UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

  
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021
OR
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: 000-25131
bcor-20210630_g1.jpg
Blucora, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware91-1718107
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
3200 Olympus Blvd, Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75019
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(972) 870-6400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per shareBCORNASDAQ Global Select Market

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. ý Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  ý Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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.
Large accelerated filerýAccelerated filerý
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
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. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ý No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
As of November 2, 2020, 48,043,723July 28, 2021, 48,671,126 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding.



TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Item 1.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
This report includes some of the trademarks, trade names, and service marks of Blucora, Inc. (referred to throughout this report as “Blucora,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), including Blucora, Avantax Wealth Management, Avantax Planning Partners, Avantax Retirement Plan Services, HD Vest, 1st Global, HKFS, TaxAct, Tax-Smart Investing, Capital Gains Analyzer, Tax-Loss Harvester, and Social Security Planner.TaxAct. Each one of these trademarks, trade names, or service marks is either (i) our registered trademark, (ii) a trademark for which we have a pending application, (iii) a trade name or service mark for which we claim common law rights, or (iv) a registered trademark or application for registration that we have been authorized by a third party to use.
Solely for convenience, the trademarks, service marks, and trade names included in this report are without the ®, ™ or other applicable symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensors to these trademarks, service marks, and trade names. This report may also include additional trademarks, service marks, and trade names of others, which are the property of their respective owners. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names included in this report are, to our knowledge, the property of their respective owners.
References to our or our subsidiaries’ website addresses or the website addresses of third parties in this report do not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on such websites and should not be considered part of this document.report.

Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 2


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”) contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve risks and uncertainties. Many of the forward-looking statements are located in Part I, Item 2 of this Form 10-Q under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “future,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continues,” “target,” “outlook,” and similar terms and expressions, but the absence of these words does not mean that the statement is not forward-looking. Actual results may differ significantly from management’s expectations due to various risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to:
the impact of the coronavirusCOVID-19 pandemic on our results of operations and our business, including the impact of the resulting economic and market disruption, the extension of tax filing deadlines, and other related relief;government actions;
our ability to effectively compete within our industry;industries;
our ability to attract and retain financial professionals, qualified employees, clients, and customers, as well as our ability to provide strong customer/client service;
our ability to close, finance, and realize all of the anticipated benefits of acquisitions, as well as our ability to integrate the operations of recently acquired businesses, and the potential impact of such acquisitions on our existing indebtedness and leverage;
our future capital requirements and the availability of financing, if necessary;
our ability to meet our current and future debt service obligations, including our ability to maintain compliance with our debt covenants;
any downgrade of the Company’s credit ratings;
our ability to generate strong performance for our clients and the impact of the financial markets on our clients’ portfolios;
the impact of new or changing legislation and regulations (or interpretations thereof) on our business, including our ability to successfully address and comply with such legislation and regulations (or interpretations thereof) and increased costs, reductions of revenue, and potential fines, penalties, or disgorgement to which we may be subject as a result thereof;
risks, burdens, and costs, including fines, penalties, or disgorgement, associated with our business being subjected to regulatory inquiries, investigations, or initiatives, including those of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. and the Securities and Exchange Commission (the (“SEC”);
risks associated with legal proceedings, including litigation and regulatory proceedings;
our ability to manage leadership and employee transitions, including costs and time burdens on management and our board of directors related thereto;
political and economic conditions and events that directly or indirectly impact the wealth management and tax preparation software industries;
our ability to respond to rapid technological changes, including our ability to successfully release new products and services or improve upon existing products and services;
the compromising of confidentiality, availability or integrity of information, including cyberattacks;
our expectations concerning the revenues we generate from fees associated with the financial products that we distribute;
risks related to goodwill and other intangible asset impairment;
our ability to develop, establish, and maintain strong brands;
risks associated with the use and implementation of information technology and the effect of security breaches, computer viruses, and computer hacking attacks;
our ability to comply with laws and regulations regarding privacy and protection of user data;
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 3


our ability to maintain our relationships with third-party partners, providers, suppliers, vendors, distributors, contractors, financial institutions, industry associations, and licensing partners, and our expectations regarding and reliance on the products, tools, platforms, systems, and services provided by these third parties;
our beliefs and expectations regarding the seasonality of our business;
our assessments and estimates that determine our effective tax rate; and
our ability to protect our intellectual property and the impact of any claim that we have infringed on the intellectual property rights of others.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our results, levels of activity, performance, achievements, and prospects to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, among others, the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019,2020, as supplemented by those identified under Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, as well as in our other filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q. We do not undertake any obligation and do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect new information, events, or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-Q or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.




Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 4



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
BLUCORA, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share data)
June 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$232,409 $150,125 
Cash segregated under federal or other regulations591 637 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance18,784 12,736 
Commissions and advisory fees receivable26,662 26,132 
Other receivables1,045 717 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net13,972 10,321 
Total current assets293,463 200,668 
Long-term assets:
Property and equipment, net65,004 58,500 
Right-of-use assets, net21,245 23,455 
Goodwill, net454,821 454,821 
Other intangible assets, net308,743 322,179 
Other long-term assets13,613 4,569 
Total long-term assets863,426 863,524 
Total assets$1,156,889 $1,064,192 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$10,164 $9,290 
Commissions and advisory fees payable19,170 19,021 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities80,359 56,419 
Deferred revenue—current5,084 12,298 
Lease liabilities—current3,768 2,304 
Current portion of long-term debt, net1,788 1,784 
Total current liabilities120,333 101,116 
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net552,828 552,553 
Deferred tax liability, net29,700 30,663 
Deferred revenue—long-term5,784 6,247 
Lease liabilities—long-term34,765 36,404 
Other long-term liabilities30,972 24,919 
Total long-term liabilities654,049 650,786 
Total liabilities774,382 751,902 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)00
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share—900,000 authorized shares; 49,962 shares issued and 48,656 shares outstanding at June 30, 2021; 49,483 shares issued and 48,177 shares outstanding at December 31, 2020
Additional paid-in capital1,609,193 1,598,230 
Accumulated deficit(1,198,292)(1,257,546)
Treasury stock, at cost—1,306 shares at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020(28,399)(28,399)
Total stockholders’ equity382,507 312,290 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,156,889 $1,064,192 
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$151,166 $80,820 
Cash segregated under federal or other regulations203 5,630 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance12,191 16,266 
Commissions receivable22,656 21,176 
Other receivables5,811 2,902 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net9,428 12,349 
Total current assets201,455 139,143 
Long-term assets:
Property and equipment, net53,940 18,706 
Right-of-use assets, net24,028 10,151 
Goodwill, net449,221 662,375 
Other intangible assets, net331,014 290,211 
Deferred tax asset, net9,997 
Other long-term assets4,093 6,989 
Total long-term assets862,296 998,429 
Total assets$1,063,751 $1,137,572 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$6,464 $10,969 
Commissions and advisory fees payable16,893 19,905 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities42,815 36,144 
Deferred revenue—current4,281 12,014 
Lease liabilities—current1,552 3,272 
Current portion of long-term debt, net1,782 11,228 
Total current liabilities73,787 93,532 
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net552,417 381,485 
Deferred tax liability, net12,802 
Deferred revenue—long-term6,478 7,172 
Lease liabilities—long-term36,973 5,916 
Other long-term liabilities22,150 5,952 
Total long-term liabilities630,820 400,525 
Total liabilities704,607 494,057 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share—900,000 authorized shares; 49,350 shares issued and 48,044 shares outstanding at September 30, 2020; 49,059 shares issued and 47,753 shares outstanding at December 31, 2019
Additional paid-in capital1,594,384 1,586,972 
Accumulated deficit(1,206,846)(914,791)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(272)
Treasury stock, at cost—1,306 shares at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019(28,399)(28,399)
Total stockholders’ equity359,144 643,515 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,063,751 $1,137,572 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 5


BLUCORA, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands, except per share data)

Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,
2020201920202019 2021202020212020
Revenue:
Revenues:Revenues:
Wealth management services revenueWealth management services revenue$135,932 $145,428 $396,805 $362,791 Wealth management services revenue$162,395 $115,884 $316,886 $260,873 
Tax preparation services revenue39,421 3,588 202,990 205,733 
Tax software services revenueTax software services revenue91,917 45,238 215,809 163,569 
Total revenueTotal revenue175,353 149,016 599,795 568,524 Total revenue254,312 161,122 532,695 424,442 
Operating expenses:Operating expenses:Operating expenses:
Cost of revenue:Cost of revenue:Cost of revenue:
Wealth management services cost of revenueWealth management services cost of revenue96,122 102,030 282,332 250,881 Wealth management services cost of revenue113,910 83,868 222,533 186,210 
Tax preparation services cost of revenue2,692 1,633 9,759 8,983 
Tax software services cost of revenueTax software services cost of revenue4,429 3,054 10,007 7,067 
Total cost of revenueTotal cost of revenue98,814 103,663 292,091 259,864 Total cost of revenue118,339 86,922 232,540 193,277 
Engineering and technologyEngineering and technology6,007 8,635 21,899 22,323 Engineering and technology7,231 7,377 14,359 15,892 
Sales and marketingSales and marketing31,018 19,976 150,785 104,804 Sales and marketing34,848 40,057 112,410 119,767 
General and administrativeGeneral and administrative18,605 19,642 63,533 55,721 General and administrative23,832 20,200 48,517 44,928 
Acquisition and integrationAcquisition and integration10,276 6,759 18,782 17,739 Acquisition and integration18,169 2,824 26,272 8,506 
DepreciationDepreciation1,874 1,470 5,345 3,846 Depreciation3,204 1,675 5,504 3,471 
Amortization of other acquired intangible assetsAmortization of other acquired intangible assets7,746 10,082 22,167 27,295 Amortization of other acquired intangible assets7,063 6,673 14,238 14,421 
Impairment of goodwill and an intangible asset50,900 270,625 50,900 
Impairment of goodwillImpairment of goodwill270,625 
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses174,340 221,127 845,227 542,492 Total operating expenses212,686 165,728 453,840 670,887 
Operating income (loss)Operating income (loss)1,013 (72,111)(245,432)26,032 Operating income (loss)41,626 (4,606)78,855 (246,445)
Other loss, netOther loss, net(11,963)(2,606)(23,386)(11,682)Other loss, net(8,024)(5,288)(15,907)(11,423)
Income (loss) before income taxesIncome (loss) before income taxes(10,950)(74,717)(268,818)14,350 Income (loss) before income taxes33,602 (9,894)62,948 (257,868)
Income tax benefit (expense)Income tax benefit (expense)(15,256)12,331 (23,237)16,470 Income tax benefit (expense)(1,994)59,539 (3,694)(7,981)
Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc.$(26,206)$(62,386)$(292,055)$30,820 
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc.:
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)$31,608 $49,645 $59,254 $(265,849)
Net income (loss) per share:Net income (loss) per share:
BasicBasic$(0.55)$(1.28)$(6.09)$0.64 Basic$0.65 $1.04 $1.22 $(5.55)
DilutedDiluted$(0.55)$(1.28)$(6.09)$0.62 Diluted$0.64 $1.03 $1.20 $(5.55)
Weighted average shares outstanding:Weighted average shares outstanding:Weighted average shares outstanding:
BasicBasic48,039 48,652 47,936 48,456 Basic48,508 47,941 48,384 47,884 
DilutedDiluted48,039 48,652 47,936 49,596 Diluted49,385 48,092 49,241 47,884 
Comprehensive income (loss):Comprehensive income (loss):Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)$(26,206)$(62,386)$(292,055)$30,820 Net income (loss)$31,608 $49,645 $59,254 $(265,849)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(64)272 174 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc.$(26,206)$(62,450)$(291,783)$30,994 
Other comprehensive incomeOther comprehensive income272 
Comprehensive income (loss)Comprehensive income (loss)$31,608 $49,645 $59,254 $(265,577)













See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 6


BLUCORA, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands)
Redeemable Noncontrolling InterestsAdditional paid-in capitalAccumulated deficitAccumulated other comprehensive loss
Common stockTreasury stock
SharesAmountSharesAmountTotal
Balance as of December 31, 2019$49,059 $$1,586,972 $(914,791)$(272)(1,306)$(28,399)$643,515 
Common stock issued for stock options and restricted stock units— 89 — — — — — — 
Stock-based compensation— — — (1,201)— — — — (1,201)
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards— — — (917)— — — — (917)
Cumulative translation adjustment— — — — — 272 — — 272 
Net loss— — — (315,494)— — — (315,494)
Balance as of March 31, 2020$49,148 $$1,584,854 $(1,230,285)$(1,306)$(28,399)$326,175 
Common stock issued for stock options, restricted stock units, and employee stock purchase plan— 192 — 1,226 — — — — 1,226 
Stock-based compensation— — — 3,904 — — — — 3,904 
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards— — — (89)— — — — (89)
Net income— — — 49,645 — — — 49,645 
Balance as of June 30, 2020$49,340 $$1,589,895 $(1,180,640)$(1,306)$(28,399)$380,861 
Common stock issued for stock options and restricted stock units— 10 — — — — — — 
Stock-based compensation— — — 4,517 — — — — 4,517 
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards— — — (28)— — — — (28)
Net loss— — — (26,206)— — — (26,206)
Balance as of September 30, 2020$49,350 $$1,594,384 $(1,206,846)$(1,306)$(28,399)$359,144 
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 7


Redeemable Noncontrolling InterestsCommon stockAdditional paid-in capitalAccumulated deficitAccumulated other comprehensive lossTreasury stock
SharesAmountSharesAmountTotal
Balance as of December 31, 2018$24,945 48,044 $$1,569,725 $(961,689)$(446)$$607,595 
Common stock issued for stock options and restricted stock units— 211 — 283 — — — — 283 
Stock-based compensation— — — 2,443 — — — — 2,443 
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards— — — (2,425)— — — — (2,425)
Reclassification of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests(22,428)— — — — — — — — 
Impact of adoption of new leases accounting standard— — — — (1,636)— — — (1,636)
Cumulative translation adjustment— — — — — 107 — — 107 
Net income— — — 62,170 — — — 62,170 
Balance as of March 31, 2019$2,517 48,255 $$1,570,026 $(901,155)$(339)$$668,537 
Common stock issued for stock options, restricted stock units, and employee stock purchase plan— 524 — 4,181 — — — — 4,181 
Stock-based compensation— — — 4,082 — — — — 4,082 
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards— — — (2,735)— — — — (2,735)
Redemption of noncontrolling interests(2,517)— — — — — — — — 
Cumulative translation adjustment— — — — — 131 — — 131 
Net income— — — 31,036 — — — 31,036 
Balance as of June 30, 2019$48,779 $$1,575,554 $(870,119)$(208)$$705,232 
Common stock issued for stock options and restricted stock units— 116 — 491 — — — — 491 
Stock-based compensation— — — 4,639 — — — — 4,639 
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards— — — (348)— — — — (348)
Stock repurchases— — — — — — (561)(12,718)(12,718)
Cumulative translation adjustment— — — — — (64)— — (64)
Net income (loss)— — — (62,386)— — — (62,386)
Balance as of September 30, 2019$48,895 $$1,580,336 $(932,505)$(272)(561)$(12,718)$634,846 





Additional paid-in capitalAccumulated deficitAccumulated other comprehensive loss
Common stockTreasury stock
SharesAmountSharesAmountTotal
Balance as of December 31, 202049,483 $$1,598,230 $(1,257,546)$(1,306)$(28,399)$312,290 
Common stock issued for stock options and restricted stock units132 — 63 — — — — 63 
Stock-based compensation— — 5,520 — — — — 5,520 
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards— — (865)— — — — (865)
Net income— — — 27,646 — — — 27,646 
Balance as of March 31, 202149,615 $$1,602,948 $(1,229,900)$(1,306)$(28,399)$344,654 
Common stock issued for stock options, restricted stock units, and employee stock purchase plan347 — 1,989 — — — — 1,989 
Stock-based compensation— — 4,720 — — — — 4,720 
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards— — (464)— — — — (464)
Net income— — — 31,608 — — — 31,608 
Balance as of June 30, 202149,962 $$1,609,193 $(1,198,292)$(1,306)$(28,399)$382,507 
Additional paid-in capitalAccumulated deficitAccumulated other comprehensive loss
Common stockTreasury stock
SharesAmountSharesAmountTotal
Balance as of December 31, 201949,059 $$1,586,972 $(914,791)$(272)(1,306)$(28,399)$643,515 
Common stock issued for stock options and restricted stock units89 — — — — — — 
Stock-based compensation— — (1,201)— — — — (1,201)
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards— — (917)— — — — (917)
Cumulative translation adjustment— — — — 272 — — 272 
Net loss— — — (315,494)— — — (315,494)
Balance as of March 31, 202049,148 $$1,584,854 $(1,230,285)$(1,306)$(28,399)$326,175 
Common stock issued for stock options, restricted stock units, and employee stock purchase plan192 — 1,226 — — — — 1,226 
Stock-based compensation— — 3,904 — — — — 3,904 
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards— — (89)— — — — (89)
Net income— — — 49,645 — — — 49,645 
Balance as of June 30, 202049,340 $$1,589,895 $(1,180,640)$(1,306)$(28,399)$380,861 



















See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 87


BLUCORA, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
 Nine months ended September 30,
 20202019
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)$(292,055)$30,820 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities:
Stock-based compensation7,220 11,164 
Depreciation and amortization of acquired intangible assets29,619 32,078 
Impairment of goodwill and an intangible asset270,625 50,900 
Reduction of right-of-use lease assets8,335 3,117 
Deferred income taxes23,199 (23,343)
Amortization of debt issuance costs1,006 848 
Accretion of debt discounts414 189 
Gain on sale of a business(349)(3,256)
Change in fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration(1,000)
Accretion of lease liability1,413 460 
Other984 48 
Cash provided (used) by changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable12,267 352 
Commissions receivable(1,480)(19)
Other receivables(2,909)(18)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets2,555 13,828 
Other long-term assets2,763 497 
Accounts payable(7,018)(2,346)
Commissions and advisory fees payable(3,012)(602)
Lease liabilities(3,568)(3,371)
Deferred revenue(8,582)(21,694)
Accrued expenses and other current and long-term liabilities(5,113)6,595 
Net cash provided by operating activities35,314 96,247 
Investing activities:
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired(102,425)(166,561)
Purchases of property and equipment(28,711)(6,887)
Proceeds from sale of a business, net of cash349 7,467 
Net cash used by investing activities(130,787)(165,981)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from credit facilities226,278 121,489 
Payments on credit facilities(66,078)
Stock repurchases(11,968)
Payment of redeemable noncontrolling interests(24,945)
Proceeds from stock option exercises25 3,811 
Proceeds from issuance of stock through employee stock purchase plan1,201 1,144 
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards(1,034)(5,508)
Contingent consideration payments for business acquisition(943)
Net cash provided by financing activities160,392 83,080 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash38 
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash64,919 13,384 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period86,450 85,366 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period$151,369 $98,750 
Supplemental cash flow information:
Accrued stock repurchases$$750 
Cash paid for income taxes$1,657 $3,154 
Cash paid for interest$16,994 $13,901 
Non-cash investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment through leasehold incentives (investing)$9,726 $

 Six months ended June 30,
 20212020
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)$59,254 $(265,849)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities:
Stock-based compensation10,770 2,703 
Depreciation and amortization of acquired intangible assets21,583 19,253 
Impairment of goodwill270,625 
Reduction of right-of-use lease assets1,420 3,196 
Deferred income taxes(963)8,784 
Amortization of debt issuance costs740 644 
Accretion of debt discounts561 138 
Change in fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration17,800 
Accretion of lease liability1,046 901 
Other481 670 
Cash provided (used) by changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable(5,948)184 
Commissions and advisory fees receivable(530)5,586 
Other receivables(406)(2,809)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(3,651)1,435 
Other long-term assets(9,239)3,162 
Accounts payable874 2,942 
Commissions and advisory fees payable149 (5,210)
Lease liabilities(431)(2,572)
Deferred revenue(7,677)(8,299)
Accrued expenses and other current and long-term liabilities11,438 (1,110)
Net cash provided by operating activities97,271 34,374 
Investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment(13,544)(19,072)
Asset acquisitions(881)
Net cash used by investing activities(14,425)(19,072)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from credit facilities, net of debt issuance costs and debt discounts(502)55,000 
Payments on credit facilities(906)(65,625)
Proceeds from stock option exercises284 25 
Proceeds from issuance of stock through employee stock purchase plan1,845 1,201 
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards(1,329)(1,006)
Net cash used by financing activities(608)(10,405)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash82,238 4,897 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period150,762 86,450 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period$233,000 $91,347 
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes$596 $1,189 
Cash paid for interest$14,324 $9,702 
Non-cash investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment through leasehold incentives (investing)$$9,726 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 98


BLUCORA, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1: Description of the Business
Blucora, Inc. (the “Company,” “Blucora,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) operates 2 primary businesses: the Wealth Management business and the digital Tax PreparationSoftware business.
Wealth Management
The Wealth Management business consists of the operations of Avantax Wealth Management (“Avantax”) and HKFS (defined below)Avantax Planning Partners (collectively, the “Wealth Management business” or the “Wealth Management segment”).
Avantax Wealth Management provides tax-focused wealth management solutions for financial professionals, tax preparers,professionals, certified public accounting (“CPA”) firms, and their clients. Avantax Wealth Management offers its services through its registered broker-dealer, registered investment advisor (“RIA”), and insurance agency subsidiaries and is the largestleading U.S. tax-focused independent broker-dealer. Avantax Wealth Management works with a nationwide network of financial professionals that operate as independent contractors. Avantax Wealth Management provides these financial professionals with an integrated platform of technical, practice, compliance, and product support tools that enable them to assist in making each financial professional a comprehensive financial service center for his or heroffer tax-advantaged investing and wealth management services to their clients. Avantax formerly operated under the HD Vest and 1st Global brands prior to the rebranding of the Wealth Management business to Avantax Wealth Management in 2019.
On July 1, 2020, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Honkamp Krueger Financial Services, Inc. (“HKFS,” and such acquisition, the “HKFS Acquisition”). HKFSAvantax Planning Partners operates as a captive, oran employee-based RIA and wealth management business that partners with CPA firms in order to provide their consumer and small business clients with holistic financial planning and financial advisory services.services, as well as retirement plan solutions through Avantax Retirement Plan Services. Avantax Planning Partners formerly operated as Honkamp Krueger Financial Services, Inc. (“HKFS”). On July 1, 2020, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding common stock of HKFS (the “HKFS Acquisition”). The operations of HKFS are included in our operating results as part of the Wealth Management segment from the date of the HKFS Acquisition. For additional information, see "Note 3—Acquisitions."
Tax PreparationSoftware
The Tax PreparationSoftware business consists of the operations of TaxAct, Inc. (“TaxAct,” the “Tax PreparationSoftware business,” or the “Tax PreparationSoftware segment”) and provides digital tax preparation solutionsservices, packaged tax software, and ancillary services for consumers, small business owners, and tax professionals through its website www.TaxAct.com.www.TaxAct.com and its mobile applications. We had referred to this business as the “Tax Preparation business” and “Tax Preparation segment” in previous filings.
The Tax PreparationSoftware segment is highly seasonal with a significant portion of its annual revenue typically earned in the first four monthstwo quarters of the fiscal year. During the third and fourth quarters, the Tax PreparationSoftware segment typically reports losses because revenue from the segment is minimal while core operating expenses continue.
In March 2020 and as a result of the coronavirusCOVID-19 pandemic, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) extended the filing deadline for federal tax returns from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. This filing extension resulted in the shifting of a significant portion of Tax PreparationSoftware segment revenue that is usually earned in the first and second quarters of 2020 to the third quarter of 2020.
As a result of the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS delayed the start of the 2021 tax season and extended the filing and payment deadline for tax year 2020 federal tax returns from April 15, 2021 to May 17, 2021. In addition, salesthe IRS further extended the federal filing and marketing expenses were elevatedpayment deadline for Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma to June 15, 2021. This extension resulted in the nine months ended September 30, 2020.shifting of a significant portion of Tax Software segment revenue that would typically have been expected to be earned in the first quarter of 2021 to the second quarter of 2021.
Segments
We have 2 reportable segments: (1) the Wealth Management segment and (2) the Tax PreparationSoftware segment.

Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 9


Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Interim financial information
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by us under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC”)SEC for interim financial reporting. These condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and, in management’s opinion, include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP”) have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. These
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 10


unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.2020. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
The following table presents cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents$151,166 $80,820 
Cash segregated under federal or other regulations203 5,630 
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash$151,369 $86,450 
June 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents$232,409 $150,125 
Cash segregated under federal or other regulations591 637 
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash$233,000 $150,762 
We generally invest our available cash in high-quality marketable investments. These investments which primarily consist of investments ininclude money market funds invested in securities issued by agencies of the U.S. government. We may invest, from time-to-time, in other vehicles, such as debt instruments issued by the U.S. federal government and its agencies, international governments, municipalities, and publicly held corporations, as well as commercial paper and insured time deposits with commercial banks. Specific holdings can vary from period to period depending upon our cash requirements. Such investments are reported at fair value on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Cash segregated under federal and other regulations is held in a separate bank account for the exclusive benefit of our Avantax Wealth Management business clients and is considered restricted cash.
Business combinationsGoodwill
We account for business combinations usingGoodwill represents the cost of an acquisition method.
Under the acquisition method, the purchase price of the HKFS Acquisition has been allocated to HKFS’s acquired tangible and identifiable intangible assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values at the time of the HKFS Acquisition. This allocation involves a number of assumptions, estimates, and judgments that could materially affect the timing or amounts recognized in our financial statements. The most subjective areas of the acquisition accounting method included determiningless the fair value of the following:
intangiblenet identifiable assets includingof the valuation methodology, estimatesacquired business. We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually, as of future cash flows, discount rates, growth rates, as well asNovember 30, or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the estimated useful life of intangible assets;
contingent consideration, including the valuation methodology, estimates of future advisory asset levels, discount rates, growth rates, and volatility levels; and
goodwill, as measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the acquisition date fair value of the assets acquired, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets, and the liabilities assumed.
Our assumptions and estimates are based upon comparable market data and information obtained from the managementone or more of HKFS.
Goodwill is assigned toour reporting units is less than its carrying amount. To determine whether it is necessary to perform a goodwill impairment test, we first assess qualitative factors to evaluate whether it is more likely than not that are expectedthe fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. We may elect to benefit fromperform a goodwill impairment test without completing a qualitative assessment.
Beginning in March 2020, the synergiesCOVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on the U.S. and global economy and caused substantial disruption in the U.S. and global securities markets, and as a result, negatively impacted certain key Wealth Management business drivers, such as client asset levels and interest rates. These macroeconomic and Company-specific factors, in totality, served as a triggering event that resulted in the testing of the business combination asgoodwill of the acquisition date. Our reporting units are consistent with our reportable segments, and accordingly, the goodwill acquired from HKFS was assigned to the Wealth Management reporting unit. Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized overunit and the Tax Software reporting unit for potential impairment.
As part of the goodwill impairment test, we compared the estimated fair values of the Wealth Management and Tax Software reporting units to their useful lives onrespective carrying values. Estimated fair value was calculated using Level 3 inputs and utilized a straight-line basis. Acquisition-related costs, including advisory, legal, accounting,blended valuation and other similar costs, are expensedmethod that factored in the periods in whichincome approach and the costs are incurred.market approach. The resultsincome approach estimated fair value by using the present value of operations of acquired businesses are includedfuture discounted cash flows. Significant estimates used in the consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
Changes to GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)discounted cash flow model included our forecasted cash flows, our long-term rates of growth, and our weighted average cost of capital. The weighted average cost of capital factors in the form of accounting standards updates (“ASUs”)relevant risk associated with business-specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). We considerability to achieve our projected cash flows. The market approach estimated fair value by taking income-based valuation multiples for a set of comparable companies and applying the applicability and impact of all recent ASUs. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determinedvaluation multiple to be eithereach reporting unit’s income.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 1110


not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations. We have recently adoptedFor the ASUs described below.
Measurement of Credit Losses. In June 2016,Wealth Management reporting unit, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”), which changes how entities account for credit losses of financial assets measured at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 requires financial assets measured at amortized cost to be presented on the balance sheet at the net amount expected to be collected.
The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. ASU 2016-13 replaces the previous “incurred loss” model with a “current expected credit loss” model that requires consideration of a broader range of information to estimate expected credit losses over the lifetime of the financial asset. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including the interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities must apply ASU 2016-13 using a modified-retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which ASU 2016-13 is effective.
We adopted ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2020. Our financial assets within the scope of ASU 2016-13 primarily consisted of our commissions receivable and accounts receivable. While we have implemented the current expected credit loss model and assessed the impact of this new model on our in-scope financial assets, the adoption of ASU 2016-13 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and did not result in a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2020.
Goodwill. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Accounting for Goodwill (“ASU 2017-04”), which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating the previously applicable step two from the goodwill impairment test. Under the amended guidance of ASU 2017-04, when required to test goodwill for recoverability, an entity will perform its goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit toexceeded its carryingfair value and recognizingby $270.6 million. Therefore, we recorded an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and entities must apply ASU 2017-04 on a prospective basis.
We adopted ASU 2017-04 effective January 1, 2020 and applied this new guidance to the goodwill impairment test we performed as of March 31, 2020. For more information on this impairment test, see “Note 5—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”

Note 3: Acquisitions
HKFS Acquisition
On July 1, 2020, we closed the HKFS Acquisition for an upfront cash purchase price of $104.4 million, which was paid with a portion of the proceeds from the $175.0 million increase in the Term Loan (as defined in "Note 6—Debt"). The purchase price is subject to customary adjustment and 2 potential post-closing earn-out payments (the “HKFS Contingent Consideration”) by us.
The amount of the HKFS Contingent Consideration is determined based on advisory asset levels and the achievement of certain performance goals (i) for the period beginning on July 1, 2020 and ending on July 1, 2021 and (ii) for the period beginning on July 1, 2021 and ending on July 1, 2022. Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 6, 2020, by and among the Company, HKFS, the selling stockholders named therein (the “Sellers”), and JRD Seller Representative, LLC, as the Sellers’ representative, as amended, the maximum aggregate amount that we would be required to pay for each earn-out period is $30.0 million, provided that any unearned amounts during the first earn-out period may also be earned during the second earn-out period. If the asset values on the applicable measurement date fall below certain specified thresholds, we would not be required to make any earn-out payment to the Sellers for such period. On the HKFS Acquisition date, the fair value of the HKFS Contingent Consideration was $27.6 million. We recorded the short-term and long-term portions of the HKFS Contingent Consideration in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities,” respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet. Subsequent to the HKFS Acquisition date, the HKFS Contingent Consideration is remeasured to an estimated fair value at each reporting date until the contingency is resolved. As of September 30, 2020, the fair value of the HKFS Contingent Consideration was $26.6 million. Changes in estimated fair value are recognized in “Acquisition and integration” expenses on the condensed consolidated
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 12


statements of comprehensive income (loss) in the period in which they occur. For additional information on the HKFS Contingent Consideration, see "Note 9—Fair Value Measurements."
The purchase price of the HKFS Acquisition was allocated to HKFS’s tangible assets, identifiable intangible assets, and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values at the time of the HKFS Acquisition. The preliminary fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the HKFS Acquisition were as follows (in thousands):
Purchase Price Allocation at
HKFS Acquisition Date
Assets acquired:
Tangible assets acquired, including cash of $1,980 (1)15,517 
Identifiable intangible assets62,970 
Goodwill58,137 
Liabilities assumed(5,134)
Total assets acquired and liabilities assumed$131,490 
Cash paid at HKFS Acquisition date$104,404 
Adjustment receivable(514)
HKFS Contingent Consideration27,600 
Total purchase price$131,490 
__________________________
(1)Included in tangible assets acquired were accounts receivable of $7.8 million, which primarily consisted of advisory fees receivable. As an insignificant amount of these receivables was expected to be uncollectible, the acquired amount approximates the fair value of the accounts receivable.
The identifiable intangible assets were as follows (in thousands, except as otherwise indicated):
Estimated Fair ValueAccumulated Amortization through September 30, 2020Useful Life at HKFS Acquisition Date (in months)
Customer relationships$58,400 $973 180
CPA firm relationships4,070 68 180
Trade name500 42 36
Total identified intangible assets$62,970 $1,083 179
For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, we recognized amortization expenses related to acquired intangible assets of HKFS of $1.1 million in “Amortization of other acquired intangible assets” on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
The excess of the total consideration over the tangible assets, identifiable intangible assets, and assumed liabilities was recorded as goodwill in the amount of $58.1 million. Goodwill consists largely of the cost, revenue, and marketing synergies expected from incorporating HKFS into our existing Wealth Management business. These synergies include, but are not limited to, increased scale, enhanced capabilities, and an integrated platform. All of the acquired goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
The preliminary estimates of the net assets acquired were based upon preliminary calculations and valuations. Due to the recent timing of the HKFS Acquisition, those estimates and assumptions are subject to change as we obtain additional information for those estimates during the measurement period (up to one year from the HKFS Acquisition date).
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 13


We have incurred inception-to-date transaction costs related to the HKFS Acquisition of $10.6 million, of which $4.7 million and $7.5 million were recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. In addition, we have incurred inception-to-date integration costs of $1.7 million, of which $0.8 million and $1.7 million were recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. In addition, we recognized a $1.0 million gain related to the fair value change of the HKFS Contingent Consideration liability for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. These transaction and integration costs were recognized as “Acquisition and integration” expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
The operations of HKFS are included in operating results as part of the Wealth Management segment from the date of the HKFS Acquisition. From the date of the HKFS Acquisition, HKFS contributed $9.2 million of revenue and $2.0 million of income before income taxes to our consolidated results.
Pro forma financial information of the HKFS Acquisition
The financial information in the table below summarizes the combined results of operations of Blucora and HKFS, on a pro forma basis, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. The pro forma results are presented as if the HKFS Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2019 and includes adjustments for amortization expense on the definite-lived intangible assets identified in the HKFS Acquisition, debt-related expenses associated with the Term Loan increase used to finance the HKFS Acquisition, acquisition and integration costs related to the HKFS Acquisition, the removal of historic interest expense for debt issuances of HKFS that were not assumed in the HKFS Acquisition, and the reduction of historic cost of revenue associated with fee-sharing arrangements that did not continue after the HKFS Acquisition. In addition, income taxes were also adjusted for the pro forma results of the combined entity.
The following pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved had the HKFS Acquisition occurred on January 1, 2019 (amounts in thousands):
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2020201920202019
Revenue$175,353 $157,358 $615,934 $592,375 
Net income (loss)(18,114)(63,510)(282,551)18,761 
1st Global Acquisition
On May 6, 2019, we closed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common stock of 1st Global, Inc. and 1st Global Insurance Services, Inc. (together, “1st Global”), a tax-focused wealth management company, for a cash purchase price of $180.0 million (the “1st Global Acquisition”). The operations of 1st Global are included in our operating results as part of the Wealth Management segment from the date of the 1st Global Acquisition.
The purchase price was allocated to 1st Global’s tangible assets, identifiable intangible assets, and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values at the time of the 1st Global Acquisition.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 14


The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the 1st Global Acquisition were as follows (in thousands):
Purchase Price Allocation at
December 31, 2019
Purchase Price Allocation Adjustments Since
December 31, 2019
Final Purchase Price Allocation
Assets acquired:
Tangible assets acquired, including cash of $12,389$38,413 $— $38,413 
Goodwill117,792 (666)117,126 
Identifiable intangible assets83,980 — 83,980 
Liabilities assumed:
Contingent liability(11,052)— (11,052)
Deferred revenues(17,715)— (17,715)
Other current liabilities(12,956)281 (12,675)
Deferred tax liabilities, net(18,462)385 (18,077)
Total assets acquired and liabilities assumed$180,000 $— $180,000 
Subsequent to December 31, 2019, we adjusted the fair values of goodwill other current liabilities, and deferred tax liabilities, net, due to the pre-acquisition 1st Global tax returns that were filedof $270.6 million in the first quarter of 2020. As one year has elapsed sinceFor the 1st Global Acquisition date,Tax Software reporting unit, the measurement period forcarrying value of the 1st Global Acquisition hasreporting unit was significantly below its fair value, and therefore, the goodwill of the Tax Software reporting unit was not considered impaired.
While no goodwill impairment triggering events were identified during the six months ended andJune 30, 2021, the purchase price allocationWealth Management reporting unit is considered final.
As partto be at risk for a future impairment of its goodwill in the event of a further decline in general economic, market, or business conditions, or any significant unfavorable changes in our forecasted revenue, expenses, cash flows, weighted average cost of capital, and/or market valuation multiples. We will continue to monitor for events and circumstances that could negatively impact the key assumptions in determining the fair value of the 1st Global Acquisition, we assumed a contingent liability related to a regulatory inquiry and recorded the contingent liability as part of the opening balance sheet. While the inquiry is still on-going, we evaluated a range of possible losses, resulting in a contingent liability reserve balance (including accrued interest) of $11.3 million at September 30, 2020.Wealth Management reporting unit.

Note 4:3: Segment Information and Revenues
We have 2 reportable segments: (1) the Wealth Management segment and (2) the Tax PreparationSoftware segment. Our Chief Executive Officer is the chief operating decision maker and reviews financial information presented on a disaggregated basis. This information is used for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance.
We do not allocate certain general and administrative costs (including personnel and overhead costs), stock-based compensation, depreciation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, acquisition and integration costs, executive transition costs, headquarters relocation costs, contested proxy and other legal and consulting costs, or impairment of goodwill and an intangible asset to the reportable segments. Such amounts are reflected in the table below under the heading “Corporate-level activity.” In addition, we do not allocate other loss, net, or income taxes to the reportable segments. We do not report assets or capital expenditures by segment to the chief operating decision maker.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 15


Information on reportable segments currently presented to our chief operating decision maker and a reconciliation to consolidated net income (loss) are presented below (in thousands):
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,
2021202020212020
Revenue:
Wealth Management$162,395 $115,884 $316,886 $260,873 
Tax Software91,917 45,238 215,809 163,569 
Total revenue254,312 161,122 532,695 424,442 
Operating income (loss):
Wealth Management21,396 11,731 40,792 34,329 
Tax Software63,448 6,659 114,336 44,412 
Corporate-level activity(43,218)(22,996)(76,273)(325,186)
Total operating income (loss)41,626 (4,606)78,855 (246,445)
Other loss, net(8,024)(5,288)(15,907)(11,423)
Income tax benefit (expense)(1,994)59,539 (3,694)(7,981)
Net income (loss)$31,608 $49,645 $59,254 $(265,849)
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2020201920202019
Revenue:
Wealth Management$135,932 $145,428 $396,805 $362,791 
Tax Preparation39,421 3,588 202,990 205,733 
Total revenue175,353 149,016 599,795 568,524 
Operating income (loss):
Wealth Management17,498 20,631 51,827 49,150 
Tax Preparation16,234 (12,075)60,646 108,565 
Corporate-level activity(32,719)(80,667)(357,905)(131,683)
Total operating income (loss)1,013 (72,111)(245,432)26,032 
Other loss, net(11,963)(2,606)(23,386)(11,682)
Income tax benefit (expense)(15,256)12,331 (23,237)16,470 
Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc.$(26,206)$(62,386)$(292,055)$30,820 
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 11


Revenues by major category within each segment are presented below (in thousands):
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2020201920202019
Wealth Management:
Advisory$82,612 $75,579 $227,672 $176,746 
Commission44,921 52,623 135,337 137,851 
Asset-based4,351 13,618 18,911 36,530 
Transaction and fee4,048 3,608 14,885 11,664 
Total Wealth Management revenue$135,932 $145,428 $396,805 $362,791 
Tax Preparation:
Consumer$38,482 $4,280 $186,724 $190,908 
Professional939 (692)16,266 14,825 
Total Tax Preparation revenue$39,421 $3,588 $202,990 $205,733 

Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,
2021202020212020
Wealth Management:
Advisory$96,508 $66,303 $187,627 $145,060 
Commission51,702 39,836 104,236 90,416 
Asset-based5,526 3,981 10,855 14,560 
Transaction and fee8,659 5,764 14,168 10,837 
Total Wealth Management revenue$162,395 $115,884 $316,886 $260,873 
Tax Software:
Consumer$88,846 $44,421 $199,413 $148,242 
Professional3,071 817 16,396 15,327 
Total Tax Software revenue$91,917 $45,238 $215,809 $163,569 
Wealth Management revenue recognition
Wealth management revenue primarily consists of advisory revenue, commission revenue, asset-based revenue, and transaction and fee revenue.
The timing of Wealth Management revenue recognition was as follows (in thousands):
Three months ended September 30,Three months ended June 30,
2020201920212020
Recognized Upon TransactionRecognized Over TimeTotalRecognized Upon TransactionRecognized Over TimeTotalRecognized Upon TransactionRecognized Over TimeTotalRecognized Upon TransactionRecognized Over TimeTotal
Advisory revenueAdvisory revenue$$82,612 $82,612 $$75,579 $75,579 Advisory revenue$$96,508 $96,508 $$66,303 $66,303 
Commission revenueCommission revenue16,884 28,037 44,921 23,195 29,428 52,623 Commission revenue21,076 30,626 51,702 14,803 25,033 39,836 
Asset-based revenueAsset-based revenue4,351 4,351 13,618 13,618 Asset-based revenue5,526 5,526 3,981 3,981 
Transaction and fee revenueTransaction and fee revenue1,067 2,981 4,048 1,054 2,554 3,608 Transaction and fee revenue1,192 7,467 8,659 1,137 4,627 5,764 
Total Wealth Management revenueTotal Wealth Management revenue$17,951 $117,981 $135,932 $24,249 $121,179 $145,428 Total Wealth Management revenue$22,268 $140,127 $162,395 $15,940 $99,944 $115,884 
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 16



Nine months ended September 30,Six months ended June 30,
2020201920212020
Recognized Upon TransactionRecognized Over TimeTotalRecognized Upon TransactionRecognized Over TimeTotalRecognized Upon TransactionRecognized Over TimeTotalRecognized Upon TransactionRecognized Over TimeTotal
Advisory revenueAdvisory revenue$$227,672 $227,672 $$176,746 $176,746 Advisory revenue$$187,627 $187,627 $$145,060 $145,060 
Commission revenueCommission revenue55,068 80,269 135,337 59,348 78,503 137,851 Commission revenue43,443 60,793 104,236 38,184 52,232 90,416 
Asset-based revenueAsset-based revenue18,911 18,911 36,530 36,530 Asset-based revenue10,855 10,855 14,560 14,560 
Transaction and fee revenueTransaction and fee revenue4,063 10,822 14,885 2,624 9,040 11,664 Transaction and fee revenue2,566 11,602 14,168 2,996 7,841 10,837 
Total Wealth Management revenueTotal Wealth Management revenue$59,131 $337,674 $396,805 $61,972 $300,819 $362,791 Total Wealth Management revenue$46,009 $270,877 $316,886 $41,180 $219,693 $260,873 
Tax PreparationSoftware revenue recognition
We generate Tax Software revenue from the sale of tax preparation digital services, packaged tax preparation software, ancillary services, and multiple element arrangements that may include a combination of these items.
The timing of Tax PreparationSoftware revenue recognition was as follows (in thousands):
Three months ended September 30,
20202019
Recognized Upon TransactionRecognized Over TimeTotalRecognized Upon TransactionRecognized Over TimeTotal
Consumer$38,480 $$38,482 $3,268 $1,012 $4,280 
Professional641 298 939 (619)(73)(692)
Total Tax Preparation revenue$39,121 $300 $39,421 $2,649 $939 $3,588 

Nine months ended September 30,
20202019
Recognized Upon TransactionRecognized Over TimeTotalRecognized Upon TransactionRecognized Over TimeTotal
Consumer$186,721 $$186,724 $188,340 $2,568 $190,908 
Professional13,822 2,444 16,266 12,682 2,143 14,825 
Total Tax Preparation revenue$200,543 $2,447 $202,990 $201,022 $4,711 $205,733 

Three months ended June 30,
20212020
Recognized Upon TransactionRecognized Over TimeTotalRecognized Upon TransactionRecognized Over TimeTotal
Consumer revenue$88,846 $$88,846 $44,420 $$44,421 
Professional revenue2,128 943 3,071 187 630 817 
Total Tax Software revenue$90,974 $943 $91,917 $44,607 $631 $45,238 
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 1712


Note 5: Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The following table presents goodwill by reportable segment (in thousands):
Wealth ManagementTax PreparationTotal
Balance as of December 31, 2019$473,833 $188,542 $662,375 
Purchase accounting adjustment(666)(666)
Acquired (1)58,137 58,137 
Impairment(270,625)(270,625)
Balance as of September 30, 2020$260,679 $188,542 $449,221 
Gross goodwill as of September 30, 2020$531,304 $188,542 $719,846 
Accumulated impairment as of September 30, 2020$(270,625)$$(270,625)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment, as of September 30, 2020$260,679 $188,542 $449,221 
_________________________
(1)Represents goodwill acquired in the HKFS Acquisition. For additional information, see "Note 3—Acquisitions."
Goodwill represents the cost of an acquisition less the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the acquired business. We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually, as of November 30, or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of one or more of our reporting units is less than its carrying amount. To determine whether it is necessary to perform a goodwill impairment test, we first assess qualitative factors to evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. We may elect to perform a goodwill impairment test without completing a qualitative assessment.
Beginning in March 2020, the coronavirus pandemic had a significant negative impact on the U.S. and global economy and caused substantial disruption in the U.S. and global securities markets, and as a result, negatively impacted certain key Wealth Management business drivers, such as client asset levels and interest rates. These macroeconomic and Company-specific factors, in totality, served as a triggering event that resulted in the testing of the goodwill of the Wealth Management reporting unit and the Tax Preparation reporting unit for potential impairment.
As part of the goodwill impairment test, we compared the estimated fair values of the Wealth Management and Tax Preparation reporting units to their respective carrying values. Estimated fair value was calculated using Level 3 inputs and utilized a blended valuation method that factored in the income approach and the market approach as of March 31, 2020. The income approach estimated fair value by using the present value of future discounted cash flows. Significant estimates used in the discounted cash flow model included our forecasted cash flows, our long-term rates of growth, and our weighted average cost of capital. The weighted average cost of capital factors in the relevant risk associated with business-specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the ability to achieve our projected cash flows. The market approach estimated fair value by taking income-based valuation multiples for a set of comparable companies and applying the valuation multiple to each reporting unit’s income.
For the Wealth Management reporting unit, the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeded its fair value by $270.6 million. Therefore, we recorded an impairment of goodwill of $270.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. For the Tax Preparation reporting unit, the carrying value of the reporting unit was significantly below its fair value, and therefore, no impairment of goodwill was deemed necessary.
While no goodwill impairment triggering events were identified during the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Wealth Management reporting unit is considered to be at risk for a future impairment of its goodwill in the event of a further decline in general economic, market, or business conditions, or any significant unfavorable changes in our forecasted revenue, expenses, cash flows, weighted average cost of capital, and/or market valuation multiples. We will continue to monitor for events and circumstances that could negatively impact the key assumptions in determining the fair value of the Wealth Management reporting unit.
Six months ended June 30,
20212020
Recognized Upon TransactionRecognized Over TimeTotalRecognized Upon TransactionRecognized Over TimeTotal
Consumer revenue$199,413 $$199,413 $148,241 $$148,242 
Professional revenue14,255 2,141 16,396 13,181 2,146 15,327 
Total Tax Software revenue$213,668 $2,141 $215,809 $161,422 $2,147 $163,569 

Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 18


Note 6:4: Debt
The Company’sOur debt consisted of the following as of the periods indicated in the table below (in thousands):
 September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
 Principal
amount
DiscountDebt issuance costsNet 
carrying
value
Principal
amount
DiscountDebt issuance costsNet 
carrying
value
Senior secured credit facility$563,609 $(4,452)$(4,958)$554,199 $399,687 $(1,366)$(5,608)$392,713 
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, net(1,782)(11,228)
Long-term debt, net$552,417 $381,485 
 June 30, 2021December 31, 2020
 Principal
amount
DiscountDebt issuance costsNet 
carrying
value
Principal
amount
DiscountDebt issuance costsNet 
carrying
value
Senior secured credit facility$562,250 $(3,612)$(4,022)$554,616 $563,156 $(4,173)$(4,646)$554,337 
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, net(1,788)(1,784)
Long-term debt, net$552,828 $552,553 
In May 2017, we entered into a credit agreement (as the same has been amended, the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders, thatwhich provides for a term loan facility (the “Term Loan”) and a revolving line of credit (including a letter of credit sub-facility) (the “Revolver”) for working capital, capital expenditures, and general business purposes (the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”).
Credit Agreement Amendments No. 1On April 26, 2021, to ensure adequate liquidity and No. 2
In November 2017, we amended the Credit Agreement in orderflexibility to refinance and reprice the initial Term Loan. In May 2019, we amended the Credit Agreement to, among other things, increase the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan by $125.0 million to finance the 1st Global Acquisition.
Credit Agreement Amendment No. 3
The Senior Secured Credit Facility includes financial and operating covenants, including a Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) that governs the Revolver. On May 1, 2020,support growth, we entered into Amendment No. 35 to the Credit Agreement ((the “Credit Agreement Amendment No. 3”Amendment”). This amendment amended the Credit Agreement to, among other things: (i) provide that, during the period commencing on the effective date of Credit Agreement Amendment No. 3 and ending on December 31, 2020 (the “Third Amendment Relief Period”), if an advance under the Revolver is requested, then the Company must be in pro forma compliance with certain covenants, (ii) provide that, for purposes of determining compliance with the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for the Revolver, during the Third Amendment Relief Period certain limitations to add-backs do not apply when calculating Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement), (iii) solely with respect to the Revolver, add restrictions on certain restricted payments during the Third Amendment Relief Period, and (iv) solely with respect to the Revolver, if the Revolver usage is over $0 on the last day of any calendar quarter during the Third Amendment Relief Period, impose a minimum liquidity financial covenant that requires the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to maintain liquidity of at least $115.0 million on the last day of such quarter. Solely with respect to the Revolver and solely if the Revolver usage exceeds $0 on the last day of any calendar quarter during the Third Amendment Relief Period, Credit Agreement Amendment No. 3 increases the maximum Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio to (i) 5.75 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2020 and (ii) 3.75 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarters ending September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020.
Credit Agreement Amendment No. 4
On July 1, 2020, the Company entered into Amendment No. 4Pursuant to the Credit Agreement (“Credit Agreement Amendment, No. 4”) in connection with the closing of the HKFS Acquisition. Pursuant to Credit Agreement Amendment No. 4, the Credit Agreement was amended to, among other things, (i) increaserefinance the Term Loan byexisting $65.0 million Revolver and add $25.0 million of additional revolving credit commitments, for an aggregate principal amount of $175.0$90.0 million and (ii) increase the applicable margin under the Term Loan to 4.00% for Eurodollar Rate Loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and 3.00% for ABR Loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Approximately $104.4 million of the proceeds from the increase to the Term Loan were used to fund the purchase price of the HKFS Acquisition, as well as to pay related fees and expenses. We intend to use the remainder of the proceeds from the increase to the Term Loan for additional working capital. The increase in the Term Loan resulted in non-capitalizable debt issuance costs of $3.7 million that were recognized as expense in “Other loss, net” on the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.
The Company is required to make mandatory annual prepayments on the Term Loan in certain circumstances, including in the event that the Company generates Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) in a
Blucora, Inc.revolving credit commitments (the | “New Revolver”Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 19).


given fiscal year. The Credit Agreement permits the Company to voluntarily prepay the Term Loan without premium or penalty, subject to a 1.00% premium for certain prepayments made during the first six months following the effective date of Credit Agreement Amendment No. 4. The Company is required to make principal amortization payments on the Term Loan quarterly on the last business day of each March, June, September and December, beginning on September 30, 2020, in an amount equal to $0.5 million (subject to reduction for prepayments), with the remaining principal amount of the Term Loan due on the maturity date of May 22, 2024.
Depending on the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement), the applicable interest rate margin on the Revolver is from 2.75% to 3.25% for Eurodollar Rate Loans and 1.75% to 2.25% for ABR Loans. Interest is payable at the end of each interest period.
As of SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, the Senior Secured Credit Facility provided for up to $740.0$765.0 million of borrowings and consisted of a committed $65.0$90.0 million under the New Revolver and a $675.0 million Term Loan that mature on May 22, 2022February 21, 2024 and May 22, 2024, respectively. Obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Facility are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and secured by substantially all the assets of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries (including certain subsidiaries acquired in the HKFS Acquisition and certain other material subsidiaries). The Senior Secured Credit Facility includes financial and operating covenants (including a Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio), which are set forth in detail in the Credit Agreement.
As of SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, we had $563.6$562.3 million in principal amount outstanding under the Term Loan and 0 amounts outstanding under the New Revolver. Based on aggregate loan commitments as of SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, approximately $65.0$90.0 million was available for future borrowing under the Senior Secured Credit Facility, subject to customary terms and conditions.
The interest rate on the Term Loan is variable at the London Interbank Offered Rate, plus the applicable interest rate margin of 4.0% for Eurodollar Rate Loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and 3.0% for ABR Loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement). As of June 30, 2021, the applicable interest rate on the Term Loan was 5.0%.
The Company is required to make mandatory annual prepayments on the Term Loan in certain circumstances, including in the event that the Company generates Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) in a given fiscal year. The Credit Agreement permits the Company to voluntarily prepay the Term Loan without premium or penalty. The Company is required to make principal amortization payments on the Term Loan quarterly on the last business day of each March, June, September, and December, in an amount equal to $0.5 million (subject to reduction for prepayments), with the remaining principal amount of the Term Loan due on the maturity date of May 22, 2024.
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 13


Depending on the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement), the applicable interest rate margin on the New Revolver ranges from 2.0% to 2.5% for Eurodollar Rate Loans and 1.0% to 1.5% for ABR Loans. The Company is required to pay a commitment fee on the undrawn commitment under the New Revolver in a percentage that is dependent on the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio that ranges from 0.35% to 0.4%. Interest is payable at the end of each interest period.
Pursuant to the Credit Agreement Amendment, if the Company’s usage of the New Revolver exceeds 30% of the aggregate commitments under the New Revolver on the last day of any calendar quarter, the Company shall not permit the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to exceed (i) 4.75 to 1.00 for the period beginning on April 1, 2021 and ending on December 31, 2021, (ii) 4.25 to 1.00 for the period beginning on January 1, 2022 and ending on September 30, 2022, (iii) 4.00 to 1.00 for the period beginning on October 1, 2022 and ending on December 31, 2022, and (iv) 3.50 to 1.00 for the period beginning on January 1, 2023 and ending on February 21, 2024.

Note 7:5: Leases
Our leases are primarily related to office space and are classified as operating leases. Operating lease expense, net of sublease income, is recognized in “General and administrative” expense (for net lease expense related to leases used in our operations) and “Acquisition and integration” expense (for net lease expense related to the unoccupied lease resulting from the acquisition of 1st Global, Acquisition)Inc. and 1st Global Insurance Services, Inc. (together, “1st Global”) in 2019 (the “1st Global Acquisition”)) on the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Lease expense, cash paid on operating lease liabilities, and lease liabilities obtained from new right-of-use assets for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and 20192020 were as follows (in thousands):
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,
2021202020212020
Fixed lease expense$1,099 $2,050 $2,253 $4,086 
Variable lease expense102 286 245 587 
Lease expense, before sublease income1,201 2,336 2,498 4,673 
Sublease income(116)(329)(232)(655)
Total lease expense, net of sublease income$1,085 $2,007 $2,266 $4,018 
Additional lease information:
Cash paid on operating lease liabilities$228 $1,282 $445 $2,472 
Lease liabilities obtained from new right-of-use assets (1)
$93 $$93 $20,414 
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2020201920202019
Fixed lease expense$1,566 $1,373 $5,652 $3,628 
Variable lease expense191 298 778 940 
Lease expense, before sublease income1,757 1,671 6,430 4,568 
Sublease income(464)(326)(1,119)(961)
Total lease expense, net of sublease income$1,293 $1,345 $5,311 $3,607 
Additional lease information:
Cash paid on operating lease liabilities$1,037 $1,252 $3,509 $3,357 
Lease liabilities obtained from new right-of-use assets$1,352 $$21,766 $15,829 
__________________________
(1)Lease liabilities obtained from new right-of-use assets for the six months ended June 30, 2020 resulted from the new corporate headquarters lease that commenced in January 2020.
As of SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, our weighted-average remaining operating lease term was approximately 11.310.8 years, and our weighted-average operating lease discount rate was 5.4%.
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 14


Operating leases were recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows (in thousands):
June 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Lease liabilities—current$3,768 $2,304 
Lease liabilities—long-term34,765 36,404 
Total operating lease liabilities$38,533 $38,708 
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Lease liabilities—current$1,552 $3,223 
Lease liabilities—long-term36,973 5,865 
Total operating lease liabilities$38,525 $9,088 
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 20


The scheduled maturities of the Company'sour operating lease liabilities as of SeptemberJune 30, 2020 were2021 are as follows (in thousands):
(in thousands)
Undiscounted cash flows:
Remainder of 2020$309 
20212,666 
20225,056 
20235,138 
20245,077 
Thereafter$35,337 
Total undiscounted cash flows$53,583 
Imputed interest(15,058)
Present value of cash flows$38,525 

Lease liabilities obtained from new right-of-use assets were $1.4 million and $21.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. In 2019, we signed a new corporate headquarters lease, which commenced in January 2020 and, therefore, a right-of-use asset of $20.7 million and a lease liability of $20.4 million was reflected on the condensed consolidated financial statements beginning in January 2020. The new headquarters lease is classified as an operating lease, and the term of the lease extends to June 2033. Lease payments begin in August 2021 and will result in $45.2 million in undiscounted fixed lease payments, which are partially offset by a $9.7 million tenant improvement allowance. Under the new lease, we will also make variable payments for operating expenses and utilities.
As part of the HKFS Acquisition, we acquired various operating leases, for which we recognized a right-of-use asset of $1.5 million and a lease liability of $1.4 million as of the HKFS Acquisition date. The acquired leases primarily relate to office spaces and have remaining lease terms ranging from one year to four years.
In addition, in July 2020, we began subleasing a portion of our former office building (acquired in the 1st Global Acquisition) located in Dallas, TX. As the terms of the sublease were at rental rates below those of the original building lease, we tested the related asset group (which consisted of the right-of-use asset and leasehold improvements) for impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of the asset group to its carrying value. Estimated fair value was calculated using a discounted cash flow analysis that utilized Level 3 inputs, which included forecasted cash flows and a discount rate derived from market data. As the carrying value of the asset group exceeded its estimated fair value, we determined the asset group to be impaired. As a result, we recognized impairment expense of $4.1 million, which was included in “Acquisition and integration” expense on the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.
Undiscounted cash flows:
Remainder of 2021$1,407 
20225,040 
20235,172 
20245,080 
20255,013 
Thereafter30,324 
Total undiscounted cash flows52,036 
Imputed interest(13,503)
 Present value of cash flows$38,533 

Note 8:6: Balance Sheet Components
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net, consisted of the following (in thousands):
June 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Prepaid expenses$10,784 $9,643 
Other current assets3,188 678 
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets, net$13,972 $10,321 
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Prepaid expenses$6,044 $7,982 
Prepaid regulatory license fees498 1,991 
Prepaid insurance339 1,492 
Prepaid advertising1,991 322 
Other current assets556 562 
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets, net$9,428 $12,349 
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 21


Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Salaries and related expenses$17,207 $15,053 
HKFS Contingent Consideration liability (1)11,370 
Contingent liability from 1st Global Acquisition11,328 11,052 
Retained purchase price from 1st Global Acquisition1,050 
Accrued vendor and advertising costs1,159 4,351 
Other1,751 4,638 
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities$42,815 $36,144 
June 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Salaries and related expenses$18,801 $19,317 
HKFS Contingent Consideration liability (1)(2)
30,000 17,900 
Contingent liability from 1st Global Acquisition (2)
16,828 11,328 
Accrued vendor and advertising costs3,445 2,606 
Accrued taxes4,525 240 
Other current liabilities6,760 5,028 
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities$80,359 $56,419 
__________________________
(1)Represents the short-term portion of the HKFS Contingent Consideration liability. The long-term portion of the HKFS Contingent Consideration liability was classified in “Other long-term liabilities” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Note 9: Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, certain of our assets and liabilities are carried at fair value and are valued using inputs that are classified in one of the following three categories:sheets.
(2)Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs, other than Level 1, or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market dataFor more information on contingent liabilities, see "Note 7—Commitments and reflect our own assumptions.Contingencies."
Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis
The fair value hierarchy of our financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis was as follows (in thousands):
  Fair value measurements at the reporting date using
 September 30, 2020Quoted prices in
active markets
using identical 
assets
(Level 1)
Significant other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
Cash equivalents: money market and other funds$4,290 $4,290 $$
Total assets at fair value$4,290 $4,290 $$
HKFS Contingent Consideration$26,600 $$$26,600 
Total liabilities at fair value$26,600 $$$26,600 
  Fair value measurements at the reporting date using
 December 31, 2019Quoted prices in
active markets
using identical 
assets
(Level 1)
Significant other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
Cash equivalents: money market and other funds$4,264 $4,264 $$
Total assets at fair value$4,264 $4,264 $$— 

Cash equivalents are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because we value cash equivalents utilizing quoted prices in active markets.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 2215


On the HKFS Acquisition date, we recognized a liability related to the HKFS Contingent Consideration (see "Note 3—Acquisitions") of $27.6 million. The amount of the 2 potential earn-out payments under the HKFS Contingent Consideration arrangement is determined based on advisory asset levels and the achievement of certain performance goals (i) for the period beginning on July 1, 2020 and ending July 1, 2021 and (ii) for the period beginning on July 1, 2021 and ending on July 1, 2022.
The estimated fair value of HKFS Contingent Consideration was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model in a risk neutral framework with the underlying simulated variable of advisory asset levels and the related achievement of certain advisory asset growth levels. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilized Level 3 inputs, which included forecasted advisory asset levels at July 1, 2021 and July 1, 2022, a credit-adjusted discount rate of 11.5%, volatility of 33.5%, and a credit spread of 4.7%. Significant increases to the discount rate, volatility, or credit spread inputs would have resulted in a significantly lower fair value measurement, with a similar inverse relationship existing for significant decreases to these inputs. A significant increase to the forecasted advisory assets levels would have resulted in a significantly higher fair value measurement, with a directionally-similar change resulting from a significantly lower fair value measurement.
A reconciliation of the HKFS Contingent Consideration liability was as follows (in thousands):
HKFS Contingent Consideration Liability
Balance as of December 31, 2019$
Recognized at HKFS Acquisition27,600 
Valuation change included in net income (1)(1,000)
Balance as of September 30, 2020$26,600 
_________________________
(1)Recognized in “Acquisition and integration” expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.
Fair value of financial instruments
We consider the carrying values of accounts receivable, commissions receivable, other receivables, prepaid expenses, other current assets, accounts payable, commissions and advisory fees payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities to approximate fair values primarily due to their short-term natures.
As of September 30, 2020, the Term Loan’s principal amount was $563.6 million, and the fair value of the Term Loan’s principal amount was $552.3 million. The fair value of the Term Loan’s principal amount was based on Level 2 inputs from a third-party market quotation. As of December 31, 2019, the Term Loan’s principal amount approximated its fair value as the Term Loan is a variable rate instrument, and its applicable margin at that date approximated market conditions.
As of December 31, 2019, the Revolver’s principal amount outstanding approximated its fair value as the Revolver is a variable rate instrument and its applicable margin approximated market conditions. As of September 30, 2020, we had 0 amounts outstanding under the Revolver.

Note 10:7: Commitments and Contingencies
Contingent liability from 1st Global Acquisition
On May 6, 2019, we closed the 1st Global Acquisition. As part of the 1st Global Acquisition, we assumed a contingent liability related to a regulatory inquiry and recorded the contingent liability as part of the opening balance sheet. We evaluated a range of probable losses, resulting in a contingent liability reserve balance (including accrued interest) of $11.3 million at December 31, 2020.
In the second quarter of 2021, we re-evaluated the range of probable losses as a result of our on-going discussions with the SEC. While the regulatory inquiry, which is related to certain pre-acquisition matters, is still on-going, we increased our contingent liability reserve to $16.8 million as of June 30, 2021, and this $5.5 million increase to the contingent liability reserve was recognized in “Acquisition and integration” expense on the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.
As part of the 1st Global Acquisition, we purchased representation and warranty insurance from a third party to supplement the indemnification provisions of the stock purchase agreement, dated as of March 18, 2019, by and among 1G Acquisitions, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, 1st Global, Inc. and 1st Global Insurance Services, Inc., certain selling stockholders named therein and joinder sellers (the “1st Global Sellers”) and SAB Representative, LLC, as the Sellers’ representative, pursuant to which, the 1st Global Sellers agreed, among other things, to indemnify us from certain losses arising from breaches of representation, warranties, and covenants. At this time, we cannot yet estimate with reasonable probability the recovery related to these matters from insurance or the 1st Global Sellers, if any.
Contingent consideration liability from HKFS Acquisition
On July 1, 2020, we closed the HKFS Acquisition for an upfront cash purchase price of $104.4 million. The purchase price is subject to 2 post-closing earn-out payments (the “HKFS Contingent Consideration”) by us.
The amount of the HKFS Contingent Consideration is determined based on advisory asset levels and the achievement of certain performance goals (i) for the period beginning on July 1, 2020 and ending on July 1, 2021 and (ii) for the period beginning on July 1, 2021 and ending on July 1, 2022. Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 6, 2020, by and among the Company, HKFS, the selling stockholders named therein (the “Sellers”), and JRD Seller Representative, LLC, as the Sellers’ representative (as amended on April 7, 2020, June 30, 2020, and June 29, 2021), the maximum aggregate amount that we would be required to pay for each earn-out period is $30.0 million. If the asset values on the applicable measurement date fall below certain specified thresholds, we would not be required to make any earn-out payment to the Sellers for such period.
The HKFS Contingent Consideration liability was valued at $53.7 million on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021. Based on advisory asset levels and the achievement of performance goals for the first earn-out period, we will make the full $30.0 million payment in the third quarter of 2021. For additional information on the HKFS Contingent Consideration, see "Note 8—Fair Value Measurements."
Litigation
From time to time, we are subject to various legal proceedings, regulatory matters or fines, or claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. We accrue a liability when management believes both that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and that the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.
Aside from the contingent liability related to the 1st Global Acquisition and the contingent considerationHKFS Contingent Consideration liability, related to the HKFS Acquisition (see “Note 3—Acquisitions”), we are not currently party to any such matters for which we have incurredrecognized a material liability on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Note 8—Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, certain of our assets and liabilities are carried at fair value and are valued using inputs that are classified in one of the following three categories:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 2316


Level 2: Observable market-based inputs, other than Level 1, or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data and reflect our own assumptions.
Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis
The fair value hierarchy of our financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis was as follows (in thousands):
  Fair value measurements at the reporting date using
 June 30, 2021Quoted prices in
active markets
using identical 
assets
(Level 1)
Significant other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
Cash equivalents: money market and other funds$4,292 $4,292 $$
Total assets at fair value$4,292 $4,292 $$
HKFS Contingent Consideration$53,700 $$$53,700 
Total liabilities at fair value$53,700 $$$53,700 
  Fair value measurements at the reporting date using
 December 31, 2020Quoted prices in
active markets
using identical 
assets
(Level 1)
Significant other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
Cash equivalents: money market and other funds$4,290 $4,290 $$
Total assets at fair value$4,290 $4,290 $$— 
HKFS Contingent Consideration$35,900 $$$35,900 
Total liabilities at fair value$35,900 $$$35,900 
Cash equivalents are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because we value cash equivalents utilizing quoted prices in active markets.
The HKFS Contingent Consideration liability relates to the 2 post-closing earn-out payments resulting from the HKFS Acquisition (see "Note 7—Commitments and Contingencies"). As of June 30, 2021, the fair value of the HKFS Contingent Consideration liability was $53.7 million. The portion of the HKFS Contingent Consideration liability related to the first earn-out period was $30.0 million as of June 30, 2021, and this value was based on the earn-out payment (calculated in accordance with the amended HKFS Purchase Agreement and based on actual advisory asset levels as of June 30, 2021) we will make in the third quarter of 2021.
The estimated fair value of the portion of the HKFS Contingent Consideration liability related to the second earn-out period was $23.7 million as of June 30, 2021. The estimated fair value of the second earn-out payment was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model in a risk neutral framework with the underlying simulated variable of advisory asset levels and the related achievement of certain advisory asset growth levels. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilized Level 3 inputs, which included forecasted advisory asset levels at July 1, 2022, a risk-adjusted discount rate (which reflects the risk in the advisory asset projection) of 12.2%, volatility of 27.3%, and a credit spread of 1.8%. Significant increases to the discount rate, volatility, or credit spread inputs would have resulted in a significantly lower fair value measurement, with a similar inverse relationship existing for significant decreases to these inputs. A significant increase to the forecasted advisory assets levels would have resulted in a significantly higher fair value measurement, while a significant decrease to the forecasted advisory asset levels would have resulted in a significantly lower fair value measurement.
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 17


A reconciliation of the HKFS Contingent Consideration liability was as follows (in thousands):
HKFS Contingent Consideration Liability
Balance as of December 31, 2020 (1)
$35,900 
Valuation change recognized as expense (2)
17,800 
Balance as of June 30, 2021 (1)
$53,700 
_________________________
(1)The short-term portion of the HKFS Contingent Consideration is recorded in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and will be paid in the third quarter of 2021. The long-term portion of the HKFS Contingent Consideration is recorded in “Other long-term liabilities” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and is expected to be paid in the third quarter of 2022.
(2)Recognized in “Acquisition and integration” expense on the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the six months ended June 30, 2021. For the three months ended June 30, 2021, we recognized a valuation change of $11.5 million.

Fair value of financial instruments
We consider the carrying values of accounts receivable, commissions and advisory fees receivable, other receivables, prepaid expenses, other current assets, accounts payable, commissions and advisory fees payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities to approximate fair values primarily due to their short-term natures.
As of June 30, 2021, the Term Loan’s principal amount was $562.3 million, which equaled its fair value. As of December 31, 2020, the Term Loan’s principal amount was $563.2 million, and the fair value of the Term Loan’s principal amount was $561.7 million. The fair value of the Term Loan’s principal amount was based on Level 2 inputs from a third-party market quotation.
As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had 0 amounts outstanding under the Revolver.

Note 11:9: Other Loss, Net
“Other loss, net” on the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following (in thousands):
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2020201920202019
Interest expense$7,254 $5,469 $17,410 $14,015 
Amortization of debt issuance costs362 301 1,006 848 
Accretion of debt discounts276 66 414 189 
Total interest expense7,892 5,836 18,830 15,052 
Interest income(2)(52)(27)(341)
Gain on sale of a business(349)(3,256)(349)(3,256)
Non-capitalized debt issuance expenses3,687 3,687 
Other735 78 1,245 227 
Other loss, net$11,963 $2,606 $23,386 $11,682 
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,
2021202020212020
Interest expense$7,302 $4,840 $14,485 $10,156 
Amortization of debt issuance costs377 331 740 644 
Accretion of debt discounts284 70 561 138 
Total interest expense7,963 5,241 15,786 10,938 
Interest income(11)(2)(25)
Other61 58 123 510 
Other loss, net$8,024 $5,288 $15,907 $11,423 

Note 12:10: Income Taxes
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,
 2021202020212020
Income tax benefit (expense)$(1,994)$59,539 $(3,694)$(7,981)
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
Income tax benefit (expense)$(15,256)$12,331 $(23,237)$16,470 

The Company recorded income tax expense of $15.3$2.0 million and $23.2$3.7 million for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021, respectively. For 2021, the Company has prepared its interim tax provision by applying a year-to-date effective tax rate. For 2020, respectively. the Company prepared its interim tax provision by applying an estimated annual effective tax rate. We believe using the actual year-to-date effective tax rate in 2021 resulted in the best estimate of the annual effective tax rate.
The Company'sCompany’s effective income tax rate for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021 differed from the 21% statutory rate primarily due to the release of valuation allowances and the effect of state income taxes. We currently expect to continue to release portions of valuation allowances, which were previously recorded in
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 18


connection with our net operating losses, to offset future federal income tax liabilities. The majority of these net operating losses will either be utilized or expire between 2021 and 2024.
The Company recorded income tax benefit of $59.5 million and income tax expense of $8.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively. The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 differed from the 21% statutory rate primarily due to expiring net operating loss tax benefits, in the current year, an adjustment to the valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets for net operating losses expected to expire in future years, of $23.5 million, and non-deductible officer compensation expense. The goodwill impairment charge of $270.6 million did not have an impact on the estimated annual effective income tax rate.
In addition, the Company has elected to treat the HKFS Acquisition as an asset acquisition under the Internal Revenue Code, and therefore, the Company will have a tax basis in all assets acquired equal to the purchase price. As a result, there are no basis differences in assets or liabilities on the opening balance sheet.
The Company recorded income tax benefits of $12.3 million and $16.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 differed from the 21% statutory rate primarily due to the release of valuation allowances, offset by the effect of state income taxes, non-deductible compensation, and acquisition costs. For the three months ended September 30, 2019, our discrete benefit of $10.6 million primarily related to the HD Vest trade name impairment and impacts associated with the 1st Global Acquisition.

