Yext, Inc. (YEXT)
SIC breadcrumb: Services > Business Services > SIC 7374 Services-Computer Processing & Data Preparation
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1614178. Latest filing source: 0001628280-26-016402.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read YEXT's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read YEXT's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 446,579,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-03-10 |
| Net income | 37,871,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-03-10 |
| Assets | 621,776,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-03-10 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-03-10. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001614178.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 124,261,000 | 170,201,000 | 228,283,000 | 298,829,000 | 354,661,000 | 390,577,000 | 400,850,000 | 404,322,000 | 420,957,000 | 446,579,000 |
| Net income | -43,150,000 | -66,565,000 | -74,837,000 | -121,544,000 | -94,692,000 | -93,259,000 | -65,938,000 | -2,630,000 | -27,948,000 | 37,871,000 |
| Operating income | -42,700,000 | -66,640,000 | -75,645,000 | -122,953,000 | -94,332,000 | -89,959,000 | -64,828,000 | -6,201,000 | -32,448,000 | 44,549,000 |
| Gross profit | 87,311,000 | 126,106,000 | 170,870,000 | 221,799,000 | 268,257,000 | 292,278,000 | 296,890,000 | 316,854,000 | 324,593,000 | 332,511,000 |
| Diluted EPS | -0.79 | -0.73 | -0.53 | -0.02 | -0.22 | 0.07 | ||||
| Operating cash flow | -13,532,000 | -32,409,000 | 5,240,000 | -30,768,000 | 1,204,000 | 21,849,000 | 17,853,000 | 46,157,000 | 50,211,000 | 55,847,000 |
| Capital expenditures | 3,505,000 | 3,674,000 | 5,270,000 | 11,889,000 | 65,111,000 | 13,418,000 | 6,193,000 | 2,728,000 | 2,085,000 | 2,557,000 |
| Share buybacks | 0.00 | 0.00 | 77,250,000 | 23,086,000 | 17,907,000 | 67,431,000 | ||||
| Assets | 86,465,000 | 203,489,000 | 267,128,000 | 563,620,000 | 595,989,000 | 620,335,000 | 523,761,000 | 508,810,000 | 610,078,000 | 621,776,000 |
| Liabilities | 93,605,000 | 122,036,000 | 182,579,000 | 362,408,000 | 388,754,000 | 408,465,000 | 395,738,000 | 361,636,000 | 456,885,000 | 462,355,000 |
| Stockholders' equity | -127,755,000 | 81,453,000 | 84,549,000 | 201,212,000 | 207,235,000 | 211,870,000 | 128,023,000 | 147,174,000 | 153,193,000 | 159,421,000 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 24,420,000 | 34,367,000 | 91,755,000 | 256,076,000 | 230,411,000 | 261,210,000 | 190,214,000 | 210,184,000 | 123,133,000 | 154,123,000 |
| Free cash flow | -17,037,000 | -36,083,000 | -30,000 | -42,657,000 | -63,907,000 | 8,431,000 | 11,660,000 | 43,429,000 | 48,126,000 | 53,290,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | -34.73% | -39.11% | -32.78% | -40.67% | -26.70% | -23.88% | -16.45% | -0.65% | -6.64% | 8.48% |
| Operating margin | -34.36% | -39.15% | -33.14% | -41.14% | -26.60% | -23.03% | -16.17% | -1.53% | -7.71% | 9.98% |
| Return on equity | -81.72% | -88.51% | -60.41% | -45.69% | -44.02% | -51.50% | -1.79% | -18.24% | 23.76% | |
| Return on assets | -49.90% | -32.71% | -28.02% | -21.56% | -15.89% | -15.03% | -12.59% | -0.52% | -4.58% | 6.09% |
| Liabilities / equity | 1.50 | 2.16 | 1.80 | 1.88 | 1.93 | 3.09 | 2.46 | 2.98 | 2.90 | |
| Current ratio | 0.74 | 1.52 | 1.28 | 1.54 | 1.45 | 1.41 | 1.19 | 1.34 | 0.83 | 1.07 |
Industry Peer Context
Net margin peer context
Operating margin peer context
ROE peer context
ROA peer context
Financial Bridges
Income statement bridge from reported figures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2026. Revenue: accession 0001628280-26-016402; concept RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax; source concepts us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax | Gross profit: accession 0001628280-26-016402; concept GrossProfit; source concepts us-gaap:GrossProfit | Operating income: accession 0001628280-26-016402; concept OperatingIncomeLoss; source concepts us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss | Net income: accession 0001628280-26-016402; concept NetIncomeLoss; source concepts us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2026. Operating cash flow: accession 0001628280-26-016402; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001628280-26-016402; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0001628280-26-016402; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-01-31; accession 0001628280-26-016402; filed 2026-03-10. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-01-31; accession 0001628280-26-016402; filed 2026-03-10. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-01-31; accession 0001628280-26-016402; filed 2026-03-10. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-01-31; accession 0001628280-26-016402; filed 2026-03-10. Concept: GrossProfit. Source concepts: us-gaap:GrossProfit.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-01-31; accession 0001628280-26-016402; filed 2026-03-10. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-01-31; accession 0001628280-26-016402; filed 2026-03-10. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-01-31; accession 0001628280-26-016402; filed 2026-03-10. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-01-31; accession 0001628280-26-016402; filed 2026-03-10. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-01-31; accession 0001628280-26-016402; filed 2026-03-10. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-01-31; accession 0001628280-26-016402; filed 2026-03-10. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-01-31; accession 0001628280-26-016402; filed 2026-03-10. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-01-31; accession 0001628280-26-016402; filed 2026-03-10. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-01-31; accession 0001628280-26-016402; filed 2026-03-10. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-06-02. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001614178.