 
Interest income (expense), net535
 0.4
 246
 0.2
 (595) (0.8)
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes9,774
 6.8
 (8,214) (7.8) (15,593) (20.8)
Provision for income taxes58
 
 67
 0.1
 75
 0.1
Net income (loss)$9,716
 6.8 % $(8,281) (7.8)% $(15,668) (20.9)%
(1)IncludesThe following table presents stock-based compensation expense as follows (in thousands):included in each respective expense category:
Year Ended December 31,
20202019
Stock-based compensation expense included in costs and operating expenses:
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)$1,506 $1,466 
Sales and marketing1,415 1,271 
Research and product development1,818 1,411 
General and administrative4,286 3,161 
Total stock-based compensation expense$9,025 $7,309 

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 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Costs and operating expenses:     
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)$725
 $471
 $124
Sales and marketing723
 442
 115
Research and product development657
 382
 41
General and administrative3,991
 3,006
 727
Total stock-based compensation expense$6,096
 $4,301
 $1,007




Revenue
 Year Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 % Change 2015 to 2016 % Change
 2017 2016 2015  
 (dollars in thousands)
Core solutions$57,132
 $43,775
 $32,119
 31% 36 %
Value+ services80,847
 56,965
 37,998
 42% 50 %
Other5,824
 4,846
 4,860
 20%  %
Total revenues$143,803
 $105,586
 $74,977
 36% 41 %
Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016
Year Ended December 31,Change
20202019Amount%
(dollars in thousands)
Core solutions$100,938 $88,581 $12,357 14 %
Value+ services195,146 153,994 41,152 27 %
Other13,972 13,437 535 %
Total revenue$310,056 $256,012 $54,044 21 %
Revenue increased $38.2derived from our software and solutions offered to the real estate vertical for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $284.7 million and $231.1 million, respectively, an increase of $53.6 million, or 36%, in 2017 compared to 2016, the substantial majority due23%. This increase was primarily attributable to the growth in the number of property managermanagement customers and units under management. We experienced a 17% year over yearmanagement utilizing our software and services. The remaining revenue was attributed to our legacy legal vertical.
Core solutions revenue derived from our real estate vertical for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $86.5 million and $72.6 million, respectively, an increase of $13.9 million or 19%. Value+ services revenue derived from our real estate vertical for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $184.2 million and $145.2 million, respectively, an increase of $39.1 million or 27%. The increase in the numbercore solutions and Value+ services revenue was mainly attributable to growth in our base of property managermanagement customers and a 21% year over year increasegrowth in users of our subscription and usage-based services. During this period we experienced growth of 17% in the average number of property management units under management. Revenuemanagement resulting from 10% growth in the average number of property management customers during the period.
Our electronic payment services experienced increased demand during the current year as residents, property managers, owners and customers transacted more business online, which we attribute in part to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is unclear whether the trend will continue over the long-term. During the comparative period, we also introduced new Value+ services and expanded the functionality of others, which resulted in incremental revenue. A significant majority of our Value+ services increased by $23.9 million, or 42%, in 2017 compared to 2016, mainly driven by increased usagerevenue comes directly and indirectly from the use of our electronic paymentspayment services, tenant screening services, and screeningthe insurance services by a larger property manager customer and unit base. We also experienced growth in each of our other Value+ services during that period. Core solutions revenue increased $13.4 million, or 31%, in 2017 comparedwe make available to 2016, mainly attributed to the growth in the number of our property manager customers, units under management, and strong customer renewal rates.
In each of 2017 and 2016, we derived more than 90% of our revenue from our property manager customers.
Fiscal 2016 Compared to Fiscal 2015
Revenue increased $30.6 million, or 41%, in 2016 compared to 2015, mainly reflecting increased revenue from a 22% year over year increase in the number of our property manager customers. The overall increase in revenue was mostly attributable to revenue from Value+ services which increased by $19.0 million, or 50% when compared to the prior year. The increase in Value+ services was mainly driven by increased usage of our electronic payments services and screening services by a larger property manager customer base, and the increase in property manager units under management of 25% year over year. We also had strong growth in our legal liability to landlord insurance programs, customer contact center and website hosting services offered within our Value+ services. In addition, during 2016, we launched Premium Leads as a Value+ services for our property manager customers. The overall increase in revenue was also the result of an increase in revenue from our core solutions of $11.7 million, or 36%, driven by the growth in the number of our customers, units under management, and strong customer renewal rates.
In each of 2016 and 2015, we derived more than 90% of our revenue from our property manager customers.
Cost of Revenue (Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization)
 Year Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 % Change 2015 to 2016 % Change
 2017 2016 2015  
 (dollars in thousands)
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)$55,283
 $44,630
 $33,903
 24% 32%
Percentage of revenue38.4% 42.3% 45.2%    
Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016
Year Ended December 31,Change
20202019Amount%
(dollars in thousands)
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)$119,029 $101,642 $17,387 17 %
Percentage of revenue38.4 %39.7 %
Stock-based compensation, included above$1,506 $1,466 $40 %
Cost of revenue (exclusiverelated to our software and solutions offered to the real estate vertical for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $109.7 million and $93.0 million, respectively, an increase of depreciation and amortization) increased $10.7$16.7 million, or 24%, in 2017 compared18%. This increase was primarily attributable to 2016 based onincreased costs associated with servicing the 36% increaseincremental $53.6 million in revenue over the same period.period, partially offset by third-party service provider incentives earned of $2.0 million. The increaseremaining cost of revenue was primarily dueattributed to our legacy legal vertical.
Expenditures to third-party service providers related to the delivery of our Value+ services to the real estate vertical increased expenditures to third parties of $7.0$6.9 million, which was directly associated with the increased adoption and utilization of our Value+ services, as evidenced by the 42%$39.1 million increase in Value+ services revenues. Thererevenue to the real estate vertical. Partially offsetting this increase was also$2.0 million of annual maximum incentives earned during the period from third-party service providers related to programs intended to increase adoption and utilization of online payments. Personnel-related costs, including performance-based compensation, necessary to support growth and key investments, increased $7.8 million. Allocated shared costs increased by $2.1 million primarily driven by an increase in personnel-relatedplatform infrastructure costs, partially offset by a reduction of $2.3 million dueallocated expenses attributed to an increasea decrease in headcount to support the continued growth of our business, as well as increased allocatedworkplace-related and other costsexpenditures in response to the impact of $1.3 million driven by expanded facilities, IT and other expenses supporting our growth.the COVID-19 pandemic.

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As a percentage of revenue, cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) improvedfluctuates primarily based on the mix of Value+ services revenue in the period, given the varying percentage of revenue we pay to 38.4%, from 42.3% for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. This improvement was primarily driven by our ability to increase revenue with a more moderate increase in personnel-related costs, and a slight improvement in pricing with our third-party service providers, as we continue to grow.
Fiscal 2016 Compared to Fiscal 2015
Costand investments made in advance of expected revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased $10.7 million, or 32%, in 2016 compared to 2015. The increase was primarily due to increasedgeneration. Excluding the third-party costs of $5.0 million driven by increased Value+ services, increased personnel-related costs of $3.9 million due to our headcount growth, as well as increased allocated and other costs of $1.8 million driven by expanded facilities, IT and other shared expenses supporting our growth.
As a percentage of revenue,service provider incentives earned during the period, cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) improved 2.9, as a percentage pointsof revenue decreased to 39.2% from 40.2%. This decrease in 2016 compared to 2015. The improvementcost as a percentage of revenue was primarily driven by a decrease in personnel-related costs due to our ability to increasethe mix of Value+ services revenue with a more moderate increase in headcount, and a decrease in third-party costs due to improved pricing with our third-party service providers as we continue to grow.varying underlying costs.
Sales and Marketing
 Year Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 % Change 2015 to 2016 % Change
 2017 2016 2015  
 (dollars in thousands)    
Sales and marketing$28,709
 $28,827
 $26,076
  % 11%
Percentage of revenue20.0% 27.3% 34.8%    
Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016
Year Ended December 31,Change
20202019Amount%
(dollars in thousands)
Sales and marketing$58,445 $51,528 $6,917 13 %
Percentage of revenue18.8 %20.1 %
Stock-based compensation, included above$1,415 $1,271 $144 11 %
Sales and marketing expense remained relatively flat year over year as we focused upmarketrelated to our software and solutions offered to the real estate vertical for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $52.5 million and $44.5 million, respectively, an increase of $8.0 million, or 18%. This increase was primarily due to a $6.7 million increase in personnel-related costs, including performance-based compensation, necessary to support growth and key investments in the SMB spacebusiness. Advertising and acquired fewer yet larger property manager customers. Wepromotion costs increased by $2.4 million due to increased online advertising and virtual marketing events aimed at increasing revenue and supporting growth in the business. In addition, there was a decrease in allocated and other costs of $1.1 million related to the elimination of event-related travel from cancelled or postponed events and the reduction of workplace-related and other non-essential expenditures in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a percentage of revenue, sales and marketing expense decreased to 18.4% from 19.2% for fiscal 2020 compared to fiscal 2019. This leverage in cost as a percentage of revenue was primarily driven by the reduction of event related travel and other non-essential expenditures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding the leverage in cost as a percentage of revenue, we intend to continue to invest in sales and marketing as we grow to increase the size of our customer base and increase the adoption and utilization of our Value+ services by our new and existing customers.over time.


Fiscal 2016 Compared to Fiscal 2015
Sales and marketing expense increased $2.8 million, or 11%, in 2016 compared to 2015. The increase was primarily due to increased personnel-related costs of $2.6 million due to our headcount growth and related commission-based compensation, and increased allocated and other costs of $0.2 million driven by expanded facilities, IT and other shared expenses supporting our growth.


Research and Product Development
Year Ended December 31,Change
20202019Amount%
(dollars in thousands)
Research and product development$48,529 $39,508 $9,021 23 %
Percentage of revenue15.7 %15.4 %
Stock-based compensation, included above$1,818 $1,411 $407 29 %
 Year Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 % Change 2015 to 2016 % Change
 2017 2016 2015  
 (dollars in thousands)
Research and product development$16,578
 $12,638
 $9,554
 31% 32%
Percentage of revenue11.5% 12.0% 12.7%    


Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016
Research and product development expense increased $3.9related to our software and solutions offered to the real estate vertical for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $43.8 million and $34.0 million, respectively, an increase of $9.8 million, or 31%, in 2017 compared to 2016. The29%. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in personnel-related costs, net of capitalized software development costs, of $3.7$11.3 million due to investments in headcount growth within our research and product development organizations. We intend to continue to invest in research and product development as we continue to introduce additional core functionality to our existing customers, roll out new Value+ services to attract new customers and expand offerings to existing customers, develop new products to serve new or existing customers and expand into adjacent markets or new verticals.
Fiscal 2016 Compared to Fiscal 2015
Research and product development expense increased $3.1 million, or 32%, in 2016 compared to 2015. Theorganization. This increase was primarily due to increased personnel-related costs, net of capitalized software development costs of $1.9 million, due to our headcount growth and rate of innovation and increasedpartially offset by a decrease in allocated and other costs of $1.1$1.4 million driven by expanded facilities, ITprimarily related to the reduction of workplace-related and other shared expenses supporting our growth.non-essential expenditures in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
General and Administrative
Year Ended December 31,Change
20202019Amount%
(dollars in thousands)
General and administrative$47,480 $34,478 $13,002 38 %
Percentage of revenue15.3 %13.5 %
Stock-based compensation, included above$4,286 $3,161 $1,125 36 %
35


 Year Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 % Change 2015 to 2016 % Change
 2017 2016 2015  
 (dollars in thousands)
General and administrative$21,199
 $17,979
 $14,343
 18% 25%
Percentage of revenue14.7% 17.0% 19.1%    
Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016
General and administrative expense increased $3.2related to our software and solutions offered to the real estate vertical and general corporate overhead expenses for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $46.1 million and $33.4 million, respectively, an increase of $12.7 million, or 18%, in 2017 compared to 2016.38%. The increase in general and administrative expense was primarily the result of andue to a $7.4 million increase in personnel-related costs, including performance-based compensation, due to investments in headcount growth within our general and administrative organizations. In addition, there was a $4.3 million legal settlement expense recorded during the current period related to our compliance with certain regulations in our tenant screening business. For additional information regarding this legal settlement, refer to Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies, of our Consolidated Financial Statements. There was also an increase in incentive-based compensation. The increase in incentive-based compensation isprofessional services fees and other costs of $2.3 million related to the MyCase Transaction. Allocated and other costs decreased $1.4 million primarily due to the stock option modificationreduction of workplace-related and other non-essential expenditures in response to the impact of the Company's former Chief Executive Officer who announced his retirement on August 17, 2017.COVID-19 pandemic.
Fiscal 2016 ComparedWe expect stock-based compensation expense will continue to Fiscal 2015
General and administrative expense increased $3.6 million, or 25%,decrease for certain executives in 2016 compared to 2015. The increase was primarily due to increased personnel-related costslight of $4.4 million due to headcount growth and incentive-based compensation programs partially off-set by decreased allocated and other costsour adoption of $0.7 million related to certain costs incurredthe Long-Term Cash Bonus Plan in 2015 for our initial public offering, or IPO, and incremental compensation paid to certain RentLinx personnel related to2018. No accrual has yet been made under this plan as a result of the acquisition that did not reoccur in 2016.high degree of uncertainty regarding potential future payments under the plan.
Depreciation and Amortization
 Year Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 % Change 2015 to 2016 % Change
 2017 2016 2015  
 (dollars in thousands)
Depreciation and amortization$12,699
 $9,935
 $6,104
 28% 63%
Percentage of revenue8.8% 9.4% 8.1%    
Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016
Year Ended December 31,Change
20202019Amount%
(dollars in thousands)
Depreciation and amortization$26,790 $22,395 $4,395 20 %
Percentage of revenue8.6 %8.7 %
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $2.8related to our software and solutions offered to the real estate vertical for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $25.0 million and $20.0 million, respectively, an increase of $5.0 million, or 28%,25%. This increase in 2017 compared to 2016. The increase was the result of increased amortization expense associated with higher capitalized software development balances.
Fiscal 2016 Compared to Fiscal 2015
Depreciationdepreciation and amortization expense increased $3.8 million, or 63%, in 2016 compared to 2015. The increase was primarily due to increased amortization expense of $2.8 million related to increasedassociated with higher accumulated capitalized software development balances and increased depreciation expense of $0.9 million from capital purchases and building improvements made during 2016.balances.



InterestOther Income, net
Year Ended December 31,Change
20202019Amount%
(dollars in thousands)
Other income, net$188,897 $16 $188,881 *
Percentage of revenue60.9 %— %
 Year Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 % Change 2015 to 2016 % Change
 2017 2016 2015  
 (dollars in thousands)
Interest income (expense), net$535
 $246
 $(595) 117% N/A
Percentage of revenue0.4% 0.2% (0.8)%    
*Percentage not meaningful
Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016
InterestThe increase in other income, net increased by $0.3 million in 2017 compared to 2016. The increase is primarily the result of higher investment security balances in the more recent period.
Fiscal 2016 Compared to Fiscal 2015
Interest income, net increased by $0.8 million in 2016 compared to 2015. The increase iswas primarily due to holding investment securities for a full yearthe gain of $187.7 million associated with the MyCase Transaction. Additionally, there was $1.1 million in 2016 versus a few months in 2015, resulting in increased interestother income recorded during the fourth quarter of $0.2 million. In addition, interest expense decreased $0.6 millionfiscal 2020 related to our term loan repaid in 2015 and the associated write-off of deferred financing costs.certain post-closing transition services provided to MyCase.
Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes
Year Ended December 31,Change
20202019Amount%
(dollars in thousands)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes$38,428 $(31,459)$69,887 *
Percentage of revenue12.4 %(12.3)%
*Percentage not meaningful
36


 Year Ended December 31, 2016 to 2017 % Change 2015 to 2016 % Change
 2017 2016 2015  
 (dollars in thousands)
Provision for income taxes$58
 $67
 $75
 (13)% (11)%
Percentage of revenue% 0.1% 0.1%    
For the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded income tax expense of $38.4 million. The tax provision for income taxes relatesthe year ended December 31, 2020 includes tax expense of $51.3 million relating to minimumthe MyCase Transaction which includes $52.3 million of current tax expense on the gain on the sale of MyCase, less a $1.0 million benefit on the reversal of deferred tax liabilities relating to MyCase. For tax purposes, we plan to file an election to treat the transaction as a sale of assets. As such, the tax impact takes into consideration the tax basis of the assets on the date of sale and the availability of net operating losses and research and development tax credits. The effective tax rate as compared to the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% differs primarily due to state income taxes and the amortizationbenefits associated with stock-based compensation expense and research and development tax credits.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded an income tax benefit of tax deductible goodwill from$31.5 million. During the purchasesecond quarter of RentLinx2019, we evaluated all available positive and negative evidence, including our sustained profitability in 20152018 and 2019, and the impact of recent acquisitions and future projections of profitability. As a result, we determined that is not an available sourceall of income to realize theour deferred tax asset.assets were more likely than not to be realized and reversed the valuation allowance against those deferred tax assets accordingly.
37




Quarterly Results of Operations
The following table sets forthpresents selected unaudited quarterly consolidated statements of operations data for each of the eight quarters during the years ended December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016.2019. We have prepared the unaudited quarterly consolidated statements of operations data on a basis consistent with the audited annual Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. In themanagement's opinion, of management, the financial information in this table reflects all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments necessary for the fair statement of this data. This information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The results of historical periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for any future period.periods.
 Quarter Ended
 2017 2016
 December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
 (in thousands, except per share data)
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:            
Revenue$37,897
 $37,903
 $35,877
 $32,126
 $28,010
 $28,162
 $26,203
 $23,211
Costs and operating expenses:               
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)(1)
14,536
 14,053
 13,701
 12,993
 11,243
 11,645
 11,212
 10,530
Sales and marketing(1)
7,153
 7,257
 7,192
 7,107
 6,730
 6,979
 7,567
 7,551
Research and product development(1)
4,580
 4,367
 4,002
 3,629
 3,107
 3,464
 3,024
 3,043
General and administrative(1)
5,889
 5,405
 5,101
 4,804
 5,399
 4,642
 4,389
 3,549
Depreciation and amortization3,352
 3,237
 3,114
 2,996
 2,823
 2,636
 2,359
 2,117
Total costs and operating expenses35,510
 34,319
 33,110
 31,529
 29,302
 29,366
 28,551
 26,790
Income (loss) from operations2,387
 3,584
 2,767
 597
 (1,292) (1,204) (2,348) (3,579)
Other income (expense), net(3) (5) (60) (28) (3) (12) 2
 (24)
Interest income, net158
 155
 120
 102
 25
 102
 95
 24
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes2,542
 3,734
 2,827
 671
 (1,270) (1,114) (2,251) (3,579)
Income tax (benefit) provision(35) 52
 30
 11
 19
 11
 13
 24
Net income (loss)$2,577
 $3,682
 $2,797
 $660
 $(1,289) $(1,125) $(2,264) $(3,603)
Net income (loss) per common share:               
    Basic$0.08
 $0.11
 $0.08
 $0.02
 $(0.04) $(0.03) $(0.07) $(0.11)
    Diluted$0.07
 $0.10
 $0.08
 $0.02
 $(0.04) $(0.03) $(0.07) $(0.11)
Quarter Ended
December 31,September 30,June 30,March 31,December 31,September 30,June 30,March 31,
20202019
(in thousands, except per share data)
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:
Revenue$72,432 $84,086 $81,043 $72,495 $67,362 $67,935 $63,624 $57,091 
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) (1)29,905 32,752 27,411 28,961 26,403 25,930 25,128 24,181 
Sales and marketing (1)15,328 14,894 13,717 14,506 14,441 12,636 13,232 11,219 
Research and product development (1)11,735 13,454 12,128 11,212 11,086 10,602 9,339 8,481 
General and administrative (1)11,177 12,946 14,785 8,572 9,117 8,955 8,214 8,192 
Depreciation and amortization7,039 6,680 6,657 6,414 6,226 5,678 5,415 5,076 
Total costs and operating expenses75,184 80,726 74,698 69,665 67,273 63,801 61,328 57,149 
(Loss) income from operations(2,752)3,360 6,345 2,830 89 4,134 2,296 (58)
Other income (expense), net1,138 187,747 (10)22 84 (11)(56)(1)
Interest income (expense), net60 (853)(562)(494)(330)(400)(427)(497)
(Loss) income before (benefit from) provision for income taxes(1,554)190,254 5,773 2,358 (157)3,723 1,813 (556)
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes(1,041)52,578 (13,484)375 (4,585)(1,255)(21,338)(4,281)
Net (loss) income$(513)$137,676 $19,257 $1,983 $4,428 $4,978 $23,151 $3,725 
Net (loss) income per common share:
Basic$(0.01)$4.01 $0.56 $0.06 $0.13 $0.15 $0.68 $0.11 
Diluted$(0.01)$3.86 $0.54 $0.06 $0.12 $0.14 $0.65 $0.11 
(1)Includes The following table presents stock-based compensation expense as follows (in thousands):included in each respective expense category:
Quarter Ended
December 31,September 30,June 30,March 31,December 31,September 30,June 30,March 31,
20202019
(in thousands)
Stock-based compensation expense included in costs and operating expenses:
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)$408 $452 $520 $126 $393 $334 $415 $324 
Sales and marketing346 367 477 225 367 354 302 248 
Research and product development470 474 580 294 387 353 363 308 
General and administrative993 1,803 1,176 314 731 1,151 607 672 
Total stock-based compensation expense$2,217 $3,096 $2,753 $959 $1,878 $2,192 $1,687 $1,552 

38

 Quarter Ended
 2017 2016
 December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
 (in thousands)
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)$198
 $189
 $209
 $129
 $150
 $138
 $138
 $45
Sales and marketing207
 186
 210
 120
 146
 124
 130
 42
Research and product development186
 173
 182
 116
 118
 109
 104
 51
General and administrative1,201
 1,040
 1,018
 732
 1,043
 918
 720
 325
Total stock-based compensation expense$1,792
 $1,588
 $1,619
 $1,097
 $1,457
 $1,289
 $1,092
 $463