Note 13:11: Net Income Per Share
“Basic net income (loss) per share” is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. “Diluted net income (loss) per share” is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the number of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and the vesting of unvested RSUs.restricted stock units. Dilutive potential common shares are excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share if their effect is antidilutive.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 24


The calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc. is as follows (in thousands):
 Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc.$(26,206)$(62,386)$(292,055)$30,820 
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic48,039 48,652 47,936 48,456 
Dilutive potential common shares (1)1,140 
Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted48,039 48,652 47,936 49,596 
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc.:
Basic$(0.55)$(1.28)$(6.09)$0.64 
Diluted$(0.55)$(1.28)$(6.09)$0.62 
Shares excluded (1)3,165 3,084 2,869 1,217 
 Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,
 2021202020212020
Numerator:
Net income (loss)$31,608 $49,645 $59,254 $(265,849)
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic48,508 47,941 48,384 47,884 
Dilutive potential common shares (1)
877 151 857 
Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted49,385 48,092 49,241 47,884 
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic$0.65 $1.04 $1.22 $(5.55)
Diluted$0.64 $1.03 $1.20 $(5.55)
Shares excluded (1)
1,248 2,349 1,269 2,722 
_________________________
(1)Potential common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share for these periods because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. For the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020, and the three months ended September 30, 2019, all potential common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive due to the net loss recognized for the periods.period.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 2519


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto included under Part I, Item 1 and the section titled “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this Form 10-Q, as well as with our consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes thereto, and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.2020.
Our BusinessOverview
Blucora, Inc. (the “Company,” “Blucora,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is a leading provider of technology-enabled, tax-smart financial solutions tointegrated tax-focused wealth management services and software, assisting consumers, small business owners, tax professionals, financial professionals, and certified public accounting firms. Blucora empowers(“CPA”) firms in achieving better long-term outcomes via holistic, tax-advantaged solutions. Our mission is to empower people to improve their financial wellness through itsdata and technology-driven solutions. We conduct our operations through two primary businesses: (1) the Wealth Management business and (2) the Tax PreparationSoftware business. Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BCOR.”
Wealth Management
The Wealth Management business consists of the operations of Avantax Wealth Management (“Avantax”) and HKFS (defined below)Avantax Planning Partners (collectively, the “Wealth Management business” or the “Wealth Management segment”).
Avantax Wealth Management provides tax-focused wealth management solutions for financial professionals, tax preparers, certified public accountingprofessionals, CPA firms, and their clients. Avantax Wealth Management offers its services through its registered broker-dealer, registered investment advisor (“RIA”), and insurance agency subsidiaries and is the largestleading U.S. tax-focused independent broker-dealer. Avantax Wealth Management works with a nationwide network of financial professionals that operate as independent contractors. Avantax Wealth Management provides these financial professionals with an integrated platform of technical, practice, compliance, and product support tools that enable them to assist in making each financial professional a comprehensive financial service center for his or heroffer tax-advantaged investing and wealth management services to their clients. Avantax formerly operated under the HD Vest and 1st Global brands prior to the rebranding of the Wealth Management business to Avantax Wealth Management in 2019.
On July 1, 2020, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Honkamp Krueger Financial Services, Inc. (“HKFS,” and such acquisition, the “HKFS Acquisition”). HKFSAvantax Planning Partners operates as a captive, oran employee-based RIA and wealth management business that partners with CPA firms in order to provide their consumer and small business clients with holistic financial planning and financial advisory services.services, as well as retirement plan solutions through Avantax Retirement Plan Services. Avantax Planning Partners formerly operated as Honkamp Krueger Financial Services, Inc. (“HKFS”). On July 1, 2020, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding common stock of HKFS (the “HKFS Acquisition”). The operations of HKFS are included in our operating results as part of the Wealth Management segment from the date of the HKFS Acquisition. For additional information, see “On January 4, 2021, we announced the rebranding of HKFS to Avantax Planning Partners (the Business Developments—HKFS Acquisition“Rebranding”” below.). The Rebranding was designed to create tighter brand alignment, bringing the Wealth Management business under one common and recognizable brand.
As of SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, the Wealth Management business worked with a nationwide network of 3,9753,606 financial professionals and supported $76.2$87.8 billion of total client assets, including $32.4$39.4 billion of advisory assets.
Tax PreparationSoftware
The Tax PreparationSoftware business consists of the operations of TaxAct, Inc. (“TaxAct,” the “Tax PreparationSoftware business,” or the “Tax PreparationSoftware segment”) and provides digital tax preparation solutionsservices, packaged tax software, and ancillary services for consumers, small business owners, and tax professionals through its website www.TaxAct.com.
Business Developments
HKFS Acquisition
On July 1, 2020, we closed the HKFS Acquisition for an upfront cash purchase price of $104.4 million, which was paid with a portion of the proceeds from the $175.0 million increase in the Term Loan (as definedwww.TaxAct.com and discussed in “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Indebtedness”). The purchase price is subjectits mobile applications. We had referred to customary adjustment and two potential post-closing earn-out payments (the “HKFS Contingent Consideration”) by us, as well as a customary indemnity escrow.
The amount of the HKFS Contingent Consideration is determined based on advisory asset levels and the achievement of certain performance goals (i) for the period beginning on July 1, 2020 and ending on July 1, 2021 and (ii) for the period beginning on July 1, 2021 and ending on July 1, 2022. Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 6, 2020, by and among the Company, HKFS, the selling stockholders named therein (the “Sellers”), and JRD Seller Representative, LLC,this business as the Sellers’ representative (as amended, the“Tax Preparation business” and “Tax Preparation segment” in previous filings.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 26


“Purchase Agreement”), the maximum aggregate amount that we would be required to pay for each earn-out period is $30.0 million, provided that any unearned amounts during the first earn-out period may also be earned during the second earn-out period. If the asset values on the applicable measurement date fall below certain specified thresholds, we would not be required to make any earn-out payment to the Sellers for such period.
The complementary nature of the HKFS Acquisition is expected to expand our established leadership in tax-aware investing and enhance our ability to better service clients and enable better outcomes for our Wealth Management business through the following primary drivers:
increasing our total addressable market by swiftly entering the large, adjacent captive RIA space;
expanding our product offerings, enabling us to serve an expanded set of CPA firms and tax professionals, expanding the reach of our Tax-Smart Investing software, as well as enabling us to offer end-to-end retirement plan services for small business clients; and
providing multiple avenues for enhancing future growth opportunities by improving asset retention, increasing prospect conversion, and offering turn-key retirement plan services to the full Avantax financial professional and client base, all on top of a highly scalable HKFS platform.

For additional information on the HKFS Acquisition, see “Item 1. Financial Statements—Note 3.”
Coronavirus pandemicCOVID-19 Pandemic
Beginning in March 2020, the coronavirusCOVID-19 pandemic has had a significant negative impact on the U.S. and global economy, and caused substantial disruption in the U.S. and global securities markets, and as a result, negatively impacted both our Wealth Management and Tax PreparationSoftware businesses. In addition, the various precautionary measures and accommodations taken by many governmental authorities in the United States and around the world in order to limit the spread of COVID-19, as well as the societal response, have had, and could continue to have, an adverse effect on the U.S. and global markets and economy. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may impact our results in the future will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including the duration and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of new variants of the virus,
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 20


the likelihood of a resurgence of positive cases, the effectiveness, availability and acceptance of vaccines, global economic conditions during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and governmental actions that have been taken, or may be taken in the future, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In our Wealth Management business, the economic and financial market disruption causedamount of cash sweep revenue we generate continues to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic negatively impactedlow interest rate environment. In March 2020, the value of some ofFederal Reserve lowered its target range for the federal funds rate to 0.00-0.25%. As our clients’ assets duringcash sweep revenue is based on a rate derived from the federal funds rate, cash sweep revenue in all quarters subsequent to the first quarter of 2020 which caused a corresponding decline in the amounthas been materially reduced. We expect continued low levels of revenue that we generated from these client assets. Further, we have experienced a decline in transaction-based commission revenue from lower trading volumes, as well as significantly reduced cash sweep revenue due to changes in prevailing interest rates. Positive financial market movement in the second and third quarters of 2020 increased advisory and brokerage asset balances, and we expect these higher client asset balances will benefit advisory fees and trailing commissions for the fourth quarter of 2020. Overall, revenues in our Wealth Management business will remain susceptible to being adversely affected in future periods in which pandemic-influenced economic and market factors remain present.the federal funds rate is at reduced levels, although we may experience an increase in cash sweep revenue should the federal funds rate increase.
In our Tax PreparationSoftware segment, our revenue and operating income generation is highly seasonal, with a significant portion of our annual revenue typically earned in the first four monthstwo quarters of our fiscal year. During the third and fourth quarters, the Tax PreparationSoftware segment typically reports losses because revenue from the segment is minimal while core operating expenses continue.
As a result of the coronavirusCOVID-19 pandemic, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) extended the filing and payment deadline for tax year 2019 federal tax returns to July 15, 2020. This extension resulted in the shifting of a significant portion of Tax PreparationSoftware segment revenue that iswould typically have been expected to be earned in the first and second quarters of 2020 to the third quarter of 2020. In addition, sales and marketing expenses have beenwere elevated in 2020 due to incremental investment in March 2020 to address weak performance through the first two months of the tax season, as well as increased marketing required due to the extended tax season. Additionally, the IRS was selected by the U.S Congress as the vehicle for distribution of the first round of Economic Impact Payments (“EIP1”), which caused significant disruption to the 2020 tax season. As a result of these factors,the extension of the 2020 tax season and the EIP1 disruption, our results of operations for our Tax PreparationSoftware segment were negatively impacted for the nine months ended September 30,in 2020 compared to the corresponding periods in prior years.
As a result of the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including disruptions associated with the distribution of the second and third rounds of Economic Impact Payments, the IRS delayed the start of the 2021 tax season and extended the filing and payment deadline for tax year 2020 federal tax returns from April 15, 2021 to May 17, 2021. In addition, the IRS extended the federal filing and payment deadline for Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma to June 15, 2021. Beyond federal filings, the majority of states also extended their filing and payment deadlines for tax year 2020 state tax returns. This extension resulted in the shifting of a significant portion of Tax Software segment revenue that would typically have been expected to be earned in the first quarter of 2021 to the second quarter of 2021.
The typical seasonality of our Tax Software business has been affected by these changes to the tax filing deadlines to May 17, 2021 for the 2020 tax year and to July 15, 2020 for the 2019 tax year. This change in seasonality has caused significant fluctuations in our quarterly and year-to-date financial results and affected the comparability of our financial results. As a result, the results of operations for the Tax Software segment are not as comparable for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 as they would have been in previous years.
For additional information on the effects of the coronavirusCOVID-19 pandemic on our results of operations, see “Results of Operations” below. For more information on the risks related to the coronavirusCOVID-19 pandemic, see Part II,I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 under the subheading, “Pandemics, including the recent coronavirusThe current COVID-19 pandemic could have a Material Adverse Effect.”
1st Global Acquisition
On May 6, 2019, we closed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common stock of 1st Global, Inc. and 1st Global Insurance Services, Inc. (together, “1st Global”), a tax-focused wealth management company, for a cash purchase price of $180.0 million (the “1st Global Acquisition”). The 1st Global Acquisition was strategically important as it expanded our presence as the largest U.S. tax-focused independent broker-dealer while also providing the scale to compete more broadly in the wealth management market. The operations of 1st Global
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 27


are included in our operating results as part of the Wealth Management segment from the date of the 1st Global Acquisition. For additional information, see “Item 1. Financial Statements—Note 3.”


Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 2821



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Summary
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDNine months endedYTD
September 30,ChangeSeptember 30,Change
 20202019$%20202019$%
Revenue:
Wealth Management$135,932 $145,428 $(9,496)(7)%$396,805 $362,791 $34,014 %
Tax Preparation39,421 3,588 35,833 999 %202,990 205,733 (2,743)(1)%
Total revenue$175,353 $149,016 $26,337 18 %$599,795 $568,524 $31,271 %
Operating income (loss):
Wealth Management$17,498 $20,631 $(3,133)(15)%$51,827 $49,150 $2,677 %
Tax Preparation16,234 (12,075)28,309 (234)%60,646 108,565 (47,919)(44)%
Corporate-level activity(32,719)(80,667)47,948 (59)%(357,905)(131,683)(226,222)172 %
Operating income (loss)1,013 (72,111)73,124 (101)%(245,432)26,032 (271,464)(1043)%
Other loss, net(11,963)(2,606)(9,357)359 %(23,386)(11,682)(11,704)100 %
Income (loss) before income taxes(10,950)(74,717)63,767 (85)%(268,818)14,350 (283,168)(1973)%
Income tax benefit (expense)(15,256)12,331 (27,587)(224)%(23,237)16,470 (39,707)(241)%
Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc.$(26,206)$(62,386)$36,180 (58)%$(292,055)$30,820 $(322,875)(1048)%
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDSix months endedYTD
June 30,ChangeJune 30,Change
 20212020$%20212020$%
Revenue:
Wealth Management$162,395 $115,884 $46,511 40 %$316,886 $260,873 $56,013 21 %
Tax Software91,917 45,238 46,679 103 %215,809 163,569 52,240 32 %
Total revenue$254,312 $161,122 $93,190 58 %$532,695 $424,442 $108,253 26 %
Operating income (loss):
Wealth Management$21,396 $11,731 $9,665 82 %$40,792 $34,329 $6,463 19 %
Tax Software63,448 6,659 56,789 853 %114,336 44,412 $69,924 157 %
Corporate-level activity(43,218)(22,996)(20,222)(88)%(76,273)(325,186)248,913 77 %
Operating income (loss)41,626 (4,606)46,232 1004 %78,855 (246,445)325,300 132 %
Other loss, net(8,024)(5,288)(2,736)(52)%(15,907)(11,423)(4,484)(39)%
Income (loss) before income taxes33,602 (9,894)43,496 440 %62,948 (257,868)320,816 124 %
Income tax benefit (expense)(1,994)59,539 (61,533)(103)%(3,694)(7,981)4,287 54 %
Net income (loss)$31,608 $49,645 $(18,037)(36)%$59,254 $(265,849)325,103 122 %
For the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019, net loss decreased $36.2 million primarily due to the following factors:
Wealth Management segment operating income decreased $3.1 million primarily due to a $9.5 million decrease in revenue, partially offset by a $6.4 million decrease in operating expenses. Wealth management results were negatively affected by lower cash sweep revenue and lower commission revenue, which was partially offset by an increase in advisory revenue primarily due to the HKFS Acquisition.
Tax Preparation segment operating income increased $28.3 million primarily due to a $35.8 million increase in revenue, which was partially offset by a $7.5 million increase in operating expenses that primarily resulted from the extension of the federal tax return filing deadline to July 15, 2020.
Corporate-level expenses decreased $47.9 million primarily due to a $50.9 million intangible asset impairment recognized in the third quarter of 2019, which was partially offset by a $3.5 million increase in acquisition and integration costs.
The Company recorded income tax expense of $15.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to an income tax benefit of $12.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019, net income decreased $322.9$18.0 million primarily due to the following factors:
Wealth Management segment operating income increased $9.7 million primarily due to a $46.5 million increase in revenue, partially offset by a $36.8 million increase in operating expenses. Wealth Management segment results in the second quarter of 2020 were negatively affected by suppressed client asset levels and transaction activity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and related financial market disruption. In addition, Wealth Management segment operating income for the three months ended June 30, 2021 benefited from $3.3 million in incremental operating income resulting from the HKFS Acquisition.
Tax Software segment operating income increased $56.8 million primarily due to a $46.7 million increase in revenue, mostly resulting from the disparity in the tax filing and payment deadlines in 2021 versus 2020. In addition, operating expenses decreased $10.1 million primarily due to reduced sales and marketing expenses.
Expenses within corporate-level activity increased $20.2 million primarily due to a $15.3 million increase in acquisition and integration costs, an increase of $2.5 million in expenses associated with contested proxy and other legal and consulting costs, a $1.7 million increase in depreciation expense, and a $1.3 million increase in stock-based compensation expense.
Other loss, net increased $2.7 million primarily due to an increase in advisory and commission revenue as a result of the 1st Global Acquisition and the HKFS Acquisition, partially offset by lower cash sweep revenue.
Tax Preparation segment operating income decreased $47.9 million primarily due to a $45.2 million increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to increased marketing spend as a result of incremental investment required in March due to weak performance through the first two months of the tax season, as well as increased marketing required due to the extended tax season.
Corporate-level expenses increased $226.2 million primarily due to goodwill impairment of $270.6 million and executive transition costs of $10.2 million recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The increase in corporate-level expenses was partially offset by a $50.9 million intangible asset impairment recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.interest expense.
The Company recorded income tax expense of $23.2$2.0 million for the ninethree months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021, which represented the Company’s state taxes on current period income. This compared to an income tax benefit of $16.5$59.5 million for the ninethree months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019.2020.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020, net income increased $325.1 million primarily due to the following factors:
Wealth Management segment operating income increased $6.5 million primarily due to a $56.0 million increase in revenue, partially offset by a $49.6 million increase in operating expenses. Wealth Management segment operating income benefited from $6.6 million in incremental operating income resulting from the HKFS Acquisition, which was largely offset by a $6.2 million decrease in cash sweep revenue. In addition, Wealth Management segment results in the second quarter of 2020 were negatively affected by suppressed client asset levels and transaction activity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and related financial market disruption.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 2922


Tax Software segment operating income increased $69.9 million primarily due to a $52.2 million increase in revenue mostly resulting from the disparity in the tax filing and payment deadlines in 2021 versus 2020. In addition, operating expenses decreased $17.7 million primarily due to reduced sales and marketing expenses.
Expenses within corporate-level activity decreased $248.9 million primarily due to the recognition of a $270.6 million goodwill impairment and $9.8 million in executive transition costs for the six months ended June 30, 2020. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $17.8 million in acquisition and integration expenses, an increase of $8.1 million in stock-based compensation expense, and the recognition of $5.7 million in expenses associated with contested proxy and other legal and consulting costs for the six months ended June 30, 2021.
The Company recorded income tax expense of $3.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, which represented the Company’s state taxes on current period income. This compared to income tax expense of $8.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020.
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 23


SEGMENT REVENUE & OPERATING INCOME
The revenue and operating income amounts in this section are presented on a basis consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and include certain reconciling items attributable to our segments. We have two reportable segments: (1) the Wealth Management segment and (2) the Tax PreparationSoftware segment. Segment information is presented on a basis consistent with our current internal management financial reporting. We do not allocate certain general and administrative costs (including personnel and overhead costs), stock-based compensation, depreciation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, acquisition and integration costs, executive transition costs, headquarters relocation costs, contested proxy and other legal and consulting costs, or impairment of goodwill and an intangible asset to the reportable segments. Such amounts are reflected in the table below under the heading “Corporate-level activity.” In addition, we do not allocate other loss, net, or income taxes to the reportable segments.
Wealth Management
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDNine months endedYTD
September 30,ChangeSeptember 30,Change
 20202019$%20202019$%
Revenue$135,932 $145,428 $(9,496)(7)%$396,805 $362,791 $34,014 %
Operating income$17,498 $20,631 $(3,133)(15)%$51,827 $49,150 $2,677 %
Segment margin13 %14 %13 %14 %
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDSix months endedYTD
June 30,ChangeJune 30,Change
 20212020$%20212020$%
Revenue$162,395 $115,884 $46,511 40 %$316,886 $260,873 $56,013 21 %
Operating income$21,396 $11,731 $9,665 82 %$40,792 $34,329 $6,463 19 %
Segment margin13 %10 %13 %13 %
For the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, Wealth Management segment operating income decreased $3.1increased $9.7 million primarily due to a $9.5 million decrease in revenue, partially offset by a $6.4 million decrease in operating expenses.the following factors:
Wealth Management revenue decreased $9.5increased $46.5 million primarily due to a $30.2 million increase in advisory revenue, an $8.2$11.9 million decrease in cash sweep revenue, a $7.7 million decreaseincrease in commission revenue, and a $1.4 million decrease in revenue generated from financial product manufacturer sponsorship programs. These decreases were partially offset by a $7.0$2.9 million increase in advisorytransaction and fee revenue. Revenue increases primarily resulted from increased client asset levels and transaction activity, which were favorable compared to the suppressed client asset levels and transaction activity in the second quarter of 2020 resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and related financial market disruption. In addition, Wealth Management revenue primarilyin the second quarter of 2021 increased due to an increase in advisory assets obtained in$9.9 million of incremental revenue resulting from the HKFS Acquisition.
Wealth Management operating expenses decreased $6.4increased $36.8 million primarily due to a $5.9$30.0 million decreaseincrease in cost of revenue as a result of decreasedincreased advisory fees and commissions paid to our financial professionals. In addition, decreasedprofessionals, as well as incremental expenses across our support functionsresulting from the HKFS Acquisition and increases in sales and marketing expenses in our legacy business were largely offset by increased expenses due to the HKFS Acquisition.Avantax Wealth Management business.
For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, Wealth Management operating income increased $2.7$6.5 million primarily due to a $34.0 million increase in revenue, partially offset by a $31.3 million increase in operating expenses.the following factors:
Wealth Management revenue increased $34.0$56.0 million primarily due to a $50.9$42.6 million increase in advisory revenue and a $3.2$13.8 million increase in commission revenue. Revenue increases primarily resulted from increased client feesasset levels and transaction activity, which were favorable compared to the suppressed client asset levels and transaction activity in the first half of 2020 resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and related financial professional fees as a resultmarket disruption. In addition, Wealth Management revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2021 increased due to $19.2 million of the 1st Global Acquisition andincremental revenue resulting from the HKFS Acquisition. These increases were partially offset by a $14.6$6.2 million decrease in cash sweep revenue due to a $2.9 million decreasedecline in revenue generated from financial product manufacturer sponsorship programs, and a $2.5 million decrease in commission revenue.interest rates at the end of the first quarter of 2020.
Wealth Management operating expenses increased $31.3$49.6 million primarily due to ana $36.3 million increase in cost of revenue mainly as a result of increased advisory fees and commissions paid to financial professionals, as well as incremental expenses resulting from the 1st GlobalHKFS Acquisition and the HKFS Acquisition.increases in sales and marketing expenses in our legacy Avantax Wealth Management business.



Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 30


Sources of revenue
Wealth Management revenue is derived from multiple sources. We track sources of revenue, primary drivers of each revenue source, and recurring revenue. In addition, we focus on several business and key financial metrics in evaluating the success of our business relationships, our resulting financial position, and operating performance.
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 24


A summary of our sources of revenue and business metrics is as follows:
Three months endedQTDNine months endedYTD
(In thousands, except percentages)September 30,ChangeSeptember 30,Change
Sources of RevenuePrimary Drivers20202019$20202019$
Financial professional-driven (1)Advisory- Advisory asset levels$82,612 $75,579 $7,033 $227,672 $176,746 $50,926 
Commission- Transactions
- Asset levels
- Product mix
44,921 52,623 (7,702)135,337 137,851 (2,514)
Other revenueAsset-based- Cash balances
- Interest rates
- Number of accounts
- Client asset levels
4,351 13,618 (9,267)18,911 36,530 (17,619)
Transaction and fee- Account activity
- Number of financial
professionals
- Number of clients
- Number of accounts
4,048 3,608 440 14,885 11,664 3,221 
Total revenue$135,932 $145,428 $(9,496)$396,805 $362,791 $34,014 
Total recurring revenue$117,822 $121,304 $(3,482)$337,081 $301,102 $35,979 
Recurring revenue rate86.7 %83.4 %84.9 %83.0 %
_________________________
(1)Our “financial professionals” were formerly referred to as “advisors.”
Three months endedQTDSix months endedYTD
(In thousands, except percentages)June 30,ChangeJune 30,Change
Sources of RevenuePrimary Drivers20212020$20212020$
Financial professional-drivenAdvisory- Advisory asset levels$96,508 $66,303 $30,205 $187,627 $145,060 $42,567 
Commission- Transactions
- Asset levels
- Product mix
51,702 39,836 11,866 104,236 90,416 13,820 
Other revenueAsset-based- Cash balances
- Interest rates
- Number of accounts
- Client asset levels
5,526 3,981 1,545 10,855 14,560 (3,705)
Transaction and fee- Account activity
- Number of financial
  professionals
- Number of clients
- Number of accounts
8,659 5,764 2,895 14,168 10,837 3,331 
Total revenue$162,395 $115,884 $46,511 $316,886 $260,873 $56,013 
Total recurring revenue$138,900 $100,004 $38,896 $269,655 $219,259 $50,396 
Recurring revenue rate85.5 %86.3 %85.1 %84.0 %
Recurring revenue consists of advisory fees, trailing commissions, fees from cash sweep programs, and certain transaction and fee revenue, all as described further under the headings “Advisory revenue,” “Commission revenue,” “Asset-based revenue,” and “Transaction and fee revenue,” respectively. Certain recurring revenues are associated with asset balances and fluctuate depending on market values and current interest rates. Accordingly, our recurring revenue can be negatively impacted by adverse external market conditions. However, we believe recurring revenue is meaningful despite these fluctuations because it is not dependent upon transaction volumes or other activity-based revenues, which are more difficult to predict, particularly in declining or volatile markets.

Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 3125


Business metrics
(In thousands, except percentages and as otherwise indicated)September 30,Change
20202019Amount%
Client assets balances:
Total client assets$76,152,721 $67,682,510 $8,470,211 13 %
Brokerage assets$43,733,735 $41,358,346 $2,375,389 %
Advisory assets$32,418,986 $26,324,164 $6,094,822 23 %
Advisory assets as a percentage of total client assets42.6 %38.9 %
Number of financial professionals (in ones) (1):
Independent financial professionals (2)3,956 4,119 (163)(4)%
In-house financial professionals (3)19 — 19 N/A
Total number of financial professionals3,975 4,119 (144)(3)%
Advisory and commission revenue per financial professional (1) (4)$32.1 $31.1 $1.0 %
(In thousands, except percentages and as otherwise indicated)June 30,Change
20212020$%
Client assets balances:
Total client assets$87,814,790 $68,519,998 $19,294,792 28 %
Brokerage assets$48,373,805 $41,964,610 $6,409,195 15 %
Advisory assets$39,440,985 $26,555,388 $12,885,597 49 %
Advisory assets as a percentage of total client assets44.9 %38.8 %
Number of financial professionals (in ones):
Independent financial professionals (1)
3,579 3,862 (283)(7)%
In-house financial professionals (2)
27 — 27 N/A
Total number of financial professionals3,606 3,862 (256)(7)%
Advisory and commission revenue per financial professional (3)
$41.1 $27.5 $13.6 49 %
Quarterly production retention rate: (4)
TTM Financial professional-driven revenue (5)
$556,339 $492,498 
TTM Financial professional-driven revenue related to independent financial professionals who departed in the quarter (5)
9,881 11,445 
TTM Financial professional-driven revenue, less that related to independent financial professionals who departed in the quarter (5)
$546,458 $481,053 
Quarterly production retention rate (4)
98.2 %97.7 %
____________________________
(1)Our “financial professionals” were formerly referred to as “advisors.”
(2)The number of independent financial professionals includes licensed financial professionals that work with Avantax Wealth Management and operate as independent contractors, as well as licensed referring representatives at CPA firms that partner with HKFS.Avantax Planning Partners.
(3)(2)The number of in-house financial professionals includes licensed financial planning consultants, all of which are employees of HKFS.Avantax Planning Partners.
(4)(3)Calculation based on advisory and commission revenue for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(4)Quarterly production retention rate is a non-GAAP financial measure. We believe quarterly production retention rate is an important measure of our quarterly retention of financial professional-driven revenue (which consists of advisory revenue and 2019, respectively.commission revenue). Management uses quarterly production retention rate to measure the impact of financial professional departures on our business. Quarterly production retention rate is calculated by dividing (x) the difference of (i) total financial professional-driven revenue for the trailing-twelve-month period then ended minus (ii) financial professional-driven revenue for the trailing-twelve-month period then ended related to independent financial professionals that departed in the quarter by (y) total financial professional-driven revenue for the trailing-twelve-month period then ended. As quarterly production retention rate is a measure of retention during a quarter, it also includes quarterly production from independent financial professionals who departed in prior quarters in the trailing-twelve-month period, and therefore does not show production retention rate over longer periods of time.
(5)For the trailing-twelve-month period then ended.
Client assets. Total client assets include assets that we hold directly or indirectly on behalf of clients under a safekeeping or custody arrangement or for which we provide administrative services for clients. To the extent that we provide more than one service for a client’s assets, the value of the asset is only counted once in the total amount of total client assets. Total client assets include advisory assets, non-advisory brokerage accounts, annuities, and mutual fund positions held directly with fund companies. These assets are not reported on the consolidated balance sheets.
Advisory assets include client assets for which we provide investment advisory and management services as a fiduciary under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Our compensation for providing such services is typically a fee based on the value of the advisory assets for each advisory client. These assets are not reported on the consolidated balance sheets.
Brokerage assets represent total client assets other than advisory assets.
Total client assets increased $8.5$19.3 billion at SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to SeptemberJune 30, 20192020 primarily due to $4.5$16.6 billion in client assets acquired in the HKFS Acquisition, as well asof favorable market change and client reinvestment levels partially offset byfollowing the pandemic-influenced market downturn in the first half of 2020. In addition, total client assets increased $4.5 billion as a result of the HKFS Acquisition. Partially offsetting these increases were net client outflows.outflows of $2.0 billion, which were primarily the result of financial professional attrition.
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 26


Advisory assets as a percentage of total client assets increased to 44.9% at June 30, 2021 compared to 38.8% at June 30, 2020. This increase was primarily due to the HKFS Acquisition because over 90% of the client assets acquired were comprised of advisory assets. In addition, advisory assets as a percentage of total client assets increased in our legacy Avantax Wealth Management business.
At this time,While financial markets have substantially stabilized since the pandemic-influenced financial market conditions in 2020, we cannot predict with certainty the extent of the impact of the coronavirusCOVID-19 pandemic and future financial market fluctuations on our client assets. However, the continued volatility in the U.S. and global economy and uncertainty in financial markets due to the pandemic may cause declines in the amount of our total client assets. For more information on the risks associated with our Wealth Management business, see Part II, Item 1Athe “COVID-19 Pandemic” section within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” under the subheading, “Pandemics, including the recent coronavirusThe current COVID-19 pandemic could have a Material Adverse Effect.”in Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Financial professionals. The Wealth Management business worksworked with a nationwide network of 3,9753,606 financial professionals as of SeptemberJune 30, 2020.2021. Avantax Wealth Management offers its tax-focused wealth management solutions through its network of financial professionals that operate as independent contractors. HKFSAvantax Planning Partners operates as a captive, oran employee-based RIA and wealth management business and utilizes a team of in-house financial professionals who partner with CPA firms in order to provide their consumer and small business clients with holistic planning and financial advisory services.
The number of our financial professionals decreased by 3%7% at SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, with the decrease primarily due to expected attrition following the integration of HD Vest and 1st Global, as well as the impact ofrelated to lower revenue-producing financial professionals, which primarily resulted from financial professionals leaving the wealth management industry. Thisindustry and expected attrition in connection with acquisition integration. The decrease
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 32


in the number of financial professionals was partially offset by our recruitment and onboarding of independent financial professionals and the addition of financial professionals as a result of the HKFS Acquisition, which (as of the HKFS Acquisition date) included the addition of 19 in-house financial professionals and 131 licensed referring representatives at CPA firms that partner with HKFS.Avantax Planning Partners.
Advisory revenue. Advisory revenue primarily includes fees charged to clients in advisory accounts infor which we are the RIA. AdvisoryThese fees are typically billed to clients quarterly based on the value of client assets inwithin these advisory accounts on the billing date, and these quarterlyaccounts. For advisory revenues generated by Avantax Wealth Management, advisory fees are typically billed quarterly, in advance, and the related advisory revenues are deferred and recognized as revenue ratably over the quarterperiod in which theyour performance obligations have been completed. For advisory revenues generated by Avantax Planning Partners, advisory fees are earned.typically billed quarterly, in arrears, and the related advisory revenues are accrued and recognized ratably over the period in which our performance obligations were completed.
Advisory asset balances were as follows:
(In thousands, except percentages and as otherwise indicated)September 30,Change
20202019Amount%
Advisory assets—independent financial professionals (1)$27,852,099 $26,324,164 $1,527,935 %
Advisory assets—in-house financial professionals (2) (4)$3,422,173 $— $3,422,173 N/A
Retirement advisory assets—in-house financial professionals (3) (4)$1,144,714 $— $1,144,714 N/A
Total advisory assets$32,418,986 $26,324,164 $6,094,822 23 %
(In thousands, except percentages)June 30,Change
20212020$%
Advisory assets—independent financial professionals (1)
$33,950,724 $26,555,388 $7,395,336 28 %
Advisory assets—in-house financial professionals (2) (4)
4,125,742 — 4,125,742 N/A
Retirement advisory assets—in-house financial professionals (3) (4)
1,364,519 — 1,364,519 N/A
Total advisory assets$39,440,985 $26,555,388 $12,885,597 49 %
_________________________
(1)Represents individual client and retirement advisory assets for which Avantax Wealth Management serves as the RIA.
(2)Represents individual client advisory assets for which HKFSAvantax Planning Partners serves as the RIA.
(3)Represents advisory assets for which HKFSAvantax Planning Partners provides retirement plan services and serves as the RIA.
(4)TheAdvisory assets and retirement advisory assets associated withrelated to our in-house professionals were acquired in connection withzero as of June 30, 2020, because the HKFS Acquisition.Acquisition was not completed until July 2020.
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 27



The activity within our advisory assets was as follows:
(In thousands)Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
Balance, beginning of the period$26,555,388 $26,266,034 $27,629,164 $12,555,405 
Net increase in new advisory assets125,406 224,996 231,382 802,368 
Inflows from acquisitions (1)4,178,729 — 4,178,729 11,397,301 
Market impact and other1,559,463 (166,866)379,711 1,569,090 
Balance, end of the period$32,418,986 $26,324,164 $32,418,986 $26,324,164 
Advisory revenue$82,612 $75,579 $227,672 $176,746 
Average advisory fee rate27 bps29 bps83 bps89 bps
(In thousands, except as otherwise indicated)Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,
 2021202020212020
Balance, beginning of the period$36,774,871 $23,618,964 $35,603,557 $27,629,164 
Net increase (decrease) in new advisory assets863,564 (284,024)1,232,427 105,976 
Market impact and other1,802,550 3,220,448 2,605,001 (1,179,752)
Balance, end of the period$39,440,985 $26,555,388 $39,440,985 $26,555,388 
Advisory revenue$96,508 $66,303 $187,627 $145,060 
Average advisory fee rate (1)
26 bps28 bps52 bps57 bps
_________________________
(1)Inflows from acquisitions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 related to the HKFS Acquisition. Inflows from acquisitions for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 related to the 1st Global Acquisition.

For the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020, average advisory fee rate equals advisory revenue for the relevant quarterly period divided by the advisory asset balance at the beginning of the relevant quarterly period. For the six months ended June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020, average advisory fee rate equals the sum of each quarterly average advisory fee rate within the relevant year-to-date period.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the three and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, advisory revenue increased $7.0$30.2 million and $42.6 million, respectively, primarily due to a year-over-year increase in advisory assets. The increase in advisory assets acquiredwas primarily due to favorable market change, an increase in advisory assets resulting from the HKFS Acquisition, partially offsetand net client inflows. In addition, advisory revenue recognized for the second quarter of 2020 was negatively affected because such revenue was primarily based on the value of client assets within advisory accounts as of March 31, 2020, which were substantially affected by a decrease inthe COVID-19 pandemic and related financial market disruption.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, the average advisory fee rate which was mainly due to the lower advisory fee structure of HKFS.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019, advisory revenue increased $50.9 milliondecreased primarily due to advisory assets acquired in the 1st Global Acquisition and HKFS Acquisition. Partially offsetting this increase in advisory revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, advisory revenue was negatively affected by suppressed advisoryour tiered fee structure, which has generated lower average fee rates as client asset levels that resulted from the financial market disruption and the coronavirus pandemic. Advisory asset levels subsequently recovered but remain susceptible to future financial market disruptions.balances have increased. In addition, the average advisory fee rate decreased due to the lower advisory fee structuresstructure of 1st GlobalHKFS.
For the three and HKFS.



Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 33


six months ended June 30, 2021, advisory assets increased $2.7 billion and $3.8 billion, respectively, primarily due to favorable market change and strong client inflows, partially offset by client outflows that resulted from financial professional attrition.
Commission revenue. The Wealth Management segment generates two types of commissions: (1) transaction-based commissions and (2) trailing commissions. Transaction-based commissions, which occur when clients trade securities or purchase investment products, represent gross commissions generated by our financial professionals. The level of transaction-based commissions can vary from period-to-period based on the overall economic environment, number of trading days in the reporting period, market volatility, interest rate fluctuations, and investment activity of our financial professionals’ clients. We earn trailing commissions (a commission or fee that is paid periodically over time) on certain mutual funds and variable annuities held by clients. Trailing commissions are recurring in nature and are based on the market value of investment holdings in trail-eligible assets.
Our commission revenue, by product category and by type of commission revenue, was as follows:
(in thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDSix months endedYTD
June 30,ChangeJune 30,Change
 20212020$%20212020$%
By product category:
Mutual funds$23,857 $19,312 $4,545 24 %$47,551 $45,212 $2,339 %
Variable annuities18,473 14,604 3,869 26 %36,495 28,354 8,141 29 %
Insurance4,005 2,831 1,174 41 %9,630 8,064 1,566 19 %
General securities5,367 3,089 2,278 74 %10,560 8,786 1,774 20 %
Total commission revenue$51,702 $39,836 $11,866 30 %$104,236 $90,416 $13,820 15 %
By type of commission:
Transaction-based$21,076 $14,803 $6,273 42 %$43,443 $38,184 $5,259 14 %
Trailing30,626 25,033 5,593 22 %60,793 52,232 8,561 16 %
Total commission revenue$51,702 $39,836 $11,866 30 %$104,236 $90,416 $13,820 15 %
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 28


(in thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDNine months endedYTD
September 30,ChangeSeptember 30,Change
 20202019$%20202019$%
By product category:
Mutual funds$21,674 $24,026 $(2,352)(10)%$66,886 $66,704 $182 — %
Variable annuities16,168 17,973 (1,805)(10)%44,522 44,476 46 — %
Insurance4,145 5,344 (1,199)(22)%12,209 13,373 (1,164)(9)%
General securities2,934 5,280 (2,346)(44)%11,720 13,298 (1,578)(12)%
Total commission revenue$44,921 $52,623 $(7,702)(15)%$135,337 $137,851 $(2,514)(2)%
By type of commission:
Transaction-based$16,884 $23,195 $(6,311)(27)%$55,068 $59,348 $(4,280)(7)%
Trailing28,037 29,428 (1,391)(5)%80,269 78,503 1,766 %
Total commission revenue$44,921 $52,623 $(7,702)(15)%$135,337 $137,851 $(2,514)(2)%
For the three and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to the three and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019, transaction-based2020:
Transaction-based commission revenue decreasedincreased $6.3 million and $5.3 million, respectively, primarily due to decreased trade volumes and low alternative investment product sales (which werean increase in trading volumes. Transaction-based commission revenue in the second quarter of 2020 was negatively affected by suppressed interest rates and commercial real estate market activity). In addition, trailing commission revenue decreased $1.4 million primarily due to suppressed client asset levels. The decreases in transaction-based and trailing commission revenue were largely driven by the macroeconomic effectstrading volumes as a result of the coronavirusCOVID-19 pandemic and related financial market disruption.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019, transaction-basedTrailing commission revenue decreased $4.3increased $5.6 million and $8.6 million, respectively, primarily due to decreased trade volumes and low alternative investment product sales, which resulted fromincreased client asset levels. Trailing commission revenue in the coronavirussecond quarter of 2020 was negatively affected by suppressed client asset levels as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related financial market disruption. Partially offsetting this decrease, trailing commission revenue increased $1.8 million primarily due to incremental trailing commission revenue from 1st Global.
Trailing commission revenue and transaction-based commission revenue remain susceptible to being adversely affected in future periods in which pandemic-influenced economic and market factors remain present.
Asset-based revenue. Asset-based revenue primarily includes fees from financial product manufacturer sponsorship programs, cash sweep programs, asset-based retirement plan service fees, and other asset-based revenues.
For the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, asset-based revenue decreased $9.3increased $1.5 million primarily due to an $8.2a $0.8 million increase in revenue generated from financial product manufacturer sponsorship programs, as well as a $0.6 million increase in asset-based retirement plan service fees following the HKFS Acquisition.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020, asset-based revenue decreased $3.7 million primarily due to a $6.2 million decrease in cash sweep revenue as a result of lower interest rates. In addition,rates, partially offset by a $1.0 million increase in revenue generated from financial product manufacturer sponsorship programs decreased byand a $1.4 million.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019, asset-based revenue decreased $17.6 million primarily due to a $14.6 million decreaseincrease in cash sweep revenue as a result of lower interest rates. In addition, revenue generated from financial product manufacturer sponsorship programs decreased by $2.9 million.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 34


asset-based retirement plan service fees following the HKFS Acquisition.
In March 2020, the Federal Reserve lowered its target range for the federal funds rate to 0.00-0.25%. As our cash sweep revenue is based on a rate derived from the federal funds rate, wecash sweep revenue in all quarters subsequent to the first quarter of 2020 has been materially reduced. We expect lowercontinued low levels of cash sweep revenue in future periods in which the federal funds rate is at reduced levels. In addition, due tolevels, although we may experience an increase in cash sweep revenue should the coronavirus pandemic, we expect to generate less fee revenue from financial product manufacturer sponsorship programs due to our decreased ability to host events in which our financial professionals can meet with product sponsors to learn about their investment products.federal funds rate increase.
Transaction and fee revenue. Transaction and fee revenue primarily includes support fees charged to financial professionals, fees charged for executing certain transactions in client accounts, and other fees related to services provided and other account charges as generally outlined in agreements with financial professionals, clients, financial institutions, and financial institutions.retirement plan sponsors.
For the three and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to the three and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, transaction and fee revenue increased $0.4$2.9 million and $3.3 million, respectively, primarily due to incremental transaction and fee revenue as a result of the HKFS Acquisition. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019, transaction and fee revenue increased $3.2 million primarily due to an increase in client fees andgenerated from financial professional support fees, as a result of the 1st Global Acquisition, in addition towell as incremental transaction and fee revenue as a result of the HKFS Acquisition.
Tax PreparationSoftware
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDSix months endedYTD
June 30,ChangeJune 30,Change
 20212020$%20212020$%
Revenue$91,917 $45,238 $46,679 103 %$215,809 $163,569 $52,240 32 %
Operating income$63,448 $6,659 $56,789 853 %$114,336 $44,412 $69,924 157 %
Segment margin69 %15 %53 %27 %
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDNine months endedYTD
September 30,ChangeSeptember 30,Change
 20202019$%20202019$%
Revenue$39,421 $3,588 $35,833 999 %$202,990 $205,733 $(2,743)(1)%
Operating income (loss)$16,234 $(12,075)$28,309 (234)%$60,646 $108,565 $(47,919)(44)%
Segment margin41 %(337)%30 %53 %
Tax Software revenue and operating income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 were significantly impacted by the extension of the filing and payment deadlines for federal tax returns in both the 2020 and 2021 tax seasons. For additional discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on current and prior year Tax Software segment results, please see the “COVID-19 Pandemic” section within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 29


For the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, Tax PreparationSoftware operating income increased $28.3$56.8 million due to the following factors:
Tax PreparationSoftware revenue increased $35.8$46.7 million primarily due to a $34.2$44.4 million increase in consumer revenue driven byand a $2.3 million increase in professional revenue. The increases primarily resulted from the disparity in the tax filing and payment deadlines in 2021 versus 2020.
Tax Software operating expenses decreased $10.1 million primarily due to decreased advertising and marketing expenses. Advertising and marketing costs in our Tax Software business were elevated in the second quarter of 2020 due to the extension of the filing dateand payment deadline for tax year 2019 federal tax returns to July 15, 2020. This filing extension resulted in the shifting of2020, thereby necessitating a significant portion of Tax Preparation segment revenue that is usually earned in the first and second quarters of 2020 to the thirdfull quarter of 2020. We expect Tax Preparation revenue to return to its typical seasonal patternadvertising and marketing efforts. In contrast, the filing and payment deadline in future quarters.
Tax Preparation operating expenses increased $7.5 million primarily due to increasedmost states for tax year 2020 federal tax returns was May 17, 2021, thereby necessitating only a partial quarter of advertising and marketing spend that resulted from the extension of the tax season.efforts.
For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, Tax PreparationSoftware operating income decreased $47.9increased $69.9 million due to the following factors:
Tax PreparationSoftware revenue decreased $2.7increased $52.2 million primarily due to a $4.2$51.2 million decreaseincrease in consumer revenue partially offset byand a $1.4$1.1 million increase in professional revenue. The increases primarily resulted from the disparity in the tax filing and payment deadlines in 2021 versus 2020.
Tax PreparationSoftware operating expenses increased $45.2decreased $17.7 million primarily due to increaseddecreased advertising and marketing spend as a result ofexpenses. Advertising and marketing expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2020 were elevated due to incremental investment in Marchmarketing efforts to address weak performance through the first two months of the 2020 tax season, as well as increased marketing required due to the extended tax season.
Sources of revenue
Tax PreparationSoftware revenue is derived primarily from the sale of tax preparation digital services, ancillary services, packaged tax preparation software, and arrangements that may include a combination of these items. Ancillary services primarily include refund payment transfer, audit defense, e-file concierge services, and audit defense.expert filing assistance.
We classify Tax PreparationSoftware revenue into two different categories: consumer revenue and professional revenue. Consumer revenue represents Tax PreparationSoftware revenue derived from products and services sold to customers and businesses primarily for the preparation of individual or business tax returns. Professional revenue represents Tax PreparationSoftware revenue derived from products sold to tax return preparers who utilize our offerings to service end-user customers.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 35


Revenue by category was as follows:
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDSix months endedYTD
June 30,ChangeJune 30,Change
 20212020$%20212020$%
Consumer$88,846 $44,421 $44,425 100 %$199,413 $148,242 $51,171 35 %
Professional3,071 817 2,254 276 %16,396 15,327 1,069 %
Total revenue$91,917 $45,238 $46,679 103 %$215,809 $163,569 $52,240 32 %
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDNine months endedYTD
September 30,ChangeSeptember 30,Change
 20202019$%20202019$%
Consumer$38,482 $4,280 $34,202 799 %$186,724 $190,908 $(4,184)(2)%
Professional939 (692)1,631 (236)%16,266 14,825 1,441 10 %
Total revenue$39,421 $3,588 $35,833 999 %$202,990 $205,733 $(2,743)(1)%

Business Metrics
We measure the performance of our Tax PreparationSoftware business using three sets of non-financial metrics, which we consider to be important indicators of the performance of our Tax PreparationSoftware business and are especially relevant through the end of a completed tax season. These non-financial metrics include key performance indicators for our total Tax PreparationSoftware business, in addition to the consumer and professional tax preparationsoftware portions of the Tax PreparationSoftware business:
We measure our total tax preparationsoftware customers using the total number of accepted federal tax e-files completed by both our consumer tax preparationsoftware customers and our professional tax preparersoftware customers.
We measure our consumer tax preparationsoftware customers using the number of accepted federal tax e-files made through our software and digital services.
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 30