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-Q2 | 2022-07-31 | -0.16 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q3 | 2022-10-31 | -0.10 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2024-Q1 | 2023-04-30 | 0.00 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2024-Q2 | 2023-04-30 | -412,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2024-Q2 | 2023-07-31 | 102,598,000 | -0.03 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2024-Q3 | 2023-07-31 | -3,437,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2024-Q3 | 2023-10-31 | 101,164,000 | 0.00 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-01-31 | 101,107,000 | 1,687,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2024-04-30 | 95,990,000 | -3,817,000 | -0.03 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2024-07-31 | 97,887,000 | -4,057,000 | -0.03 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2024-10-31 | 113,989,000 | -12,799,000 | -0.10 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-01-31 | 113,091,000 | -7,275,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2025-04-30 | 109,483,000 | 770,000 | 0.01 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2026-Q2 | 2025-07-31 | 113,094,000 | 26,751,000 | 0.03 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2026-Q3 | 2025-10-31 | 111,998,000 | 6,136,000 | 0.01 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2026-Q4 | 2026-01-31 | 112,004,000 | 4,214,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2027-Q1 | 2026-04-30 | 107,917,000 | 2,625,000 | 0.02 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2027 ended 2026-04-30; accession 0001628280-26-039788; filed 2026-06-02. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2027 ended 2026-04-30; accession 0001628280-26-039788; filed 2026-06-02. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2027 ended 2026-04-30; accession 0001628280-26-039788; filed 2026-06-02. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001628280-26-039788.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 10, 2026. As discussed in the section titled "Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements," the following discussion and analysis contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section titled "Risk Factors" under Part II, Item 1A in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Overview
Yext empowers businesses to manage their knowledge so they can deliver relevant, actionable answers to consumer questions as well as consistent, accurate and engaging experiences to customers throughout the digital ecosystem. Our digital presence platform (also known as the Answers Platform) lets businesses structure and organize information about their brands in our Knowledge Graph (previously known as Yext Content), which is then delivered across first-and third-party websites and applications through our network of over 200 service and application providers, which we refer to as our Publisher Network. These publishers include, among others, Amazon Alexa, Apple, Bing, Facebook, Google Business Profile, OpenAI, and Yelp. Our platform powers all of our key products, including Listings, Reviews, Pages, Search, Social, Relate, and Scout, each with robust analytics capabilities for businesses to easily track performance across customer experiences. It is our mission to empower businesses to easily manage every aspect of their digital presence to make meaningful connections with their customers across every digital touchpoint.
We sell our platform throughout the world to customers of all sizes, including our enterprise, mid-size, and third-party reseller customers. In transactions with resellers, we are only party to the transaction with the reseller and are not a party to the reseller's transaction with its customer.
Revenue is a function of the number of customers, the number of licenses or capacity purchased by each customer, the package to which each customer subscribes, the price of the package and renewal rates. We offer subscriptions in a discrete range of packages, with pricing based on specified feature sets and the number of licenses managed by the customer as well as on a capacity-basis.
Fiscal Year
Our fiscal year ends on January 31st. References to fiscal 2027, for example, are to the fiscal year ending January 31, 2027.
Macroeconomic Conditions
Our results of operations have been and may continue to be influenced by general macroeconomic conditions, including, but not limited to, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, interest rates, inflation, recession risks, tariffs and other trade restrictions, geopolitical events and shifts, and changes in government administration policy positions. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and rising inflation have had, and may continue to have an adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results in future periods. The extent to which such disruptions will continue in future periods remains uncertain, which has had and may continue to have an adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results in future periods. We continue to be committed to our business, the strength of our platform, our ability to continue to execute on our strategy, and our efforts to support our customers.
Near-term revenues are relatively predictable as a result of our subscription-based business model. However, if the macroeconomic uncertainty continues or further increases, we may continue to experience a negative impact on existing and potential customers that may reduce, suspend or delay technology spending, request to renegotiate contracts to obtain concessions such as, extended billing and payment terms; shorten the duration of contracts; or elect not to renew their subscriptions which could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations in future periods. Therefore, changes in our contracting activity in the near term may not be fully reflected in our results of operations and overall financial performance until future periods.
Recent Developments
On February 10, 2026, we announced the commencement of an issuer self-tender offer (the "Tender Offer") to purchase for cash up to $180.0 million in value of shares of our common stock at a price of not less than $5.75 nor greater than $6.50 per share, to the seller in cash, less any applicable withholdings and without interest. The Tender Offer was originally scheduled to expire on March 12, 2026. On March 4, 2026, we decreased the maximum aggregate purchase price of shares to be repurchased in the Tender Offer to $140.0 million and extended the expiration date to March 18, 2026. On March 23, 2026, we completed the Tender Offer and repurchased 24,347,825 shares at a price of $5.75 per share for a total amount of $140.0 million, excluding excise tax, direct fees and expenses related to the Tender Offer. On March 6, 2026, we borrowed $50.0 million under the Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility pursuant to the May 2025 Credit Agreement and used the proceeds in connection with the Tender Offer.
See Part II Item 1A “Risk Factors” for further discussion of the possible impact of the current macroeconomic conditions and recent developments on our business.
24
Key Metrics
We monitor the following key operational and financial metrics to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, formulate business plans and make strategic decisions.