The following table sets forthpresents selected consolidated statements of operations data for the specified periods as a percentage of our revenue for those periods:
Quarter Ended
December 31,September 30,June 30,March 31,December 31,September 30,June 30,March 31,
20202019
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:
Revenue100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)41.3 39.0 33.8 39.9 39.2 38.2 39.5 42.4 
Sales and marketing21.2 17.7 16.9 20.0 21.4 18.6 20.8 19.7 
Research and product development16.2 16.0 15.0 15.5 16.5 15.6 14.7 14.9 
General and administrative15.4 15.4 18.2 11.8 13.5 13.2 12.9 14.3 
Depreciation and amortization9.7 7.9 8.2 8.8 9.2 8.4 8.5 8.9 
Total costs and operating expenses103.8 96.0 92.2 96.1 99.9 93.9 96.4 100.1 
(Loss) income from operations(3.8)4.0 7.8 3.9 0.1 6.1 3.6 (0.1)
Other income (expense), net1.6 223.3 — — 0.1 — (0.1)— 
Interest income (expense), net0.1 (1.0)(0.7)(0.7)(0.5)(0.6)(0.7)(0.9)
(Loss) income before (benefit from) provision for income taxes(2.1)226.3 7.1 3.3 (0.2)5.5 2.8 (1.0)
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes(1.4)62.5 (16.6)0.5 (6.8)(1.8)(33.5)(7.5)
Net (loss) income(0.7)%163.7 %23.8 %2.7 %6.6 %7.3 %36.3 %6.5 %
 Quarter Ended
 2017 2016
 December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:            
Revenue100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Costs and operating expenses:               
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)38.4
 37.1
 38.2
 40.4
 40.1
 41.4
 42.8
 45.4
Sales and marketing18.9
 19.1
 20.0
 22.1
 24.0
 24.8
 28.9
 32.5
Research and product development12.1
 11.5
 11.2
 11.3
 11.1
 12.3
 11.5
 13.1
General and administrative15.5
 14.3
 14.2
 15.0
 19.3
 16.5
 16.7
 15.3
Depreciation and amortization8.8
 8.5
 8.7
 9.3
 10.1
 9.4
 9.0
 9.1
Total costs and operating expenses93.7
 90.5
 92.3
 98.1
 104.6
 104.3
 109.0
 115.4
Income (loss) from operations6.3
 9.5
 7.7
 1.9
 (4.6) (4.3) (9.0) (15.4)
Other income (expense), net
 
 (0.2) (0.1) 
 
 
 (0.1)
Interest income, net0.4
 0.4
 0.3
 0.3
 0.1
 0.4
 0.4
 0.1
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes6.7
 9.9
 7.9
 2.1
 (4.5) (4.0) (8.6) (15.4)
Provision for income taxes(0.1) 0.1
 0.1
 
 0.1
 
 
 0.1
Net income (loss)6.8 % 9.7 % 7.8 % 2.1 % (4.6)% (4.0)% (8.6)% (15.5)%
Seasonality
Quarterly Revenue and Cost Trends
Our quarterly revenue trends generally reflect increased revenue from our property manager customers. The overall increase was primarily a result of a quarter-over-quarter increase in the number of our customers, property manager units under management, as well as strong customer renewal rates, and an increase in Value+ services revenue primarily attributable to the expansion of our electronic payments platform and screening services. We experience somelimited seasonality in our Value+ services revenue, primarily with respect to the screeningcertain leasing-related services we provide to our property manager customers. Thesemanagement customers, including our tenant screening services for rental prospects which also impact electronic payment services revenue. Our property management customers historically have processed fewer applications for new tenantsrental prospects during the fourth quarter holiday season; therefore, revenue associated with our screening services and new tenant applications typically declines in the fourth quarter of the year.quarter. As a result of this seasonal decline in revenue,activity, we have typically experienced overall slower sequential revenue growth or a sequential decline in revenue in the fourth quarter of each of our most recent fiscal years. We expect this seasonality to continue in the foreseeable future.
Overall, total costs and operating expenses as a percentage of revenue have improved during 2017 when compared to 2016, as we continue to realize operating leverage. Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) fluctuated each quarter based on the mix of Value+ services and related third party costs. Research and product development costs fluctuated each quarter based on the amount of software development costs that were capitalized each quarter. General and administrative expenses fluctuated each quarter primarily due to the impact of increased compensation due to an increase in headcount and incentive based compensation.
Our quarter-over-quarter total costs and operating expenses as a percentage of revenue for each quarter during 2016 improved, with the exception of general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization, as we continue to realize operating leverage. General and administrative expenses fluctuated each quarter during 2016 primarily due to the impact of increased compensation due to an increase in headcount.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and Cash Equivalents
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, ourOur principal sources of liquidity werecontinue to be comprised of our cash, cash equivalents, and investment securities, as well as cash flows generated from our operations. At December 31, 2020, our cash and cash equivalents and investment securities-current and investment securities-noncurrent, whichsecurities had an aggregate balance of $68.3 million$175.3 million. During the year ended December 31, 2020, our cash and $52.9 million, respectively.


cash equivalents increased primarily as a result of the proceeds from the MyCase Transaction.
Working Capital
As ofAt December 31, 2017,2020, we had working capital of $29.9$149.5 million, compared to working capital of $10.9$14.3 million as ofat December 31, 2016.2019. The increase in our working capital was primarily due to an increase in the current portion of investment securities, cash and cash equivalents prepaid expenses andas a result of the net proceeds from the MyCase Transaction, a decrease in other current liabilities due to the payment of contingent consideration related to the Dynasty acquisition, an increase in investment securities-current, an increase in accounts receivable primarily driven by increased usage of our Value+ services, and a declinedecrease in deferred revenue,revenue. The increase in our working capital was partially offset by an increase in income taxes payable related to the MyCase Transaction, and increases in our accrued employee expenses, and accrued expenses from the continued growth of our business.
Revolving Facility
As of December 31, 2017, we had a $25.0 million revolving line of credit, which we refer to as our Revolving Facility, under the terms of our Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo, as administrative agent, and the lenders that are parties thereto. As of both December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had no outstanding balance under our Revolving Facility. For additional information regarding our Credit Agreement refer to Note 7, Long-term Debt of our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.employee expenses.
Liquidity Requirements
We have financed our operations primarily through cash generated from operations. We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, investment securities, available borrowing capacity of $25.0 million under our Revolving Facility, and cash generated from operating activities will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next twelve12 months.
39


Capital Requirements
Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including the continued market acceptance of our software solutions, the changechanges in the number of our customers, the adoption and utilization of our Value+ services by new and existing customers, the timing and extent of the introduction of new core functionality, products and Value+ services, in our existing markets and verticals, the timing and extent of our expansion into adjacent markets or new verticals andmarkets, the timing and extent of our investments across our organization.organization, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the customers we serve and on our business. In addition, we have in the past entered into, and may in the future enter into, arrangements to acquire or invest in new technologies or markets adjacent to those we serve today or entirely new verticals. Furthermore, our boardBoard of directors may, from timeDirectors has authorized the repurchase of up to time, authorize our management to repurchase$100.0 million of shares of our Class A common stock in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.from time to time, as directed by a committee consisting of three directors. To date, we have repurchased $4.2 million of our Class A common stock under the Share Repurchase Program. For additional information regarding our share repurchase program, refer to Note 12, Stockholders' Equity.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizespresents our cash flows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
  Year Ended
December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $29,371
 $11,500
 $(6,844)
Net cash used in investing activities (22,828) (13,065) (59,367)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (1,133) 201
 72,862
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $5,410
 $(1,364) $6,651
 Year Ended December 31,
 20202019
Net cash provided by operating activities$48,299 $38,887 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities146,511 (89,874)
Net cash used in financing activities(70,358)(7,272)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents$124,452 $(58,259)
Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Our primary source of operating cash inflows is cash collected from our customers in connection with their use of our core solutions and Value+ services. Our primary uses of cash from operating activities are for personnel-related expenditures and third-party costs incurred to support the delivery of our software solutions.
For the year ended December 31, 2017,2020, cash provided by operating activities was $29.4$48.3 million resulting from our net income of $9.7$158.4 million, adjusted by the gain related to the MyCase Transaction of $187.7 million, non-cash charges of $18.9$68.6 million and a net increase in our operating assets and liabilities of $0.7$8.9 million. The non-cash charges primarily consist of $12.7a decrease in deferred taxes of $29.0 million, of depreciation and amortization costs of our property$26.8 million, stock-based compensation expense of $9.0 million, and equipment and capitalized software and $6.1 millionamortization of stock-based compensation.operating lease right-of-use assets of $3.7 million. The net increase in our operating assets and liabilities was mostly attributable to a $3.2$9.4 million increase in other liabilities primarily driven by income taxes payable due to the MyCase Transaction, a $6.9 million increase in accrued employee expenses which includes a $4.3 million accrual related to an overall increase in personnel-related costs. The increase in our operating assets and liabilities was partially offset by an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $1.0 million,legal loss reserves, a $0.9 million increase in accounts receivable, and a $0.6 million decrease in deferred revenue.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, cash provided by operating activities was $11.5 million resulting from our net loss of $8.3 million, adjusted by non-cash charges of $14.7 million and a net increase in our operating assets and liabilities of $5.0 million. The non-cash charges primarily consist of $9.9 million of depreciation and amortization of our property and equipment and capitalized software and $4.3 million of stock-based compensation. The net increase in our operating assets and liabilities


was mostly attributable to an increase of $2.7 million in deferred revenue in line with our increased revenues, a $2.2$2.8 million increase in accrued employee expenses related to an overall increase in personnel-related costs, and a $1.1$0.5 million increase in accrued expenses primarily due to payment processing fees and fees associated with our resident screening services driven by growth in our Value+ services, and a $0.8 million increase in other liabilities. The increase in our operating assets and liabilities wasdeferred revenue. These increases were partially offset by a $2.8 million increase in accounts receivable primarily driven by growth of our Value+ services, an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $5.9 million primarily driven by an increase in prepaid expenses to support the growth in our business, an increase in deposits held with a third party related to requirements to maintain collateral for our insurance services, and an increase in deferred costs, and a $0.9 million decrease in accounts payable due to timing of $0.9 million, an increase in accounts receivable of $0.5 million, and an increase in our prepaid expenses and current assets of $0.4 million, in conjunction with our growth and expansion during 2016.    payments.
For the year ended December 31, 2015,2019, cash used inprovided by operating activities was $6.8$38.9 million resulting from our net lossincome of $15.7$36.3 million, adjusted by non-cash charges of $6.8$2.4 million and a net increase in our operating assets and liabilities of $2.1$0.2 million. The net increase in our non-cash charges was primarily consist of a one-time benefit of $31.5 million related to the resultrelease of an increase of $6.1the valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets, offset by $22.4 million of depreciation and amortization of our property and equipment, intangible assets, and capitalized software and $1.0development costs, $7.3 million of stock-based compensation.compensation and $4.1 million of amortization of operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets. The net increase in our operating assets and liabilities was mostlyprimarily attributable to an increase of $1.9$4.5 million in accrued employee expenses related to an overall increase in personnel-related costs, a $1.4 million decrease in other assets, a $1.2 million increase in other liabilities and a $1.2 million increase in deferred revenue in line with our increased revenues, a $1.1 million increase in accrued expenses mostly attributed to payment processing fees driven by growth in our Value+ services, and a $1.0 million increase in other liabilities.revenue. The increase in our operating assets and liabilities was partially offset by ana $4.0 million increase in our prepaid expenses and other current assets, of $1.9a $2.7 million andecrease in operating lease liabilities, and a $2.0 million increase in accounts receivable primarily driven by the growth in sales of $0.7 million in conjunction with our growth and expansion during 2015, and a decrease in accounts payable of $0.4 million.Value+ services.
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Cash Used inProvided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Cash used inprovided by (used in) investing activities is generally comprised of proceeds from divestitures, purchases, maturities and sales of investment securities, purchases of property and equipment, additions to capitalized software development, and cash paid for business acquisitions and capital expenditures.acquisitions.
For the year ended December 31, 2017,2020, investing activities used $22.8provided $146.5 million in cash primarily as a resultdue to net proceeds from the MyCase Transaction of $26.6$191.4 million and the proceeds from maturities and sales of investment securities purchasedof $27.3 million and $16.7 million, respectively. These sources of cash were partially offset by $16.5purchases of investment securities of $43.9 million, of maturities. In addition, we had an increase in capitalized software development costs of $10.5$26.0 million, and capital expenditures of $19.0 million to purchase property and equipment primarily related to the growth and expansion of our headquarters in Santa Barbara, CA, a portion of which was reimbursed through tenant improvement allowances.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, investing activities used $89.9 million in cash primarily due to $54.0 million used to acquire Dynasty, as well as purchases of investment securities of $25.2 million, capitalized software development costs of $21.0 million for the continued investment in our software development, and capital expenditures of $2.2$8.1 million to purchase property, equipment and equipmentintangible assets for the continued growth and expansion of our business. These uses were partially offset by sales and maturities of investment securities of $2.8 million and $15.7 million, respectively.
Cash Used in Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities is generally comprised of proceeds from the exercise of stock options, net share settlements for employee tax withholdings associated with the vesting of RSUs, the payment of contingent consideration under acquisition arrangements, activities associated with our former Credit Facility, and activities related to the repurchase of our Class A common stock.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, investing2020, financing activities used $13.1$70.4 million in cash primarily as a result of $31.6the payment of all outstanding amounts due under the Credit Facility of $99.6 million, net share settlements for employee tax withholdings associated with the vesting of investment securities purchasedRSUs of $12.2 million, payment of contingent consideration related to the Dynasty acquisition of $6.0 million, and the repurchase of outstanding shares of Class A common stock in the amount of $4.2 million. These uses of cash were partially offset by $21.3 millionnet proceeds from the Revolving Facility of maturities and $12.6 million of sales of investment securities. In addition, we had an increase in capitalized software development costs of $11.2 million for the continued investment in our software development, and capital expenditures of $4.2 million to purchase property and equipment for the continued growth and expansion of our business.$50.8 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, investing activities used $59.4 million in cash primarily as a result of $74.2 million of investment securities purchased offset by $26.1 million of maturities and $4.1 million of sales of investment securities. In addition, we had an increase in capitalized software development costs of $7.7 million for the continued investment in our software development, an increase in capital expenditures of $3.7 million to purchase property and equipment for the continued growth and expansion of our business. We also used $4.0 million of cash for the acquisition of RentLinx.
Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities is generally comprised of proceeds from our IPO, proceeds from the exercise of stock options and restricted stock awards, or RSAs, proceeds from the issuance of debt or draws from our Revolving Facility and principal repayments of our term loan and on our Revolving Facility.
For the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, financing activities used $1.1 million in cash primarily as a result of tax withholdings from RSU net settlements offset by proceeds from stock option exercises.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, financing activities provided $0.2 million in cash primarily as a result of proceeds from stock option exercises offset by tax withholdings from RSU net settlements.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, financing activities provided $72.9$7.3 million in cash primarily as a result of net share settlements for employee tax withholdings associated with the vesting of RSUs of $6.2 million, as well as principal payments on debt of $3.4 million, and payments of debt issuance costs of $0.4 million, partially offset by proceeds from the IPO in the amountissuance of $75.4debt of $2.2 million offset by a $2.4 million earnout payment relating to our acquisitionand proceeds from stock option exercises of MyCase.

$0.6 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At December 31, 2020, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments


Our principal commitments consist of contractual obligations under our operating leases for office space. The following table summarizespresents our contractual obligations and other commitments as ofat December 31, 2017:2020:
Payments Due by Period
Total
Less than 1 year(1)
1 to 3 years3 to 5 yearsMore than 5 years
(in thousands)
Operating lease obligations52,692 (1,275)9,327 10,172 34,468 
 Payments Due by Period
 Total Less than 1 year 1 to 3 years 3 to 5 years More than 5 years
 (in thousands)
Operating lease obligations$9,129
 $2,446
 $5,021
 $1,662
 $
(1) Operating lease obligations for the year ending December 31, 2021 are presented net of tenant improvement allowances of $5.2 million.
At December 31, 2017,2020, liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits of $2.1$6.1 million were not included in our contractual obligations in the table above because, due to their nature, there is a high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash outflows and other events that would extinguish these liabilities.
For additional information regarding our contractual obligations, commitments and indemnification arrangements, refer to Note 8, 9, Leases and Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies of our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2017, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates


Our financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The preparation of our financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements requires usmanagement to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue costs and operating expenses provision for income taxes and related disclosures. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable underduring the circumstances. However, actualreporting period. Actual results could differ significantlymaterially from the estimates made by management. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our future financial statement presentation, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows will be affected.those estimates.
We believe that the following critical accounting policies involve a greater degree of judgment or complexity than our other accounting policies. Accordingly, these are the policies we believe are the most critical to a full understanding and evaluation of our Consolidated Financial Statements. For additional information, refer to Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Revenue Recognition
We generate revenue primarily from our customers forprimarily through subscriptions to access our core solutions and Value+ services for our cloud-based property management and legal software solutions. Subscription feesRevenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised services in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those services. We enter into contracts that can include various combinations of services, which are generally capable of being distinct, distinct within the context of the contract, and accounted for as separate performance obligations. Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.
Contracts with Multiple Performance Obligations
Many of our contracts with customers contain multiple performance obligations. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require judgment. We account for individual performance obligations separately if they are distinct. The performance obligations for these contracts include access and use of our core solutions, are charged on a per-unit per-month basis for our property management software solutionimplementation services, and on a per-user per-month basis for our legal software solution. We recognize subscription revenue on a straight-line basis over the termscustomer support. Access and use of the subscription agreements, which range from one month to one year. We generally invoice our customers for subscription services in monthly, quarterly or annual installments, typically in advance of the subscription period. Any revenues which are billed in advance are recorded as deferred revenue.
We charge our customers on a subscription basis for our core solutions and many of our Value+ services. Our subscription feesimplementation services are designedconsidered distinct.
The transaction price is allocated to scaleeach performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis. Judgment is required to determine the standalone selling price for each distinct performance obligation. We typically have more than one standalone selling price for individual products and services due to the sizestratification of those products and services by customers and circumstances. In these instances, we determine the standalone selling price based on our customers’ businesses. We also charge usage-based fees for using certain Value+ services, including electronic payment processing. Usage-based fees are charged on a flat fee per transaction basis with no minimum usage commitments. We recognize revenue for usage-based services in the period the service is rendered. We generally invoice our customers for usage-based services on a monthly basis for services rendered in the preceding month with the exception of fees for electronic payment processing, which are generally paid by our customers or the clients of our customers at the time the electronic payment is processed.


Our legal software core solution offers customers a free trial period to try our software. Revenue is not recognized until the free trial period is completeoverall pricing objectives, taking into consideration customer demographics and the customer has entered into a subscription agreement with us.
We recognize revenue when (i) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, (ii) our software solutions have been made available or delivered, or services have been performed, (iii) the amount of fees is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured. Evidence of an arrangement generally consists of either a signed customer contract or an online click-through agreement. We consider that delivery of a solution or website has commenced once we provide the customer with access to use the solution or website.other factors. Fees are fixed based on rates specified in the subscription agreements, which do not provide for any refunds or adjustments. If collectability is not considered reasonably assured, revenue is deferred until the fees are collected. Some
Capitalized Software Development Costs
Software development cost consist of our subscription agreements contain minimum cancellation fees in the event that the customer cancels the subscription early.
Internal-Use Software
We account for the costs of computer software obtained or developed for internal use in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwillcertain payroll and Other. These includestock compensation costs incurred in connection with the developmentto develop functionality of our internal-use software solutions when (i) the preliminary project stage is completed, (ii) management has authorized further fundingsolutions. We capitalize certain software development costs for the completion of the project and (iii) it is probable that the project will be completed and performednew offerings as intended. These capitalized costs include personnel and related expenses for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to internal-use software projects and, when material, interest costs incurred during the development. Capitalization of these costs ceases once the project is substantially complete and the software is ready for its intended purpose. Costs incurred forwell as significant upgrades and enhancements to our existing software solutions are also capitalized. Costs incurred for post-configuration training, maintenance and minor modifications or enhancements are expensed as incurred.solutions. Capitalized software development costs are amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of three years. We do not transfer ownership of our software, or lease our software, to third parties. We believe there are two key estimates within the capitalized software balance, which are the determination of the useful life of the software and the determination of the amounts to be capitalized.
We determined that a three year life is appropriate for our internal-use software based on our best estimate of the useful life of the internally developed software after considering factors such as continuous developments in the technology, obsolescence and anticipated life of the service offering before significant upgrades. Based on our prior experience, internally generated software will generally remain in use for a minimum of three years before being significantly replaced or modified to keep up with evolving customer and company needs. While we do not anticipate any significant changes to this three year estimate, a change in this estimate could produce a material impact on our financial statements.
We determine the amount of internal software costs to be capitalized based on the amount of time spent by our software engineers on projects. Costs associated with building or significantly enhancing our software solutions and new internally built software solutions are capitalized, while costs associated with planning new developments and maintaining our software solutions are expensed as incurred. There is judgment involved in estimating the stage of development as well as estimating time allocated to a particular project. A significant change in the time spent on each project could have a material impact on the amount capitalized and related amortization expense in subsequent periods.
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Business Combinations
The results of a business acquired in a business combination are included in our consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition. We allocate the purchase price, including the fair value of contingent consideration, to the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquired business at their acquisition date fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded as goodwill.
Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management to make significant judgments and estimates, including the selection of valuation methodologies, estimates of future revenue and cash flows, discount rates and selection of comparable companies. We engage the assistance of valuation specialists in concluding on fair value measurements in connection with determining fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination.
Acquisition-related transaction costs are not included as a component of consideration transferred, but are accounted for as an operating expense in the period in which the costs are incurred.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets are evaluated for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable or when there is a triggering event. Triggering events that may indicate impairment include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in customer demand or business climate or a significant decline in expected cash flows.
When evaluating goodwill for impairment, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then additional impairment testing is not required. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first of a two-step impairment test.
The first step of the impairment test involves comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its book value, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value exceeds book value, goodwill is considered not to be impaired and no additional steps are necessary. If, however, the fair value of the reporting unit is less than book value, then the carrying amount of the goodwill is compared with its implied fair value. The estimate of implied fair value of goodwill may require valuations of certain internally generated and unrecognized intangible assets. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess above the estimated fair value.
At December 31, 2017, we determined our goodwill was not impaired as the fair value of our reporting unit significantly exceeded its carrying value.


