Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

v3.19.3.a.u2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Envestnet and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Foreign Currency
Foreign Currency—Accounts for the Envestnet Wealth Solutions segment that are denominated in a non-U.S. currency have been re-measured using the U.S. dollar as the functional currency. Certain accounts within the Envestnet Data & Analytics segment are recorded and measured in foreign currencies. The assets and liabilities for those subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates. Differences arising from these foreign currency translations are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders' equity. The Company is also subject to gains and losses from foreign currency denominated transactions and the remeasurement of foreign currency denominated balance sheet accounts, both of which are included in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations.
Management Estimates
Management Estimates—Management has made certain estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Areas requiring the use of management estimates relate to estimating uncollectible receivables, revenue recognition, valuations and assumptions used for impairment testing of goodwill, intangible and other long-lived assets, right of use assets, restricted stock and stock options issued, contingent consideration, realization of deferred tax assets, uncertain tax positions, sales tax liabilities, operating lease liabilities, fair value of the liability portion of the convertible debt, fair value of warrants issued, commitments and contingencies and assumptions used to allocate purchase prices in business combinations. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition

The Company derives revenues from asset-based and subscription-based services and professional services and other sources. Revenues are recognized when control of these services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services. All revenue recognized in the consolidated statements of operations is considered to be revenue from contracts with customers. Sales and usage-based taxes are excluded from revenues.
Asset-Based Recurring Revenues—Asset-based recurring revenues primarily consist of fees for providing customers continuous access to platform services through the Company’s uniquely customized platforms. These platform services include investment manager research, portfolio diagnostics, proposal generation, investment model management, rebalancing and trading, portfolio performance reporting and monitoring solutions, billing and back office and middle-office operations and administration and are made available to customers throughout the contractual term from the date the customized platform is launched. 

The asset-based fees the Company earns are generally based upon variable percentages of assets managed or administered on our platforms. The fee percentage varies based on the level and type of services the Company provides to its customers, as well as the values of existing customer accounts. The values of the customer accounts are affected by inflows or outflows of customer funds and market fluctuations.

The platform services are substantially the same over each quarter and performed in a similar manner over the contract period, and are considered stand-ready promises. The platform services that are delivered to the customer over the quarter are considered distinct, as the customer benefits distinctly from each increment of our services and each quarter is separately identified in the contract, and are considered to be a single performance obligation under ASC 606.

The pricing generally resets each quarter and the pricing structure is consistent throughout the term of the contract. The variable fees are generally calculated and billed quarterly in advance based on preceding quarter-end values and the variable amounts earned from the platform services relate specifically to the benefits transferred to the customer during that quarter. Accordingly, revenue is allocated to the specific quarter in which services are performed.

The asset-based contracts generally contain one performance obligation and revenue is recognized on a ratable basis over the quarter beginning on the date that the platform services are made available to the customer as the customer simultaneously consumes and receives the benefits of the services. All asset-based fees are recognized in the Envestnet Wealth Solutions segment.
 
For certain services provided by third parties, the Company evaluates whether it is the principal (revenues reported on a gross basis) or agent (revenues reported on a net basis). Generally, the Company reports customer fees including charges for third party service providers where the Company has a direct contract with such third party service providers on a gross basis, whereas the amounts billed to its customers are recorded as revenues, and amounts paid to third party service providers are recorded as cost of revenues. The Company is the principal in the transaction because it controls the services before they are transferred to its customers. Control is evidenced by the Company being primarily responsible to its customers and having discretion in establishing pricing.
 
Subscription-Based Recurring Revenues—Subscription-based recurring revenues primarily consist of fees for providing customers continuous access to the Company’s platform for wealth management and financial wellness. The subscription-based fees generally include fixed fees and or usage-based fees.
 
Generally, the subscription services are substantially the same over each quarter and performed in a similar manner over the contract period, and are considered stand-ready promises. Quarterly subscription services are considered distinct as the customer can benefit from each increment of services on its own and each quarter is separately identified in the contract, and services are considered to be a single performance obligation under ASC 606.
 