Annual Recurring Revenue ("ARR")
ARR is defined as the annualized recurring amount of all contracts executed as of the last day of the reporting period. The recurring amount of a contract is determined based upon the terms of a contract and is calculated by dividing the amount of a contract by the term of the contract and then annualizing such amount. The calculation assumes no subsequent changes to the existing subscription, and where relevant, includes the annualized contractual minimum commitment and amounts related to usage above the contractual minimum commitment. We calculate usage by annualizing monthly amounts in excess of contractual minimum commitments in the current month. Contracts include portions of professional services contracts that are recurring in nature.
ARR is independent of historical revenue, unearned revenue, remaining performance obligations or any other accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, ("GAAP"), financial measure over any period. It should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, nor superior to or in isolation from, these measures and other measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We believe ARR-based metrics provide insight into the performance of our recurring revenue business model while mitigating fluctuations in billing and contract terms.
The cohorts of customers that we present ARR for include customers with ARR of less than $50,000, customers with ARR of $50,000 or more, and total customers. The cohort designation is based on the designation as of the 12 months prior to the end of the current period and does not reflect changes in cohort designation that may occur through the current period.
The following table provides our ARR for the periods presented:
| April 30, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||
| Customers with less than $50,000 | $ | 37,690 | $ | 46,453 | $ | (8,763) | (19 | %) | ||||||
| Customers with $50,000 or more | 403,111 | 400,016 | 3,095 | 1 | % | |||||||||
| Total ARR | $ | 440,801 | $ | 446,469 | $ | (5,668) | (1 | %) |
Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate
We believe that our ability to retain our customers and expand the ARR they generate for us over time is an important component of our growth strategy and reflects the long term value of our customer relationships. We assess our performance in this area using a metric we refer to as our dollar-based net retention rate, which compares the ARR from a set of subscription customers across comparable periods.
This metric is calculated first by determining the ARR generated 12 months prior to the end of the current period for a cohort of customers who had active contracts at that time. We then calculate ARR from the same cohort of customers at the end of the current period, which includes customer expansion, contraction and churn. The current period ARR is then divided by the prior period ARR to arrive at our dollar-based net retention rate. Any ARR obtained through merger and acquisition transactions does not affect the dollar-based net retention rate until one year from the date on which the transaction closed. The cohorts of customers that we present dollar-based net retention rate for include customers with ARR of less than $50,000, customers with ARR of $50,000 or more, and total customers. The cohort designation is based on the designation as of the 12 months prior to the end of the current period and does not reflect changes in cohort designation that may occur through the current period.
25
The following table provides our dollar-based net retention rate for the periods presented:
| April 30, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | ||
| Customers with less than $50,000 | 86% | 93% | |
| Customers with $50,000 or more | 97% | 96% | |
| Total Customers | 95% | 95% |
Dollar-Based Gross Retention Rate
We also evaluate our ability to retain customers and the ARR they generate for us over time, excluding the impact of expansion. We assess our performance in this area using a metric we refer to as dollar-based gross retention rate. We believe this metric provides insight into the stability of our customer base and our ability to deliver sustained value to customers independent of growth through expansion.
This metric is calculated by first determining the ARR generated 12 months prior to the end of the current period for a cohort of customers who had active contracts at that time. We then calculate ARR from the same cohort of customers at the end of the current period, which includes customer contraction and churn, and excludes customer expansion. The current period ARR is then divided by the prior period ARR to arrive at our dollar-based gross retention rate. The cohort of customers that we present dollar-based gross retention rate for include customers with ARR of less than $50,000, customers with ARR of $50,000 or more, and total customers. The cohort designation is based on the designation as of the 12 months prior to the end of the current period and does not reflect changes in cohort designation that may occur through the current period.
The following table provides our dollar-based gross retention rate for the periods presented:
| April 30, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | ||
| Customers with less than $50,000 | 71% | 79% | |
| Customers with $50,000 or more | 89% | 88% | |
| Total Customers | 88% | 87% |
26
Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
We derive our revenue primarily from subscription and associated support to our platform. Our contracts are typically one year in length, but may be up t
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. As discussed in the section titled "Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements," the following discussion and analysis contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section titled "Risk Factors" under Part I, Item 1A in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
Yext empowers businesses to manage their knowledge so they can deliver relevant, actionable answers to consumer questions as well as consistent, accurate and engaging experiences to customers throughout the digital ecosystem. Our digital presence platform (also known as the Answers Platform) lets businesses structure and organize information about their brands in our Knowledge Graph (previously known as Yext Content), which is then delivered across first-and third-party websites and applications through our network of over 200 service and application providers, which we refer to as our Publisher Network. These publishers include, among others, Amazon Alexa, Apple, Bing, Facebook, Gemini, Google, OpenAI, and Yelp. Our platform powers all of our key products, including Listings, Reviews, Pages, Search, Social, Relate, and Scout, each with robust analytics capabilities for businesses to easily track performance across customer experiences. It is our mission to empower businesses to easily manage every aspect of their digital presence to make meaningful connections with their customers across every digital touchpoint.
We sell our platform throughout the world to customers of all sizes, including our enterprise, mid-size, and third-party reseller customers. In transactions with resellers, we are only party to the transaction with the reseller and are not a party to the reseller's transaction with its customer.
Revenue is a function of the number of customers, the number of licenses or capacity purchased by each customer, the package to which each customer subscribes, the price of the package and renewal rates. We offer subscriptions in a discrete range of packages, with pricing based on specified feature sets and the number of licenses managed by the customer as well as on a capacity-basis.