Stock-Based Compensation
We account for stock-based compensation awards granted to employees and directors by recording compensation expense based on each award's grant-date estimated fair value, in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation over the vesting period. We estimate the fair value of RSAs, RSUs and performance based RSUs, or PSUs, based on the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant. We estimate the fair value of stock options and performance based stock options, or PSOs, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Determining the fair value of stock options under this model requires highly subjective assumptions, including the fair value of the underlying common stock, the risk-free interest rate, the expected term of the award, the expected volatility of the price of our common stock, and the expected dividend yield of our common stock. These estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. If we had made different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense could have been materially different.
Prior to our IPO, there was no public market for our common stock and our board of directors determined the fair value of our common stock at the time of the grant of stock options and RSAs by considering a number of objective and subjective factors, including our actual operating and financial performance, market conditions and performance of comparable publicly traded companies, developments and milestones in our company, the likelihood of achieving a liquidity event and transactions involving our convertible preferred stock, among other factors. The fair value of the underlying common stock was determined by our board of directors in accordance with applicable elements of the practice aid issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Valuation of Privately Held Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation. In valuing our common stock at various dates, our board of directors determined our equity value generally using the income approach and the market comparable approach valuation methods. Once we determined our equity value, we used an option pricing method or the Probability Weighted Expected Return Method to allocate the equity value to preferred stock and common stock. Application of these approaches and methods involves the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions, such as future revenue, expenses and cash flows, selections of comparable companies, probabilities and timing of exit events, and other factors.
Since our IPO in June 2015, the fair value of our common stock is based on the closing price of our Class A common stock, as quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market,on the date of grant and we utilized the following assumptions and estimates when utilizing the Black-Scholes option-pricing model when calculating the fair value of our options and PSOs:
Risk-Free Interest Rate - The risk free interest rate assumption is based upon observed interest rates on United States government securities appropriate for the expected term of the stock option.
Expected Term - Given that we do not have sufficient exercise history to develop reasonable expectations about future exercise patterns and post-vesting employment termination behavior, we determine the expected term using the simplified method, which is calculated as the midpoint of the stock option vesting term and the expiration date of the stock option.
Expected Volatility - We determine the expected volatility based on the historical average volatilities of publicly traded industry peers. We intend to continue to consistently apply this methodology using the same or similar public companies until a sufficient amount of historical information regarding the volatility of our own common stock price becomes available, unless circumstances change such that the identified companies are no longer similar to us, in which case, more suitable companies whose stock prices are publicly available would be utilized in the calculation.
Expected Dividend Yield - We have not paid and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future and, therefore, we use an expected dividend yield of zero.


Forfeiture Rate
In addition to the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, we also estimate a forfeiture rate to calculate our stock-based compensation expense for our options and awards. The forfeiture rate is based on an analysis of actual forfeitures. We will continue to evaluate the appropriateness of the forfeiture rate based on actual forfeiture experience, analysis of employee turnover, and other factors. Changes in the estimated forfeiture rate can have a significant impact on our stock-based compensation expense as the cumulative effect of adjusting the rate is recognized in the period the estimated forfeiture rate is changed. If a revised forfeiture rate is higher than the previously-estimated forfeiture rate, an adjustment is made that will result in a decrease to our stock-based compensation expense recognized in our consolidated financial statements. If a revised forfeiture rate is lower than the previously-estimated forfeiture rate, an adjustment is made that will result in an increase to our stock-based compensation expense recognized in our consolidated financial statements.
Restricted Stock Units
In September 2015, we began granting RSUs. The RSUs vest in equal tranches over four annual periods. The RSUs are expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The shares underlying the RSU grants are not issued and outstanding until the applicable vesting date.
Performance Based Equity Awards
In 2016, we began granting PSOs and PSUs. The fair values of the PSOs are estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the PSUs' fair values are based on the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant. The vesting of the PSOs and PSUs is based on achievement of a pre-established free cash flow performance metric or adjusted gross margin target and continued employment throughout the performance period. We recognize expense for the PSOs and PSUs based on the grant date fair value to the extent vesting of the award is probable. Adjustments to compensation expense are made each period based on changes in our estimate of the number of PSOs and PSUs that are probable of vesting. PSOs and PSUs will vest upon achievement of the relevant performance metric once such calculation is reviewed and approved by our board of directors.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, which requires the recognition ofrecognize deferred tax assetsliabilities and liabilitiesassets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax basisbases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income 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 of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in the consolidated statementsConsolidated Statements of operationsOperations in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, management considers the weighting of all available positive and negative evidence, which includes, among other things, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative taxable income or losses, future projections of profitability, and the duration of statutory carryforward periods.
Judgment is required to measure the amount of tax benefits that can be recognized associated with uncertain tax positions. We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in our consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized. We recognize interest and penalties accrued with respect to uncertain tax positions, if any, in our provision for income taxes in the consolidated statementsConsolidated Statements of operations.Operations.
Leases
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, operating lease right of use ("ROU") assets, other current liabilities, and operating lease liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As none of our leases provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The operating lease ROU assets also include any lease payments made to the lessor before or at the lease commencement date and excludes lease incentives received and initial direct costs incurred. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For information regarding recent accounting pronouncements, refer to Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
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ITEM 7A.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Risk
Investment Securities
At December 31, 2017,2020, we had cash and cash equivalents of $16.1$140.3 million consisting of bank deposits, and money market funds, and $52.2treasury securities, and $35.0 million of investment securities which consistconsisting of corporate bonds, United States government agency securities and certificates of deposit.treasury securities. The primary objective of investing in securities is to support our liquidity and capital needs. We did not purchase these investments for trading or speculative purposes and have not used any derivative financial instruments to manage our interest rate risk exposure.
Our investment securities are exposed to market risk due to interest rate fluctuations. While fluctuations in interest rates do not impact our interest income from our investment securities as all of these securities have fixed interest rates, changes in interest rates may impact the fair value of the investment securities. Since our investment securities are held as available for sale, all changes in fair value impact our other comprehensive income unless an investment security is considered impaired in which case changes in fair value are reported in other expense. As ofAt December 31, 2017,2020, a hypothetical 100 basis point decreasechange in interest rates would not have resulted in an approximate increasea material change in the fair value of $0.5 million and a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates would have resulted in an approximate decrease in fair value of $0.5 million.our investment securities. This estimate is based on a sensitivity model which measuresmeasured an instant change in interest rates by 1% or 100 basis points at December 31, 2017.2020.
TheCredit Facility
Prior to its termination in connection with the MyCase Transaction, we were exposed to interest rate risk as a result of our Credit Facility. Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility accrued interest as described in Note 10, Long-Term Debt, of our RevolvingConsolidated Financial Statements. Our borrowings under the Credit Facility are at variablewere subject to interest rates. However, there was norate fluctuations, which could have had a material impact on our cash flows and results of operations depending on the magnitude of the fluctuations and the outstanding balance under our Revolving Facility asborrowings. In order to determine the potential impact of December 31, 2017. Accordingly, a hypothetical changechanges in interest rates on our cash flows and result of operations, we performed a sensitivity analysis. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates during the year ended December 31, 2020 would not have impactedhad a material impact on our debt servicecash flows or results of operations. In connection with the MyCase Transaction, and as required by the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Credit Agreement was terminated and all obligations as of December 31, 2017.outstanding under the Term Loan and Revolving Facility thereunder, including all guarantees and security interests granted with respect to such obligations, were satisfied in full with proceeds from the MyCase Transaction and extinguished.
Inflation Risk
We have not been exposed to, nor do we anticipate being exposed to, material risks due to changes in inflation rates.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We have not been exposed to, nor do we anticipate being exposed to, material risks relating to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

ITEM 8.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


Tothe Board of Directors and Stockholders of AppFolio, Inc.


OpinionOpinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of AppFolio, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income, (loss), convertible preferred stock andof stockholders’ equity (deficit), and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017,2020, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated“consolidated financial statements"statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, and the results of theirits operations and theirits cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20172020 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.


Changes in Accounting Principles

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases in 2019 and the manner in which it accounts for revenue from contracts with customers in 2018.

Basis for OpinionOpinions


TheseThe Company's management is responsible for these consolidatedfinancial statements, are the responsibilityfor maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the Company’s management.effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinionopinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB")(PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.


We conducted our audits of these consolidatedfinancial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the auditaudits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidatedfinancial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding offraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectivenesswas maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the Company's internal control overconsolidated financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our auditsstatements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidatedfinancial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidatedfinancial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidatedfinancial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.opinions.


45


Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidatedfinancial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Uncertain Tax Positions

As described in Notes 2 and 14 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has recorded reserves for unrecognized tax benefits from uncertain tax positions of $6.1 million as of December 31, 2020.Judgment is required to measure the amount of tax benefits that can be recognized associated with uncertain tax positions.Management recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to uncertain tax positions is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when determining uncertain tax positions and measuring the amount of reserve required to be recognized, (ii) the significant auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence related to management’s identification of uncertain tax positions and measurement of the amount of tax benefits recognized associated with uncertain tax positions, and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the identification and recognition of the reserves for uncertain tax positions. These procedures also included, among others (i) evaluating management’s process for identifying uncertain tax positions and measuring the amount of the reserve required, (ii) testing the completeness of management’s assessment of the identification of uncertain tax positions, and (iii)testing the reasonableness of management’s assessment of the technical merits of the tax positions and estimates of the amount of tax benefit expected to be realized. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the Company’s uncertain tax positions related to the application of relevant tax laws.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Los Angeles, California
February 26, 2018

March 1, 2021
We have served as the Company'sCompany’s auditor since 2012.






 
46


APPFOLIO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except par values)
 
 December 31,December 31,
 2017 2016 20202019
Assets    Assets
Current assets    Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $16,109
 $10,699
Cash and cash equivalents$140,263 $15,813 
Investment securities—current 29,800
 15,473
Investment securities—current28,256 22,876 
Accounts receivable, net 3,387
 2,511
Accounts receivable, net10,057 7,562 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,546
 3,537
Prepaid expenses and other current assets20,777 15,540 
Total current assets 53,842
 32,220
Total current assets199,353 61,791 
Investment securities—noncurrent 22,401
 26,688
Investment securities—noncurrent6,770 12,089 
Property and equipment, net 6,696
 7,077
Property and equipment, net26,439 14,744 
Capitalized software, net 17,609
 15,539
Operating lease right-of-use assetsOperating lease right-of-use assets30,561 27,803 
Capitalized software development costs, netCapitalized software development costs, net35,459 30,023 
Goodwill 6,737
 6,737
Goodwill56,147 58,425 
Intangible assets, net 1,725
 3,105
Intangible assets, net16,357 21,377 
Other assets 1,238
 1,217
Deferred taxesDeferred taxes12,181 27,574 
Other long-term assetsOther long-term assets6,213 6,276 
Total assets $110,248
 $92,583
Total assets$389,480 $260,102 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities    Current liabilities
Accounts payable $610
 $937
Accounts payable$1,040 $1,927 
Accrued employee expenses 10,710
 7,550
Accrued employee expenses18,888 17,758 
Accrued expenses 4,289
 4,044
Accrued expenses14,069 10,833 
Deferred revenue 7,080
 7,638
Deferred revenue2,262 4,600 
Income tax payableIncome tax payable9,095 
Other current liabilities 1,223
 1,192
Other current liabilities4,451 11,139 
Term loan, net—current portionTerm loan, net—current portion1,208 
Total current liabilities 23,912
 21,361
Total current liabilities49,805 47,465 
Other liabilities 1,257
 1,540
Operating lease liabilitiesOperating lease liabilities40,146 33,312 
Term loan, netTerm loan, net47,375 
Deferred taxesDeferred taxes13,609 
Total liabilities 25,169
 22,901
Total liabilities103,560 128,152 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8) 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)00
Stockholders’ equity:    Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 25,000 authorized and no shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 
 
Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value, 250,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2017 and 2016; 14,879 and 11,691 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively 1
 1
Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value, 50,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2017 and 2016; 19,102 and 22,028 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively 3
 3
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 25,000 shares authorized and 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 25,000 shares authorized and 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019
Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value, 250,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019; 19,148 and 16,923 shares issued as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively; 18,729 and 16,552 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectivelyClass A common stock, $0.0001 par value, 250,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019; 19,148 and 16,923 shares issued as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively; 18,729 and 16,552 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively
Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value, 50,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019; 15,659 and 17,594 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectivelyClass B common stock, $0.0001 par value, 50,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019; 15,659 and 17,594 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively
Additional paid-in capital 152,531
 146,692
Additional paid-in capital161,247 161,509 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (209) (51)
Accumulated deficit (67,247) (76,963)
Accumulated other comprehensive incomeAccumulated other comprehensive income56 33 
Treasury stock, at cost, 419 and 371 shares of Class A common stock as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectivelyTreasury stock, at cost, 419 and 371 shares of Class A common stock as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively(25,756)(21,562)
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)150,369 (8,034)
Total stockholders’ equity 85,079
 69,682
Total stockholders’ equity285,920 131,950 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $110,248
 $92,583
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$389,480 $260,102 
The accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

47



APPFOLIO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015 202020192018
Revenue$143,803
 $105,586
 $74,977
Revenue$310,056 $256,012 $190,071 
Costs and operating expenses:     Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)55,283
 44,630
 33,903
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)119,029 101,642 73,549 
Sales and marketing28,709
 28,827
 26,076
Sales and marketing58,445 51,528 33,288 
Research and product development16,578
 12,638
 9,554
Research and product development48,529 39,508 24,111 
General and administrative21,199
 17,979
 14,343
General and administrative47,480 34,478 24,891 
Depreciation and amortization12,699
 9,935
 6,104
Depreciation and amortization26,790 22,395 14,576 
Total costs and operating expenses134,468
 114,009
 89,980
Total costs and operating expenses300,273 249,551 170,415 
Income (loss) from operations9,335
 (8,423) (15,003)
Income from operationsIncome from operations9,783 6,461 19,656 
Other income (expense), net(96) (37) 5
Other income (expense), net188,897 16 (56)
Interest income (expense), net535
 246
 (595)
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes9,774
 (8,214) (15,593)
Provision for income taxes58
 67
 75
Net income (loss)$9,716
 $(8,281) $(15,668)
Net income (loss) per common share:     
Interest (expense) income, netInterest (expense) income, net(1,849)(1,654)787 
Income before provision for (benefit from) income taxesIncome before provision for (benefit from) income taxes196,831 4,823 20,387 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxesProvision for (benefit from) income taxes38,428 (31,459)420 
Net incomeNet income$158,403 $36,282 $19,967 
Net income per common share:Net income per common share:
Basic0.29
 (0.25) (0.73)Basic$4.62 $1.07 $0.59 
Diluted0.28
 (0.25) (0.73)Diluted$4.44 $1.02 $0.56 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:     Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic33,849
 33,561
 21,336
Basic34,264 34,016 34,128 
Diluted35,151
 33,561
 21,336
Diluted35,713 35,567 35,562 
The accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.




48




APPFOLIO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands)



 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Net income (loss)$9,716
 $(8,281) $(15,668)
Other comprehensive income (loss):     
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities(158) 102
 (153)
Comprehensive income (loss)$9,558
 $(8,179) $(15,821)
 Year Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Net income$158,403 $36,282 $19,967 
Other comprehensive income:
    Changes in unrealized gains on investment securities23 211 31 
Comprehensive income$158,426 $36,493 $19,998 
The accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.




49


APPFOLIO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONVERTIBLE
PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(in thousands)

AccumulatedRetained
              Accumulated    AdditionalOtherEarnings/
             Additional Other    Common StockCommon StockPaid-inComprehensiveTreasury(Accumulated
Convertible  Common Stock Common Stock Paid-in Comprehensive Accumulated  Class AClass BCapitalIncome (Loss)StockDeficit)Total
 Preferred Stock  Class A Class B Capital Loss Deficit TotalSharesAmountSharesAmount
Shares Amount  Shares Amount Shares Amount        
Balance at December 31, 201468,027
 $63,166
  
 $
 9,042
 $1
 $1,546
 $
 $(53,014) $(51,467)
Exercise of stock options
 
  2
 
 315
 

 357
 
   357
Stock-based compensation
 
  
 
 
 
 1,103
 
   1,103
Conversion of convertible preferred stock in connection with initial public offering(68,027) (63,166)  
 
 17,007
 2
 63,164
 
 
 63,166
Issuance of common stock in connection with initial public offering, net of offering costs
 
  7,130
 1
 
 
 75,358
 
 
 75,359
Conversion of Class B stock to Class A stock
 
  1,848
 
 (1,848) 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of restricted stock awards
 
  25
 
 25
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive loss
 
  
 
 
 
 
 (153) 
 (153)
Net loss
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 (15,668) (15,668)
Balance at December 31, 2015
 
  9,005
 1
 24,541
 3
 141,528
 (153) (68,682) 72,697
Balance at December 31, 2017Balance at December 31, 201714,879 $19,102 $$152,531 $(209)$$(67,247)$85,079 
Exercise of stock options
 
  140
 
 1
 
 352
 
 
 352
Exercise of stock options170 — — — 1,035 — — — 1,035 
Stock-based compensation
 
  
 
 
 
 4,495
 
 
 4,495
Stock-based compensation— — — — 7,187 — — — 7,187 
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld for taxes

 

  10
 
 
 
 127
 
 
 127
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld for taxes113 — — — (2,890)— — — (2,890)
Vesting of early exercised shares
 
  
 
 
 
 190
 
 
 190
Vesting of early exercised shares— — — — 35 — — — 35 
Conversion of Class B stock to Class A stock
 
  2,514
 
 (2,514)   
 
 
 
Conversion of Class B stock to Class A stock993 (993)(1)— — — — 
Issuance of restricted stock awards
 
  22
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of restricted stock awards— — — — — — — 
Other comprehensive income     
 
 
 
 
 102
 
 102
Other comprehensive income— — — — — 31 — — 31 
Net loss
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 (8,281) (8,281)
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
  11,691
 1
 22,028
 3
 146,692
 (51) (76,963) 69,682
Repurchase of common stockRepurchase of common stock(371)— — — — — (21,562)— (21,562)
Cumulative-effect adjustment resulting from adoption of ASU 2014-09
Cumulative-effect adjustment resulting from adoption of ASU 2014-09
— — — — — — — 2,964 2,964 
Net incomeNet income— — — — — — — 19,967 19,967 
Balance at December 31, 2018Balance at December 31, 201815,789 18,109 157,898 (178)(21,562)(44,316)91,846 
Exercise of stock options
 
  165
 
 
 
 663
 
 
 663
Exercise of stock options120 — — 553 — — — 553 
Stock-based compensation
 
  
 
 
 
 6,618
 
 
 6,618
Stock-based compensation— — — — 8,985 — — — 8,985 
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld for taxes
 
  88
 
 
 
 (1,559) 
 
 (1,559)Vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld for taxes123 — — — (5,933)— — — (5,933)
Vesting of early exercised shares
 
  
 
 
 

 117
 
 
 117
Vesting of early exercised shares— — — — — — — 
Conversion of Class B stock to Class A stock
 
  2,926
 
 (2,926) 

 
 
 
 
Conversion of Class B stock to Class A stock515 — (515)— — — — — 
Issuance of restricted stock awards
 
  9
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Issuance of restricted stock awards— — — — — — — 
Other comprehensive loss
 
  
 
 
 

 
 (158) 
 (158)
Other comprehensive incomeOther comprehensive income— — — — — 211 — — 211 
Net income
 
  
 
 
 

 
 
 9,716
 9,716
Net income— — — — — — — 36,282 36,282 
Balance at December 31, 2017
 $
  14,879
 $1
 19,102
 $3
 $152,531
 $(209) $(67,247) $85,079
Balance at December 31, 2019Balance at December 31, 201916,552 17,594 161,509 33 (21,562)(8,034)131,950 
Exercise of stock optionsExercise of stock options106 — 13 — 822 — — — 822 
Stock-based compensationStock-based compensation— — — —��11,112 — — — 11,112 
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld for taxesVesting of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld for taxes166 — — — (12,196)— — — (12,196)
Conversion of Class B stock to Class A stockConversion of Class B stock to Class A stock1,948 — (1,948)— — — — — 
Issuance of restricted stock awardsIssuance of restricted stock awards— — — — — — — 
Other comprehensive incomeOther comprehensive income— — — — — 23 — — 23 
Repurchase of common stockRepurchase of common stock(48)— — — — — (4,194)— (4,194)
Net incomeNet income— — — — — — — 158,403 158,403 
Balance at December 31, 2020Balance at December 31, 202018,729 $15,659 $$161,247 $56 $(25,756)$150,369 $285,920 
The accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.