The usage-based pricing generally resets each quarter and the pricing structure is generally consistent throughout the term of the contract. The fixed fees are generally calculated and billed quarterly in advance. The usage-based fees are generally calculated and are billed either monthly or quarterly based on the actual usage and relate specifically to the benefits transferred to the customer during that quarter. Accordingly, revenue is allocated to the specific quarter in which services are performed.
 
Certain subscription-based contracts contain multiple performance obligations (i.e. platform services performance obligation and professional services performance obligation). Fixed fees are generally recognized on a ratable basis over the quarter beginning when the subscription services are made available to the customer, as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of the subscription services. Usage-based revenue is recognized on a monthly basis as the customer receives and consumes the benefit as the Company provides the services. Subscription-based fees are recognized in both the Envestnet Wealth Solutions and Envestnet Data & Analytics segments.
 
Professional Services and Other Revenues—The Company earns professional services fees by providing contractual customized services and platform software development as well as initial implementation fees. Professional services contracts generally have fixed prices, and generally specify the deliverables in the contract. Certain professional services contracts are billed on a time and materials basis and revenue is recognized over time as the services are performed. For contracts billed on a fixed price basis, revenue is recognized over time based on the proportion of services performed. Initial implementation fees are fixed and recognized ratably over the contract term. 
 
Other revenues primarily includes revenue related to the Advisor Summit. Other revenues are recognized when the events are held. Other revenues are not significant.
 
The majority of the professional services and other contracts contain one performance obligation. Professional services and other revenues are recognized in both the Envestnet Wealth Solutions and Envestnet Data & Analytics segments.
 
Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations—Certain of the Company’s contracts with customers contain
multiple performance obligations such as platform services performance obligation and professional services performance obligation. For such arrangements, the Company allocates revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. Standalone selling prices of services are estimated based on observable transactions when these services are sold on a standalone basis or based on expected cost plus margin.

The Company has applied the practical expedients and exemption and therefore does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less; (ii) contracts for which the Company recognizes revenue at the amount to which it has the right to invoice for services performed; and (iii) contracts for which the variable consideration is allocated entirely to a wholly unsatisfied performance obligations or to a wholly unsatisfied promise to transfer a distinct service that forms part of a single performance obligation.

Contract Balances—The Company records contract liabilities (deferred revenue) when cash payments are received in advance of its performance. The term between invoicing date and when payment is due is generally not significant. For the
majority of its arrangements, the Company requires advance quarterly payments before the services are delivered to the customer.