We measure our professional tax preparersoftware customers using three metrics: (1) the number of accepted federal tax e-files made through our software, (2) the number of units sold, and (3) the number of e-files per unit sold.
Total, consumer, and professional tax preparation metrics were as follows:
(In thousands, except percentages and as otherwise indicated)Nine months ended
September 30,
Year-to-date period ended July 16,
ChangeChange
20202019Units%2020 (1)2019 (1)Units%
Total e-files (2)5,234 5,165 69 %5,149 5,108 41 %
Consumer:
Consumer e-files (2)3,145 3,203 (58)(2)%3,113 3,184 (71)(2)%
Professional:
Professional e-files2,089 1,962 127 %2,036 1,924 112 %
Units sold (in ones)20,288 20,679 (391)(2)%20,207 20,596 (389)(2)%
Professional e-files per unit sold (in ones)102.9 94.9 8.0 %100.8 93.4 7.4 %
_________________________
(In thousands, except percentages and as otherwise indicated)Six months endedQTDYear-to-date period endedYTD
June 30,ChangeJuly 16,Change
20212020Units%2021 (1)2020 (1)Units%
Total e-files (2)5,049 4,595 454 10 %5,421 5,149 272 %
Consumer:
Consumer e-files (2)2,939 2,734 205 %3,122 3,113 — %
Professional:
Professional e-files2,110 1,861 249 13 %2,299 2,036 263 13 %
Units sold (in ones)20,692 20,087 605 %20,711 20,207 504 %
Professional e-files per unit sold (in ones)102.0 92.6 9.4 10 %111.0 100.8 10.2 10 %
____________________________
(1)TaxTax season begins on the first day that the IRS begins accepting e-files and ends on filing deadline day plus one day. As a resultDue to the impact of the coronavirusCOVID-19 pandemic, the IRS extended the filing deadlinedeadlines for federal tax returns relating to the 2020 and 2019 tax yearyears to May 17, 2021 (with the filing deadline extended to June 15, 2021 for Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma) and July 15, 2020.2020, respectively. In order to provide comparable prior periodtax season data, we also provided e-file informationthe above metrics for the equivalent period in 2019.year-to-date periods ended July 16, 2021 and 2020 as these periods capture the activity of the entire tax season for each year.
(2)We participate in the Free File Alliance that is part of an IRS partnership that provides free electronic tax filing services to taxpayers meeting certain income-based guidelines. Free File Alliance e-files are included within total e-files and consumer e-files above.
For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019, total2020, the number of consumer e-files, the number of professional e-files, and the number of professional units sold all increased primarily due to a 6% increasethe disparity in professional e-files, partially offset by a 2% decreasethe tax filing and payment deadlines in consumer e-files.2021 versus 2020.
For the year-to-date period ended July 16, 20202021 compared to the year-to-date period ended July 16, 2019,2020, total e-files increased 5% primarily due to a 6%the increase in the number of professional tax software e-files, partially offset bywhich resulted from increased market share in the professional tax software market.
For more information on the risks associated with our Tax Software business, see the “COVID-19 Pandemic” section within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” under the heading, “The current COVID-19 pandemic could have a 2% decreaseMaterial Adverse Effect. in consumer e-files.Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 3631



Corporate-Level Activity
Certain corporate-level activity, including certain general and administrative costs (such as personnel and overhead costs), stock-based compensation, acquisition and integration costs, depreciation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, impairment of goodwill, executive transition costs, headquarters relocation costs, depreciation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, and impairment of goodwillcontested proxy and an intangible asset,other legal and consulting costs, is not allocated to our segments.
Corporate level activity by category was as follows:

(In thousands, except percentages)(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDSix months endedYTD
June 30,ChangeJune 30,Change
Three months endedQTDNine months endedYTD 20212020$%20212020$%
(In thousands)September 30,ChangeSeptember 30,Change
20202019$%20202019$%
General and administrative expenses$6,745 $6,476 $269 %$19,571 $19,802 $(231)(1)%
Unallocated corporate-level general and administrative expensesUnallocated corporate-level general and administrative expenses$6,259 $5,810 $449 %$11,953 $12,826 $(873)(7)%
Stock-based compensationStock-based compensation4,517 4,639 (122)(3)%7,220 11,164 (3,944)(35)%Stock-based compensation5,160 3,904 1,256 32 %10,770 2,703 8,067 298 %
Acquisition and integration costsAcquisition and integration costs10,276 6,759 3,517 52 %18,782 17,739 1,043 %Acquisition and integration costs18,169 2,824 15,345 543 %26,272 8,506 17,766 209 %
DepreciationDepreciation4,102 2,412 1,690 70 %7,345 4,832 2,513 52 %
Amortization of acquired intangible assetsAmortization of acquired intangible assets7,063 6,673 390 %14,238 14,421 (183)(1)%
Contested proxy and other legal and consulting costsContested proxy and other legal and consulting costs2,465 — 2,465 N/A5,695 — 5,695 N/A
Executive transition costsExecutive transition costs405 — 405 N/A10,225 — 10,225 N/AExecutive transition costs— 636 (636)(100)%— 9,820 (9,820)(100)%
Headquarters relocation costsHeadquarters relocation costs410 — 410 N/A1,863 — 1,863 N/AHeadquarters relocation costs— 737 (737)(100)%— 1,453 (1,453)(100)%
Depreciation2,620 1,811 809 45 %7,452 4,783 2,669 56 %
Amortization of acquired intangible assets7,746 10,082 (2,336)(23)%22,167 27,295 (5,128)(19)%
Impairment of goodwill and an intangible asset— 50,900 (50,900)(100)%270,625 50,900 219,725 432 %
Impairment of goodwillImpairment of goodwill— — — N/A— 270,625 (270,625)(100)%
Total corporate-level activityTotal corporate-level activity$32,719 $80,667 $(47,948)(59)%$357,905 $131,683 $226,222 172 %Total corporate-level activity$43,218 $22,996 $20,222 88 %$76,273 $325,186 $(248,913)(77)%
For the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, corporate level expenses decreased $47.9activity increased $20.2 million primarily due to the following factors:
For the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019, we recognized an impairment charge of $50.92021, acquisition and integration expenses were $18.2 million, which included $12.6 million related to the HD Vest trade name intangible asset followingHKFS Acquisition and $5.6 million related to the rebrandingacquisition of 1st Global, Inc. and 1st Global Insurance Services, Inc. (together, “1st Global”) in 2019 (the “1st Global Acquisition”). For the Wealth Management business.three months ended June 30, 2020, acquisition and integration expenses were $2.8 million, which included $1.7 million related to the 1st Global Acquisition and $1.1 million related to the HKFS Acquisition.
AmortizationContested proxy and other legal and consulting costs of acquired intangible assets decreased $2.3$2.5 million were recognized for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
Depreciation expense increased $1.7 million primarily due to TaxAct customer relationship intangible assets that completed their useful livesproperty and ceased amortizingequipment put into service at our new headquarters in earlyJuly 2020 partially offset byand an increase in amortization duecapitalized software costs.
Stock-based compensation expense increased $1.3 million.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to intangibles acquired in the HKFS Acquisition.
Partially offsetting this decrease insix months ended June 30, 2020, corporate level expenses, acquisition and integration costs increased $3.5activity decreased $248.9 million primarily due to $4.4 million in acquisition and integration costs related to the HKFS Acquisition.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019, corporate level expenses increased $226.2 million primarily due tonon-recurrence of the following factors:
For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020, we recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $270.6 million related to our Wealth Management reporting unit. For additional information, see “Item 1. Financial Statements—Note 5.” For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recognized an impairment charge of $50.9 million related to the HD Vest trade name intangible asset.
Executive transition costs of $10.2$9.8 million were recognized for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020 due to the departure of certain Company executives.
Partially offsetting this decrease in corporate-level activity:
Acquisition and integration costs increased $1.0 million primarily due to $8.2 million inFor the six months ended June 30, 2021, acquisition and integration costsexpenses were $26.3 million, which included $20.5 million related to the HKFS Acquisition. This increase was mostly offset by a $7.2Acquisition and $5.8 million decrease in acquisition and integration expenses related to the 1st Global Acquisition.
Partially offsetting this increase in corporate level expenses:
Amortization of acquired intangible assets decreased $5.1 For the six months ended June 30, 2020, acquisition and integration expenses were $8.5 million, duewhich included $4.7 million related to TaxAct customer relationship intangible assets that completed their useful lives and ceased amortizing in early 2020, partially offset by an increase in amortization due to intangibles acquired in the 1st Global Acquisition and $3.8 million related to the HKFS Acquisition.
Stock-based compensation decreased $3.9expense increased $8.1 million. Stock-based compensation for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was reduced by $6.7 million due to stock award forfeitures resulting from executive departures in 2020.
Contested proxy and other legal and consulting costs of $5.7 million were recognized for the first quarter of 2020.six months ended June 30, 2021.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 3732


OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of Revenue
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDNine months endedYTD
September 30,ChangeSeptember 30,Change
 20202019$%20202019$%
Wealth Management services cost of revenue$96,122 $102,030 $(5,908)(6)%$282,332 $250,881 $31,451 13 %
Tax Preparation services cost of revenue2,692 1,633 1,059 65 %9,759 8,983 776 %
Total cost of revenue$98,814 $103,663 $(4,849)(5)%$292,091 $259,864 $32,227 12 %
Percentage of revenue56 %70 %49 %46 %
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDSix months endedYTD
June 30,ChangeJune 30,Change
 20212020$%20212020$%
Wealth Management services cost of revenue$113,910 $83,868 $30,042 36 %$222,533 $186,210 $36,323 20 %
Tax Software services cost of revenue4,429 3,054 1,375 45 %10,007 7,067 2,940 42 %
Total cost of revenue$118,339 $86,922 $31,417 36 %$232,540 $193,277 $39,263 20 %
Percentage of revenue47 %54 %44 %46 %
Cost of revenue consists of costs related to our Wealth Management and Tax PreparationSoftware businesses, which include commissions and advisory fees paid to independent financial professionals, payments made to CPA firms under fee sharing arrangements, third-party costs, and costs associated with the technical support team and the operation of our data centers. Data center costs include personnel expenses, the cost of temporary help and contractors, professional services fees, software support and maintenance, bandwidth and hosting costs, and depreciation (including depreciation related to TaxAct software development costs).
Forcosts in the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019, cost of revenue decreased $4.8 million primarily due to a decrease in commissions paid to our independent financial professionals. The reduced commissions paid to our independent financial professionals and recognized as cost of revenue are a function of lower transactions and suppressed client asset balances and represent a portion of the commissions and advisory fees we recognize as revenue. Partially offsetting this decrease was $1.9 million in incremental cost of revenue resulting from the HKFS Acquisition.Tax Software segment). Cost of revenue recognized for HKFS primarily relate to payments to CPA firms under fee sharing arrangements and does not include compensation paid to HKFS in-house financial professionals.professionals in our Wealth Management business. As HKFSthe in-house financial professionals are employees of HKFS,Avantax Planning Partners, their compensation is reflected in “Sales and marketing” expense.
For the ninethree and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to the ninethree and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, cost of revenue increased $32.2$31.4 million and $39.3 million, respectively, primarily due to thean increase in advisory fees and commissions paid to financial professionals, added as a result ofwhich primarily resulted from increased client asset balances and trading activity in our legacy Avantax Wealth Management business and incremental advisory asset balances following the 1st GlobalHKFS Acquisition.
In future periods, we expect increased Tax Preparation The increase in cost of revenue due towas also the result of increased personnel costs in the Tax Software segment, as well as increased depreciation related to additional capitalized software costs for TaxAct.in the Tax Software segment.
Engineering and Technology
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDNine months endedYTD
September 30,ChangeSeptember 30,Change
 20202019$%20202019$%
Engineering and technology$6,007 $8,635 $(2,628)(30)%$21,899 $22,323 $(424)(2)%
Percentage of revenue%%%%
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDSix months endedYTD
June 30,ChangeJune 30,Change
 20212020$%20212020$%
Engineering and technology$7,231 $7,377 $(146)(2)%$14,359 $15,892 $(1,533)(10)%
Percentage of revenue%%%%
Engineering and technology expenses are associated with the research, development, support, and ongoing enhancements of our offerings, which include personnel expenses, the cost of temporary help and contractors, software support and maintenance, bandwidth and hosting, and professional services fees. Engineering and technology expenses do not include the costs of computer hardware and software that are capitalized, depreciated over their useful lives, and recognized on the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) as either “cost of revenue” or “depreciation.” For more information, see the “Cost of Revenue” and “Depreciation and Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets” sections contained within this discussion of “Operating Expenses.”
For the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, engineering and technology expenses decreased $2.6$1.5 million primarily due to decreased consulting fees in our Tax PreparationSoftware business, and decreasedpartially offset by an increase in personnel expenses in our Wealth Management business.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019, engineering and technology expenses decreased $0.4 million due to reduced expenses in our Wealth Management business, which were largely offset by increased headcount and consulting fees in our Tax Preparation business.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 38


Sales and Marketing
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDNine months endedYTD
September 30,ChangeSeptember 30,Change
 20202019$%20202019$%
Sales and marketing$31,018 $19,976 $11,042 55 %$150,785 $104,804 $45,981 44 %
Percentage of revenue18 %13 %25 %18 %
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDSix months endedYTD
June 30,ChangeJune 30,Change
 20212020$%20212020$%
Sales and marketing$34,848 $40,057 $(5,209)(13)%$112,410 $119,767 $(7,357)(6)%
Percentage of revenue14 %25 %21 %28 %
Sales and marketing expenses primarily consist of marketing expenses associated with our Tax PreparationSoftware business (including expenses related to marketing agencies and media companies) and our Wealth Management business, personnel expenses, compensation paid to HKFSAvantax Planning Partners in-house financial professionals, the
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 33


cost of temporary help and contractors, and back office processing support expenses for our Wealth Management business.
For the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, sales and marketing expenses increased $11.0 million. Fordecreased $5.2 million primarily due to an $11.7 million decrease in advertising and marketing costs in our Tax Software business. Advertising and marketing costs in our Tax Software business were elevated in the nine months ended September 30,second quarter of 2020 compareddue to the nine months ended September 30,extension of the filing and payment deadline for tax year 2019 federal tax returns to July 15, 2020, thereby necessitating a full quarter of advertising and marketing efforts. In contrast, the filing and payment deadline in most states for tax year 2020 federal tax returns was May 17, 2021, thereby necessitating only a partial quarter of advertising and marketing efforts. This decrease was partially offset by a $6.5 million increase in sales and marketing expenses in our Wealth Management business due to incremental expenses following the HKFS Acquisition and increased $46.0 million. These increases wereheadcount to support growth in the Wealth Management business.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020, sales and marketing expenses decreased $7.4 million primarily due to increaseda $19.9 million decrease in advertising and marketing costs in our Tax PreparationSoftware business. Advertising and marketing costs in our Tax Software business duringwere elevated for the extendedsix months ended June 30, 2020 primarily due to incremental marketing efforts in March 2020 to address weak performance through the first two months of the 2020 tax season, as well as incrementalincreased marketing required due to the extended tax season. This decrease was partially offset by a $12.4 million increase in sales and marketing costs resulting fromexpenses in our Wealth Management business due to incremental expenses following the inclusion of 1st GlobalHKFS Acquisition and HKFS.increased headcount to support growth in the Wealth Management business.
General and Administrative
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDNine months endedYTD
September 30,ChangeSeptember 30,Change
 20202019$%20202019$%
General and administrative$18,605 $19,642 $(1,037)(5)%63,533 55,721 $7,812 14 %
Percentage of revenue11 %13 %11 %10 %
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDSix months endedYTD
June 30,ChangeJune 30,Change
 20212020$%20212020$%
General and administrative$23,832 $20,200 $3,632 18 %$48,517 $44,928 $3,589 %
Percentage of revenue%13 %%11 %
General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses primarily consist of expenses associated with personnel expenses, the cost of temporary help and contractors, professional services fees, general business development and management expenses, occupancy and general office expenses, business taxes, and insurance expenses.
For the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, G&A expenses decreased $1.0increased $3.6 million primarily due to decreased personnel costs, partially offset by $0.4 million of headquarters relocation costs, which related to the process of moving from our Dallas and Irving offices to our new headquarters.following factors:
For the ninethree months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021, we recognized $2.5 million in expenses associated with contested proxy and other legal and consulting costs.
Stock-based compensation increased $1.3 million. Stock-based compensation for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019, G&A expenses increased $7.8 million primarily due to $10.2 million of executive transition costs and $1.9 million of headquarters relocation costs that were recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, partially offset bywas reduced stock-based compensation expense due to stock award forfeitures resulting from executive departures in 2020. The
For the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020, G&A expenses increased $3.6 million primarily due to the following factors:
Stock-based compensation increased $8.1 million. Stock-based compensation for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was reduced due to stock award forfeitures resulting from executive departures in 2020.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, we recognized $5.7 million in expenses associated with contested proxy and other legal and consulting costs.
Partially offsetting these increases, we recognized $9.8 million of executive transition costs relatedfor the six months ended June 30, 2020 due to the departure of certain Company executives in the first quarter of 2020.
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 34


Acquisition and Integration
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDNine months endedYTD
September 30,ChangeSeptember 30,Change
 20202019$%20202019$%
Employee-related expenses$264 $1,504 $(1,240)(82)%$1,326 $4,334 $(3,008)(69)%
Professional services4,905 4,207 698 17 %11,447 11,765 (318)(3)%
Change in fair value of HKFS Contingent Consideration(1,000)— (1,000)N/A(1,000)— (1,000)N/A
Other expenses6,107 1,048 5,059 483 %7,009 1,640 5,369 327 %
Total$10,276 $6,759 $3,517 52 %$18,782 $17,739 $1,043 %
Percentage of revenue%%%%
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDSix months endedYTD
June 30,ChangeJune 30,Change
 20212020$%20212020$%
Employee-related expenses$522 $232 $290 125 %$735 $1,062 $(327)(31)%
Professional services117 2,356 (2,239)(95)%1,243 6,542 (5,299)(81)%
Change in fair value of HKFS Contingent Consideration11,500 — 11,500 N/A17,800 — 17,800 N/A
Other expenses6,030 236 5,794 2455 %6,494 902 5,592 620 %
Total$18,169 $2,824 $15,345 543 %$26,272 $8,506 $17,766 209 %
Percentage of revenue%%%%
Acquisition and integration expenses primarily relate to the 1st GlobalHKFS Acquisition and the HKFS1st Global Acquisition and consist of employee-related expenses, professional services fees, and other expenses.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 39


For the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021, acquisition and integration expenses of $18.2 million were primarily composed of $12.6 million related to the HKFS Acquisition, which included an $11.5 million loss related to the increase in the fair value of the liability related to the two post-closing earn-out payments (the “HKFS Contingent Consideration”). In addition, acquisition and integration expenses for the second quarter of 2021 included $5.6 million related to the 1st Global Acquisition, which included a $5.5 million increase to the contingent liability reserve balance related to a regulatory matter assumed in the 1st Global Acquisition. For additional information on the HKFS Contingent Consideration liability and the contingent liability from the 1st Global Acquisition, see “Item 1. Financial Statements—Note 7.” For the three months ended June 30, 2020, acquisition and integration expenses included $5.9$1.7 million related to the 1st Global Acquisition and $4.4$1.1 million related to the HKFS Acquisition. Acquisition
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, acquisition and integration expenses for the 1st Global Acquisition for the third quarter of 2020 included a $4.1$26.3 million impairment expensewere primarily composed of $20.5 million related to our former headquarters building lease (acquired in the 1st Global Acquisition). Acquisition and integration expenses for the HKFS Acquisition, for the third quarter of 2020which included $4.7a $17.8 million of transaction expenses and $0.8 million of integration expenses, partially offset by a $1.0 million gainloss related to the increase in the fair value change of the HKFS Contingent Consideration liability. For the three months ended September 30, 2019,In addition, acquisition and integration expenses resulted fromfor the six months ended June 30, 2021 included $5.8 million related to the 1st Global Acquisition, which included a $5.5 million increase to the contingent liability reserve balance related to a regulatory matter assumed in the 1st Global Acquisition.
For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020, acquisition and integration expenses included $10.6$4.7 million related to the 1st Global Acquisition and $8.2$3.8 million related to the HKFS Acquisition. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, acquisition and integration expenses resulted from the 1st Global Acquisition.
Depreciation and Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDNine months endedYTD
September 30,ChangeSeptember 30,Change
 20202019$%20202019$%
Depreciation$1,874 $1,470 $404 27 %$5,345 $3,846 $1,499 39 %
Amortization of acquired intangible assets7,746 10,082 (2,336)(23)%22,167 27,295 (5,128)(19)%
Total$9,620 $11,552 $(1,932)(17)%$27,512 $31,141 $(3,629)(12)%
Percentage of revenue%%%%
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDSix months endedYTD
June 30,ChangeJune 30,Change
 20212020$%20212020$%
Depreciation$3,204 $1,675 $1,529 91 %$5,504 $3,471 $2,033 59 %
Amortization of acquired intangible assets7,063 6,673 390 %14,238 14,421 (183)(1)%
Total$10,267 $8,348 $1,919 23 %$19,742 $17,892 1,850 10 %
Percentage of revenue%%%%
Depreciation of property and equipment includes depreciation of computer equipment and software, office equipment and furniture, and leasehold improvements. Amortization of acquired intangible assets primarily includes the amortization of client, financial professional, and sponsor relationships, which are amortized over their estimated lives.
For both the three and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to the three and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, depreciation and amortization expense decreasedincreased $1.9 million primarily due to TaxAct customer relationship intangible assets that completed their useful lives and ceased amortizing in early 2020, partially offset by an increase in amortization due to intangibles acquired in the HKFS Acquisition and additionalincreased depreciation resulting from property and equipment put into service at our new headquarters in July 2020.2020 and an increase in capitalized software costs.
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 35


Impairment of Goodwill
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDSix months endedYTD
June 30,ChangeJune 30,Change
 20212020$%20212020$%
Impairment of goodwill$— $— $— N/A— $270,625 $(270,625)(100)%
Percentage of revenue— %— %— %64 %
For the ninesix months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019, depreciation and amortization expense decreased $3.6 million primarily due to TaxAct customer relationship intangible assets that completed their useful lives and ceased amortizing in early 2020. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in amortization due to intangibles acquired in the 1st Global Acquisition and the HKFS Acquisition, an increase in depreciation resulting from additional depreciable assets obtained in the 1st Global Acquisition and the HKFS Acquisition, and additional depreciation from property and equipment put into service at our new headquarters in July 2020.
Impairment of Goodwill and an Intangible Asset
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDNine months endedYTD
September 30,ChangeSeptember 30,Change
 20202019$%20202019$%
Impairment$— $50,900 $(50,900)(100)%270,625 50,900 $219,725 432 %
Percentage of revenue— %34 %45 %%
For the nine months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020, we recognized goodwill impairment of $270.6 million related to our Wealth Management reporting unit. For additional information, see “Item 1. Financial Statements—Note 5.”
OTHER LOSS, NET
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDSix months endedYTD
June 30,ChangeJune 30,Change
20212020$%20212020$%
Interest expense$7,302 $4,840 $2,462 51 %$14,485 $10,156 $4,329 43 %
Amortization of debt issuance costs377 331 46 14 %740 644 96 15 %
Accretion of debt discounts284 70 214 306 %561 138 423 307 %
Total interest expense7,963 5,241 2,722 52 %15,786 10,938 4,848 44 %
Interest income— (11)11 100 %(2)(25)23 92 %
Other61 58 %123 510 (387)(76)%
Other loss, net$8,024 $5,288 $2,736 52 %$15,907 $11,423 $4,484 39 %
For the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019, we recognized impairment of $50.9 million related to the HD Vest trade name intangible asset following the rebranding of the Wealth Management business.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 40


OTHER LOSS, NET
Three months endedQTDNine months endedYTD
(In thousands)September 30,ChangeSeptember 30,Change
20202019$%20202019$%
Interest expense$7,254 $5,469 $1,785 33 %$17,410 $14,015 $3,395 24 %
Amortization of debt issuance costs362 301 61 20 %1,006 848 158 19 %
Accretion of debt discounts276 66 210 318 %414 189 225 119 %
Total interest expense7,892 5,836 2,056 35 %18,830 15,052 3,778 25 %
Interest income(2)(52)50 (96)%(27)(341)314 (92)%
Gain on sale of a business(349)(3,256)2,907 (89)%(349)(3,256)2,907 (89)%
Non-capitalized debt issuance expenses3,687 — 3,687 N/A3,687 — 3,687 N/A
Other735 78 657 842 %1,245 227 1,018 448 %
Other loss, net$11,963 $2,606 $9,357 359 %$23,386 $11,682 $11,704 100 %
For the three months ended September 30, 20202021 compared to the three and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019,2020, other loss, net, increased $9.4$2.7 million and $4.5 million, respectively, primarily due to the following factors:
Totala $2.7 million and $4.8 million increase in total interest expense, respectively. This increased $2.1 millioninterest expense was primarily due to higher outstanding debt balances as a result offollowing the $175.0 million increase in the Term Loan (as defined below) under the Senior Secured Credit Facility (as defined below) in the third quarter of 2020. In addition, the increase in the Term Loan resulted in the recognition of $3.7 million of non-capitalized debt issuance expenses.
For the three months ended September 30, 2019, we recognized a $3.3 million gain on the sale of SimpleTax, which was a provider of digital tax preparation services in Canada. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, we recognized an additional $0.3 million gain on sale due to a net working capital true-up related to the sale of SimpleTax.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019, other loss, net, increased $11.7 million primarily due to the following factors:
Total interest expense increased $3.8 million due to higher outstanding debt balances as a result of the $175.0 million increase in the Term Loan in the third quarter of 2020, the $125.0 million increase in the Term Loan in the second quarter of 2019, and incremental borrowings under the Revolver (as defined below) during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. In addition, the increase in the Term Loan in the third quarter of 2020 resulted in the recognition of $3.7 million of non-capitalized debt issuance expenses.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recognized a $3.3 million gain on the sale of SimpleTax.
The Senior Secured Credit Facility, including the Term Loan and the Revolver (as defined below) thereunder, are described in more detail under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.
INCOME TAXES
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDNine months endedYTD
September 30,ChangeSeptember 30,Change
 20202019$%20202019$%
Income tax benefit (expense)$(15,256)$12,331 $(27,587)(224)%$(23,237)$16,470 $(39,707)(241)%
(In thousands, except percentages)Three months endedQTDThree months endedYTD
June 30,ChangeJune 30,Change
 20212020$%20212020$%
Income tax benefit (expense)$(1,994)$59,539 $(61,533)(103)%$(3,694)$(7,981)$4,287 (54)%
The Company recorded income tax expense of $15.3$2.0 million and $23.2$3.7 million for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021, respectively. For 2021, the Company has prepared its interim tax provision by applying a year-to-date effective tax rate. For 2020, respectively. the Company prepared its interim tax provision by applying an estimated annual effective tax rate. We believe using the actual year-to-date effective tax rate in 2021 resulted in the best estimate of the annual effective tax rate.
The Company'sCompany’s effective income tax rate for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021 differed from the 21% statutory rate primarily due to the release of valuation allowances and the effect of state income taxes. We currently expect to continue to release portions of valuation allowances, which were previously recorded in connection with our net operating losses, to offset future federal income tax liabilities. The majority of these net operating losses will either be utilized or expire between 2021 and 2024.