50


APPFOLIO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
 Year Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Cash from operating activities
Net income$158,403 $36,282 $19,967 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization26,790 22,395 14,576 
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets3,701 4,130 
Deferred income taxes29,002 (31,455)
Stock-based compensation9,025 7,309 6,337 
Gain on sale of business(187,658)
Other125 32 224 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable(2,782)(2,031)(908)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(5,894)(4,031)(6,073)
Other assets(519)1,376 (4,447)
Accounts payable(903)511 614 
Accrued employee expenses2,799 4,542 1,219 
Accrued expenses6,878 55 3,281 
Deferred revenue530 1,193 (4,589)
Operating lease liabilities(564)(2,662)
Other liabilities9,366 1,241 6,067 
Net cash provided by operating activities48,299 38,887 36,268 
Cash from investing activities
Purchases of available-for-sale investments(43,877)(25,198)(29,516)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investments16,711 2,750 20,900 
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale investments27,330 15,660 32,819 
Purchases of property, equipment and intangible assets(19,038)(8,084)(2,102)
Capitalization of software development costs(26,042)(20,998)(12,304)
Cash paid in business acquisition, net of cash acquired(54,004)(14,441)
Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash divested191,427 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities146,511 (89,874)(4,644)
Cash from financing activities
Proceeds from stock option exercises822 553 1,035 
Tax withholding for net share settlement(12,196)(6,155)(3,127)
Payment of contingent consideration(5,977)
Proceeds from issuance of debt50,752 2,169 50,138 
Principal payments on debt(99,565)(3,419)(138)
Payment of debt issuance costs(420)
Purchase of treasury stock(4,194)(21,562)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(70,358)(7,272)26,346 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents124,452 (58,259)57,970 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Beginning of period16,247 74,506 16,536 
End of period$140,699 $16,247 $74,506 
51


 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Cash from operating activities     
Net income (loss)$9,716
 $(8,281) $(15,668)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:     
Depreciation and amortization12,699
 9,935
 6,104
Purchased investment premium, net of amortization(39) 245
 (865)
Amortization of deferred financing costs63
 63
 456
Loss on disposal of property, equipment and intangibles97
 41
 67
Stock-based compensation6,096
 4,301
 1,007
Lease abandonment
 161
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:     
Accounts receivable(876) (463) (746)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(1,009) (377) (1,893)
Other assets(84) (103) (56)
Accounts payable(100) (904) (439)
Accrued employee expenses3,243
 2,223
 1,887
Accrued expenses271
 1,148
 1,135
Deferred revenue(558) 2,685
 1,173
Other liabilities(148) 826
 994
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities29,371
 11,500
 (6,844)
Cash from investing activities     
Purchases of property and equipment(2,213) (4,242) (3,694)
Additions to capitalized software(10,455) (11,166) (7,677)
Purchases of investment securities(26,648) (31,551) (74,176)
Sales of investment securities15
 12,559
 4,100
Maturities of investment securities16,474
 21,337
 26,136
Cash paid in business acquisition, net of cash acquired
 
 (4,039)
Purchases of intangible assets(1) (2) (17)
Net cash used in investing activities(22,828) (13,065) (59,367)
Cash from financing activities     
Proceeds from stock option exercises663
 352
 357
Proceeds from issuance of restricted stock
 
 141
Proceeds from issuance of options
 
 208
Tax withholding for net share settlement(1,796) (111) 
Principal payments under capital lease obligations
 (29) (27)
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of underwriting discounts and commissions
 
 79,570
Payments of initial public offering costs
 
 (4,213)
Payment of contingent consideration
 
 (2,429)
Proceeds from issuance of debt118
 117
 10,253
Principal payments on debt(118) (128) (10,241)
Payment of debt issuance costs
 
 (757)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(1,133) 201
 72,862
APPFOLIO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
 Year Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest$1,815 $2,169 $118 
Cash paid for income taxes85 545 82 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities included in operating cash flows2,198 5,007 — 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities6,644 14,986 — 
Noncash investing and financing activities
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued expenses$370 $3,447 $518 
Capitalization of software development costs included in accrued expenses and accrued employee expenses383 1,187 825 
Stock-based compensation capitalized for software development2,087 1,844 1,087 
Purchase consideration for acquisitions included in other current liabilities5,977 
Debt issuance and other financing costs accrued, not paid371 



    The following table presents a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the total of the same such amounts shown above (in thousands):
December 31,
202020192018
Cash and cash equivalents$140,263 $15,813 $74,076 
Restricted cash included in other assets436 434 430 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$140,699 $16,247 $74,506 
APPFOLIO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
      
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents5,410
 (1,364) 6,651
Cash and cash equivalents     
Beginning of period10,699
 12,063
 5,412
End of period$16,109
 $10,699
 $12,063
      
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information     
Cash paid for interest$182
 $191
 $797
Cash paid for taxes30
 27
 91
      
Noncash investing and financing activities     
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued expenses$21
 $261
 $1,220
Additions of capitalized software included in accrued employee expenses374
 458
 290
Stock-based compensation capitalized for software development759
 431
 166
Conversion of convertible preferred stock into common stock in connection with initial public offering
 
 63,166


The accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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APPFOLIO, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Nature of Business
AppFolio, Inc. (“we”, the "Company"("we," "us" or “AppFolio”"our") provides industry-specific, cloud-basedinnovative software, solutionsservices and data analytics to the real estate market, which comprises a significant majority of our revenue, as well as to the legal market,industry. Our industry-specific, cloud-based solutions are used primarily by property managers, and we intend to enter new vertical markets over time. We serve small and medium-sized businesses (“SMBs”)also by numerous other constituencies in the property management industrybusiness ecosystem. These other constituencies include property owners, rental prospects, tenants and solo practitioners and small law firms in the legal industry. Weservice providers, whom we refer to solo practitionerscollectively as "users". Although specific functionality varies by product, our core solutions are designed to enable our customers to digitally transform their businesses, address critical business operations and small law firms as SMBs in connection withenable exceptional customer service. In addition to our legal vertical in these financial statements.core solutions, we offer an array of optional, but often business-critical, Value+ services that are designed to enhance, automate and streamline processes and workflows that are essential to our customers' businesses. Our Value+ services are generally available on an as-needed basis and enable our customers to adapt our offerings to their specific operational requirements.
Our solutions and services are designed to be a system of record to automate essential business processes, a system of engagement to enhance business interactions between our customers and their clientsbusiness ecosystems and vendors, and, increasingly, a system of intelligence designed to anticipate, influence,leverage data to predict and optimize business workflows in order to enable exceptional customer experiences and increase efficiency across our customers' businesses.Our mobile-optimized software solutions are designed for use across multiple devices and operating systems. Our software solutions are offered as a service, are hosted using a modern cloud-based architecture, and in part, use artificial intelligence technologies. This architecture leads to rich data sets that have a consistent schema across our customer and user base and enables us to take actiondeploy data-powered products and services for our customers and users.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, our revenue was $310.1 million, $256.0 million and $190.1 million, respectively of which $284.7 million, $231.1 million and $172.4 million, respectively, are derived from our software and services offered to the real estate vertical. During certain periods covered by this Annual Report, we also provided software solutions and services to the legal vertical.
On September 30, 2020, we completed our divestiture of 100% of the issued and outstanding equity interests of MyCase, Inc. ("MyCase"), a former wholly owned subsidiary that provided such legal practice and case management software solutions to our legal customers. We sold MyCase to Mockingbird AcquisitionCo Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Buyer”) affiliated with funds advised by Apax Partners LLP, for $193.0 million pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement, dated September 7, 2020 (the “Purchase Agreement”), by and among Buyer, us and MyCase (the “MyCase Transaction”). In connection with the closing of the MyCase Transaction, and in real time.accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement, we entered into certain ancillary agreements with MyCase, including relating to certain post-closing transition services to be provided by us to MyCase at fair market value, as well as an intellectual property licensing agreement for certain software and patents for which no ongoing licensing fees will be received. We recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of $187.7 million on the MyCase Transaction.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
Reclassification
We reclassified certain amounts in our Consolidated Balance Sheet in the prior year to confirm to the current year's presentation.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the operations of AppFolio, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Our investment in SecureDocs, Inc. (“SecureDocs”) is accounted for under the equity method of accounting as we have the ability to exert significant influence, but do not control and are not the primary beneficiary of the entity. Our investment in SecureDocs is not material and our share of its losses areany income (loss) activity is not material individually or in the aggregate to our financial position, results of operations or cash flowsConsolidated Financial Statements for any period presented.
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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 the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenuesrevenue, expenses, other income, and expensesprovision for income taxes during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates itsAssets and liabilities which are subject to judgment and use of estimates based on historical data and experience, as well as various other factors that management believes to be reasonable underinclude the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carryingfair value of assets and liabilities assumed in business combinations, fair value of financial instruments, capitalized software development costs, period of benefit associated with deferred costs, incremental borrowing rate used to measure operating lease liabilities, the recoverability of goodwill and long-lived assets, income taxes, useful lives associated with property and equipment and intangible assets, contingencies, and valuation and assumptions underlying stock-based compensation and other equity instruments.
During early calendar year 2020, the novel coronavirus disease ("COVID-19") spread globally, including to every state in the United States. The global pandemic has created and may continue to create significant uncertainty in a wide variety of industries and markets and has prompted many federal, state, local, and foreign governments to adopt various orders and restrictions in an attempt to control the spread and mitigate the impact of the disease, which may reduce demand for our core solutions and/or Value+ services, impact the productivity of our workforce, reduce our access to capital, and harm our business and results of operations. These potential impacts are only amplified by the length of time they remain in place, as the cumulative effect upon our customers and their businesses may only exacerbate potential harm to our business and results of operations.
In light of the unknown duration and severity of COVID-19, we face a greater degree of uncertainty than normal in making the judgments and estimates needed to apply our significant accounting policies. We assessed certain accounting matters that generally require consideration of forecasted financial information in context with the information reasonably available to us and the unknown future impacts of COVID-19 as of December 31, 2020 and through the date of this report. The accounting matters assessed included, but were not limited to, our allowance for credit losses, the carrying value of goodwill and other long-lived assets, performance-based compensation and income taxes.
As of the date of our Consolidated Financial Statements, we are not readily apparentaware of any specific event or circumstance that would require us to update our estimates or judgments or to revise the carrying value of our assets or liabilities. However, these estimates and judgments may change as new events occur and additional information is obtained, which may result in changes being recognized in our consolidated financial statements in future periods. While we considered the effects of COVID-19 in our estimates and assumptions, due to the level of uncertainty regarding the economic and operational impacts of COVID-19 on our business, there may be other judgments and assumptions that we have not considered. Such judgments and assumptions could result in a meaningful impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements in future periods. Actual results could differ from other sources.those estimates and any such differences may have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Segment Information
Our chief operating decision maker reviews financial information presented on an aggregated and consolidated basis, together with revenue information for our core solutions, Value+ and other service offerings, principally to make decisions about how to allocate resources and to measure our performance. Accordingly, management has determined that we have one1 reportable and operating segment.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to credit risk consist principally of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, investment securities and notes receivable. At times, weWe maintain cash balances at financial institutions in excess of amounts insured by United States government agencies or payable by the United States government directly. We place our cash with high credit, quality financial institutions. We invest in investment securities with a minimum rating of A by Standard & Poor's andor A-1 by Moody's and regularly monitor our investment security portfolio for changes in credit ratings.
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable and revenue are limited due to a large, diverse customer base. No individual customer represented 10% or more of accounts receivable as ofat December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 or revenue for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015.


2018.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.
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Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures(“ASC 820”), describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value, which are the following:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities or funds.
Level 2 - Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Cash, and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
We consider all highly liquid investments, readily convertible to cash, and which have a remaining maturity date of three months or less at the date of purchase, to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at fair value and consist primarily of bank deposits, treasury securities, and money market funds.
Restricted cash of $0.4 million as ofat December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, is comprised of certificates of deposits relating to collateral requirements for customer automated clearing house and credit card chargebacks and minimum collateral requirements for our insurance services, which are recorded in other long termlong-term assets.
Investment Securities
Our investment securities currently consist of corporate bonds, United States government agency securities ("Agency Securities") and certificates of deposit.treasury securities. We classify investment securities as available-for-sale at the time of purchase and reevaluate such classification as ofat each balance sheet date. All investments are recorded at estimated fair value. Unrealized gains and losses for available-for-sale investment securities are included in accumulated other comprehensive income, (loss), a component of stockholders’ equity. We classify our investments as current when the period of time between the reporting date and the contractual maturity is twelve months or less and as noncurrent when the period of time between the reporting date and the contractual maturity is more than twelve months.
We evaluate our investments toFor available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, we first assess whether those withwe intend to sell, or whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of these criteria is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For securities in an unrealized loss positions areposition that do not meet these criteria, we evaluate whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit loss or other than temporarily impaired. We consider impairments to be other than temporary if they are related to deterioration infactors. If this assessment indicates a credit risk or if itloss exists, the credit-related portion of the loss is likely we will sell the securities before the recovery of their cost basis. Declines in value judged to be other than temporary are determined basedrecorded as an allowance for losses on the specific identification method and are reported in other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statementssecurity. NaN allowance for credit losses for available-for-sale investment securities was recorded as of Operations.December 31, 2020.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.credit losses. The allowance for doubtful accountscredit losses is based on historical loss experience, the number of days that receivables are past due, and an evaluation of the potential risk of loss associated with delinquent accounts. Accounts receivable considered uncollectableuncollectible are charged against the allowance for doubtful accountscredit losses when identified. We do not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to our customers. As ofAt December 31, 2017, 20162020 and 2015,2019, our allowance for doubtful accountscredit losses was not material.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of assets. The estimated useful lives of our property and equipment are as follows:
Asset TypeDepreciation Period
Data center and computerComputer equipment3 years
Furniture and fixtures7 years
Office equipment23 to 5 years
Leasehold improvementsShorter of remaining life of lease or asset life


Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Renewals and improvements are capitalized. Assets disposed of or retired are removed from the cost and accumulated depreciation accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in our results of operations.
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Leases
LeasesWe determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are evaluatedincluded in prepaid expenses and classified as either other current assets, operating or capital leases. Alllease ROU assets, other current liabilities, and operating lease liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments, over the lease term at commencement date. As none of our office space leases areprovide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The operating leases.lease ROU assets also include any lease payments made to the lessor before or at the lease commencement date and excludes lease incentives received and initial direct costs incurred. Our lease terms may include options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option.
RentLease expense under operating leasesfor minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The difference between recognized rent expenseWe have lease arrangements with lease and the rent payment amount is recorded as an increase or decrease in deferred rent liability. If the lease has tenant allowances from the lessornon-lease components, which are generally accounted for certain improvements made to the leased property, these allowances are capitalized as leasehold improvements. Tenant allowances and rent holidays in lease agreements are recognized as a deferred rent credit, which is amortizedsingle lease component. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term as a reductionterm.
Capitalized Software Development Costs
Software development cost consist of rent expense.
Internal-Use Software
We account for the costs of computer software obtained or developed for internal use in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwillcertain payroll and Other (“ASC 350”). These includestock compensation costs incurred in connection with the developmentto develop functionality of our internal-use software solutions when (i) the preliminary project stage is completed, (ii) management has authorized further fundingsolutions. We capitalize certain software development costs for the completion of the project and (iii) it is probable that the project will be completed and performednew offerings as intended. These capitalized costs include personnel and related expenses for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to internal-use software projects and, when material, interest costs incurred during the development. Capitalization of these costs ceases once the project is substantially complete and the software is ready for its intended purpose. Costs incurred forwell as significant upgrades and enhancements to our existing software solutions are also capitalized. Costs incurred for post-configuration training, maintenance and minor modifications or enhancements are expensed as incurred.solutions. Capitalized software development costs are amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of three years. We do not transfer ownership of our software, license, or lease our software to third parties. We believe there are two key estimates within the capitalized software balance, which are the determination of the useful life of the software and the determination of the amounts to be capitalized.
We determined that a three year life is appropriate for our internal-use software based on our best estimate of the useful life of the internally developed software after considering factors such as continuous developments in the technology, obsolescence and anticipated life of the service offering before significant upgrades. Based on our prior experience, internally generated software will generally remain in use for a minimum of three years before being significantly replaced or modified to keep up with evolving customer and company needs. While we do not anticipate any significant changes to this three year estimate, a change in this estimate could produce a material impact on our financial statements.
We determine the amount of internal software costs to be capitalized based on the amount of time spent by our software engineers on projects. Costs associated with building or significantly enhancing our software solutions and new internally built software solutions are capitalized, while costs associated with planning new developments and maintaining our software solutions are expensed as incurred. There is judgment involved in estimating the stage of development as well as estimating time allocated to a particular project. A significant change in the time spent on each project could have a material impact on the amount capitalized and related amortization expense.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually at the reporting unit level or at other times 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.
We have the option to assess goodwill for possible impairment by performing a qualitative analysis to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. A quantitative assessment is performed if the qualitative assessment results in a more-likely-than-not determination or if a qualitative assessment is not performed. The quantitative assessment considers whether the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, in which case an impairment charge is recorded to the extent that the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value.
We have 1 reporting unit and we test for goodwill impairment annually during the fourth quarter of the calendar year. Additionally, in connection with the disposal of goodwill associated with the MyCase Transaction, we performed a goodwill impairment assessment as of September 30, 2020 on our remaining goodwill balance. Based on the assessments performed at September 30, 2020 and November 1, 2020, we determined it was unlikely that our reporting unit fair value was less than its carrying value and no quantitative impairment test assessment was required. There were no indicators that our goodwill has become impaired since that date, and as such, there was no impairment charges recorded.
NaN impairment losses were recorded for goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
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Intangible assets primarily consist of acquired database and technology, non-compete agreements, customer and partner relationships, acquired technology, trademarks and trade names, domain names and patents, which are recorded at cost, less accumulated amortization. We determine the appropriate useful life of our intangible assets by performing an analysis of expected cash flows of the acquired assets. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives using theon a straight-line method,basis, which approximates the pattern in which the economic benefits of the assets are consumed.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We assess the recoverability of our long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.recoverable or that the useful lives of those assets are no longer appropriate. An impairment charge would be recognized when the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group. There were no0 impairment charges related to the identified long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015.2018.
Business Combinations
The results of a business acquired in a business combination are included in our consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition. We allocate the purchase price, including the fair value of contingent consideration, to the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquired business at their acquisition date fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded as goodwill.
Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management to make significant judgments and estimates, including the selection of valuation methodologies, estimates of future revenue and cash flows, discount rates and selection of comparable companies. We engage the assistance of valuation specialists in concluding on fair value measurements in connection with determining fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination.
Acquisition-related transaction costs are not included as a component of consideration transferred, but are accounted for as an operating expense in the period in which the costs are incurred.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination. We test goodwill for impairment in accordance with the provisions of ASC 350. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually at the reporting unit level or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. Events or changes in circumstances which could trigger an impairment review include a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the


business climate, unanticipated competition, loss of key personnel, significant changes in the use of the acquired assets or our strategy, significant negative industry or economic trends, or significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future results of operations.
ASC 350 provides that an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then additional impairment testing is not required. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first of a two-step impairment test.
The first step involves comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its book value, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value exceeds book value, goodwill is considered not to be impaired and no additional steps are necessary. If, however, the fair value of the reporting unit is less than book value, then the carrying amount of the goodwill is compared with its implied fair value. The estimate of implied fair value of goodwill may require valuations of certain internally generated and unrecognized intangible assets. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.
We have one reporting unit and we test for goodwill impairment annually during the fourth quarter of the calendar year. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we determined our goodwill of $6.7 million was not impaired as the fair value of our reporting unit significantly exceeded its carrying value based on the results of our annual impairment tests.
Revenue Recognition
We generate revenue primarily from our customers primarily for subscriptions to access our core solutions and Value+ services for our cloud-based property managementsoftware solutions. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised services in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those services. We enter into contracts that can include various combinations of services, which are generally capable of being distinct, distinct within the context of the contract, and legal softwareaccounted for as separate performance obligations. Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. Refer to Note 15, Revenue and Other Information for the disaggregated breakdown of revenue between core solutions, Value+ services and other revenue.
Core Solutions
We charge our customers on a subscription basis for our core solutions. Our subscription fees are designed to scale to the size of our customers' businesses. Subscription fees for our core solutions are charged on a per-unit per-month basis for our property management software solution and on a per-user per-month basis for our legal software solution. WeOur customers do not have rights to the underlying software code of our solutions, and, accordingly, we recognize subscription revenue over time on a straight-line basis over the termscontract term beginning on the date that our service is made available to the customer. The term of theour core solutions subscription agreements which rangetypically ranges from one month to one year. We generallytypically invoice our customers for subscription services in monthly quarterly or annual installments, typically in advance of the subscription period. Any revenues which are billed in advance are recorded as deferred revenue until the revenue is earned. Revenue from subscription services is impacted by the change in the number and type of our customers, the size and needs of our customers' businesses and our customer renewal rates.
Value+ Services
We charge our customers on a subscription or usage basis for certain of our Value+ services. Our subscriptionSubscription-based fees are designed to scalecharged on a per-unit basis. We typically invoice our customers for subscription-based services in monthly installments, in advance of the subscription period. We recognize revenue for subscription-based services over time on a straight-line basis over the contract term beginning on the date that our service is made available to the size of our customers’ businesses. Subscription Value+ services include website hosting services and contact center services. We also charge our customers usage-based fees for using certain Value+ services. Usage-based Value+ services include fees for electronic payment processing, applicant screening services, our legal liability to landlord insurance program, collections, online vacancy advertising services and renters insurance.customer. Usage-based fees are charged on a flat feerate per transaction basis with no minimum usage commitments. We recognize revenue for usage-based services in the period the service is rendered. We generally invoice our customers for usage-based services on a monthly basis for services rendered in the preceding month with the exception ofmonth. In addition, some subscription or usage-based Value+ services, such as fees for electronic payment processing, whichservices, are generally paid by theeither our customers or clients of our customers at the time the electronic payment is processed. Revenue fromservices are rendered.
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We work with third-party partners to provide certain of our Value+ services. For these Value+ services, is impacted bywe evaluate whether we are the principal, and report revenue on a numbergross basis, or the agent, and report revenue on a net basis. In this assessment we consider if we obtain control of factors, including the number of newspecified services before they are transferred to the customer, as well as other indicators such as whether we are the party primarily responsible for fulfillment, and existing customers that adopt and utilize our Value+ service, the size and needs of our customers and our customer renewal rates.whether we have discretion in establishing price.
Other Revenue
Other revenue includes revenueinclude fees from one-time services related to on-boardingthe implementation of our software solutions and other recurring or one-time fees related to our customers who are not otherwise using our core solutions. This includes legacy customers of businesses we have acquired where the customers haven't migrated to our core solutions, website designsolutions. The fees for implementation and data migration services are billed upon signing our core subscription contract and online vacancy advertising services offered to legacy RentLinx customers.
Our legal software core solution offers customers a free trial period to try our software. Revenue isare not recognized until the free trial periodcore solution is completeaccessible and fully functional for our customer's use. Other services are billed when the services rendered are completed and delivered to the customer has entered intoor billed in advance and deferred over the subscription period.
Contracts with Multiple Performance Obligations
Many of our contracts with customers contain multiple performance obligations. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require judgment. We account for individual performance obligations separately if they are distinct. The performance obligations for these contracts include access and use of our core solutions, implementation services, and customer support. Access and use of our core solutions and implementation services are considered distinct.
The transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation on a subscription agreement with us.
Our customers do notrelative standalone selling price basis. Judgment is required to determine the standalone selling price for each distinct performance obligation. We typically have rightsmore than one standalone selling price for individual products and services due to the underlying software codestratification of those products and services by customers and circumstances. In these instances, we determine the standalone selling price based on our solutions,overall pricing objectives, taking into consideration customer demographics and accordingly, the Company's revenue arrangements are outside the scope of the software revenue recognition guidance, and are instead recognized in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 13. We recognize revenue when (i) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, (ii) our software solutions have been made available or delivered, or services have been performed, (iii) the amount of fees is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured. Evidence of an arrangement generally consists of either a signed customer contract or an online click-through agreement. We consider that delivery of a solution or website has commenced once we provide the customer with access to use the solution or website.other factors. Fees are fixed based on rates specified in the subscription agreements, which do not provide for any refunds or adjustments. If collectability
Deferred Revenue
We record deferred revenue when cash payments are received in advance of our performance. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized revenue of $4.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively, that were included in the deferred revenue balances at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Our payment terms vary by the type of our customer and the products or services offered. The time between invoicing and when payment is due is not considered reasonably assured,significant. In instances where the timing of revenue is deferred untilrecognition differs from the fees are collected. Sometiming of our subscription agreements contain minimum cancellation fees in the event that the customer cancels the subscription early.
For multiple-deliverable arrangements,invoicing, we first assess whether each deliverable has value to the customer on a standalone basis. We have determined that the subscription services related to our core solutions have value on a standalone basis because