Deferred Revenue—Deferred revenue primarily consists of implementation fees, professional services, and subscription fee payments received in advance from customers.
Deferred Sales Incentive Compensation—Sales incentive compensation earned by the Company’s sales force is considered an incremental and recoverable cost to acquire a contract with a customer. Sales incentive compensation for initial contracts is deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of benefit. The Company determined the period of benefit by taking into consideration its customer contracts, life of the technology and other factors. Sales incentive compensation for renewal contracts are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the related contractual renewal period. Deferred sales incentive compensation is included in other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheets and amortization expense is included in compensation and benefits expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company has applied the practical expedient to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense when incurred if the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are included in compensation and benefits expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Cost of Revenues—Cost of revenues primarily includes expenses related to third party investment management and clearing, custody and brokerage services. Generally, these expenses are calculated based upon a contractual percentage of the market value of assets held in customer accounts measured as of the end of each quarter and are recognized ratably throughout the quarter based on the number of days in the quarter.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—The Company evaluates the need for an allowance for doubtful accounts for potentially uncollectible fees receivable. In establishing the amount of the allowance, if any, customer-specific information is considered related to delinquent accounts, including historical loss experience and current economic conditions.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents—The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents.
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment—Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation of furniture and equipment is computed using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated economic useful lives or the remaining lease term, whichever is shorter. Improvements are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred. Assets are reviewed for recoverability whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Internally Developed Software for Internal Use
Internally Developed Software for Internal Use—Costs incurred in the preliminary stages of development are expensed as incurred. Once an application has reached the development stage, internal and external costs, if direct and incremental, are capitalized until the software is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Capitalization ceases upon completion of all substantial testing. The Company also capitalizes costs related to specific upgrades and enhancements when it is probable
the expenditures will result in additional functionality. Maintenance and training costs are expensed as incurred. Internally developed software is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life. Management evaluates the useful lives of these assets on an annual basis and tests for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that could impact the recoverability of these assets.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets—Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment each year using a qualitative or quantitative process that is performed at least annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate a likely reduction in the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The Company has concluded that it has two reporting units.
The Company performs the annual impairment analysis on October 31 in order to provide management time to complete the analysis prior to year-end. Prior to performing the quantitative evaluation, an assessment of qualitative factors may be performed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value. If it is determined that it is unlikely that the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the Company is not required to complete the quantitative goodwill impairment evaluation. If it is determined that the carrying value may exceed fair value when considering qualitative factors, a quantitative goodwill impairment evaluation is performed. When performing the quantitative evaluation, if the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss equal to the difference will be recorded. No goodwill impairment charges have been recorded for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Intangible assets are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances may affect the recoverability of the net assets. Such reviews include an analysis of current results and take into consideration the undiscounted value of projected operating cash flows. No intangible asset impairment charges have been recorded for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
Operating Leases
Leases—On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02 and all subsequent ASUs that modified Topic 842 (“ASC 842”) using the effective date transition method and elected the available package of practical expedients. The Company has elected to apply the short-term lease exemption to all of its classes of underlying assets.
Adoption of the standard had a material impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheets, but did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The most significant impact was the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities for operating leases. Adoption of the standard had no impact to previously reported results.
At inception, the Company determines if an arrangement is a lease. Operating leases are included in operating ROU assets, current operating lease liabilities and non-current operating lease liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The Company does not have material finance leases.
ROU assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the remaining lease term. The operating lease ROU asset also includes prepaid payments and excludes lease incentives. As none of the Company's leases provide an implicit rate, the Company uses an estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company's lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. The Company has elected the practical expedient to account for non-lease components as part of the lease component for all asset classes. The majority of the Company's lease agreements are real estate leases.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes—The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and net operating loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is
recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized.
The Company follows authoritative guidance related to how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, disclosed and presented in the consolidated financial statements. This requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained “when challenged” or “when examined” by the applicable tax authority. The tax benefits recognized in the consolidated financial statements from tax positions are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. 