The Company recorded income tax benefit of $59.5 million and income tax expense of $8.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively. The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 differed from the 21% statutory rate primarily due to expiring net operating loss tax benefits, in the current year, an adjustment to the valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets for net operating losses expected to expire in future years, of $23.5 million, and non-deductible officer compensation expense. The goodwill impairment charge of $270.6 million did not have an impact on the estimated annual effective income tax rate.
In addition, the Company has elected to treat the HKFS Acquisition as an asset acquisition under the Internal Revenue Code, and therefore, the Company will have a tax basis in all assets acquired equal to the purchase price. As a result, there are no basis differences in assets or liabilities on the opening balance sheet.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 41


The Company recorded income tax benefits of $12.3 million and $16.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 differed from the 21% statutory rate primarily due to the release of valuation allowances, offset by the effect of state income taxes, non-deductible compensation, and acquisition costs. For the three months ended September 30, 2019, our discrete benefit of $10.6 million primarily related to the HD Vest trade name impairment and impacts associated with the 1st Global Acquisition.
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). Intended to provide economic relief to those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, the CARES Act includes provisions, among others, addressing refunds of alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credits, temporary modifications to the limitations placed on the tax deductibility of net interest expenses, and technical amendments for qualified improvement property (“QIP”). Additionally, the CARES Act, in an effort to enhance liquidity for businesses, provides for refundable employee retention tax credits and the deferral of the employer-paid portion of social security taxes.
We expect that we will be able to utilize the CARES Act provisions in the following ways:
The provision permitting an adjustment to the AMT credit carryforward will have an immediate effect by allowing us to recover the remaining $5.5 million AMT receivable in 2020.
The adjustments made to the Internal Revenue Code §163(j) limiting the deduction for business interest expense will allow a 50% limitation (rather than the previous 30% limitation) for taxable years beginning in 2019 and 2020. Furthermore, we may use our adjusted taxable income for tax year 2019 when calculating our interest limitation for tax year 2020.
The QIP technical correction may allow us to claim bonus tax depreciation on certain building improvements.
The deferral of the employer-paid portion of social security taxes will result in the deferral of $2.6 million of employer social security taxes for 2020.

Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 4236


NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
Adjusted EBITDA
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc., determined in accordance with GAAP, excluding the effects of stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization of acquired intangible assets, other loss, net, acquisition and integration costs, impairment of goodwill, and an intangible asset, executive transition costs, headquarters relocation costs, contested proxy and other legal and consulting costs, and income tax (benefit) expense. Other loss, net primarily constitutes our interest expense, net of interest income. Acquisition and integration costs primarily relate to the 1st GlobalHKFS Acquisition and the HKFS1st Global Acquisition. Impairment of goodwill relates to the impairment of our Wealth Management reporting unit goodwill that was recognized in the first quarter of 2020. Impairment of an intangible asset relates to the impairment of the HD Vest trade name intangible asset following the rebranding of the Wealth Management business in the third quarter of 2019. Executive transition costs relate to the departure of certain Company executives in the first quarter of 2020. Headquarters relocation costs relate to the process of moving from our Dallas and Irving offices to our new headquarters.
We believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance. We use this non-GAAP financial measure for internal management and compensation purposes, when publicly providing guidance on possible future results, and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is a common measure used by investors and analysts to evaluate our performance, that it provides a more complete understanding of the results of operations and trends affecting our business when viewed together with GAAP results, and that management and investors benefit from referring to this non-GAAP financial measure. Items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA are significant and necessary components to the operations of our business and, therefore, Adjusted EBITDA should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, GAAP net income (loss). Other companies may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently and, therefore, our Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
A reconciliation of our Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc., which we believe to be the most comparable GAAP measure, is presented below:
(In thousands)Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc.$(26,206)$(62,386)$(292,055)$30,820 
Stock-based compensation4,517 4,639 7,220 11,164 
Depreciation and amortization of acquired intangible assets10,366 11,893 29,619 32,078 
Other loss, net11,963 2,606 23,386 11,682 
Acquisition and integration costs10,276 6,759 18,782 17,739 
Impairment of goodwill and an intangible asset— 50,900 270,625 50,900 
Executive transition costs405 — 10,225 — 
Headquarters relocation costs410 — 1,863 — 
Income tax (benefit) expense15,256 (12,331)23,237 (16,470)
Adjusted EBITDA$26,987 $2,080 $92,902 $137,913 
(In thousands)Three months endedSix months ended
June 30,June 30,
 2021202020212020
Net income (loss)$31,608 $49,645 $59,254 $(265,849)
Stock-based compensation5,160 3,904 10,770 2,703 
Depreciation and amortization of acquired intangible assets11,165 9,085 21,583 19,253 
Other loss, net8,024 5,288 15,907 11,423 
Acquisition and integration—Excluding change in fair value of HKFS Contingent Consideration6,669 2,824 8,472 8,506 
Acquisition and integration—Change in fair value of HKFS Contingent Consideration11,500 — 17,800 — 
Impairment of goodwill— — — 270,625 
Executive transition costs— 636 — 9,820 
Headquarters relocation costs— 737 — 1,453 
Contested proxy and other legal and consulting costs2,465 — 5,695 — 
Income tax (benefit) expense1,994 (59,539)3,694 7,981 
Adjusted EBITDA$78,585 $12,580 $143,175 $65,915 
Non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP net income (loss) per share
We define non-GAAP net income (loss) as net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc., determined in accordance with GAAP, excluding the effects of stock-based compensation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, gain on the sale of a business, acquisition and integration costs, impairment of goodwill, and an intangible asset, executive transition costs, headquarters relocation costs, non-capitalized debt issuance expense,contested proxy and other legal and consulting costs, the related cash tax impact of those adjustments, and non-cash income tax (benefit) expense. We exclude the non-cash portion of income tax expense because of our ability to offset a substantial portion of our cash tax liabilities by using deferred tax assets, which primarily consist of U.S. federal net operating losses. The majority of these net operating losses will be utilized or expire if unutilized, between 20202021 and 2024. Gain on the sale of a business relates to the disposition of SimpleTax in the third quarter of 2019 and the subsequent working capital adjustment in the third quarter of 2020. Non-capitalized debt issuance expense relates to the expense recognized as a result of the Term Loan increase in the third quarter of 2020. For more information on our Term Loan, see “Item 1. Financial Statements—Note 6.”

Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 43


We believe that non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP net income (loss) per share provide meaningful supplemental information to management, investors, and analysts regarding our performance and the valuation of our business by excluding items in the statement of operations that we do not consider part of our ongoing operations or have not been, or are not expected to be, settled in cash. Additionally, we believe that non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP net income (loss) per share are common measures used by investors and analysts to evaluate our performance and the
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 37


valuation of our business. Non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP net income (loss) per share should be evaluated in light of our financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP and should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, GAAP net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share. Other companies may calculate non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP net income (loss) per share differently, and, therefore, our non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP net income (loss) per share may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
A reconciliation of our non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP net income (loss) per share to net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc. and net income (loss) per share, attributable to Blucora, Inc., respectively, which we believe to be the most comparable GAAP measures, is presented below:
(In thousands, except per share amounts)Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc.$(26,206)$(62,386)$(292,055)$30,820 
Stock-based compensation4,517 4,639 7,220 11,164 
Amortization of acquired intangible assets7,746 10,082 22,167 27,295 
Gain on the sale of a business(349)(3,256)(349)(3,256)
Acquisition and integration costs10,276 6,759 18,782 17,739 
Impairment of goodwill and an intangible asset— 50,900 270,625 50,900 
Executive transition costs405 — 10,225 — 
Headquarters relocation costs410 — 1,863 — 
Non-capitalized debt issuance expenses3,687 — 3,687 — 
Cash tax impact of adjustments to GAAP net income(418)(710)(1,413)(1,892)
Non-cash income tax (benefit) expense14,987 (15,593)22,327 (23,759)
Non-GAAP net income (loss)$15,055 $(9,565)$63,079 $109,011 
Per diluted share:
Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc. (1)$(0.54)$(1.28)$(6.06)$0.62 
Stock-based compensation0.09 0.10 0.15 0.23 
Amortization of acquired intangible assets0.16 0.19 0.46 0.55 
Gain on the sale of a business(0.01)(0.07)(0.01)(0.07)
Acquisition and integration costs0.21 0.14 0.39 0.36 
Impairment of goodwill and an intangible asset— 1.05 5.62 1.03 
Executive transition costs0.01 — 0.21 — 
Headquarters relocation costs0.01 — 0.04 — 
Non-capitalized debt issuance expenses0.08 — 0.08 — 
Cash tax impact of adjustments to GAAP net income(0.01)(0.01)(0.03)(0.04)
Non-cash income tax (benefit) expense0.31 (0.32)0.46 (0.48)
Non-GAAP net income (loss) per share$0.31 $(0.20)$1.31 $2.20 
Weighted average shares outstanding used in computing per diluted share amounts48,203 48,652 48,184 49,596 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)Three months endedSix months ended
June 30,June 30,
 2021202020212020
Net income (loss)$31,608 $49,645 $59,254 $(265,849)
Stock-based compensation5,160 3,904 10,770 2,703 
Amortization of acquired intangible assets7,063 6,673 14,238 14,421 
Acquisition and integration—Excluding change in fair value of HKFS Contingent Consideration6,669 2,824 8,472 8,506 
Acquisition and integration—Change in fair value of HKFS Contingent Consideration11,500 — 17,800 — 
Impairment of goodwill— — — 270,625 
Executive transition costs— 636 — 9,820 
Headquarters relocation costs— 737 — 1,453 
Contested proxy and other legal and consulting costs2,465 — 5,695 — 
Cash tax impact of adjustments to GAAP net income(649)(259)(1,192)(995)
Non-cash income tax (benefit) expense(694)(59,697)(963)7,340 
Non-GAAP net income$63,122 $4,463 $114,074 $48,024 
Per diluted share:
Net income (loss) (1)
$0.64 $1.03 $1.20 $(5.52)
Stock-based compensation0.10 0.08 0.22 0.06 
Amortization of acquired intangible assets0.14 0.14 0.29 0.30 
Acquisition and integration—Excluding change in fair value of HKFS Contingent Consideration0.14 0.06 0.17 0.18 
Acquisition and integration—Change in fair value of HKFS Contingent Consideration0.23 — 0.36 — 
Impairment of goodwill— — — 5.62 
Executive transition costs— 0.01 — 0.20 
Headquarters relocation costs— 0.02 — 0.03 
Contested proxy and other legal and consulting costs0.05 — 0.12 — 
Cash tax impact of adjustments to GAAP net income(0.01)(0.01)(0.02)(0.02)
Non-cash income tax (benefit) expense(0.01)(1.24)(0.02)0.15 
Non-GAAP net income per diluted share$1.28 $0.09 $2.32 $1.00 
Weighted average shares outstanding used in computing per diluted share amounts49,385 48,092 49,241 48,172 
_________________________
(1)As presentedAny difference in the “per diluted share” amounts between this table and the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income(loss), net loss per share attributableincome (loss) is due to Blucora, Inc. was $0.55 and $6.09 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, and was calculated based onusing different weighted average shares outstanding of 48,039,000 and 47,936,000, respectively, which excludedin the effect of potentially dilutive shares due to theevent that there is GAAP net loss earned for the period. For non-GAAP reconciliation purposes, net loss per share attributable to Blucora, Inc. of $0.54 and $6.06 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, presented in the table above included the effects of potentially dilutive shares due tobut non-GAAP net income earned during the period.and vice versa.

Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 4438


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Our principal source of liquidity is our cash and cash equivalents. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $151.2$232.4 million. Our Avantax Wealth Management broker-dealer subsidiary operates in a highly regulated industry and is subject to various regulatory capital requirements. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have substantial monetary and non-monetary impacts on Avantax’sAvantax Wealth Management operations. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, Avantax Wealth Management met all capital adequacy requirements to which it was subject.
We generally invest our excess cash in money market funds that are made up of securities issued by agencies of the U.S government. We may invest, from time-to-time, in other vehicles, such as debt instruments issued by the U.S. federal government and its agencies, international governments, municipalities, and publicly held corporations, as well as commercial paper and insured time deposits with commercial banks. Specific holdings can vary from period to period depending upon our cash requirements. Our financial instrument investments held at SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 had minimal default risk and short-term maturities.
Historically, we have financed our operations primarily from cash provided by operating activities and access to credit markets. Our historical uses of cash have been funding our operations, capital expenditures, business combinations that enhance our strategic position, and share repurchases under share repurchase programs. We plan to finance our operating, working capital, regulatory capital requirements at our broker-dealer subsidiary, and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months largely through cash and cash equivalents. However, the underlying levels of revenues and expenses that we project may not prove to be accurate, and, from time to time, we may make a determination to draw on the Revolver (as defined below) or increase the principal amount of the Term Loan to meet our capital requirements.requirements, subject to customary terms and conditions.
Since our results of operations are sensitive to various factors, including, among others, the level of competition we face, regulatory and legal impacts, and political and economic conditions, such factors could adversely affect our liquidity and capital resources. In addition, due to the coronavirusCOVID-19 pandemic, we have experienced and may continue to experience near- to mid-term volatility in our results of operations that could further increase our liquidity needs. Due to this volatility, we have taken several measures to ensure proper liquidity levels. Welevels and are maintaining flexibility in our cash flows by applying a heightened sense of focus in monitoring and managing our cash needs.flows. In the first quarter ofJuly 2020, we accessed our Revolver for temporary liquidity needs and subsequently repaid such borrowings in full. In addition, we increased the principal outstanding under our Term Loan to fund the HKFS Acquisition and have continued to retain a portion of these proceeds in order to provide additional working capital flexibility. In addition, in April 2021, we increased the amount available for borrowings under the Revolver from $65.0 million to $90.0 million. Overall, we believe these measures provide us with the capital flexibility to satisfy our obligations, fund our operations, and invest in our businesses.
For further discussion of the risks to our business related to liquidity, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” under the heading “Existing cash and cash equivalents and cash generated from operations may not be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for servicing debt, working capital, and capital expenditures” in Part I of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the risk factors set forth in Part II, Item 1A in this Form 10-Q.2020.
We may use our cash and cash equivalents in the future to invest in our current businesses, for repayment of debt, for acquiring companies or assets, for stock buybacks, for returning capital to stockholders, or for other utilizations that we deem to be in the best interests of stockholders.
Indebtedness
In May 2017, we entered into a credit agreement (as the same has been amended, the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders, thatwhich provides for a term loan facility (the “Term Loan”) and a revolving line of credit (including a letter of credit sub-facility) (the “Revolver”) for working capital, capital expenditures, and general business purposes (the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”). The Revolver and the Term Loan mature on May 22, 2022 and May 22, 2024, respectively.
On July 1, 2020, we increased our Term Loan by $175.0 million. Approximately $104.4 million of the proceeds from the increase to the Term Loan were used to fund the purchase price of the HKFS Acquisition, as well as to pay related fees and expenses. We have used a portion of the proceeds from the increase to the Term Loan for general corporate purposes. The remainder of the proceeds from the increase to the Term Loan are being used as additional working capital. The Company is required to make principal amortization payments on the Term Loan
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 45


quarterly on the last business day of each March, June, September, and December, beginning on September 30, 2020, in an amount equal to $0.5 million (subject to reduction for prepayments), with the remaining principal amount of the Term Loan due on the maturity date of May 22, 2024.
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 39


On April 26, 2021, to ensure adequate liquidity and flexibility to support growth, we entered into Amendment No. 5 to the Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement Amendment”). Pursuant to the Credit Agreement Amendment, the Credit Agreement was amended to, among other things, refinance the existing $65.0 million Revolver and add $25.0 million of additional revolving credit commitments, for an aggregate principal amount of $90.0 million in revolving credit commitments (the “New Revolver”). The New Revolver has a maturity date of February 21, 2024 (the “Maturity Date”).
As of SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, we had $563.6$562.3 million in principal amount outstanding under the Term Loan and no amounts outstanding under the New Revolver. Based on aggregate loan commitments as of SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, approximately $65.0$90.0 million was available for future borrowing at June 30, 2021 under the Senior Secured Credit Facility, subject to customary terms and conditions.

Depending on the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement), the applicable interest rate margin on the New Revolver ranges from 2.0% to 2.5% for Eurodollar Rate Loans and 1.0% to 1.5% for ABR Loans. The Company is required to pay a commitment fee on the undrawn commitment under the New Revolver in a percentage that is dependent on the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio that ranges from 0.35% to 0.4%. Interest is payable at the end of each interest period.
Pursuant to the Credit Agreement Amendment, if the Company’s usage of the New Revolver exceeds 30% of the aggregate commitments under the New Revolver on the last day of any calendar quarter, the Company shall not permit the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to exceed (i) 4.75 to 1.00 for the period beginning on April 1, 2021 and ending on December 31, 2021, (ii) 4.25 to 1.00 for the period beginning on January 1, 2022 and ending on September 30, 2022, (iii) 4.00 to 1.00 for the period beginning on October 1, 2022 and ending on December 31, 2022, and (iv) 3.50 to 1.00 for the period beginning on January 1, 2023 and ending on the Maturity Date.
Except as described above, the New Revolver has substantially the same terms as the previous Revolver, including certain covenants and events of default.
For additional information on the Term Loan, the New Revolver, and the Credit Agreement, see, “Item 1. Financial Statements—Note 6.4.
Share Repurchase Plan
On March 19, 2019, we announced that our board of directors authorized a stock repurchase plan pursuant to which we may repurchase up to $100.0 million of our common stock. Pursuant to the plan, share repurchases may be made through a variety of methods, including open market or privately negotiated transactions. The timing and number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including price, general business and market conditions, and alternative investment opportunities. Our repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any specific number of shares, may be suspended or discontinued at any time, and does not have a specified expiration date.
For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock under the stock repurchase plan. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, there was still approximately $71.7 million in remaining capacity under the stock repurchase plan. In assessingAs part of our overall capital allocation priorities,strategy, we do not expectwill assess future share purchases against other alternative uses of capital, which include investments in our businesses, acquiring companies or assets, repurchases of our outstanding debt, and other uses of capital that we deem to make additional share repurchasesbe in the near term.best interests of stockholders.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The material changes in our contractual obligations and commitments include debt activity (as described in “Indebtedness” above) and incremental purchase commitments related to outsourced IT services for our TaxAct business. These incremental future commitments will result in $24.6 million of payments that span from the fourth quarter of 2020 to the third quarter of 2022, although we have the ability to terminate this contract at any time with prior written notice.
As part of the HKFS Acquisition, the purchase price paid by us is subject to two potential post-closing earn-out payments. The amount of the HKFS Contingent Consideration is determined based on advisory asset levels and the achievement of certain performance goals (i) for the period beginning on July 1, 2020 and ending on July 1, 2021 and (ii) for the period beginning on July 1, 2021 and ending on July 1, 2022. Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 6, 2020, by and among the Company, HKFS, the selling stockholders named therein (the “Sellers”), and JRD Seller Representative, LLC, as the Sellers’ representative (as amended on April 7, 2020, June 30, 2020, and June 29, 2021), the maximum aggregate amount that we would be required to pay for
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 40


each earn-out period is $30.0 million, provided that any unearned amounts during the first earn-out period may also be earned during the second earn-out period.million. If the asset values on the applicable measurement date fall below certain specified thresholds, we would not be required to make any earn-out payment to the Sellers for such period.
The estimated fair value (as calculated in accordance with GAAP) of the HKFS Contingent Consideration liability was $26.6$53.7 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 2020.2021. The portion of the HKFS Contingent Consideration liability related to the first earn-out period was $30.0 million as of June 30, 2021, and this value was based on the earn-out payment (calculated in accordance with the amended HKFS Purchase Agreement and based on actual advisory asset levels as of June 30, 2021) we will make in the third quarter of 2021.
The estimated fair value of the portion of the HKFS Contingent Consideration liability related to the second earn-out period was $23.7 million as of June 30, 2021. While this amount was calculated in accordance with the fair value guidance contained in ASCAccounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurements, there are a number of assumptions and estimates factored into thesethis fair valuesvalue (including a risk-adjusted discount rate), and the actual earn-out paymentspayment could differ from thesethe estimated fair values.value.
Additional information on our contractual obligations and commitments can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.2020.
Off-balance Sheet Arrangements
We had no off-balance sheet arrangements as of SeptemberJune 30, 2020.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 46


2021.
Cash Flows
Our cash flows were comprised of the following:
(In thousands)Nine months ended
September 30,
 20202019Change ($)
Net cash provided by operating activities$35,314 $96,247 $(60,933)
Net cash used by investing activities(130,787)(165,981)35,194 
Net cash provided by financing activities160,392 83,080 77,312 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash— 38 (38)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash$64,919 $13,384 $51,535 
(In thousands)Six months ended June 30,
 20212020Change ($)
Net cash provided by operating activities$97,271 $34,374 $62,897 
Net cash used by investing activities(14,425)(19,072)4,647 
Net cash used by financing activities(608)(10,405)9,797 
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash$82,238 $4,897 $77,341 
Net cash from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities consists of net income (loss), offset by certain non-cash adjustments, and changes in operating assets and liabilities. Operating cash flows and changes in operating assets and liabilities were as follows:
(In thousands)Six months ended June 30,
 20212020Change ($)
Net income (loss)$59,254 $(265,849)$325,103 
Non-cash adjustments53,438 306,914 (253,476)
Operating cash flows before changes in operating assets and liabilities112,692 41,065 71,627 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities(15,421)(6,691)(8,730)
Net cash provided by operating activities$97,271 $34,374 $62,897 
(In thousands)Nine months ended
September 30,
 20202019Change ($)
Net income (loss)$(292,055)$30,820 $(322,875)
Non-cash adjustments341,466 72,205 269,261 
Operating cash flows before changes in operating assets and liabilities49,411 103,025 (53,614)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities(14,097)(6,778)(7,319)
Net cash provided by operating activities$35,314 $96,247 $(60,933)
Net cash provided by operating activities was $35.3 million forFor the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020, and included $49.4 million of operating cash flows before changes in operating assets and liabilities partially offset by $14.1 million from changes in operating assets and liabilities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019, operating cash flows before changes in operating assets and liabilities decreased $53.6increased $71.6 million primarily due to the following factors:
Operating income from our Tax PreparationSoftware business decreased $47.9increased $69.9 million; and
Executive transition costs of $10.2$9.8 million were recognized infor the first quarter ofsix months ended June 30, 2020 due to the departure of certain Company executives.
The increase in the changesChanges in operating assets and liabilities of $7.3 million was primarily due to working capital adjustments experienced infor the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019 resulting from the 1st Global Acquisition.
Net cash from investing activities
Net cash used by investing activities consists2021 included $10.5 million in payments made to financial professionals in support of business acquisitions, net of cash acquired, purchases of property and equipment, and proceeds from the sale of a business. Investing cash flows were as follows:
(In thousands)Nine months ended
September 30,
 20202019Change ($)
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired$(102,425)$(166,561)$64,136 
Purchases of property and equipment(28,711)(6,887)(21,824)
Proceeds from sale of a business$349 $7,467 (7,118)
Net cash used by investing activities$(130,787)$(165,981)$35,194 
Net cash used by investing activities was $130.8 million and $166.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The $35.2 million decrease in net cash used by investing activities was primarily due to cash outlays for the HKFS Acquisition in July 2020 as compared to the 1st Global Acquisition in May 2019. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in cash outlays for office equipment and leasehold improvements related to the new headquarters office building, as well as additional capitalized software costs.ongoing growth programs.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 4741