once access is provided, they are fully functional andcontracts do not require additional development, modification or customization. Our Value+ servicesinclude a significant financing component.
Practical Expedients
In determining the transaction price, we have applied the practical expedient which allows us not to adjust the consideration for the effects of the time value on a standalone basisof money as long as the services are sold separately by other vendorstime between when we transfer the promised service to a customer and arewhen a customer pays is one year or less.
We do not essentialdisclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected term of one year or less.
We recognize revenue in proportion to the functionality of the other deliverables. The usage-based services are typically entered into subsequent to the initial customer arrangement. In multiple-deliverable arrangements that contain usage-based services, the customer has the option to purchase the services on an ad hoc basis, and payments are made when the services are rendered.
Based on the standalone value of the deliverables, and since our customers do not have a general right of return, we allocate revenue among the separate non-contingent deliverables in a multiple-deliverable arrangement under the relative selling price method using the selling price hierarchy within the revenue accounting guidance (ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition). The selling price hierarchy requires the selling price of each deliverable in a multiple-deliverable arrangement to be based on, in descending order, (i) vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value ("VSOE"), (ii) third-party evidence of fair value ("TPE"), or (iii) management’s best estimate of the selling price ("BESP").
For our property manager core solution,amount we have established VSOE based on our consistent historical pricing and discounting practicesthe right to invoice for customer renewals where the customer only subscribes to ourcertain core solutions and based on the price established by management for elements not yet being sold separately. In establishing VSOE, the substantial majority of the selling prices for our core solutions fall within a reasonably narrow pricing range, and the price once established by management for elements not yet being sold separately are not offered at a discount. For our legal software core solution, we utilize BESP to allocate revenue among the separate non-contingent deliverables, as we have been unable to establish VSOE due to our discounting practices, and we have been unable to obtain TPE.
After the contract value is allocated to each non-contingent deliverable in a multiple-deliverable arrangement based on the relative selling price, revenue is recognized for each deliverable based on the pattern in which the revenue is earned. For subscriptionsValue+ services revenue, is recognizedas that amount corresponds directly with our performance completed to date.
Deferred Costs
Deferred costs, which primarily consist of sales commissions, are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. These costs are deferred and then amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of benefit that we have determined to be three years. We typically do not pay commissions for contract renewals. We determined the subscription period. For usage-based services, revenue is recognized asperiod of benefit by taking into consideration our customer contract term, the services are rendered. For one-time services, revenue is recognized upon completionuseful life of the related services. Sales commissionsour internal-use software, average customer life, and other incrementalfactors. Amortization expense for the deferred costs is allocated based on the employee's department and included withinsales and marketing expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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Deferred costs were $10.3 million and $9.5 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, of which $5.5 million and $4.8 million, respectively, are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and $4.8 million and $4.6 million, respectively, are included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization expense for deferred costs was $5.8 million, $4.2 million, and $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, no impairments were identified in relation to acquire contracts are expensed as incurred.the costs capitalized for the periods presented.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue consists ofincludes the fees paid to these third-party service providers (including legal fees and costs associated with the delivery and provision of those services, as well as loss reserves and other costs associated with our legal liability to landlord insurance services), which vary both in cost and as a percent of revenue for each Value+ service offering, personnel-related costs (including salaries, incentive-basedperformance-based compensation, benefits, and stock-based compensation) for our employees focused on customer service and the support of our operations, platform infrastructure costs (such as data center operations and hosting-related costs), payment processing fees and allocated shared costs. We typically allocate shared costs across our organization based on headcount within the applicable part of our organization. Cost of revenue excludes depreciation of property and equipment, and amortization of capitalized software development costs and intangible assets.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expense consists of personnel-related costs (including salaries, sales commissions, incentive-basedperformance-based compensation, benefits, and stock-based compensation) for our employees focused on sales and marketing, costs associated with sales and marketing activities, and allocated shared and other costs. Marketing activities include advertising, online lead generation, lead nurturing, customer and industry events, and the creation of industry-related content and collateral. Sales commissions and other incremental costs to acquire customers and grow adoption and utilization of our Value+ services by our new and existing customers are expensed as incurred.deferred and then amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of benefit, which we have determined to be three years. We focus our sales and marketing efforts on generating awareness of our software solutions, creating sales leads, establishing and promoting our brands, and cultivating an educated community of successful and vocal customers. Advertising expenses were $3.6$7.0 million, $5.8 million and $4.5 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively, and are expensed as incurred.
Research and Product Development
Research and product development expense consists of personnel-related costs (including salaries, incentive-basedperformance-based compensation, benefits, and stock-based compensation) for our employees focused on research and product development, fees for third-party development resources, and allocated shared and other costs. Our research and product development efforts are focused on enhancing functionality and the ease of use and functionality of our existing software solutions by adding new core functionality, Value+ services and other improvements, as well as developing new products and services.services for new and existing markets. We capitalize the portion of our software development costs that meetswhich meet the criteria for capitalization. Amortization of capitalized software development costs is included in depreciation and amortization expense.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expense consists of personnel-related costs (including salaries, incentive-baseda majority of total performance-based compensation, benefits, and stock-based compensation) for employees in our executive, finance, information technology, human resources, legal, compliance, corporate development legal and administrative organizations. In addition, general and administrative expense includes fees for


third-party professional services (including audit, legal, compliance, tax, and consulting services), transaction costs related to business combinations and divestitures, regulatory fines and penalties, other corporate expenses, and allocated shared costs.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense includes depreciation of property and equipment, amortization of capitalized software development costs, and amortization of intangible assets. We depreciate or amortize property and equipment, software development costs, and intangible assets over their expected useful lives on a straight-line basis, which approximates the pattern in which the economic benefits of the assets are consumed.
Stock-Based Compensation
We accountrecognize stock-based compensation expense for stock-based compensation awards granted to employees and directors by recording compensation expense based on each award's grant-date estimatedthat can be settled in shares of our common stock. We estimate the fair value in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation overof stock options and performance-based stock options ("PSOs"), using the vesting period.Black-Scholes option-pricing model. We estimate the fair value of restricted stock awards ("RSAs"), restricted stock units ("RSUs") and performance-based RSUs or performance based RSUsshare units ("PSUs") based on the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant. We
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Stock Options
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 we did not grant time-based stock options or PSOs.
Restricted Stock Units
RSUs generally vest in equal tranches over four annual periods and are expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The shares underlying the RSU grants are not issued and outstanding until the applicable vesting date.
Performance-Based Equity Awards
Our PSUs include performance conditions that require us to estimate the fair value of stock options and performance based stock options ("PSOs") using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Determining the fair value of stock options under this model requires highly subjective assumptions, including the fair valueprobable outcome of the underlying common stock, the risk-free interest rate, the expected term of the award, the expected volatility of the price of our common stock, and the expected dividend yield of our common stock. These estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. If we had made different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense could have been materially different.
Since our IPO in June 2015, the fair value of our common stockperformance condition. This assessment is based on management's judgment using internally developed forecasts and assessed at each reporting period. Compensation cost is recorded if it is probable that the closing priceperformance condition will be achieved. Adjustments to compensation expense are made each period based on changes in our estimate of the number of PSUs that are probable of vesting. PSUs will vest upon achievement of the relevant performance metric once such calculation is reviewed and approved by our Class A common stock, as quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market,on the dateBoard of grant and we utilized the following assumptions and estimates when utilizing the Black-Scholes option-pricing model when calculating the fair value of our options and PSOs:Directors.
Risk-Free Interest Rate - The risk free interest rate assumption is based upon observed interest rates on United States government securities appropriate for the expected term of the stock option.
Expected Term - Given that we do not have sufficient exercise history to develop reasonable expectations about future exercise patterns and post-vesting employment termination behavior, we determine the expected term using the simplified method, which is calculated as the midpoint of the stock option vesting term and the expiration date of the stock option.
Expected Volatility - We determine the expected volatility based on the historical average volatilities of publicly traded industry peers. We intend to continue to consistently apply this methodology using the same or similar public companies until a sufficient amount of historical information regarding the volatility of our own common stock price becomes available, unless circumstances change such that the identified companies are no longer similar to us, in which case, more suitable companies whose stock prices are publicly available would be utilized in the calculation.
Expected Dividend Yield - We have not paid and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future and, therefore, we use an expected dividend yield of zero.
Forfeiture Rate
In addition to the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, we alsoWe estimate a forfeiture rate to calculate our stock-based compensation expense for our options andstock-based awards. The forfeiture rate is based on an analysis of actual forfeitures. We will continue to evaluate the appropriateness of the forfeiture rate based on actual forfeiture experience, analysis of employee turnover, and other factors. Changes in the estimated forfeiture rate can have a significant impact on our stock-based compensation expense as the cumulative effect of adjusting the rate is recognized in the period the estimated forfeiture rate is changed. If a revised forfeiture rate is higher than the previously-estimated forfeiture rate, an adjustment is made that will result in a decrease to our stock-based compensation expense recognized in our consolidated financial statements.Consolidated Financial Statements. If a revised forfeiture rate is lower than the previously-estimated forfeiture rate, an adjustment is made that will result in an increase to our stock-based compensation expense recognized in our consolidated financial statements.
Restricted Stock Units
In September 2015, we began granting RSUs. The RSUs vest in equal tranches over four annual periods and are expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The shares underlying the RSU grants are not issued and outstanding until the applicable vesting date.
Performance Based Equity Awards


In 2016, we began granting PSOs and PSUs. The fair values of the PSOs are estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the PSUs fair values are based on the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant. The vesting of the PSOs and PSUs is based on achievement of a pre-established free cash flow performance metric or adjusted gross margin target and continued employment throughout the performance period. We recognize expense for the PSOs and PSUs based on the grant date fair value to the extent vesting of the award is probable. Adjustments to compensation expense are made each period based on changes in our estimate of the number of PSOs and PSUs that are probable of vesting. PSOs and PSUs will vest upon achievement of the relevant performance metric once such calculation is reviewed and approved by our board of directors.Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, which requires the recognition ofrecognize deferred tax assetsliabilities and liabilitiesassets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income 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 of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in the consolidated statementsConsolidated Statements of operationsOperations in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, management considers the weighting of all available positive and negative evidence, which includes, among other things, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative taxable income or losses, future projections of profitability, and the duration of statutory carryforward periods.
Judgment is required to measure the amount of tax benefits that can be recognized associated with uncertain tax positions. We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in our consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized. We recognize interest and penalties accrued with respect to uncertain tax positions, if any, in our provision for income taxes in the consolidated statementsConsolidated Statements of operations.Operations.
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Net Income (Loss) per Share
Basic net income per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing net income for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potentially dilutive common stock outstanding during the period. The dilutive effect of outstanding options and equity incentive awards is reflected in diluted net income per share by application of the treasury stock method. The calculation of diluted net income per share excludes all anti-dilutive common shares.
The net income (loss) per common share was the same for our Class A and Class B common shares because they are entitled to the same liquidation and dividend rights and are therefore combined in the table below. The following table presents a reconciliation of our weighted average number of Class A and Class B common shares used to compute net income (loss) per share (in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Weighted average common shares outstanding34,269 34,020 34,139 
Less: Weighted average unvested restricted shares subject to repurchase11 
Weighted average common shares outstanding; basic34,264 34,016 34,128 
Weighted average common shares outstanding; basic34,264 34,016 34,128 
Plus: Weighted average options, restricted stock units and restricted shares used to compute diluted net income per common share1,449 1,551 1,434 
Weighted average common shares outstanding; diluted35,713 35,567 35,562 
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Weighted average common shares outstanding33,876
 33,639
 21,486
Less: Weighted average unvested restricted shares subject to repurchase27
 78
 150
Weighted average common shares outstanding; basic33,849
 33,561
 21,336
      
Weighted average common shares outstanding; basic33,849
 33,561
 21,336
Plus: Weighted average options, RSUs and restricted shares used to compute diluted net income per share1,302
  
Weighted average common shares outstanding; diluted35,151
 33,561
 21,336
Approximately 548,000For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, an aggregate of 79,000, 187,000 and 358,000 shares, ofrespectively, underlying PSOs and PSUs arewere not included in the computations of diluted and anti-dilutive shares for the year ended December 31, 2017, as they are considered contingently issuable upon the satisfaction of pre-defined performance measures and their respective performance measures have not been met.
For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we reported a net loss and therefore all potentially dilutive common shares are RSUs with an anti-dilutive and have been excluded from the calculation of net loss per share. The following table presents the number of anti-dilutive common shareseffect were excluded from the calculation of weighted average number of shares used to compute diluted net income (loss) per common share and they were not material for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019 and 2015 (in thousands):2018.


  December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
Options to purchase common stock 
 1,718
 1,171
Unvested RSAs 
 46
 120
Unvested RSUs 21
 496
 17
Contingent RSUs (1)
 6
 34
 49
Total shares excluded from net loss per share attributable to common stockholders 27
 2,294
 1,357
(1) The reported shares are based on fixed price RSU commitments for which the number of shares has not been determined at the grant date. The number of shares have been determined by dividing the fixed price commitment to issue shares in the future by the closing price of our common stock as of the applicable reporting period date.
Recently AdoptedRecent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2018
Under the Jumpstart our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”), we meet the definition of an emerging growth company. We have irrevocably elected to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards pursuant to Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act.
In March 2016,May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 781), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09"), which amends and simplifies the accounting for share-based payment awards in three areas: (i) income tax consequences, (ii) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and (iii) classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 also provides an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2017. The impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements was not material due to the full valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets. We have elected to continue to estimate forfeitures expected to occur to determine the amount of compensation cost to be recognized each period.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, New Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as amended,Standard, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers (the “new revenue standard”).customers. The new revenue standardNew Revenue Standard also includes Subtopic 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs - Contracts with Customers, which discusses the deferral of incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. The new revenue standard will be effective on January 1, 2018. The standard permits
We adopted the use of either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method.

The Company will adopt the new revenue standard as ofNew Revenue Standard at January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method applied to those contracts which were not completed as ofat that date. Upon adoption, we will recognizeWe recognized the cumulative effect of adopting this guidanceinitially applying the New Revenue Standard as an adjustment to ourthe opening balance of accumulated deficit. Prior periods willretained earnings.
The adoption of the New Revenue Standard did not be retrospectively adjusted.
We do not expect a materialhave an impact on our revenue upon adoption. The primaryrevenues. It did, however, have a significant impact of adopting the new revenue standard relatesrelated to the deferral of incremental costs of obtaining contracts. We have substantially completed our assessmentPrior to the adoption of the impactsNew Revenue Standard, our commissions were expensed as incurred.
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The cumulative effects of the new revenue standard on incremental costs of obtaining contracts and we expectchanges made to record an adjustment to decrease accumulated deficit as ofour Consolidated Balance Sheet at January 1, 2018 for approximately $3.0 million related to the accounting foradoption of the cost of sales commissions. Historically, sales commissions and other incremental costs to obtain contracts are expensedNew Revenue Standard were as incurred. Under the new revenue standard, such costs will be deferred and recognized over the period of benefit which we have determined to be three years. The Company isfollows (in thousands):
Balance at
December 31, 2017
AdjustmentsBalance at
January 1, 2018
Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets$4,546 $1,148 $5,694 
Other assets1,238 1,816 3,054 
Equity
Accumulated deficit$(67,247)$2,964 $(64,283)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the process of implementing the necessary changes to its accounting policies, processes, internal controls and information systems that will be required to meet the new revenue standard’s reporting and disclosure requirements.2019
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases(Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"). Under ASU 2016-02,, which requires an entity will be required to recognize right-of-useROU assets and lease liabilities on its balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 offers specific accounting guidance for a lessee, a lessor and sale and leaseback transactions. Lessees and lessors are required to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements to enable a user of the financial statements to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. For public companies,In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period, and requiresNo. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements ("ASU 2018-11"). Among other things, ASU 2018-11 provides administrative relief by allowing entities to implement the lease standard on a modified retrospective adoption, with early adoption permitted. There are additional optional practical expedients that an entity may electbasis (the "Optional Transition Method"). Effectively, the Optional Transition Method permits us to apply. We anticipate thisadopt the lease standard will havethrough a material impact on our consolidated


financial statements. While we are continuing to assess all potential impacts of the standard, we currently believe the most significant impact relatescumulative effect adjustment to our accountingopening balance sheet as of January 1, 2019, and reporting of our operating leasesreport under the new lease standard on our balance sheet. a post-adoption basis.
We are in the process of implementing changes to our processes in conjunction with our review of existing lease agreements. We will adoptadopted ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019, using the Optional Transition Method. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, which allows us to carry forward our historical lease classification, our assessment of whether a contract is or contains a lease, and expectour initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to elect certain available transitional practical expedients.adoption of the new lease standard. The comparative information has not been recast and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. We updated our accounting policies, processes, internal controls and information systems that were required to meet the new lease standard's reporting and disclosure requirements.
The adoption of ASU 2016-02 had a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, but did not have an impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations or our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The most significant impact was the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities for operating leases. We also reclassified prepaid and deferred rent to the ROU asset balance as of January 1, 2019.
The cumulative effect of the changes made to our Consolidated Balance Sheet at January 1, 2019 for the adoption of the new lease standard was as follows (in thousands):
Balance at
December 31, 2018
AdjustmentsBalance at
January 1, 2019
Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets$11,775 $(317)$11,458 
Operating lease right-of-use assets16,945 16,945 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Other current liabilities$1,447 $3,493 $4,940 
Operating lease liabilities20,056 20,056 
Other long-term liabilities7,080 (6,921)159 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2020
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASUAccounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("("ASU 2016-13"), which amends the current accounting guidance and requires the measurement of all expected losses based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This guidance amends the accounting for credit losses for available-for-sale investment securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. We adopted ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any interim or annual period after December 15, 2018. We do not expect theon January 1, 2020. The adoption of this guidance todid not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.

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In August 2016,2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract ("ASU 2018-15"), a series of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classificationamendments which align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). The accounting for the service element of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments ("a hosting arrangement that is a service contract is not affected by these amendments. We adopted ASU 2016-15"), which provides cash flow statement classification guidance for debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies; distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We do not expect the2018-15 on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this guidance todid not have a material impact on our statementfinancial condition, results of operations, cash flows.flows or disclosures.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In October 2016,December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU 2016-16"2019-12"), which changes. This amendment was issued to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions for recognizing deferred taxes, performing intraperiod allocation, and calculating income taxes in interim periods. Further, ASU 2019-12 adds guidance to reduce complexity in certain areas, including recognizing deferred taxes for tax basis goodwill and allocating taxes to members of a consolidated group. This guidance also requires an entity to reflect the effect of an enacted change in tax laws or rates in its effective income tax rate in the first interim period that includes the enactment date of the new legislation, aligning the timing of when certain intercompany transactions are recognized withinrecognition of the provision foreffects from enacted tax law changes on the effective income taxes. ASU 2016-16tax rate with the effects on deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Under existing guidance, an entity recognizes the effects of the enacted tax law change on the effective income tax rate in the period that includes the effective date of the tax law. This guidance is effective on January 1, 2018. Earlyfor interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 with early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.