In August 2024, we acquired Hearsay Social, Inc., a digital client engagement platform for financial services ("Hearsay"). See Note 4 "Business Combinations" to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Fiscal Year
Our fiscal year ends on January 31st. References to fiscal 2026, for example, are to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026.
Macroeconomic Conditions
Our results of operations have been and may continue to be influenced by general macroeconomic conditions, including, but not limited to, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, interest rates, inflation, recession risks, tariffs and other trade restrictions, geopolitical events and shifts, and changes in government administration policy positions. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and rising inflation have had, and may continue to have an adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results in future periods. The extent to which such disruptions will continue in future periods remains uncertain, which has had and may continue to have an adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results in future periods. We continue to be committed to our business, the strength of our platform, our ability to continue to execute on our strategy, and our efforts to support our customers.
Near-term revenues are relatively predictable as a result of our subscription-based business model. However, if the macroeconomic uncertainty continues or further increases, we may continue to experience a negative impact on existing and potential customers that may reduce, suspend or delay technology spending, request to renegotiate contracts to obtain concessions such as, extended billing and payment terms; shorten the duration of contracts; or elect not to renew their subscriptions which could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations in future periods. Therefore, changes in our contracting activity in the near term may not be fully reflected in our results of operations and overall financial performance until future periods.
Recent Developments
On February 10, 2026, we commenced an issuer self-tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) to purchase for cash up to $180.0 million in value of shares of our common stock at a price of not less than $5.75 nor greater than $6.50 per share, upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in the offer to purchase and the related letter of transmittal filed with the SEC on February 10, 2026, as each may be amended time to time. The Tender Offer was originally scheduled to expire on March 12, 2026, unless the offer was extended or terminated. On March 4, 2026, we decreased the maximum aggregate purchase price of shares to be repurchased in the Tender Offer to $140.0 million and extended the expiration date to March 18, 2026, unless further extended or earlier terminated.
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On August 18, 2025, we announced that Michael Walrath, Yext's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman on the Board of Directors, submitted a non-binding proposal to acquire all outstanding shares of Yext not already owned by him at a price of $9.00 per share in cash. Our Board of Directors formed a Special Committee of independent directors to evaluate the proposal, advised by independent legal and financial advisers. On February 2, 2026, we announced that Michael Walrath, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, had withdrawn his previously announced non-binding proposal.
On May 15, 2025, we entered into a credit agreement with funds and accounts managed by BlackRock as lenders, and Acquiom Agency Services LLC, as Administrative Agent (the “May 2025 Credit Agreement”), which provides for term loan facilities in aggregate principal amounts of up to $200.0 million. In connection with entry into the May 2025 Credit Agreement, we borrowed $100.0 million on May 15, 2025 and used a portion of the proceeds under the May 2025 Credit Agreement to pay all outstanding principal, interest and other amounts owing under our existing credit facility with Silicon Valley Bank, which was then terminated. On March 6, 2026, we borrowed an additional $50.0 million, which we intend to use in connection with the Tender Offer. See Note 12 "Debt" to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
On February 7, 2025, we completed an acquisition of KabanaSoft, LLC, doing business as Places Scout (“Places Scout”), for a purchase price of $20.3 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments. The acquisition strengthens Yext’s ability to provide best-in-class competitive intelligence, benchmarking, and AI-powered insights. In addition, subject to the terms of the Unit Purchase Agreement, we agreed to grant approximately $10.0 million of incentive equity, based on current trading prices of Yext’s common stock, to certain key employees of Places Scout.
See Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors” for further discussion of the possible impact of the current macroeconomic conditions and recent developments on our business.
Key Metrics
We monitor the following key operational and financial metrics to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, formulate business plans and make strategic decisions.
Annual Recurring Revenue ("ARR")
ARR is defined as the annualized recurring amount of all contracts executed as of the last day of the reporting period. The recurring amount of a contract is determined based upon the terms of a contract and is calculated by dividing the amount of a contract by the term of the contract and then annualizing such amount. The calculation assumes no subsequent changes to the existing subscription, and where relevant, includes the annualized contractual minimum commitment and amounts related to usage above the contractual minimum commitment. We calculate usage by annualizing monthly amounts in excess of contractual minimum commitments in the current month. Contracts include portions of professional services contracts that are recurring in nature.
ARR is independent of historical revenue, unearned revenue, remaining performance obligations or any other accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, ("GAAP"), financial measure over any period. It should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, nor superior to or in isolation from, these measures and other measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We believe ARR-based metrics provide insight into the performance of our recurring revenue business model while mitigating fluctuations in billing and contract terms.
The following table presents our ARR for customers with less than $50,000 of ARR and customers with ARR of $50,000 or more for the periods presented:
| January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||
| Customers with less than $50,000 | $ | 40,622 | $ | 47,402 | $ | (6,780) | (14 | %) | ||||||
| Customers with $50,000 or more | 403,633 | 395,260 | 8,373 | 2 | % | |||||||||
| Total ARR | $ | 444,255 | $ | 442,662 | $ | 1,593 | — | % |
Change in ARR Presentation
Beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 and as reflected in the immediately preceding table, we refined our presentation of ARR to show ARR for customers with ARR of less than $50,000 and for customers with ARR of $50,000 or more. This view of ARR better aligns with management's internal assessment of ARR and assists in the allocation of resources to better serve customers that
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more meaningfully impact our business. Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, we presented ARR for Direct customers and Third-party Reseller customers as set forth below.