Net cash from investing activities
Net cash used by investing activities consists of purchases of property and equipment and asset acquisitions. Investing cash flows were as follows:
(In thousands)Six months ended June 30,
 20212020Change ($)
Purchases of property and equipment$(13,544)$(19,072)$5,528 
Asset acquisitions(881)— (881)
Net cash used by investing activities$(14,425)$(19,072)$4,647 
For the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020, net cash used by investing activities decreased $4.6 million primarily due to decreased purchases of property and equipment following expenditures in the first half of 2020 related to our new headquarters, partially offset by the execution of asset acquisitions in the first half of 2021.
For the remainder of 2021, we expect to make cash outlays of $10.0 million to $20.0 million as we seek to execute our strategy of acquiring independent wealth management practices.
Net cash from financing activities
Net cash from financing activities primarily consists of transactions related to the issuance of debt and stock. Our financing activities can fluctuate from period-to-period based upon our financing needs. Financing cash flows were as follows:
(In thousands)Six months ended June 30,
 20212020Change ($)
Proceeds from credit facilities, net of debt issuance costs and debt discounts$(502)$55,000 $(55,502)
Payments on credit facilities(906)(65,625)64,719 
Proceeds from stock option exercises284 25 259 
Proceeds from issuance of stock through employee stock purchase plan1,845 1,201 644 
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards(1,329)(1,006)(323)
Net cash used by financing activities$(608)$(10,405)$9,797 
(In thousands)Nine months ended
September 30,
 20202019Change ($)
Proceeds from credit facilities$226,278 $121,489 $104,789 
Payments on credit facilities(66,078)— (66,078)
Payment of redeemable noncontrolling interests— (24,945)24,945 
Stock repurchases— (11,968)11,968 
Proceeds from stock option exercises25 3,811 (3,786)
Proceeds from issuance of stock through employee stock purchase plan1,201 1,144 57 
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards(1,034)(5,508)4,474 
Contingent consideration payments for business acquisition— (943)943 
Net cash provided by financing activities$160,392 $83,080 $77,312 
NetFor the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020, net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020increased $9.8 million primarily consisted of $226.3 million of additional borrowingsdue to borrowing and repayment activity under the Senior Secured Credit Facility (which includedRevolver in the $175.0 million increase to our Term Loan in July 2020 used to fund the HKFS Acquisition), partially offset by $66.1 million of repayments on existing indebtedness.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 primarily consisted of $121.5 million of borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facility that were used to fund the 1st Global Acquisition, as well as $5.0 million in combined proceeds from the issuance of common stock related to stock option exercises and the employee stock purchase plan. These cash inflows were partially offset by $24.9 million to settle redeemable noncontrolling interest related to the acquisition of HD Vest in 2015, $12.0 million in stock repurchases, and $5.5 million in tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards.prior period.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the disclosures included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and disclosure of contingencies. In some cases, we could have reasonably used different accounting policies and estimates.
The SEC has defined a company’s most critical accounting policies as the ones that are the most important to the portrayal of the company’s financial condition and results of operations and which require the company to make its most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate the estimates used. We base our estimates on historical experience, current conditions, and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances and, based on information available to us at that time, we make judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources, as well as identify and assess our accounting treatment with respect to commitments and contingencies. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions, judgments, or conditions. The accounting policies that we believe involve the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements involve wealth management revenue recognition, tax preparationsoftware revenue recognition, income taxes, business combinations, and intangible assetgoodwill impairment. We continually update and assess the facts and circumstances regarding all of these critical accounting matters and other significant accounting matters affecting estimates in our financial statements. Since December 31, 2019, we
Blucora, Inc. | Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 42


There have updatedbeen no material changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates related to business combinations and impairment of goodwill. There have been no other changes in critical accounting policies as further describeddisclosed under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” and Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 48


Business combinations
We account for business combinations using the acquisition method.
Under the acquisition method, the purchase price of the HKFS Acquisition has been allocated to HKFS’s acquired tangible and identifiable intangible assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values at the time of the HKFS Acquisition. This allocation involves a number of assumptions, estimates, and judgments that could materially affect the timing or amounts recognized in our financial statements. The most subjective areas of the acquisition accounting method included determining the fair value of the following:
intangible assets, including the valuation methodology, estimates of future cash flows, discount rates, growth rates, as well as the estimated useful life of intangible assets;
contingent consideration, including the valuation methodology, estimates of future advisory asset levels, discount rates, growth rates, and volatility levels; and
goodwill, as measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the acquisition date fair value of the assets acquired, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets, and the liabilities assumed.
Our assumptions and estimates are based upon comparable market data and information obtained from the management of HKFS.
Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill represents the cost of an acquisition less the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the acquired business. We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually, as of November 30, or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of one or more of our reporting units is less than its carrying amount. To determine whether it is necessary to perform a goodwill impairment test, we first assess qualitative factors to evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. We may elect to perform a goodwill impairment test without completing a qualitative assessment.
Beginning in March 2020, the coronavirus pandemic had a significant negative impact on the U.S. and global economy and caused substantial disruption in the U.S. and global securities markets, and as a result, negatively impacted certain key Wealth Management business drivers, such as client asset levels and interest rates. These macroeconomic and Company-specific factors, in totality, served as a triggering event that resulted in the testing of the goodwill of the Wealth Management reporting unit and the Tax Preparation reporting unit for potential impairment.
As part of the goodwill impairment test, we compared the estimated fair values of the Wealth Management and Tax Preparation reporting units to their respective carrying values. Estimated fair value was calculated using Level 3 inputs and utilized a blended valuation method that factored in the income approach and the market approach. The income approach estimated fair value by using the present value of future discounted cash flows. Significant estimates used in the discounted cash flow model included our forecasted cash flows, our long-term rates of growth, and our weighted average cost of capital. The weighted average cost of capital factors in the relevant risk associated with business-specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the ability to achieve our projected cash flows. The market approach estimated fair value by taking income-based valuation multiples for a set of comparable companies and applying the valuation multiple to each reporting unit’s income.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 49


For the Wealth Management reporting unit, the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeded its fair value by $270.6 million. Therefore, we recorded an impairment of goodwill of $270.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. For the Tax Preparation reporting unit, the carrying value of the reporting unit was significantly below its fair value, and therefore, no impairment of goodwill was deemed necessary.
While no goodwill impairment triggering events were identified during the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Wealth Management reporting unit is considered to be at risk for a future impairment of its goodwill in the event of a further decline in general economic, market, or business conditions, or any significant unfavorable changes in our forecasted revenue, expenses, cash flows, weighted average cost of capital, and/or market valuation multiples. We will continue to monitor for events and circumstances that could negatively impact the key assumptions in determining the fair value of the Wealth Management reporting unit.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See "Item 1. Financial Statements—Note 2" for additional information on recently adopted accounting pronouncements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There have been no material changes to the instruments in which we are exposed to market risk during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020.2021. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, we had $563.6$562.3 million in principal amount of debt outstanding under the Term Loan of our Senior Secured Credit Facility, which carries a degree of interest rate risk. This debt has a floating portion of its interest rate tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). For further information on our outstanding debt, see “Item 1. Financial Statements—Note 6.4.” A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in LIBOR on SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 would result in a $20.8$16.6 million increase in our interest expense until the scheduled maturity date in 2024.
For additional information, see Part II, Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.2020.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated (pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of SeptemberJune 30, 2020.2021. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e)) were effective as of SeptemberJune 30, 2020.2021.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our internal control environment has been impacted by work-from-home requirements for our employees. These requirements began in mid-MarchMarch 2020 and have continued through the date of this report. While modifications were made to the manner in which controls were performed, these changes did not have a material impact on our internal control over financial reporting, and there were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
See “Item 1. Financial Statements—Note 10”7” for additional information on our legal proceedings.

Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 50


Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our business and future results may be affected by a number of risks and uncertainties that should be considered carefully. In addition, this report also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks described in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20192020 and the risks set forth below.
We believe that there have been no material changes in our risk factors as previously disclosed in the Form 10-K other than as set forth below. The occurrence of one or more of the events listed below could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, reputation, financial condition, cash flows, or ability to continue current operations without any direct or indirect impairment or disruption, which is referred to throughout these risk factors as a “Material Adverse Effect.”
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR BUSINESSES
Pandemics, including the recent coronavirus pandemic, could have a Material Adverse Effect.
In late 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China. Subsequently, the coronavirus spread to other countries, including the United States, and efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus intensified in early 2020. The various precautionary measures taken by many governmental authorities around the world in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus as well as the societal response have had, and could continue to have, an adverse effect on the global markets and economy, including on the availability of and costs associated with employees, resources, and other aspects of the global economy. The development of the coronavirus pandemic could also cause significant disruptions to our business and operations and the operations of our financial professionals, increase costs and burdens associated with staffing and conducting our operations, increase our risk of being subject to contract performance claims, or increase the risk that our counterparties fail to perform under their respective contracts or commitments, if we or they are unable to deliver according to the terms of such contracts or commitments and do not have the ability to claim force majeure.
Our Wealth Management segment, which provides tax-focused wealth management solutions for financial professionals, tax preparers, certified public accounting firms, and their clients, primarily generates revenue through securities and insurance commissions, quarterly investment advisory fees based on advisory assets, product marketing service agreements, and other agreements and fees. The coronavirus pandemic has had a material negative impact on the U.S. and global economy as a whole and has caused substantial disruption in the U.S. and global securities and debt markets. This economic and market disruption negatively impacted the value of some of our clients’ assets during the first quarter of 2020, which caused a corresponding decline in the amount of revenue that we derived from these client assets. While positive financial market movement in the second and third quarters of 2020 increased advisory and brokerage asset balances, there can be no guarantee that there will not be additional economic and market disruption as a result of the coronavirus pandemic that could lead to additional decline in client assets. In addition, our client assets could also decline as a result of clients being forced to rely on their investments due to the macroeconomic effect of the coronavirus. A decline in client assets would lead to a corresponding decline in revenue from client assets. Further, as a result of this economic and market disruption, we have experienced and expect that we may continue to experience a decline in commission revenue from lower trading volumes, a reduction in advisory revenue, significantly reduced cash sweep revenue due to changes in prevailing interest rates, losses sustained from our customers’ and market participants’ failure to fulfill their settlement obligations, reduced net interest earnings, and other losses. The coronavirus pandemic has also affected the business of our financial professionals in many ways. For example, our financial professionals have not been able to meet with clients face-to-face during the pandemic, and they have also had to assist clients through an extended tax season and in applying for loans under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program. In addition, they have been unable to attend conferences and share ideas with other financial professionals. This sustained change in business or the loss of financial professionals who are not able to continue their business during this difficult time could lead to lower revenue and could have a Material Adverse Effect.
Our Tax Preparation segment, which provides digital do-it-yourself tax preparation solutions for consumers, small business owners, and tax professionals, primarily generates revenue through digital tax preparation services. In March 2020, the IRS extended the deadline for specified U.S. federal income tax payments and federal income tax returns due April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. This filing extension resulted in the shifting of a significant portion of Tax Preparation segment revenue that is usually earned in the first and second quarters of 2020 to the third quarter of 2020, as well as increased expenses. As a result, our results of
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 5143


operations forRISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR BUSINESSES
Our business could be adversely affected as a result of actions of activist stockholders.
During 2021, we were the target of a proxy contest initiated by an activist stockholder, which required us to incur significant legal and consulting costs, proxy solicitation expenses, and administrative and associated costs, and required significant time and attention by our Tax Preparation segment were negatively impacted inboard of directors and management.
During the firstproxy contest, the activist stockholder targeted communications directly to our financial professionals and second quarters of 2020 compared to the corresponding periods in prior years. It is currently unknown if the IRS will need to extend the tax filing deadline in 2021, and this limits our ability to plan for the next tax season and could also cause confusion amongst tax filers, which couldemployees. As a result, in less tax filers who use our product.
In addition, we have historically financed our operations primarily from cash provided by operating activities and access to credit markets. To the extent that the coronavirus pandemic causes a substantial reduction or change in timing of our cash provided by operating activities, weit may be required to seek additional capital through issuances of debt or equity securities. We may be unable to complete any such transactions on favorable terms to us, or at all. The instruments governing our existing indebtedness requiremore difficult for us to comply with certain restrictive covenants,pursue our strategic initiatives or attract and any substantialretain financial professionals and sustained downturn in our operations due to the coronavirus or other factors may cause us to be in breach of our debt covenants or limit our ability to make interest payments on our indebtedness, which could constitute an event of defaultqualified employees and cause our outstanding indebtedness to be declared immediately due and payable. If applicable, such acceleration of our outstanding indebtedness could cause our secured lenders to foreclose against the assets securing their borrowings, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. Any inability to obtain additional liquidity as and when needed, or to maintain compliance with the instruments governing our indebtedness, would have a Material Adverse Effect.
Any of the foregoing factors could result in a Material Adverse Effect on our revenues, results of operations and financial condition. The extent to which the coronavirus impacts our results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the coronavirus and the actions to contain the coronavirus or treat its impact, among others.
Our Wealth Management business is subject to extensive regulation, and failure to comply with these regulations or interpretations thereof could have a Material Adverse Effect.
Our Wealth Management business is subject to enhanced regulatory scrutiny and is heavily regulated by multiple agencies, including the SEC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), state securities and insurance regulators, and other regulatory authorities. Failure to comply with these regulators’ laws, rules, and regulations could result in the restriction of the ongoing conduct or growth, or even liquidation of, parts of our business and otherwise cause a Material Adverse Effect. In addition, regulators may adopt new laws or regulations, or their interpretation of existing laws or regulations may differ from our interpretation of the laws or regulations that are applicable to our business. Regulators may also take enforcement actions based on their interpretation of the law that could require or prompt us to change our business practices, increase our costs, including resulting in fines, penalties and disgorgement, or reduce our revenue,partners, any of which could cause a Material Adverse Effect.have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.
The regulatory environment in which our Wealth Management business operates is continually evolving, and the level of financial regulation to which we are subject has generally increased in recent years. RegulatorsWe have, adopted, proposed to adopt, and may in the future, adopt regulations that could impact the manner in which we will market products and services in our Wealth Management business, manage our Wealth Management business operations, and interact with regulators. In addition, the Trump Administration has initiated and in some cases completed a broad review of U.S. fiscal laws and regulations. If significant changes are enactedbecome party to litigation as a result of this review, or a similar undertaking by a new presidential administration, they could negatively impact our Wealth Management business and cause a Material Adverse Effect.
On June 5, 2019, the SEC adopted Regulation Best Interest (“Reg. BI”), which established a “best interest” standard when making a recommendation of any securities transaction to a retail customer. The “best interest” standard requires a broker-dealer to make recommendations without putting its financial interests ahead of the interests of a retail customer and imposes certain disclosure and policy and procedural obligations. The SEC also adopted Form CRS Relationship Summary (“Form CRS”), which requires RIAs and broker-dealers to deliver to retail investors a succinct, plain English summary about the relationship and services provided by the firm and the required standard of conduct associated with the relationship and services. In connection with adopting Reg. BI, the SEC added new record-making and record-keeping rules.
The compliance date for Reg. BI and the related rules was June 30, 2020. As it concerns the SEC’s efforts to evaluate firms’ compliance with Reg. BI and Form CRS, the SEC stated on April 7, 2020 that for initial examinations of Reg. BI and Form CRS, the SEC will focus on assessing whether broker-dealers have made a good faith effort to implement policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with Reg. BI and Form CRS. Although we believe we have taken steps to comply with Reg. BI and Form CRS by the compliance date, we are continuing to implement processes and procedures reasonably designed to comply with Reg. BI and Form CRS. If the SEC does
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 52


not believe we have sufficiently complied or if we fail to continue to comply with the requirements of Reg. BI and Form CRS, we could be subject to fines or regulatory actions that result in a Material Adverse Effect on our business or financial condition. Because our brokerage business comprises a significant portion of our business, our failure to successfully conform to these standards could negatively impact our results.
Reg. BI’s new standards of conduct and other requirements that heighten the duties of broker-dealers and financial professionals have resulted in, and may continue to cause, additional supervisory, compliance, and training costs and burdens, as well as management and financial professional distraction. The additional obligations of the rule could also impact the compensation our Wealth Management business and our financial professionals receive for selling certain types of products, all of which could have a Material Adverse Effect on our business. In addition, Reg. BI prohibits a broker-dealer and its associated persons from using the term “adviser” or “advisor” if the associated person is not an investment advisor representative of an RIA. This prohibition has required us to change the titles of certain of our advisors to “financial professionals,” which could lead to confusion regarding the appropriate use of the term.
Legislatures and securities regulators in certain states in which we do business have enacted (or have considered enacting) their own standard of conduct rules for broker-dealers, insurance agents, and investment advisors. The requirements and scope of these state rules are not uniform. Accordingly, we may have to adopt different policies and procedures in different states, which could create added compliance, supervision, training and sales costs for our Wealth Management business. Should more states enact similar legislation or regulations, it could result in material additional compliance costs and could have a Material Adverse Effect.
Our Wealth Management business that operates under Avantax Wealth Management distributes its products and services through financial professionals who affiliate with us as independent contractors. There can be no assurance that legislative, judicial, or regulatory (including tax) authorities will not introduce proposals or assert interpretations of existing rules and regulations that would change, or at least challenge, the classification of our financial professionals as independent contractors. Although we believe we have properly classified our financial professionals as independent contractors, the IRS or other U.S. federal or state authorities or similar authorities may determine that we have misclassified our financial professionals as independent contractors for employment tax or other purposes and, as a result, seek additional taxes from us or attempt to impose fines and penalties, which could have a Material Adverse Effect on our business model, financial condition, and results of operations.
In addition, the SEC and FINRA have extensive rules and regulations with respect to capital requirements. As a registered broker-dealer, our Wealth Management business is subject to Rule 15c3-1 (the “Net Capital Rule”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and related requirements of self-regulatory organizations, which specify minimum capital requirements that are intended to ensure the general soundness and liquidity of broker-dealers. As a result of the Net Capital Rule, our ability to withdraw capital from our subsidiaries that comprise our Wealth Management business could be restricted, which in turn could limit our ability to repay debt, redeem or purchase shares of our outstanding stock, or pay dividends, which could have a Material Adverse Effect. A large operating loss or charge against net capital could adversely affect our ability to expand or even maintain our present levels of business.
Our Wealth Management business offers products sponsored by third parties, including, but not limited to, mutual funds, insurance, annuities, and alternative investments. These products are subject to complex regulations that change frequently. Although we have controls in place to facilitate compliance with such regulations, there can be no assurance that our interpretation of the regulations will be consistent with various regulators’ interpretations, that our procedures will be viewed as adequate by regulatory examiners, or that the operating subsidiaries will be deemed to be in compliance with regulatory requirements in all material respects. If products sold by our Wealth Management business do not perform as anticipated due to market factors or otherwise, or if product sponsors become insolvent or are otherwise unable to meet their obligations, this could result in material litigation and regulatory action against us. In addition, we could face liabilities for actual or alleged breaches of legal duties to customers with respect to the suitability of the financial products we make available in our open architecture product platform or the investment advice of our financial professionals.
In addition, the risks we face with respect to complying with regulatory requirements for our Wealth Management business may be exacerbated by the effects of the coronavirus, particularly with respect to risks associated with our ability to comply with new regulations. Given the unprecedented nature of the coronavirus pandemic, it is difficult for us to predict how it will impact our business and our ability to adopt new policies, procedures, and training programs and employ the personnel necessary to ensure compliance with new regulations.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 53


We may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits of the HKFS Acquisition or those benefits may take longer to realize than expected.
We may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits of the HKFS Acquisition, including the expected operational, revenue, and cost synergies with our Wealth Management business and the level of revenue and profitability growth that we are expecting, or these benefits may not be achieved within the anticipated timeframe. In addition, we have faced, and may in the future face, difficulties in attracting and retaining key financial professional employees of HKFS. Departures of financial professionals have in the past resulted, and could in the future result, in lost relationships with CPA firms and clients, which has led, and could in the future lead, to a reduction in client asset levels and a corresponding reduction in advisory revenue, as well as the loss of referrals. We may also face certain integration challenges, which could divert management’s attention from ongoing operations and opportunities.
Furthermore, we have incurred significant transaction costsmatters arising in connection with the HKFS Acquisition, including paymentproxy contest, which could serve as a distraction to our board of certain feesdirectors and expenses incurred in connection with the HKFS Acquisition and the financing of the HKFS Acquisition, and our future financial results could be impacted if goodwill or other intangible assets we acquired in the HKFS Acquisition become impaired.
In addition, we may also face difficulties in managing the expanded operations of a significantly larger and more complex company. The failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the HKFS Acquisition could cause an interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, our operationsmanagement and could result in a Material Adverse Effect.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020 Form 10-Q 54
require us to incur significant additional costs.


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
On March 19, 2019, we announced that our board of directors authorized a stock repurchase plan pursuant to which we may repurchase up to $100.0 million of our common stock. Pursuant to the plan, share repurchases may be made through a variety of methods, including open market or privately negotiated transactions. The timing and number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including price, general business and market conditions, and alternative investment opportunities. The authorizationOur repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any specific number of shares, may be suspended or discontinued at any time, and does not have a specified expiration date.
Share repurchase activity forFor the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020 by month2021, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock under the stock repurchase plan. As of June 30, 2021, there was as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
PeriodTotal Number of Shares PurchasedAverage Price Paid Per ShareTotal Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or ProgramsMaximum Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1-31, 2020— $— — $71,671 
February 1-29, 2020— $— — $71,671 
March 1-31, 2020— $— — $71,671 
April 1-30, 2020— $— — $71,671 
May 1-31, 2020— $— — $71,671 
June 1-30, 2020— $— — $71,671 
July 1-31, 2020— $— — $71,671 
August 1-31, 2020— $— — $71,671 
September 1-30, 2020— $— — $71,671 
    Total— $— — 

approximately $71.7 million in remaining capacity under the stock repurchase plan.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 5544


Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit DescriptionFormDate of
First Filing
Exhibit NumberFiled
Herewith
2.1#8-KJuly 1, 20202.1
3.18-KJuly 16, 20203.1
10.1^8-KJuly 1, 202010.1
31.1X
31.2X
32.1*X
32.2*X
101The following financial statements from the Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2020, formatted in inline XBRL: (i) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity; (iv) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial StatementsX
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and Contained in Exhibit 101)X
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit DescriptionFormDate of
First Filing
Exhibit NumberFiled
Herewith
2.1#8-KMarch 19, 20192.1
2.2#8-KJuly 1, 20202.1
2.38-KJuly 2, 20212.1
10.18-KApril 27, 202110.1
31.1X
31.2X
32.1*X
32.2*X
101The following financial statements from the Company's Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2021, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity; (iv) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial StatementsX
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)X
____________________________
# Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. Blucora, Inc. hereby undertakes to furnish supplemental copies of any of the omitted schedules and exhibits upon request by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
^ Certain portions of the exhibit have been omitted.
*The certifications attached as Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 are not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Blucora, Inc. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.
Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 5645


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
BLUCORA, INC.
By:/s/ Marc Mehlman
 Marc Mehlman
Chief Financial Officer
(On behalf of the Registrant and as
Principal Financial Officer)
Date:November 9, 2020August 4, 2021

Blucora, Inc. | Q3 2020Q2 2021 Form 10-Q 5746