In November 2016,3. Divestitures and Business Combinations
Divestiture of MyCase
On September 30, 2020, we completed the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, StatementMyCase Transaction for $193.0 million, consisting of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash ("ASU 2016-18"), which provides amendments to current guidance to address the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash in the statement$192.2 million of cash flows. ASU 2016-18proceeds, plus a $2.2 million employee retention bonus pool funded by us, less cash divested of $0.8 million and a preliminary working capital adjustment of $0.6 million. The retention bonus pool is effectiverefundable to us to the extent that MyCase employees are terminated prior to the retention period, which is one year from the closing date of the MyCase Transaction. A portion of the cash proceeds was used to pay all outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility. Refer to Note 10, Long-Term Debt, of our Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about the termination of the Credit Facility.
We recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of $187.7 million on the MyCase Transaction, consisting of cash proceeds of $192.2 million, less net assets divested of $4.6 million. Net assets divested is primarily comprised of capitalized software development costs of $3.9 million, deferred revenue of $2.8 million and goodwill allocated to MyCase of $2.3 million. The gain on the sale is included within Other income (expense), net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Income received in relation to the transition services provided by us to MyCase of $1.1 million is included within Other income (expense), net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to Note 1, Nature of Business, of our Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about the MyCase Transaction.
Acquisition of Dynasty    
On January 7, 2019, we acquired 100% of the voting equity interest of Dynasty Marketplace, Inc. ("Dynasty") for $60.2 million, of which $6.0 million the "Holdback Amount") was retained by us to satisfy any necessary adjustments, including without limitation certain indemnification claims. The balance of the Holdback Amount, less any amount retained with respect to any unresolved indemnification claims, was released to the stockholders of Dynasty on January 10, 2020 in accordance with the terms of the purchase agreement. Dynasty is a provider of advanced artificial intelligence solutions for the real estate vertical, which automate leasing communications, replace manual tasks and help customers grow their portfolios.
The transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method and, as a result, assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management to make significant judgments and estimates, including the selection of valuation methodologies and comparable companies, estimates of future revenue and cash flows, discount rates, and the software decay rate and database ramp up rate. The following table summarizes the final purchase price allocation (in thousands), as well as the estimated useful lives of the acquired intangible assets over which they are amortized on a straight-line basis, as this approximates the pattern in which we expect the economic benefits will be consumed:
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Amount
(in thousands)
Estimated Useful Life (in years)
Total current assets$305 
Identified intangible assets:
Technology5,730 4.0
Database4,710 10.0
Customer relationships1,110 5.0
Backlog470 1.0
Trademark & trade name1,390 10.0
Non-compete agreement7,340 5.0
Total intangible assets subject to amortization20,750 6.0
Goodwill42,877 Indefinite
Other noncurrent assets35 
Total assets acquired63,967 
Accrued and other liabilities48 
Deferred tax liability, net3,711 
Total liabilities assumed3,759 
Purchase consideration$60,208 

Goodwill is mainly attributable to synergies expected from the acquisition and assembled workforce and is non-deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
We incurred a total of $0.3 million in transaction costs related to the acquisition and expensed all transaction costs incurred during the period in which such service was received.
Pro Forma Results of Operations
The following unaudited pro forma information has been prepared for illustrative purposes only, and assumes that the aforementioned Dynasty acquisition occurred on January 1, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. We expect that adoption will changeincludes pro forma adjustments related to the current presentationamortization of restricted cashacquired intangible assets, elimination of historical interest and amortization expense, income taxes, compensation arrangements, and the transaction costs incurred. The unaudited pro forma results have been prepared based on our statement of cash flows as well as require additional disclosures to reconcile cashestimates and cash equivalents per the balance sheet to cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"),assumptions, which eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value;we believe are reasonable; however, the loss recognized shouldthey are not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amountnecessarily indicative of the reporting unit should be considered when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. ASU 2017-04 also eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU 2017-04 is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on dates after January 1, 2017. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our financial condition,consolidated results of operations cash flows or disclosures.

In March 2017,had the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (“ASU 2017-08”). ASU 2017-08 shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities heldacquisitions occurred at a premium. Specifically, ASU 2017-08 requires the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. ASU 2017-08 does not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. For public companies, ASU 2017-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The amendments should be applied on a modified retrospective basis, with a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the periodperiods presented, or of adoption. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our financial condition,future results of operations, cash flows or disclosures since our current accounting policy is in accordance with ASU 2017-08.operations. The unaudited pro forma results are as follows (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
20192018
Revenue$256,047 $193,405 
Net income32,339 5,937 

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In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting ("ASU 2017-09"). ASU 2017-09 clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. The new guidance will reduce diversity in practice and result in fewer changes to the terms of an award being accounted for as modifications. Under ASU 2017-09, an entity will not apply modification accounting to a share-based payment award if the award’s fair value, vesting conditions and classification as an equity or liability instrument are the same immediately before and after the change. ASU 2017-09 will be applied prospectively to awards modified on or after the adoption date. The guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.
3.4. Investment Securities and Fair Value Measurements
Investment Securities
Investment securities classified as available-for-sale consisted of the following at December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 (in thousands):
December 31, 2020
Amortized CostGross Unrealized GainsGross Unrealized LossesEstimated Fair Value
Agency securities$17,104 $29 $(1)$17,132 
Treasury securities17,847 47 17,894 
Total available-for-sale investment securities$34,951 $76 $(1)$35,026 
December 31, 2017December 31, 2019
Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair ValueAmortized CostGross Unrealized GainsGross Unrealized LossesEstimated Fair Value
Corporate bonds$38,383
 $
 $(166) $38,217
Corporate bonds$9,597 $18 $(1)$9,614 
Agency securities11,045
 
 (42) 11,003
Agency securities11,101 17 11,118 
Certificates of deposit2,982
 1
 (2) 2,981
Treasury securitiesTreasury securities14,222 12 (1)14,233 
Total available-for-sale investment securities$52,410
 $1
 $(210) $52,201
Total available-for-sale investment securities$34,920 $47 $(2)$34,965 
 December 31, 2016
 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value
Corporate bonds$30,492
 $9
 $(56) $30,445
Agency securities6,248
 
 (20) 6,228
Certificates of deposit5,472
 16
 
 5,488
Total available-for-sale investment securities$42,212
 $25
 $(76) $42,161
As ofAt December 31, 2017,2019, the unrealized losses on investment securities which have been in a net loss position for twelve months or greater were not material. These unrealized losses are considered temporary and there were no impairments considered to be "other-than-temporary" based on our evaluation of available evidence, which includes our intent to hold these investments to maturity or a recovery of the cost basis.
At December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, the contractual maturities of our investments did not exceed 36 months. The fair values of available-for-sale investments, by remaining contractual maturity, are as follows (in thousands):
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Amortized CostEstimated Fair ValueAmortized CostEstimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less$28,197 $28,256 $22,846 $22,876 
Due after one year through three years6,754 6,770 12,074 12,089 
Total available-for-sale investment securities$34,951 $35,026 $34,920 $34,965 
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less$29,850
 $29,800
 $15,475
 $15,473
Due after 1 year through 3 years22,560
 22,401
 26,737
 26,688
Total available-for-sale investment securities$52,410
 $52,201
 $42,212
 $42,161



During the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, we had sales and maturities (which include calls) of investment securities, as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Gross Realized GainsGross Realized LossesGross Proceeds from SalesGross Proceeds from Maturities
Corporate bonds$$$4,006 $5,600 
Agency securities25 7,878 1,900 
Treasury securities(2)4,827 19,830 
$35 $(2)$16,711 $27,330 
65


 Year Ended December 31, 2017
 Gross Realized Gains Gross Realized Losses Gross Proceeds from Sales Gross Proceeds from Maturities
Corporate bonds$
 $
 $
 $10,690
Agency securities1
 
 15
 3,294
Certificates of deposit
 
 
 2,490
 $1
 $
 $15
 $16,474
Year Ended December 31, 2016Year Ended December 31, 2019
Gross Realized Gains Gross Realized Losses Gross Proceeds from Sales Gross Proceeds from MaturitiesGross Realized GainsGross Realized LossesGross Proceeds from SalesGross Proceeds from Maturities
Corporate bonds$7
 $
 $7,554
 $2,480
Corporate bonds$$(1)$2,750 $11,350 
Agency securities5
 
 3,005
 11,557
Agency securities3,625 
Certificates of deposit
 
 
 1,245
Treasury bills
 
 2,000
 6,055
$12
 $
 $12,559
 $21,337
Treasury securitiesTreasury securities685 
$$(1)$2,750 $15,660 
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 20152018 we received interest income net of the amortization and accretion of the premium and discount of $0.7$0.3 million, $0.5$0.6 million, and $0.2$1.0 million, respectively. 
Fair Value Measurements
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
Financial assets and financial liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The following tables summarizepresent our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as ofat December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):
 December 31, 2020
 Level 1Level 2Level 3Total Fair
Value
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds$4,749 $$$4,749 
Treasury securities97,433 97,433 
Available-for-sale investment securities:
Agency securities17,132 17,132 
  Treasury securities17,894 17,894 
Total$120,076 $17,132 $$137,208 
 December 31, 2017
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Fair
Value
Cash equivalents:       
Money market funds$5,524
 $
 $
 $5,524
Available-for-sale investment securities:       
Corporate bonds
 38,217
 
 38,217
Agency securities
 11,003
 
 11,003
Certificates of deposit2,981
 
 
 2,981
Total Assets$8,505
 $49,220
 $
 $57,725



December 31, 2016December 31, 2019
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Fair
Value
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total Fair
Value
Cash equivalents:       Cash equivalents:
Money market funds$4,849
 $
 $
 $4,849
Money market funds$337 $$$337 
Available-for-sale investment securities:       Available-for-sale investment securities:
Corporate bonds
 30,445
 
 30,445
Corporate bonds9,614 9,614 
Agency securities
 6,228
 
 6,228
Agency securities11,118 11,118 
Certificates of deposit5,488
 
 
 5,488
Total Assets$10,337
 $36,673
 $
 $47,010
Treasury securitiesTreasury securities14,233 14,233 
TotalTotal$14,570 $20,732 $$35,302 
The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these items.
As of December 31, 2019, the estimated fair value of the $50.0 million term loan issued by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo"), as administrative agent, and the lenders that are parties thereto ("Term Loan") and the $50.0 million revolving credit facility made available to us by Wells Fargo and the lenders that are parties thereto ("Revolving Facility," and, together with the Term Loan, the "Credit Facility"), approximated their carrying values due to the variable interest rates. We considered the fair value of the Credit Facility to be Level 2 measurements as these debt instruments were not actively traded. We carried the Term Loan at face value less the unamortized discount. Refer to Note 10, Long-Term Debt, of our Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about our since-terminated Credit Facility.
There were no changes to our valuation techniques used to measure asset and liability fair values on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2017.2020. The valuation techniques for the itemsfinancial assets in the tabletables above are as follows:
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Cash Equivalents
As ofAt December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, cash equivalents include cash invested in money market funds.funds and treasury securities with a maturity of three months or less. Fair value is based on market prices for identical assets.
Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
The fairFair value offor our corporate bonds and agencyLevel 1 investment securities is based on pricing determined using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly such as yield curve, volatility factors, credit spreads, default rates, loss severity, current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments or debt, broker and dealer quotes, as well as other relevant economic measures. The fair value of our certificates of deposit is based on market prices for identical assets. Our Level 2 securities were priced by a pricing vendor. The pricing vendor utilizes the most recent observable market information in pricing these securities or, if specific prices are not available for these securities, other observable inputs like market transactions involving comparable securities are used.
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
Certain assets, including goodwill, intangible assets and our note receivable with SecureDocs, Inc., are also subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis using Level 3 measurement, but only when they are deemed to be impaired as a result of an impairment review.impaired. For the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2016,2018, no impairments were identified on those assets required to be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
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4.


5. Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, net consists of the following as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):
December 31,December 31,
2017 201620202019
Data center and computer equipment$5,233
 $4,913
Data center and computer equipment$4,597 $7,983 
Furniture and fixtures2,415
 2,465
Furniture and fixtures6,021 3,953 
Office equipment763
 726
Office equipment3,324 1,141 
Leasehold improvements5,029
 4,035
Leasehold improvements22,952 6,192 
Construction in processConstruction in process617 7,118 
Gross property and equipment13,440
 12,139
Gross property and equipment37,511 26,387 
Less: Accumulated depreciation(6,744) (5,062)Less: Accumulated depreciation(11,072)(11,643)
Total property and equipment, net$6,696
 $7,077
Total property and equipment, net$26,439 $14,744 
Depreciation expense for property and equipment totaled $2.3$4.0 million, $2.3$3.1 million, and $1.4$2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively.

During September 2020, $13.9 million of capitalized costs, principally comprised of furniture and fixtures and leasehold improvements related to our corporate headquarters in Santa Barbara, California were ready for their intended use and were placed into service.

5. Internal-Use6. Capitalized Software Development Costs, net
Internal-useCapitalized software development costs, net were as follows (in thousands):
  December 31,
  2017 2016
Internal use software development costs, gross $44,626
 $33,545
Less: Accumulated amortization (27,017) (18,006)
Internal use software development costs, net $17,609
 $15,539

December 31,
20202019
Capitalized software development costs, gross$96,974 $81,475 
Less: Accumulated amortization(61,515)(51,452)
Capitalized software development costs, net$35,459 $30,023 
Capitalized software development costs were $11.1$27.3 million, $11.8$23.6 million and $8.0$13.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively. Amortization expense with respect to software development costs totaled $9.0$17.9 million, $6.2$14.0 million and $3.5$11.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2020, $3.9 million in capitalized software development costs were divested in connection with the MyCase Transaction.
Future amortization expense with respect to capitalized software development costs as ofat December 31, 20172020 is estimated as follows (in thousands):
Years Ending December 31,
2021$18,008 
202212,783 
20234,668 
Total amortization expense$35,459 
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Years Ending December 31,  
2018 $9,309
2019 6,061
2020 2,210
2021 29
Total amortization expense $17,609



6.7. Intangible Assets, net and Goodwill
Intangible assets, net consisted of the following as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except years):
 December 31, 2020
 Gross Carrying
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Carrying
Value
Weighted
Average Useful
Life in Years
Customer relationships$2,840 $(1,550)$1,290 5.0
Database8,330 (1,787)6,543 10.0
Technology6,539 (3,641)2,898 4.0
Trademarks and trade names1,890 (732)1,158 5.0
Partner relationships680 (680)3.0
Non-compete agreements7,400 (2,964)4,436 5.0
Domain names90 (70)20 5.0
Patents252 (240)12 5.0
Total intangible assets, net$28,021 $(11,664)$16,357 6.3
 December 31, 2017
 Gross Carrying
Value
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Net Carrying
Value
 Weighted
Average Useful
Life in Years
Customer relationships$790
 $(538) $252
 5.0
Technology4,811
 (3,871) 940
 6.0
Trademarks930
 (539) 391
 9.0
Partner relationships680
 (623) 57
 3.0
Non-compete agreements40
 (37) 3
 3.0
Domain names273
 (273) 
 5.0
Patents285
 (203) 82
 5.0
 $7,809
 $(6,084) $1,725
 5.9



 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2019
 Gross Carrying
Value
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Net Carrying
Value
 Weighted Average Useful Life in Years Gross Carrying
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Carrying
Value
Weighted
Average Useful
Life in Years
Customer relationships $790
 $(392) $398
 5.0Customer relationships$3,070 $(1,296)$1,774 5.0
DatabaseDatabase8,330 (954)7,376 10.0
Technology 4,811
 (3,070) 1,741
 6.0Technology10,541 (6,074)4,467 5.0
Trademarks 930
 (416) 514
 9.0
Trademarks and trade namesTrademarks and trade names2,690 (898)1,792 6.0
Partner relationships 680
 (397) 283
 3.0Partner relationships680 (680)3.0
Non-compete agreements 40
 (23) 17
 3.0Non-compete agreements7,400 (1,484)5,916 5.0
Domain names 273
 (241) 32
 5.0Domain names301 (276)25 5.0
Patents 284
 (164) 120
 5.0Patents252 (225)27 5.0
 $7,808
 $(4,703) $3,105
 5.9
BacklogBacklog470 (470)1.0
Total intangible assets, netTotal intangible assets, net$33,734 $(12,357)$21,377 6.2
Amortization expense with respect to intangible assets totaled $1.4$4.9 million, $1.4$5.3 million and $1.3$1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively. AmortizationFuture amortization expense for each of the five fiscal years through December 31, 2022with respect to intangible assets is estimated as follows (in thousands):
Years Ending December 31,
2021$4,646 
20224,605 
20233,060 
2024835 
2025833 
Thereafter2,378 
Total amortization expense$16,357 
Our goodwill balance is solely attributed to acquisitions. As a result of the disposal of goodwill associated with the MyCase Transaction, we performed a goodwill impairment assessment as of September 30, 2020 on our remaining goodwill balance. There have been 0 impairment charges recorded against goodwill. The change in the carrying amount of goodwill during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 is as follows (in thousands):
Goodwill at December 31, 2019$58,425 
Goodwill attributed to MyCase divestiture(2,278)
Goodwill at December 31, 2020$56,147 
69
Years Ending December 31,  
2018 $929
2019 352
2020 259
2021 124
2022 61
Total amortization expense $1,725


8. Accrued Employee Expenses
7.Accrued employee expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
20202019
Accrued vacation$8,277 $5,554 
Accrued bonuses5,638 3,872 
Accrued commissions1,995 1,860 
Accrued payroll1,921 5,202 
Accrued payroll taxes and other1,057 1,270 
Total accrued employee expenses$18,888 $17,758 
9. Leases
Operating leases for our corporate offices have remaining lease terms ranging from one to eleven years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to ten years. These options to extend have not been recognized as part of our operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities as it is not reasonably certain that we will exercise these options. Our lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which we have elected to combine for all asset classes. Certain leases contain provisions for property-related costs that are variable in nature for which the Company is responsible, including common area maintenance. Operating lease cost associated with our operating leases for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $5.3 million and $5.1 million, respectively. Variable lease cost associated with our operating leases for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $1.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively. We recorded rent expense of $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

    Lease-related assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands, except years and %):
December 31,
20202019
Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets$3,972 $3,908 
Operating lease right-of-use assets30,561 27,803 
Liabilities
Other current liabilities$1,845 $2,826 
Operating lease liabilities40,146 33,312 
Total lease liabilities$41,991 $36,138 
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)10.810.6
Weighted-average discount rate4.5 %4.7 %

70


    Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2020 were as follows (in thousands):
Years ending December 31,
2021(1)
$(915)
20224,544 
20234,845 
20244,797 
20254,671 
Thereafter32,040 
Total future minimum lease payments49,982 
Less: imputed interest(11,963)
Total(2)
$38,019 
(1) Future minimum lease payments for the year ending December 31, 2021 are presented net of tenant improvement allowances of $4.8 million.
(2) Total future minimum lease payments include the current portion of lease liabilities recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets of $4.0 million on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, which relates to certain of our leases for which the lease incentives to be received exceed the minimum lease payments to be paid over the next twelve months.
On December 17, 2020, we entered into a lease amendment for 1707 N Plano Road, Richardson, Texas. The amendment expands the current leased space with three additional suites totaling approximately 23,833 square feet and extends the lease term to March 31, 2032. The total commitment under this lease is $11.6 million.
10. Long-term Debt
Credit Agreement
On March 16, 2015,December 24, 2018, we entered into a credit facilityAmendment Number Two to the Credit Agreement (the “Original Credit Agreement”"Second Amendment") comprised of a $10.0 million term loan (the “Term Loan”), and a $2.5 million revolving line of credit (the "Original Revolving Facility") with Wells Fargo, as administrative agent, and the lenders that arewere parties thereto ("Wells Fargo"). In March 2015, we borrowed $10.0 million under the Term Loan and on July 16, 2015, we made an optional prepayment in full of the Term Loan.
On October 9, 2015, we entered into Amendment Number One to the Original Credit Agreement, which amended the terms of the Original Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”"Credit Agreement").
Under the terms of the Credit Agreement,Second Amendment, the lenders made availableissued the Term Loan to us and increased the amount available under the Revolving Facility to $50.0 million. The maturity date of the Term Loan and Revolving Facility was December 24, 2023. In addition, pursuant to the Second Amendment, we were permitted to make certain restricted junior payments, including, without limitation, repurchases of our common stock, and to enter into acquisitions with no value limitation, so long as we maintained specified liquidity requirements and leverage ratios.
The Second Amendment also modified certain financial covenants by, among other things, requiring us to maintain (i) an EBITDA to interest expense ratio of not less than 3.0 to 1.0, and (ii) a $25.0 million revolving linefunded indebtedness to EBITDA ratio of creditnot more than 3.5:1.0 (the “Revolving Facility”"Required Leverage Ratio"). Subject (decreasing by 0.25 per year until the Required Leverage Ratio is 2.5 to customary terms and conditions,1.0); provided, however, that we can seekwere not required to increasemaintain the principal amountforegoing ratios if our liquidity (defined as the sum of indebtedness availablethe remaining borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement by up to $10.0and available cash) had equaled or exceeded the greater of $20.0 million inand 20% of the formsum of revolvingthe outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan and commitments or term loan debt, although the lenders are under no obligation to make additional amounts available to us. Borrowings under the Revolving Facility are subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions.
Borrowings under the Revolving Facility bear interest atFacility. If we entered into an acquisition with a fluctuating rate per annum equal to, at our option, (i) a base rate equal to the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (b) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) for a one-month interest period plus 1% and (c) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Wells Fargo as its prime rate, in each case plus an applicable margin of 1.5%, or (ii) LIBOR for the applicable interest period plus an applicable margin of 2.5%. Interest is due and payable monthly. We are also required to pay a commitment fee equal to 0.25% per annum of the unused portion of the Revolving Facility if revolver usage is above $10.0 million, or 0.375% per annum of the unused portion of the Revolving Facility if revolver usage is lesspurchase price greater than or equal to $10.0 million.
The Revolving Facility matures on October 9, 2020; however, we can make payments on$20.0 million, then the Revolving Facility, and cancel it in full at any time without premium or penalty.