The following table presents our ARR for the periods presented based on our historical presentation, which we do not expect to refer to regularly in the future:
| January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||
| Direct Customers | $ | 367,886 | $ | 368,201 | $ | (315) | — | % | ||||||
| Third-Party Reseller Customers | 76,369 | 74,461 | 1,908 | 3 | % | |||||||||
| Total ARR | $ | 444,255 | $ | 442,662 | $ | 1,593 | — | % |
ARR for Direct customers was defined as the annualized recurring amount of all contracts in our enterprise, mid-size and small business customer base as of the last day of the reporting period. The recurring amount of a contract was determined based upon the terms of a contract and was calculated by dividing the amount of a contract by the term of the contract and then annualizing such amount. The calculation assumed no subsequent changes to the existing subscription. Contracts included portions of professional services contracts that are recurring in nature.
ARR for Third-party Reseller customers was defined as the annualized recurring amount of all contracts with Third-party Reseller customers as of the last day of the reporting period. The recurring amount of a contract was determined based upon the terms of a contract and was calculated by dividing the amount of a contract by the term of the contract and then annualizing such amount. The calculation assumed no subsequent changes to the existing subscription. The calculation included the annualized contractual minimum commitment and amounts related to usage above the contractual minimum commitment. We calculated usage by annualizing monthly amounts in excess of contractual minimum commitments in the current month. Contracts included portions of professional services contracts that are recurring in nature.
Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate
We believe that our ability to retain our customers and expand the ARR they generate for us over time is an important component of our growth strategy and reflects the long term value of our customer relationships. We assess our performance in this area using a metric we refer to as our dollar-based net retention rate, which compares the ARR from a set of subscription customers across comparable periods.
This metric is calculated first by determining the ARR generated 12 months prior to the end of the current period for a cohort of customers who had active contracts at that time. We then calculate ARR from the same cohort of customers at the end of the current period, which includes customer expansion, contraction and churn. The current period ARR is then divided by the prior period ARR to arrive at our dollar-based net retention rate. Any ARR obtained through merger and acquisition transactions does not affect the dollar-based net retention rate until one year from the date on which the transaction closed. The cohorts of customers that we present dollar-based net retention rate for include customers with ARR of less than $50,000, customers with ARR of $50,000 or more, and total customers. The cohort designation is based on the designation as of the 12 months prior to the end of the current period and does not reflect changes in cohort designation that may occur through the current period.
The following table provides our dollar-based net retention rate for the periods presented:
| January 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | ||
| Customers with less than $50,000 | 86% | 88% | |
| Customers with $50,000 or more | 99% | 94% | |
| Total Customers | 97% | 93% |
Change in Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate Presentation
Beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 and as reflected in the immediately preceding table, our dollar-based net retention rate is presented for customers with ARR of less than $50,000 and customers with ARR of $50,000 or more to align with the presentation change in ARR discussed above. We believe this view of our dollar-based net retention rate better aligns with the way we
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evaluate and manage our business. Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, we presented our dollar-based net retention rate based on Direct customers and Third-party Reseller customers, as set forth below.
The following table presents our dollar-based net retention rate for the periods presented based on our historical presentation, which we do not expect to refer to regularly in the future:
| January 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | ||
| Direct Customers | 97% | 92% | |
| Third-Party Reseller Customers | 99% | 95% | |
| Total Customers | 97% | 93% |
Dollar-Based Gross Retention Rate
We also evaluate our ability to retain customers and the ARR they generate for us over time, excluding the impact of expansion. We assess our performance in this area using a metric we refer to as dollar-based gross retention rate. We believe this metric provides insight into the stability of our customer base and our ability to deliver sustained value to customers independent of growth through expansion.
This metric is calculated by first determining the ARR generated 12 months prior to the end of the current period for a cohort of customers who had active contracts at that time. We then calculate ARR from the same cohort of customers at the end of the current period, which includes customer contraction and churn, and excludes customer expansion. The current period ARR is then divided by the prior period ARR to arrive at our dollar-based gross retention rate. The cohort of customers that we present dollar-based gross retention rate for include customers with ARR of less than $50,000, customers with ARR of $50,000 or more, and total customers. The cohort designation is based on the designation as of the 12 months prior to the end of the current period and does not reflect changes in cohort designation that may occur through the current period.
The following table provides our dollar-based gross retention rate for the periods presented:
| January 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | ||
| Customers with less than $50,000 | 75% | 77% | |
| Customers with $50,000 or more | 90% | 88% | |
| Total Customers | 88% | 86% |
Change in Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate Presentation
Beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 and as reflected in the immediately preceding table, our dollar-based gross retention rate is presented for customers with ARR of less than $50,000 and customers with ARR of $50,000 or more to align with the presentation change in ARR discussed above. We believe this view of our dollar-based gross retention rate better aligns with the way we evaluate and manage our business. Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, we presented our dollar-based gross retention rate based on Direct customers and Third-party Reseller customers, as set forth below.