Business Combinations Business Combinations—The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method. The cost of an acquired company is assigned to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and the liabilities assumed on the basis of their fair values at the date of acquisition. The determination of fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management to make estimates and use valuation techniques when market values are not readily available. Any excess of purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired is allocated to goodwill. Transaction costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred. The Company determines the fair value of contingent consideration payable on the acquisition date using a discounted cash flow approach utilizing an appropriate discount rate. Each reporting period thereafter, the Company revalues these obligations and records increases or decreases in their fair value as adjustments to fair market value adjustment on contingent consideration in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration payable can result from adjustments to the estimated revenue forecasts included in the contingent consideration calculations.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation—Compensation cost relating to stock-based awards made to employees and directors is recognized in the consolidated financial statements using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model in the case of non-qualified stock option awards, and intrinsic value in the case of restricted stock awards. The Company measures the cost of such awards based on the estimated fair value of the award measured at the grant date and recognizes the expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period.
Determining the fair value of stock options requires the Company to make several estimates, including the volatility of its stock price, the expected life of the option, forfeiture rate, dividend yield and interest rates. The Company estimates the expected life of its options using historical internal forfeiture data. The Company estimates stock-price volatility using historical third-party quotes of Envestnet’s common stock. The Company utilizes a risk-free interest rate, which is based on the yield of U.S. zero coupon securities with a maturity equal to the expected life of the options. The Company has not and does not expect to pay dividends on its common shares.
The Company is required to estimate expected forfeitures of stock-based awards at the grant date and recognize compensation cost only for those awards expected to vest. The forfeiture assumption is ultimately adjusted to the actual forfeiture rate. Therefore, changes in the forfeiture assumptions may impact the total amount of expense ultimately recognized over the vesting period. Estimated forfeitures will be reassessed in subsequent periods and may change based on new facts and circumstances.
Convertible Notes Convertible Notes—In 2014, the Company issued $172,500 of 1.75% convertible notes that matured on December 15, 2019. In May 2018, the Company issued $345,000 of 1.75% convertible notes due June 2023. Collectively the “Convertible Notes” are accounted for in accordance with ASC 470-20. The Company has determined that the embedded conversion options in the Convertible Notes are not required to be separately accounted for as a derivative under GAAP. The Company separately accounts for the liability and equity components of Convertible Notes that can be settled in cash by allocating the proceeds from issuance between the liability component and the embedded conversion option, or equity component, in accordance with accounting for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash (including partial cash settlement) upon conversion. The value of the equity component is calculated by first measuring the fair value of the liability component, using the interest rate of a similar liability that does not have a conversion feature, as of the issuance date. The difference between the proceeds from the convertible debt issuance and the amount measured as the liability component is recorded as the equity component with a corresponding discount recorded on the debt. The Company recognizes the accretion of the resulting discount using the effective interest method as part of interest expense in its consolidated statements of operations.
Non-controlling Interest
Non-controlling Interest—Effective February 1, 2014, the Company formed ERS with various third parties. ERS offers advisory and technology enabled services to financial advisors and retirement plans. In exchange for a 64.5% ownership
interest in ERS, the Company contributed certain assets and has agreed to fund a certain amount of the operating expenses of ERS. Primarily due to the issuance of units related to the contributions of FinaConnect, Inc. and Castle Rock Innovations, Inc. and the purchase of additional ERS units acquired from the former owners of Klein Decisions, Inc. the Company’s ownership in ERS increased to 81.5% as of December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company purchased all remaining outstanding units for approximately $6,560, which increased the Company’s ownership percentage to 100% as of December 31, 2018.
The allocation of gains and losses to the members of ERS was based on a hypothetical liquidation book value method in accordance with the ERS operating agreement. There were no losses for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 reflected as non-controlling interest in the consolidated statements of operations related to ERS.  
In March 2018, the Company acquired a 43% fully diluted interest in a private company for cash consideration of $1,333. In connection with the acquisition, the Company was granted the ability to appoint two members to the private company's board of directors. The appointment of two board members gives the Company the majority of the board's voting rights. As a result, the Company uses the consolidation method of accounting for this investment. The private company was formed to enable financial advisors to provide insurance and income protection products to their clients.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements ancial statements. See “Note 10—Leases”.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”. This update is intended to guide entities in evaluating the accounting for fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement by providing guidance for determining when the arrangement includes a software license. This standard is effective for financial statements issued by public companies for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption of the standard is permitted. The Company early adopted this standard beginning January 1, 2019, noting that this standard was applied prospectively. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.  

Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements—In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326)”. This update significantly changes the way that entities will be required to measure credit losses. This standard requires that entities estimate credit losses based upon an “expected credit loss” approach rather than the “incurred loss” approach, which is currently used. The new approach will require entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable forecasts of collectability. The change in approach is anticipated to impact the timing of recognition of credit losses. This standard is effective for financial statements issued by public companies for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption of the standard is permitted. The Company does not expect the standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”. This update aims to reduce complexity within the accounting for income taxes as part of the simplification initiative. This standard is effective for financial statements issued by public companies for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption of the standard is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.