Required Leverage Ratio would be increased by 0.5 for the 12-month period immediately following the consummation of such acquisition.
The Credit Agreement containscontained customary affirmative, negative and financial covenants. The affirmative covenants requirerequired us to, among other things, disclose financial and other information to the lenders, maintain our business and properties, and maintain adequate insurance. The negative covenants restrictrestricted us from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness, prepaying certain types of indebtedness, encumbering or disposing of our assets, making fundamental changes to our corporate structure, and making certain dividends and distributions. The financial covenants require us
Under the terms of the Second Amendment, borrowings under the Credit Agreement would bear interest at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to, maintain liquidityat our option, (i) LIBOR or (ii) an alternate base rate, in each case plus the applicable interest rate margin. Borrowings would fluctuate between LIBOR plus 1.5% per annum and adjusted LIBOR plus 2.0% per annum (or between the alternate base rate plus 0.5% per annum and the alternate base rate plus 1.0% per annum), based upon our Required Leverage Ratio.
71


Fees payable on the unused portion of notthe Revolving Facility were 0.25% per annum, unless the average usage of the Revolving Facility was equal to or less than $12.5$30.0 million and, tofor the extent liquidity is determined to be below $25.0 million, to comply with a maximum senior leverage ratio. At December 31, 2017, we wereapplicable period, in compliancewhich case the fees on the unused portion of the Revolving Facility would have been 0.375% per annum.    
In connection with the financial covenantsMyCase Transaction, and as required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.
As of December 31, 2017Agreement, the Credit Agreement was terminated and 2016, there was noall obligations outstanding balance under the Term Loan and Revolving Facility thereunder, including all guarantees and security interests granted with respect to such obligations, were satisfied in full with proceeds from the MyCase Transaction and extinguished. Immediately prior to the repayment of amounts owed under, and termination of, the Credit Agreement.Agreement, there were approximately $48.1 million in term loans outstanding and $49.1 million in revolving borrowings outstanding. Refer to Note 1, Nature of Business, and Note 3, Divestitures and Business Combinations, of our Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about the MyCase Transaction.
Debt Financing Costs
As a result of the Second Amendment, we incurred $0.4 million in financing fees that were capitalized and amortized over the remaining life of the related debt, $0.2 million of which was related to the Term Loan and $0.2 million of which was related to the Revolving Facility. Pursuant to GAAP, the Second Amendment is accounted for as a debt modification. As a result, the unamortized deferred debt financing costs related to the Revolving Facility prior to the Second Amendment were added to the $0.2 million of deferred debt financing costs related to the Second Amendment and amortized over the remaining life of the Revolving Facility.
Debt financing costs arewere deferred and amortized, using the straight-line method, which approximated the effective interest method, for costs related to the Term Loan and the straight-line method for costs related to the Revolving Facility. In conjunction with the amendment to our Credit Agreement for the Revolving Facility we incurred costs to process the amendment and we capitalized additional costs of $0.2 million. These additional costs were added to the unamortized debt financing costs from the Original Revolving Facility of $0.1 million and are amortized using a straight-line method over the term of the Revolving Facility's commitment within interest expense. The total unamortizedarrangement; such amortization is included in Interest expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Amortization of deferred debt financing costs for the amended Revolving Facility of $0.2 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were recorded in other assets.
In 2015, we incurred fees to Wells Fargo attributable to the Term Loan of $0.3 million and other third-party debt financing costs of $0.1 million, which were recorded as a reduction of the carrying amount of the Term Loan. Amortization of such costs was included in interest expense. When the Term Loan was repaid prior to the maturity date, the unamortized debt financing costs related to the Term Loan of $0.4 million were expensed as interest expense. Total interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $0.8 million.
8. Commitments and Contingencies
Lease Obligations
As of December 31, 2017, we had operating lease obligations of approximately $9.1 million through 2022. A summary of our future minimum payments for obligations under non-cancellable operating leases is as follows (in thousands):
Years Ending December 31, 
2018$2,446
20192,509
20202,512
20211,483
2022179
Total lease commitments$9,129
We recorded rent expense of $2.1 million, $2.0 million and $1.2 millionnot material for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015, respectively.2018. At December 31, 2019, the remaining unamortized deferred debt financing costs were $0.4 million, of which $0.2 million was offset against debt. As of December 31, 2019, $0.3 million of the remaining unamortized deferred debt financing costs were recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other long-term assets on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, as they pertained to the Revolving Facility.
InsuranceThe following is a summary of our long-term debt as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands):
December 31,
2020
December 31,
2019
Principal amounts due under Term Loan$$48,750 
Unamortized debt financing costs(167)
Long-term debt, net of unamortized debt financing costs$$48,583 
11. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Liability to Landlord Insurance
We have a wholly owned subsidiary, Terra Mar Insurance Company, Inc., which was established to provide our customers with the option to purchase legal liability to landlord insurance. If our customers choose to use our insurance services, they are issued an insurance policy underwritten by our third-party service provider. The policy has a limit of $100,000 per incident for each insured residence. We have entered into a reinsurance agreement with our third-party service provider and, as a result, we assume a 100% quota share of the legal liability to landlord insurance provided to our customers through our third-party service provider. Included in cost of revenue we accrue for reported claims, and an estimate of losses incurred but not reported by our property managermanagement customers, as we bear the risk related to claims. Our liability for reported claims and incurred but not reported claims as ofat December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 was $0.5$1.5 million and $0.3$1.8 million, respectively, and is included in other current liabilities on theour Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets as of December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 are $1.8$2.7 million and $1.2$1.3 million, respectively, of deposits held with a third party related to requirements to maintain collateral for our insurance services.

Legal Proceedings

In July 2019, we received a Request for Information from the Civil Rights Division (Housing and Civil Enforcement Section) of the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") requesting certain information relating to our compliance with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act in connection with our tenant screening Value+ service. On November 6, 2020, the DOJ issued a no action letter, declining to take any action against us and closing its investigation.
Litigation
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FromIn December 2018, we received a Civil Investigative Demand from the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") requesting certain information relating to our compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act in connection with our tenant screening Value+ service (the "FTC Investigation"). On April 30, 2020, the FTC staff informed us of its belief that there is a reasonable basis for asserting claims against us for our alleged failure to comply with certain sections of the FCRA that could result in monetary penalty and/or injunctive relief. We disagree with the stated belief of the FTC and vigorously defended our position.
Notwithstanding our disagreement with the FTC's position, and primarily in an effort to avoid protracted litigation and potential distraction to our business, we entered into settlement negotiations with the FTC in an effort to resolve all claims and allegations arising out of or relating to the FTC Investigation. Those settlement negotiations resulted in a final agreement between the parties that is memorialized in a Stipulated Order for Permanent Injunction and Civil Penalty Judgment filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on January 12, 2021. We admitted no wrongdoing in connection with the settlement.
In the second quarter of 2020, we determined that a loss stemming from the FTC Investigation was probable and that a reasonable estimate of the loss was approximately $4.3 million. Accordingly, an accrual of $4.3 million is included within accrued expenses on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020. The ultimate settlement amount of $4.3 million was paid in January 2021.
In addition to the foregoing, from time to time, we may become subject to certainare involved in various other investigatory inquiries or legal proceedings including without limitation claims and/arising from or litigationrelated to matters arising inincident to the ordinary course of business. Weour business activities, including actions with respect to intellectual property, employment, regulatory and contractual issues. Although the results of such investigatory inquiries and legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that we are not currently a party to any suchinvestigatory inquiries or legal proceedings, nor are we aware of any pendingproceeding(s) which, if determined adversely to us, would, individually or threatened litigation, that wouldtaken together, have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, cash flows or financial condition should such litigation be resolved unfavorably.or cash flows.
Indemnification
In the ordinary course of business, we may provide indemnification of varying scope and terms to customers, investors, directors and officers with respect to certain matters, including, but not limited to, losses arising out of our breach of any applicable agreements, services to be provided by us, or intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties. These indemnification provisions may survive termination of the underlying agreement and the maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification provisions may not be subject to maximum loss clauses. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification provisionsclauses and is indeterminable. We have never paid a material claim, nor have any legal claims been brought against us, in connection with these indemnification arrangements. As ofAt December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, we hadhave not accrued a liability for these indemnification arrangements because we determined that the likelihood of incurring a payment obligation, if any, in connection with these indemnification arrangements is not probable or reasonably possible and the amount or range of amounts of any such liability is not reasonably estimable.
9.12. Stockholders’ Equity
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
Upon the effectiveness of theour Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company on June 25, 2015, the number of shares of capital stock that is authorized to be issued was increased to 325,000,000 shares, of which 250,000,000 shares are Class A common stock, 50,000,000 shares are Class B common stock and 25,000,000 are undesignated preferred stock. The Class A common stock, Class B common stock and preferred stock have a par value of $0.0001 per share.
At December 31, 2017, there were 14,879,000 shares of Class A common stock outstanding, 19,102,000 shares of Class B common stock outstanding and no preferred shares outstanding.
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock
Except for voting rights, or as otherwise required by applicable law, the shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock have the same powers, preferences and rights and rank equally, share ratably and are identical in all respects as to all matters. The rights and preferences are as follows:
Dividend Rights. Subject to preferences that may apply to any shares of preferred stock outstanding at the time, the holders of outstanding shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock are entitled to receive dividends out of funds legally available at the times and in the amounts that our boardBoard of directorsDirectors may determine.
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Voting Rights. The holders of our Class A common stock are entitled to one1 vote per share, and holders of our Class B common stock are entitled to 10 votes per share. The holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock will vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, unless otherwise required by Delaware law or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Delaware law could require either holders of our Class A common stock or holders of our Class B common stock to vote separately. In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires the approval of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock, voting as a separate class to approve a change-in-control transaction.
Conversion. Upon the closing of our initial public offering ("IPO"), all shares of our convertible preferred stock and common stock held prior to the offering were converted into shares of Class B common stock. Currently, each share of our Class B common stock is convertible at any time at the option of the holder into one1 share of our Class A common stock. In addition, each share of our Class B common stock will convert into one1 share of our Class A common stock upon any transfer, whether or not for value, except for certain transfers described in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, including, without limitation, (i) a transfer by a partnership or limited liability company that was a registered holder of our Class B common stock at the “effective time,” as defined in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, to a partner or member thereof at the effective time or (ii) a transfer to a “qualified recipient,” as defined in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.
All the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock will convert automatically into shares of our Class A common stock upon the date when the number of outstanding shares of our Class B common stock represents less than 10% of all outstanding


shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock. Once converted into our Class A common stock, our Class B common stock may not be reissued.
Right to Receive Liquidation Distributions. Upon our dissolution, liquidation or winding-up, the assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders are distributable ratably among the holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock, subject to prior satisfaction of all outstanding debt and liabilities and the preferential rights and payment of liquidation preferences, if any, on any outstanding shares of preferred stock.
Preferred Stock
Effective upon the filing of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation in June 2015, no0 shares of preferred stock were outstanding because all outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock converted into our Class B common stock.
Pursuant to the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our boardBoard of directorsDirectors will be authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by Delaware law, to issue up to 25,000,000 shares of our preferred stock in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each series, and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each series and any of its qualifications, limitations or restrictions, in each case without further action by our stockholders. The number of authorized shares of any series of preferred stock may be increased or decreased, but not below the number of shares of that series then outstanding, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote thereon, or such other vote as may be required by the certificate of designation establishing the series.
Convertible Preferred Stock PriorShare Repurchase Program
On February 20, 2019, our Board of Directors authorized a $100.0 million share repurchase program (the "Share Repurchase Program") relating to IPO
Up until our IPO, we had authorized preferred stockoutstanding shares of Class A common stock. Under the Share Repurchase Program, share repurchases may be made from time to time, as directed by a committee consisting of Series A convertible preferred stock, Series B convertible preferred stock, Series B-1 convertible preferred stock, Series B-2 convertible preferred stock and Series B-3 convertible preferred stock (collectively3 directors, in open market purchases or in privately negotiated transactions at a repurchase price that the “preferred stock priormembers of the committee unanimously believe is below intrinsic value conservatively determined. The Share Repurchase Program does not obligate us to IPO”).

Each preferred stockholder was entitled to the number of votes equal to therepurchase any specific dollar amount or number of shares, there is no expiration date for the Share Repurchase Program, and it may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time and for any reason.
During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we repurchased a total of 48,002 shares of our Class A common stock intothrough open market repurchases, and recorded a $4.2 million reduction to stockholders' equity, which each preferred share was convertible atincludes broker commissions. We have not made any repurchases under the time of such vote.  The preferred stock was also entitled to receive non-cumulative dividends, when and if declared by our board of directors. No dividends were declared by our board of directors.  In the event of a liquidation, the preferred stock was entitled to receive prior to payment of any amountsShare Repurchase Program subsequent to the common stockholders the greater of (i) the original issuance price plus any declared but unpaid dividends or (ii) such amount per share as would have been payable had all shares of preferred stock been converted into common stock immediately prior to such liquidation, dissolution or winding up.  The preferred stock was convertible into common stock at the option of the holder or automatically upon a qualified initial public offering.  The preferred stock automatically converted to Class B common upon the Company's initial public offering.  three months ended March 31, 2020.
The liquidation preference provisions of the convertible preferred stock prior to IPO are considered contingent redemption provisions because there are certain elements that were not solely within our control, such as a change in control. Accordingly, we presented the convertible preferred stock prior to IPO within the mezzanine portion of the consolidated balance sheets.


10.13. Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Options
2015 Stock Incentive Plan
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In conjunction with our IPO in 2015, our boardBoard of directorsDirectors and stockholders adopted the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2015 Plan"). Upon adoption of the 2015 Plan, 2,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock were reserved and available for grant and issuance. On January 1 of each subsequent calendar year, the number of shares available for grant and issuance under the 2015 Plan increase by the lesser of (i) the number of shares of our Class A common stock subject to awards granted under the 2015 Plan during the preceding calendar year and (ii) such lesser number of shares of our Class A common stock determined by our boardBoard of directors. As ofDirectors. At December 31, 2017,2020, we have reserved an aggregate of 3,441,3554,026,493 shares of our Class A common stock for grant and issuance under the 2015 Plan. The number of shares of our Class A common stock is also subject to adjustment in the event of a recapitalization, stock split, reclassification, stock dividend or other change in our capitalization. The 2015 Plan authorizes the award of stock options, stock appreciation rights, RSAs, RSUs, performance awards and stock bonuses. The 2015 Plan provides for the grant of awards to our employees, directors, consultants and independent contractors, subject to certain exceptions. RSUs, PSUs, PSOs, and RSAs have been issued during 20172020 pursuant to the 2015 Plan.
Stock options may vest based on the passage of time or the achievement of performance conditions at the discretion of our compensation committee. Our compensation committee may provide for stock options to be exercised only as they vest or to


be immediately exercisable with any shares issued on exercise being subject to our right of repurchase that lapses as the shares vest. The maximum term of stock options granted under the 2015 Plan is 10 years. We began granting stock options with performance conditions in 2016.
RSUs and PSUs represent the right on the part of the holder to receive shares of our Class A common stock at a specified date in the future or the achievement of performance conditions at the discretion of our compensation committee, subject to forfeiture of that right due to termination of employment. If an RSU or PSU has not been forfeited, then, on the specified date, we will deliver to the holder of the RSU or PSU shares of our Class A common stock.
2007 Stock Incentive Plan
On February 14, 2007, our boardBoard of directorsDirectors adopted the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”) as an amendment and restatement to an original 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and was most recently amended in July 2014.. Following our IPO, our boardBoard of directorsDirectors determined not to make any further awards under the 2007 Plan. The 2007 Plan expired on February 14, 2017. The 2007 Plan will continue to govern outstanding awards granted under the 2007 Plan. As of December 31, 2017, options to purchase an aggregate of 677,417 shares of our Class B common stock remained outstanding under the 2007 Plan. The 2007 Plan is administered by our board of directors, which determines the terms and conditions of each grant. Employees, officers, directors and consultants are eligible to receive stock options and stock awards under the 2007 Plan. The aggregate number of shares available under the 2007 Plan and the number of shares subject to outstanding options automatically adjusts for any changes in the outstanding common stock by reason of any recapitalization, spin-off, reorganization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, or similar transaction. The exercise price of incentive stock options may not be less than the fair value of our common stock at the date of grant. The exercise price of incentive stock options granted to individuals that own greater than 10% of our voting stock may not be less than 110% of the fair value of our common stock at the date of grant. The term of each stock option cannot exceed ten years. Our board of directors will determine the vesting terms of all stock options. Generally, our board of directors has granted options with vesting terms of four years and contractual terms of ten years.
Stock Options
A summary of our stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 20172020 is as follows (number of shares in thousands):
  
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price per Share
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
in Years
Options outstanding as of December 31, 2016 1,718
 $8.75
 8.2
Options granted 172
 24.77
  
Options exercised (165) 4.02
  
Options cancelled/forfeited (33) 10.17
  
Options outstanding as of December 31, 2017 1,692
 $10.81
 7.3
       
As of December 31, 2017:      
Options vested or expected to vest 1,688
 $10.82
 7.3
Options exercisable(1)
 830
 $7.22
 6.4
(1) Included in the options exercisable is 65,000 shares which have an early exercise option. The weighted average exercise price of these options is $5.64 per share and the weighted average contractual life in years is 7.1 years.

Number of SharesWeighted Average Exercise Price per ShareWeighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years
Options outstanding as of December 31, 20191,342 $11.84 5.9
Options granted
Options exercised(119)6.93 
Options cancelled/forfeited(55)23.75 
Options outstanding as of December 31, 20201,168 $11.77 5.0
At December 31, 2020:
Options vested and expected to vest1,168 $11.77 5.0
Options exercisable1,168 $11.77 5.0
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we granted2020, 77,000 PSOs to purchase up to 172,000 shares of our Class A common stock. The PSOs have a weighted average exercise price of $24.77 per share. Vesting of the PSOs isvested based on the achievement of 95% of the pre-established free cash flow performance metricstarget for the year ended December 31, 2019, and continued employment throughout the performance period. Of the PSOs granted during 2017, 132,000 shares would vest based upon the maximum payout of 100% when the 2019 free cash flow performance metric meets the maximum achievement of 150%. For performance at 100% of the targeted 2019 free cash flow metric, approximately 61% of the PSOs would vest. For performance at 80% of the targeted metric, approximately 48% of the PSOs would vest. For performance below 80% of the 2019 targeted metric, no PSOs would vest, all previously recognized compensation expense for the PSOs would be reversed, and no compensation expense would be recognized. The remaining 40,000 PSOs granted during 2017 have a pre-established adjusted gross margin target for 2019. PSOs tied to the gross margin performance metric have two levels of vesting, with 50% vesting based upon the achievement of 110% of the targeted amount and the remaining 50% vesting upon the achievement of 115% of the targeted amount. If the 110% performance target is not met, no shares would vest and all previously recognized expense for those PSOs would be reversed and no compensation expense would be recognized.    



Included in the options outstanding as of December 31, 2017 are 500,000 PSOs granted in 2016, which vest based on the achievement of a pre-established free cash flow performance metric for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018. The number of PSOs granted in 2016 related to the performance metrics for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, assumes achievement of the performance metric at the maximum level, which is 150% of the targeted performance metric. For performance at 100% of the targeted metric, approximately 67% of the PSOs would vest. For performance at 80% of the targeted metric, approximately 53% would vest. For performance below 50% of the 2017 targeted metric or 80% of the 2018 targeted metric, no PSOs would vest, all previously recognized compensation expense for PSOs would be reversed, and no compensation expense would be recognized.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, 247,000 of the PSOs vested based on the achievement of 148%115% of the pre-established free cash flow performance metricgross margin target for the year ended December 31, 2016, and 3,000 PSOs were cancelled as a result of the PSOs being granted at 150% of the target metric. During the year ended December 31, 2016, $1.0 million of expense was recognized related to the PSOs that vested during the year ended December 31, 2017.

We recognize expense for the PSOs based on the grant date fair value of the PSOs that we determine are probable of vesting. Adjustments to compensation expense are made each period based on changes in our estimate of the number of PSOs that are probable of vesting.

2019.
Our stock-based compensation expense for stock options for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 20152020 was $2.9 million, $2.4 million, and $0.7 million, respectively.
The fair value ofnot material. Our stock-based compensation expense for stock options granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following table summarizes information relating to our stock options granted duringfor the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019 and 2015:
  Year Ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
Stock options granted (in thousands) 172
 750
 359
Weighted average exercise price per share $24.77
 $12.85
 $9.53
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share $9.58
 $4.85
 $6.89
Weighted average Black-Scholes model assumptions:      
Risk-free interest rate 2.02% 1.45% 1.58%
Expected term (in years) 6.4
 5.9
 6.2
Expected volatility 35% 37% 46%
Expected dividend yield 
 
 

As of2018 was $0.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively. At December 31, 2017,2020, the total remaining stock-based compensation expense for unvested stock options was $1.8 million, which0t material.
The fair value of stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted average periodestimated on their date of 1.2 years.grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. NaN stock options were granted during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 or 2018.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 20152018 was $4.6$17.9 million, $1.9$11.5 million, and $3.1$7.5 million, respectively. This intrinsic value represents the difference between the fair value of our common stock on the date of
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exercise and the exercise price of each option. Based on the fair value of our common stock as ofat December 31, 2017,2020, the total intrinsic value of all outstanding options, was $51.9 million. The total intrinsic value of exercisable options, as of December 31, 2017 was $28.4 million. The total intrinsic value ofand options vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2017 was $51.8$196.6 million.
The excess tax benefit realized from option exercises during the yearyears ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 was $5.2$30.1 million, $20.5 million, and $0.2$7.7 million, respectively. There were no excess tax benefits realized for the tax deductions from stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2015.


Restricted Stock Units
A summary of activity in connection with our RSUs for the year ended December 31, 20172020 is as follows (number of shares in thousands):
Number of SharesWeighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
 Number of Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Unvested as of December 31, 2016 496
 $13.34
Unvested as of December 31, 2019Unvested as of December 31, 2019646 $52.42 
Granted 315
 26.10
Granted174 112.24 
Vested (150) 13.31
Vested(268)36.58 
Forfeited (63) 16.59
Forfeited(69)70.52 
Unvested as of December 31, 2017 598
 $19.75
Unvested as of December 31, 2020Unvested as of December 31, 2020483 $80.20 


During the year ended December 31, 2017,2020, we granted a total of 315,000160,000 RSUs and PSUs: 202,000 RSUs vest annuallythat are subject to time-based vesting in equal annual installments over four years; 100,000years, and 14,000 PSUs vestthat are subject to vesting based uponon the achievement of a pre-established free cash flow performance metricconsolidated net revenue growth targets for each of the years endedending December 31, 2017, 2018,2020, 2021 and 2019, and2022, assuming continued employment throughout the performance period; and 13,000 PSUs were granted and vested as a result of the attainment of the 2016 performance metric.period. The number of PSUs granted, as included in the above table, assumes achievement of the performance metric at 100% of the targeted performance metric.target. The actual number of shares to be issued at the end of the performance period will range from 0% to 100% of the initial target awards. Achievement of the performance metric between 100% and 150% of the performance target will result in a performance-based cash bonus payment between 100% and 165% of the initial target awards. For performance at 150% of the targeted metric, 150% to 165% of the PSUs would vest. For performance below 80% of the targeted metric, no PSUs would vest, no compensation expense would be recognized, and all previously recognized compensation expense for PSUs would be reversed.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, 41,000 of the2020, 84,000 PSUs vested and 4,000 PSUs were cancelled based on the achievement of 148%95% of the pre-established free cash flow performance metrictarget for the year ended December 31, 2016, and an additional 13,000 PSUs were granted and vested as a result of the attainment of the 2016 performance metric as approved by our board of directors. During the year ended December 31, 2016, $0.5 million of expense was recognized related to the PSUs that vested during the year ended December 31, 2017.