The following table presents our dollar-based gross retention rate for the periods presented based on our historical presentation, which we do not expect to refer to regularly in the future:
| January 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | ||
| Direct Customers | 89% | 86% | |
| Third-Party Reseller Customers | 85% | 87% | |
| Total Customers | 88% | 86% |
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Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
We derive our revenue primarily from subscription and associated support to our platform. Our contracts are typically one year in length, but may be up to three years or longer in length. Revenue is a function of the number of customers, the number of licenses or capacity purchased by each customer, the package to which each customer subscribes, the price of the package and renewal rates. Revenue is generally recognized ratably over the contract term beginning on the commencement date of each contract, which is the date our platform is made available to customers. At the beginning of each subscription term we invoice our customers, typically in annual installments, but also monthly, quarterly, and semi-annually. Amounts that have been invoiced for non-cancelable contracts are recorded in accounts receivable and unearned revenue. Unearned revenue is subsequently recognized as revenue when transfer of control to a customer has occurred.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue consists primarily of employee-related costs, including personnel-related costs, which mainly consist of salaries and wages, and stock-based compensation expense. Cost of revenue also includes fees associated with our Publisher Network application provider arrangements, the nature of which may be unpaid, fixed, or variable, and are unpaid with many of our larger providers, as well as the costs associated with our data centers. In addition, cost of revenue includes depreciation expense, which includes amounts allocated based on employee headcount, as well as amounts related to certain capitalized software development costs incurred in connection with additional functionality to our platform. Cost of revenue also includes amortization expense, which includes amounts related to intangible assets arising from acquisitions, as well as lease expenses and asset impairments associated with our office spaces, which are allocated based on employee headcount. In addition, cost of revenue includes professional related costs and software expense, which relates to licenses, professional services, and other costs associated with software for use in the operations of our business, which is also allocated based on employee headcount.
Operating Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of employee-related costs which are comprised of personnel-related costs and stock-based compensation expense. Personnel-related costs mainly consist of salaries and wages and costs of obtaining revenue contracts. Sales and marketing expenses also include lease expenses and asset impairments associated with our office spaces, as well as software expense, each of which are allocated based on employee headcount. In addition, sales and marketing expenses include amortization expense, which includes amounts related to intangible assets arising from acquisitions, as well as costs related to advertising and conferences and brand awareness events.
Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses consist primarily of employee-related costs which are comprised of personnel-related costs and stock-based compensation expense. Personnel-related costs mainly consist of salaries and wages. Capitalized software development costs related to additional functionality to our platform are excluded from research and development expenses as they are capitalized as a component of property and equipment, net and depreciated to cost of revenue over the term of their useful life. Research and development expenses also include data centers costs associated with pre-production costs for testing and quality assurance, as well as lease expenses and asset impairments associated with our office spaces, and software expense, each of which are allocated based on employee headcount.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of employee-related costs which are comprised of personnel-related costs and stock-based compensation expense for our finance and accounting, human resources, information technology and legal support departments. Personnel-related costs mainly consist of salaries and wages. General and administrative expenses also include lease expenses and asset impairments associated with our office spaces, as well as software expense, each of which are allocated based on employee headcount. In addition, general and administrative expenses include bad debt expense and other professional related costs, which include acquisition-related costs, as well as fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration.
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Results of Operations
In this section, we discuss the results of our operations for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025. For a discussion of our results of operations for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, see Part II, Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025.
The following table sets forth selected consolidated statement of operations data for each of the periods indicated:
| (in thousands) | Fiscal year ended January 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||
| Revenue | $ | 446,579 | $ | 420,957 | ||
| Cost of revenue(1) | 114,068 | 96,364 | ||||
| Gross profit | 332,511 | 324,593 | ||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||
| Sales and marketing(1) | 134,765 | 174,779 | ||||
| Research and development(1) | 89,874 | 77,201 | ||||
| General and administrative(1) | 63,323 | 105,061 | ||||
| Total operating expenses | 287,962 | 357,041 | ||||
| Income (loss) from operations | 44,549 | (32,448) | ||||
| Interest income | 3,856 | 6,102 | ||||
| Interest expense | (7,575) | (967) | ||||
| Other expense, net | (704) | (745) | ||||
| Income (loss) from operations before income taxes | 40,126 | (28,058) | ||||
| (Provision for) benefit from income taxes | (2,255) | 110 | ||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 37,871 | $ | (27,948) |
(1) See Note 10 "Stock-Based Compensation" to our consolidated financial statements for amounts included.
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The following table sets forth selected consolidated statements of operations data for each of the periods indicated as a percentage of total revenue:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||
| Revenue | 100 | % | 100 | % | |
| Cost of revenue | 26 | 23 | |||
| Gross profit | 74.5 | 77.1 | |||
| Operating expenses: | |||||
| Sales and marketing | 30 | 42 | |||
| Research and development | 20 | 18 | |||
| General and administrative | 14 | 25 | |||
| Total operating expenses | 64 | 85 | |||
| Income (loss) from operations | 10 | (8) | |||
| Interest income | 1 | 1 | |||
| Interest expense | (2) | — | |||
| Other expense, net | — | — | |||
| Income (loss) from operations before income taxes | 9 | (7) | |||
| (Provision for) benefit from income taxes | (1) | — | |||
| Net income (loss) | 8 | % | (7 | %) |
Note: Numbers rounded for presentation purposes and may not sum.
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2026 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2025
Revenue
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 446,579 | $ | 420,957 | $ | 25,622 | 6 | % | ||||||
| Cost of revenue | 114,068 | 96,364 | 17,704 | 18 | % | |||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 332,511 | $ | 324,593 | $ | 7,918 | 2 | % | ||||||
| Gross margin | 74.5 | % | 77.1 | % |
Total revenue was $446.6 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026, compared to $421.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, an increase of $25.6 million or 6%. The increase was entirely driven by the inclusion of Hearsay’s revenue as a result of the acquisition which was completed on August 1, 2024. Revenue recognized from subscriptions and associated support to our platform was 94% and 93%, while revenue recognized from professional services was 6% and 7%, for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.
Revenue for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026 included a positive impact from foreign currency exchange rates of approximately $3.3 million, using a constant currency basis. We calculate constant currency by translating our current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than U.S. Dollars (“USD”) into USD at the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the comparative period, as opposed to the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the current period.