2019.
Included in the unvested RSUs and PSUs as ofat December 31, 20172020 are 56,00032,000 and 82,000 PSUs granted in 2016, which vest2019 and 2018, respectively. Of these PSUs, 48,000 are subject to vesting based on the achievement of a pre-established free cash flow performance metricconsolidated net revenue growth target for the years endedyear ending December 31, 20172020, 42,000 are subject to vesting based on the achievement of a pre-established consolidated net revenue growth target for the year ending December 31, 2021, and 2018, and continued employment throughout24,000 are subject to vesting based on the performance period.achievement of a pre-established consolidated net revenue growth target for the year ending December 31, 2022. The number of PSUs granted in 2016 relates to the performance metrics for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, and assumes achievement of the performance metric at 100% of the targeted performance metric.target. The actual number of shares to be issued at the end of the performance period will range from 0% to 150%100% of the initial target awards. ForAchievement of the performance atmetric between 100% and 150% of the targeted metric, 150%performance target will result in a performance-based cash bonus payment between 100% and 165% of the PSUs would vest. For performance below 50% of the targeted metric for 2017 or 80% of the targeted metric for 2018, no PSUs would vest, no compensation expense would be recognized, and all previously recognized compensation expense for PSUs would be reversed.initial target awards.
We recognize expense for the PSUs based on the grant date fair value of the PSUs that we determine are probable of vesting. Adjustments to compensation expense are made each period based on changes in our estimate of the number of PSUs that are probable of vesting. Our stock-based compensation expense for the RSUs and PSUs for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019 and 2015,2018, was $3.6$10.4 million, $1.8$8.3 million and $0.1$5.5 million, respectively.
As ofAt December 31, 2017,2020, the total remaining stock-based compensation expense for these RSUs was $8.3$23.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.42.2 years.

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Restricted Stock Awards
A summary of activity in connection with our RSAs for the year ended December 31, 20172020 is as follows (number of shares in thousands):
Number of SharesWeighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
 Number of Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Unvested as of December 31, 2016 46
 $8.55
Unvested as of December 31, 2019Unvested as of December 31, 2019$105.88 
Granted 9
 33.30
Granted153.41 
Vested (39) 9.24
Vested(5)105.88 
Forfeited 
 
Forfeited
Unvested as of December 31, 2017 16
 $20.93
Unvested as of December 31, 2020Unvested as of December 31, 2020$153.41 
We have the right to repurchase any unvested RSAs.RSAs subject to certain conditions. RSAs vest over a four-year period for employees and over a one-year period for non-employee directors.period. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, we recognized stock-based compensation expense for RSAs of $358,000, $454,000$0.7 million, $0.3 million and $381,000,$0.3 million, respectively. During 2017,2020, the grant date fair value of the shares vested was $354,000.$0.5 million.
As ofAt December 31, 2017,2020, the total remaining stock-based compensation expense for unvested RSAs was $0.2$0.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.60.7 years.

11.14. Income Taxes
For the yearsyear ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015,2020, we recorded income tax expense of $58,000, $67,000, and $75,000, respectively, associated with state minimum taxes$38.4 million. The tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2020 includes tax expense of $51.3 million relating to the MyCase Transaction which includes $52.3 million of current tax expense on the gain on the sale of MyCase, less a $1.0 million benefit on the reversal of deferred tax liabilities relating to MyCase. For tax purposes, we plan to file an election to treat the transaction as a sale of assets. As such, the tax impact takes into consideration the tax basis of the assets on the date of sale and the amortizationavailability of net operating losses and research and development tax deductible goodwill that is not an available source of income to realize the deferred tax asset.credits.
OurThe effective tax rate differs fromas compared to the United StatesU.S. federal statutory rate of 34%21% differs primarily because our losses have been offset by a valuation allowance due to uncertainty as tostate income taxes and the realization of thebenefits associated with stock-based compensation expense and research and development tax benefit of net operating losses ("NOLs". credits.
Set forth below is a reconciliation of the components that caused our provision for income taxes to differ from amounts computed by applying the United States federal statutory rate of 34% for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019, and 2015: 2018:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 202020192018
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate21 %21 %21 %
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit(53)(3)
Stock-based compensation expense(3)(88)(7)
Meals and entertainment
Change in valuation allowance(475)(1)
Other permanent differences
Research and development tax credits(2)(64)(9)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes20 %(652)%%

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Year Ended December 31, 
 2017 2016 2015
Income tax benefit at the statutory rate34 % 34 % 34 %
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit(14) 7
 3
Stock-based compensation expense(15) (4) (2)
Meals and entertainment2
 (2) (1)
Permanent differences
 (1) 
Change in valuation allowance(60) (42) (38)
Change in federal rate74
 
 
Research and development tax credits(20) 7
 3
Provision for income taxes1 % (1)% (1)%
      
The provision for (benefit from) income tax consists of the following (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Current
       Federal$3,982 $$
       State and local5,444 (15)339 
Total current9,426 (15)339 
Deferred
       Federal27,982 (18,761)65 
       State and local1,020 (12,683)16 
Total deferred29,002 (31,444)81 
Total income tax provision (benefit)$38,428 $(31,459)$420 



The components of deferred tax assets (liabilities) were as follows (in thousands):
 
December 31,
 20202019
Deferred income tax assets:  
Net operating loss carryforwards$4,112 $22,525 
Research and development tax credits9,467 17,700 
Stock-based compensation2,783 2,895 
Lease asset9,992 8,291 
Other2,196 1,692 
Total deferred tax assets28,550 53,103 
Deferred tax liabilities:  
Property, equipment and software(13,412)(7,965)
Intangible assets(2,693)(3,767)
Capitalized commissions(2,708)(2,492)
State taxes(2,350)(2,563)
Lease liability(8,064)(7,152)
Other(751)(1,590)
Total deferred tax liabilities(29,978)(25,529)
Total net deferred tax (liabilities) assets$(1,428)$27,574 
 
December 31, 
 2017 2016
Deferred income tax assets:   
Net operating loss carryforwards$19,519
 $31,436
Research and development tax credits8,278
 4,032
Other2,493
 2,771
Gross deferred tax assets30,290
 38,239
Valuation allowance(23,827) (29,417)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance6,463
 8,822
Deferred tax liabilities: 
  
Property, equipment and software(4,293) (5,820)
Intangible assets(6) (403)
State taxes(1,693) (2,040)
Other(549) (632)
Total deferred tax liabilities(6,541) (8,895)
Total net deferred tax liabilities$(78) $(73)
As ofAt December 31, 2017,2020, we had 0 federal net operating loss carryforwards of $73.5 million, which will begin to expire in 2027. As ofcarryforwards. At December 31, 2017,2020, we had state net operating loss carryforwards of $48.0$46.5 million, which will begin to expire in 2023. As of2028. At December 31, 20172020, we also had federal and state research and development credit carryforwards of $5.0$4.1 million and $5.4$11.5 million, respectively. The federal credit carryforwards will begin to expire in 2027,2040, while the majority of the state credits carryforwardcredit carryforwards apply indefinitely.
The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“IRC”), imposes substantial restrictions on the utilization of NOLs and other tax attributes in the event of an “ownership change” of a corporation. Accordingly, a company’s ability to use pre-change NOLs andtax attributes may be limited as prescribed under IRC Section 382. Events which may cause limitation in the amount of the NOLs and creditstax attributes that we utilize in any one year include, but are not limited to, a cumulative ownership change of more than 50% over a rolling three-year period. The Company hasWe have undertaken a NOL/an IRC Section 382 analysis and hashave determined that there are no limitations on the NOL carryforwardstax attributes at December 31, 2016.2020.
Management assesses
78


For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded an income tax benefit of $31.5 million and income tax expense of $0.4 million. During the second quarter of 2019, we evaluated all available positive and negative evidence, to estimate if sufficientincluding our sustained profitability in 2018 and 2019, the impact of recent acquisitions and future taxable income will be generated to use the existingprojections of profitability. As a result, we determined that all of our deferred tax assets in the future. A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated was the cumulative loss incurred through December 31, 2017. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective positive evidence such as current year taxable income and future income projections. On the basis of this evaluation, as of December 31, 2017, a valuation allowance of $23.8 million has been recorded since it iswere more likely than not thatto be realized and reversed the valuation allowance against those deferred tax assets will not be realized.accordingly.
The change in the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 20152018 was as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, 
Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015 202020192018
Valuation allowance, at beginning of year$29,417
 $25,926
 $19,900
Valuation allowance, at beginning of year$$23,002 $23,827 
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance(5,590) 3,491
 6,026
Decrease in valuation allowanceDecrease in valuation allowance(23,002)(825)
Valuation allowance, at end of year$23,827
 $29,417
 $25,926
Valuation allowance, at end of year$$$23,002 
     
 



The following is a reconciliation of the total amounts of reserves for unrecognized tax benefits from uncertain tax positions (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, 
Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015 202020192018
Unrecognized tax benefit beginning of year$4,032
 $2,867
 $2,014
Unrecognized tax benefit beginning of year$4,421 $2,977 $2,105 
Decreases-tax positions in prior year(2,210) 
 
Increases-tax positions in current year283
 1,165
 853
Increases-tax positions in current year1,720 1,444 872 
Unrecognized tax benefit end of year$2,105
 $4,032
 $2,867
Unrecognized tax benefit end of year$6,141 $4,421 $2,977 
     
The unrecognized tax benefits are recorded as a reduction to the deferred tax assets. Since there is a full valuation allowance recorded against the deferred tax assets the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits on uncertain positions would result in no impact to the effective tax rate.and liabilities.
As ofAt December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, we had no0 accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions. We do not anticipate that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months.
We are subject to taxation in the United States and various states. Due to the net operating loss carryforwards, the Company'sour federal and state returns are open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state jurisdictions for all years since inception. We are not currently under audit by any taxing authorities.

On December 22, 2017, the United States government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"). The Tax Act significantly revises the existing tax law by, among other things, lowering the United States corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning in 2018. The Company reviewed and incorporated the impact of the Tax Act in its tax calculations and disclosures. The primary impact on the Company stems from the re-measurement of its deferred taxes at the new corporate tax rate of 21%, which reduced the Company's net deferred tax assets, before valuation allowance, by $7.2 million. Due to the full valuation allowance, the change in deferred taxes was fully offset by the change in valuation allowance, except for an immaterial amount that is reflected in income tax expense related to the rate re-measurement of the tax deductible goodwill. The Tax Act did not have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017.



12.15. Revenue and Other Information
The following table presents our revenue categories for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 20152018 (in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 202020192018
Core solutions $57,132
 $43,775
 $32,119
Core solutions$100,938 $88,581 $70,549 
Value+ services 80,847
 56,965
 37,998
Value+ services195,146 153,994 113,072 
Other 5,824
 4,846
 4,860
Other13,972 13,437 6,450 
Total revenues $143,803
 $105,586
 $74,977
Total revenueTotal revenue$310,056 $256,012 $190,071 
Our revenue is generated primarily from United States customers. All of our property and equipment is located in the United States.
13.16. Retirement Plans
We have a 401(k) retirement and savings plan made available to all employees. The 401(k) plan allows each participant to contribute up to an amount not to exceed an annual statutory maximum. We may, at our discretion, make matching contributions to the 401(k) plan. Cash contributions to the plan were $0.8$3.2 million, $2.5 million, and $1.1$1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2016. No cash contributions to the plan were made during the year ended December 31, 2015. Contribution expense recognized for the 401(k) plan was $0.8 million, $0.7 million, and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015,2018, respectively.

14. Subsequent Events
On February 20, 2018, our board of directors adopted a Long-Term Executive Cash Incentive Plan, pursuant to which it may grant performance awards (“Performance Awards”) that are intended to reward our executive officers for their individual contributions to our achievement of one or more long-term company performance goals and objectives over a specified period of time, and granted Performance Awards to Jason Randall, our Chief Executive Officer, and Ida Kane, our Chief Financial Officer (the “Recipients”). The Performance Awards are being granted in lieu of additional equity incentive awards to the Recipients.



ITEM 9.
ITEM 9.         CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
79


None.
ITEM 9A.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the supervision and participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as ofat December 31, 2017,2020, the last day of the period covered by this Annual Report. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and other procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periodperiods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the company’sits management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on our management's evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as ofat December 31, 2017,2020, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Disclosure Control
In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognizes that no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues within a company have been detected. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs. Accordingly, our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of our disclosure controls system are met.
Management’s AnnualManagement's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We areOur management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
OurAs of December 31, 2020, our management under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. In making this assessment, our management usedusing the criteria set forth in the Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) as issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment,our evaluation under the COSO criteria, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting iswas effective at the reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2017.2020.

This Annual Report does not include an attestation reportThe effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, due toas stated in their audit report which expresses an exemption established by rulesunqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Commission for emerging growth companies.

our internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2020.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Throughout 2017, in order to facilitate our adoption of the new revenue recognition accounting standard on January 1, 2018, we implemented internal controls to help ensure we properly evaluated our customer contracts and assessed the impact to our consolidated financial statements. We expect to continue to implement additional internal controls related to the adoption of this standard in the first quarter of 2018.


There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rules 13(a)-15(d) and 15d-15(d) under the Exchange Act that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 20172020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations on Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
ITEM 9B.     OTHER INFORMATION
AdoptionIn designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, our management recognizes that any system of Long-Term Cash Bonus Plan
On February 20, 2018, our boardcontrols and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance of directors,achieving the desired control objectives. In reaching a reasonable level of assurance, management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. In addition, the design of any system of controls is based in part upon recommendationcertain assumptions about the likelihood of our compensation committee, adopted the Long-Term Executive Cash Incentive Plan (the "Long-Term Cash Bonus Plan"), which establishes the terms upon which long-term cash incentive bonusesfuture events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become payable to our executive officers from time to time as determined by our boardinadequate because of directors. The purposechanges in conditions, or the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the Long-Term Cash Bonus Plan isinherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to align the long-term executive incentive compensation to our long-term goalserror or fraud may occur and objectives.not be detected.
Pursuant to the Long-Term Cash Bonus Plan, our board of directors has the discretion to grant performance awards ("Performance Awards") that are intended to reward Long-Term Cash Bonus Plan participants for their individual contributions to our achievement of one or more long-term company performance goals and objectives ("Company Performance Objectives") over a specified period of time (the "Performance Period"). Each of the Performance Awards will be granted pursuant to a Long-Term Cash Incentive Award Offer (the "Award Agreement") that will set forth the relevant Company Performance Objectives and Performance Period, as well as the cash bonus amount payable upon achievement of the Company Performance Objectives.
The right to receive a Performance Award, and the payment of any cash bonus pursuant to a Performance Award, will be contingent upon a Long-Term Cash Bonus Plan participant remaining continuously employed an our executive officer through the last day of the Performance Period, subject to limited exceptions.
Grant of Long-Term Performance Awards to Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
On February 20, 2018, our board of directors granted Performance Awards under the Long-Term Cash Bonus Plan to Jason Randall, our Chief Executive Officer, and Ida Kane, our Chief Financial Officer (the "Recipients"). No Performance Awards have been granted to any other of our executive officers or employees.
The Performance Awards establish our baseline "economic value"on a per share basis ("EVPS"). The Performance Awards then measure growth in EVPS over time. The Performance Awards are generally designed to reward the Recipients for their contributions towards achieving profitable growth that results in increases in EVPS over the next eight years. Pursuant to the Performance Awards, the Recipients will be eligible to earn cash bonuses based on the actual increase in EVPS measured as of the end of three separate Performance Periods, measured as of December 31, 2023, December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2025. If the actual increase in EVPS at the end of any Performance Period reflects the achievement of a low internal rate of return, no cash bonuses will be paid pursuant to the Performance Awards for that year. However, if actual increases in EVPS as of the end of any Performance Period reflect the achievement of a high internal rate of return, and therefore significant economic value added, the cash bonuses paid to the Recipients would be significant. Because the actual amount of the cash bonuses to be paid under the Performance Awards, if any, is dependent on our performance relative to an internal rate of return that results in increases in EVPS over a period of multiple years into the future, the bonus amounts are highly speculative and we are currently unable to predict a reasonable range of the amounts with any degree of certainty.
The Performance Awards are designed to provide long-term incentives for participants to achieve our long-term goals and objectives which we believe will positively impact long-term stockholder value. The Performance Awards are being granted in lieu of the grant of additional equity incentive awards to the Recipients. Accordingly, our compensation committee currently does not intend to issue additional equity awards to the Recipients until the Performance Awards have expired.
The Performance Awards provide that cash bonuses may be accelerated if: (i) we undergo a "change in control" (as determined by our board of directors), (ii) the Participant has been continuously employed by us through the date of the change in control, and (iii) within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the change in control the Participant is either involuntarily terminated by us or voluntarily resigns from his or her employment with us. The amount of the cash bonus to be paid under these circumstances is dependent upon the year in which the change in control occurs (assuming the other conditions are met). If the change in control occurs during 2018, each Recipient will be entitled to a cash bonus of $1,000,000, which amount will increase by $1,000,000 per year for each year thereafter through 2022, with the amount for 2022 then continuing to be payable in 2023 with no additional increase.
PART III
80


ITEM 10.     DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this item will be included in theour definitive Proxy Statement or an amendment to this Annual Report, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2017,2020, and is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 11.     EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item will be included in theour definitive Proxy Statement or an amendment to this Annual Report, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

ITEM 12.     SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this item will be included in theour definitive Proxy Statement or an amendment to this Annual Report, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

ITEM 13.     CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item will be included in theour definitive Proxy Statement or an amendment to this Annual Report, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 14.     PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES


The information required by this item will be included in theour definitive Proxy Statement or an amendment to this Annual Report, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference.





PART IV


ITEM 15.     EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES


The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report:


1.Consolidated Financial Statements
1.Consolidated Financial Statements
Our consolidated financial statements are listed in the “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8, of this Annual Report.


2.Financial Statement Schedules
2.Financial Statement Schedules
All financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not required or are not applicable, or the required information is shown in our consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements or the notes thereto.


3.Exhibits
3.Exhibits
The documents listed in the Exhibit Index of this Annual Report are filed or furnished with, or incorporated by reference withinto, this Annual Report, in each case as indicated therein.







EXHIBIT INDEX
81


    Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date Filed Herewith
3.1  10-Q 001-37468 3.1 8/6/2015  
3.2  10-Q 001-37468 3.2 8/6/2015  
4.1  S-1/A 333-204262 4.1 6/4/2015  
4.2  S-1/A 333-204262 4.2 6/4/2015  
10.1  S-1/A 333-204262 10.1 6/4/2015  
10.2  10-K 001-37468 10.2 2/27/2017  
10.3  S-1/A 333-204262 10.2 6/4/2015  
10.4  10-Q 001-37468 10.2 11/9/2015  
10.5  10-K 001-37468 10.2 2/29/2016  
10.6#  S-1/A 333-204262 10.3 6/4/2015  
10.7#  S-1/A 333-204262 10.4 6/4/2015  
10.8#  S-1/A 333-204262 10.5 6/4/2015  
10.9#          X
10.10#          X
10.11  S-1 333-204262 10.6 5/18/2015  
10.12  S-1 333-204262 10.7 5/18/2015  


Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit NumberExhibit DescriptionFormFile No.ExhibitFiling DateFiled Herewith
2.18-K001-374682.19/4/2018
2.28-K001-374682.11/8/2019
3.110-Q001-374683.18/6/2015
3.210-Q001-374683.28/6/2015
4.1S-1/A333-2042624.16/4/2015
4.2S-1/A333-2042624.26/4/2015
4.310-K001-374684.33/2/2020
10.1S-1/A333-20426210.16/4/2015
10.210-K001-3746810.22/27/2017
10.3S-1/A333-20426210.26/4/2015
10.410-Q001-3746810.211/9/2015
10.510-K001-3746810.22/29/2016
10.610-Q001-3746810.17/30/2018
10.710-Q001-3746810.27/30/2018
10.810-K001-3746810.82/28/2019
10.9#S-1/A333-20426210.36/4/2015
10.10#S-1/A333-20426210.46/4/2015
10.11#S-1/A333-20426210.56/4/2015
10.12#10-K001-3746810.92/26/2018



    Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date Filed Herewith
10.13  10-Q 001-37468 10.1 11/9/2015  
10.14  8-K 001-37468 10.1 8/7/2017  
21.1          X
23.1          X
24.1          X
31.1          X
31.2          X
32.1*          X
101.INS XBRL Instance Document.         X
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.         X
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.         X
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.         X
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.         X
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.         X

Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit NumberExhibit DescriptionFormFile No.ExhibitFiling DateFiled Herewith
10.13#10-K001-3746810.102/26/2018
10.14X
10.15S-1333-20426210.75/18/2015
10.1610-Q001-3746810.111/9/2015
10.1710-K001-3746810.172/28/2019
10.188-K001-3746810.18/7/2017
21.1X
23.1X
24.1X
31.1X
31.2X
32.1*X
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.X
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.X
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.X
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.X
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.X
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)X



#Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
*The certifications attached as Exhibit 32.1 accompany this Annual Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and shall not be deemed “filed” by the registrant for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act and are not to be incorporated by reference into any of the registrant’s filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in any such filing.








SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

AppFolio, Inc.
Date:March 1, 2021AppFolio, Inc.By:
Date:February 26, 2018By:/s/ Ida Kane
Ida Kane
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)







POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Jason Randall and Ida Kane, and each or either of them, acting individually, as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or any of them, or their or his or her substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done or by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, as amended, this Annual Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE
TITLEDATE
SIGNATURE
TITLEDATE
/s/ Jason RandallPresident, Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)
February 26, 2018March 1, 2021
Jason Randall
/s/ Ida Kane
Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
February 26, 2018March 1, 2021
Ida Kane
/s/ Andreas von BlottnitzChairman of the BoardFebruary 26, 2018March 1, 2021
Andreas von Blottnitz
/s/ Timothy BlissDirectorFebruary 26, 2018March 1, 2021
Timothy Bliss
/s/ Agnes Bundy ScanlanDirectorMarch 1, 2021
Agnes Bundy Scanlan
/s/ Janet KerrDirectorFebruary 26, 2018March 1, 2021
Janet Kerr
/s/ James PetersDirectorFebruary 26, 2018
James Peters
/s/ William RauthDirectorFebruary 26, 2018March 1, 2021
William Rauth
/s/ Klaus SchauserChief Strategist and DirectorFebruary 26, 2018March 1, 2021
Klaus Schauser
/s/ Winifred WebbDirectorMarch 1, 2021
Winifred Webb