The following table summarizes our revenue by sales channel for the periods presented:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | Dollars | Percent | |||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||
| Direct Customers | $ | 372,485 | $ | 346,951 | $ | 25,534 | 7 | % | ||||||
| Third-Party Reseller Customers | 74,094 | 74,006 | 88 | — | % | |||||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | 446,579 | $ | 420,957 | $ | 25,622 | 6 | % |
Revenue attributable to direct customers was $372.5 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026, compared to $347.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, an increase of $25.5 million or 7%. The increase was entirely driven by the inclusion of Hearsay’s revenue as a result of the acquisition which was completed on August 1, 2024. Revenue attributable to third-party reseller customers was $74.1 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026, compared to $74.0 million for the fiscal year
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ended January 31, 2025, remaining relatively consistent. As we no longer regularly evaluate or assess performance by sales channel, the above disaggregation of revenue is not expected to be referred to on a consistent basis in the future.
Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin
Cost of revenue was $114.1 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026, compared to $96.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, an increase of $17.7 million, or 18%. The increase was primarily driven by a $5.5 million increase in amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets largely related to the acquisition of Hearsay, as well as a $1.2 million increase related to royalties and integration fees. In addition, personnel-related costs increased $3.6 million reflecting higher headcount, data center costs increased $2.7 million, and asset impairment charges of $2.5 million were recognized in connection with subleasing activity related to our corporate headquarters.
Gross margin was 74.5% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026, compared to 77.1% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 as reflected in the discussion above.
Operating Expenses
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | $ | 134,765 | $ | 174,779 | $ | (40,014) | (23 | %) | ||||||
| Research and development | $ | 89,874 | $ | 77,201 | $ | 12,673 | 16 | % | ||||||
| General and administrative | $ | 63,323 | $ | 105,061 | $ | (41,738) | (40 | %) |
Sales and marketing expense was $134.8 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026, compared to $174.8 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, a decrease of $40.0 million, or 23%. The decrease was primarily driven by employee-related costs, as personnel-related costs decreased $26.4 million and stock-based compensation expense decreased $8.2 million, reflecting lower headcount. In addition, advertising costs decreased $2.8 million and conferences and events decreased $2.4 million. These decreases were offset by a $3.7 million increase in amortization expense largely related to acquired intangible assets from the Hearsay acquisition, and asset impairment charges of $2.3 million recognized in connection with subleasing activity related to our corporate headquarters.
Research and development expense was $89.9 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026, compared to $77.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, an increase of $12.7 million, or 16%. The increase was primarily driven by employee-related costs, as personnel-related costs increased $2.5 million reflecting higher headcount, and stock-based compensation expense increased $3.6 million, largely due to awards granted in connection with the acquisition of Places Scout. In addition, software expense increased $1.0 million, and asset impairment charges of $2.1 million were recognized in connection with subleasing activity related to our corporate headquarters.
General and administrative expense was $63.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026, compared to $105.1 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, a decrease of $41.7 million or 40%. The decrease was primarily driven by the acquisition of Hearsay on August 1, 2024, which resulted in $8.8 million of costs associated with the incentive pool being incurred during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, as well as changes in the fair value of contingent consideration of $34.1 million. See Note 6 "Fair Value of Financial Instruments" to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on contingent consideration. In addition, professional related costs decreased $2.3 million largely due to acquisition-related costs in connection with the Hearsay acquisition on August 1, 2024, which were primarily incurred in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025. These decreases were offset by $2.1 million of payroll tax contingencies for a non-recurring state payroll withholding tax audit expected to be settled in the first half of fiscal 2027, a $1.7 million increase in stock-based compensation expense, largely due to awards granted to certain executives including performance-based RSUs, and impairment charges of $1.7 million that were recognized in connection with subleasing activity related to our corporate headquarters.
Net Income (Loss)
Net income was $37.9 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026, compared to a net loss of $27.9 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to our financial results determined in accordance with GAAP, we believe that certain non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating our operating performance and our business.
Non-GAAP net income (loss) is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. We define non-GAAP net income (loss) as our GAAP net income (loss) as adjusted to exclude the effects of stock-based compensation expense, acquisition-related costs, amortization of acquired intangibles, asset impairments, strategic transaction costs, and payroll tax contingencies, as well as the related income tax effect of these adjustments. Acquisition-related costs include transaction and related costs, subsequent fair value movements in contingent consideration, and compensation arrangements. Strategic transaction costs relate to third-party costs
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incurred in connection with Michael Walrath’s, Yext’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman on the Board of Directors, non-binding proposal to acquire all outstanding shares. Payroll tax contingencies are related to a state payroll withholding tax audit expected to be settled in the first half of fiscal 2027 that are not expected to recur. We believe non-GAAP net income (loss) provides investors and other users of our financial information consistency and comparability with our past financial performance and facilitates period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations. We also believe non-GAAP net income (loss) is useful in evaluating our operating performance compared to that of other companies in our industry, as it eliminates the effects of stock-based compensation, acquisition-related costs, amortization of acquired intangibles, asset impairments, strategic transaction costs, and payroll tax contingencies, which may vary for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance.
Beginning in fiscal year 2026, we utilized a projected tax rate of 23.5% in our computation of the non-GAAP income tax provision which was subsequently updated to 25.5% in the second quarter of fiscal 2026. This compares to a projected tax rate of 25% in fiscal year 2025. Our estimated tax rate on non-GAAP income is determined annually and may be adjusted during the year to take into account events or trends that we believe materially impact the estimated annual rate including, but not limited to, significant changes resulting from tax legislation, material changes in the geographic mix of revenue and expenses and other significant events. Our estimated tax rate on non-GAAP income may differ from our GAAP tax rate and from our actual tax liabilities.
We use non-GAAP net income (loss) in conjunction with traditional GAAP net income (loss) as part of our overall assessment of our performance, including the preparation of our annual operating budget and quarterly forecasts, and to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies.
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that we believe offers a useful view of overall operations used to assess the performance of core business operations and for planning purposes. We define Adjusted EBITDA as GAAP net income (loss) before (1) interest income (expense), net, (2) (provision for) benefit from income taxes, (3) depreciation and amortization, (4) other income (expense), net, (5) stock-based compensation expense, (6) acquisition-related costs, (7) asset impairments, (8) strategic transaction costs and (9) payroll tax contingencies. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to Adjusted EBITDA is GAAP net income (loss). Users should consider the limitations of using Adjusted EBITDA, including the fact that this measure does not provide a complete measure of our operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to purport to be an alternate to GAAP net income (loss) as a measure of operating performance.
The definitions of our non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the definitions used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. In addition, other companies may not publish this or similar metrics. Thus, our non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, nor superior to or in isolation from, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Our non-GAAP financial measures may be limited in their usefulness because they do not present the full economic effect of the aforementioned items. We compensate for these limitations by providing a reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the most closely related GAAP financial measures. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety, not to rely on any single financial measure and to view non-GAAP net income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA in conjunction with GAAP net income (loss).
Recent Changes in Non-GAAP Metrics
During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026, we revised our definitions of Non-GAAP net income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA to include adjustments for asset impairment charges associated with subleasing floors of our corporate offices, as well as strategic transaction costs related to third-party costs incurred for Michael Walrath’s, Yext’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman on the Board of Directors, non-binding proposal to acquire all outstanding shares, and payroll tax contingencies related to a non-recurring state payroll withholding tax audit. We believe these changes provide investors with a view of continuing core operations without the effects of these items, which may vary for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance.
We have recast our results on the same basis for the prior comparative periods presented, although the effects in those periods remain unchanged as no strategic transaction costs, asset impairments, or payroll tax contingencies occurred.
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The following table reconciles our GAAP net income (loss) to non-GAAP net income (loss):
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||
| GAAP net income (loss) | $ | 37,871 | $ | (27,948) | ||
| Plus: Stock-based compensation expense | 48,711 | 51,780 | ||||
| (Less) Plus: Acquisition-related costs | (25,416) | 29,176 | ||||
| Plus: Amortization of acquired intangibles | 16,240 | 7,097 | ||||
| Less: Tax adjustment | (21,238) | (15,109) | ||||
| Plus: Asset impairments | 8,552 | — | ||||
| Plus: Strategic transaction costs | 1,811 | — | ||||
| Plus: Payroll tax contingencies | 2,105 | — | ||||
| Non-GAAP net income | $ | 68,636 | $ | 44,996 |
The following table reconciles our GAAP net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||
| GAAP net income (loss) | $ | 37,871 | $ | (27,948) | ||||||
| Interest expense (income), net | 3,719 | (5,135) | ||||||||
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | 2,255 | (110) | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 26,986 | 18,531 | ||||||||
| Other expense | 704 | 745 | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 48,711 | 51,780 | ||||||||
| Acquisition-related costs | (25,416) | 29,176 | ||||||||
| Asset impairments | 8,552 | — | ||||||||
| Strategic transaction costs | 1,811 | — | ||||||||
| Payroll tax contingencies | 2,105 | — | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 107,298 | $ | 67,039 |
Constant Currency
We provide revenue, including year-over-year growth rates, adjusted to remove the impact of foreign currency rate fluctuations, which we refer to as constant currency. We believe providing revenue on a constant currency basis helps our investors to better understand our underlying performance, given the current macroeconomic environment. We calculate constant currency by using the current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than USD, which are then converted into USD at the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the comparative period, as opposed to the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the current period. Our definition may differ from the definitions used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. In addition, other companies may not publish these or similar metrics. Thus, our revenue on a constant currency basis should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, nor superior to or in isolation from, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We provide a reconciliation of revenue on a constant currency basis to the most closely related GAAP financial measure. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety and to view revenue on a constant currency basis in conjunction with revenue on a GAAP basis.
The following table provides a reconciliation of revenue on a GAAP basis to revenue on a constant currency basis:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | Growth Rates | |||||||
| Revenue (GAAP) | $ | 446,579 | $ | 420,957 | 6 | % | ||||
| Effects of foreign currency rate fluctuations | (3,323) | |||||||||
| Revenue on a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP) | $ | 443,256 | 5 | % |
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Free Cash Flow
We also provide free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP measure defined as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, less cash used for purchases of capital expenditures, inclusive of capitalized software development costs. Free cash flow margin is calculated as free cash flow divided by total revenue. We believe this is meaningful to investors because it is a measure of liquidity that provides useful information in understanding and evaluating the strength of our liquidity and future ability to generate cash that can be used for strategic opportunities or investing in our business.
The following table provides a reconciliation of GAAP Cash flow provided by operating activities to free cash flow:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | |||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 55,847 | $ | 50,211 | |||
| Less: Capital expenditures inclusive of capitalized software development costs | (2,557) | (2,085) | |||||
| Free cash flow | $ | 53,290 | $ | 48,126 | |||
| Operating cash flow margin | 13 | % | 12 | % | |||
| Free cash flow margin | 12 | % | 11 | % |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of January 31, 2026, our principal sources of liquidity were cash and cash equivalents of $154.1 million. We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our projected operating requirements for at least the next 12 months. Our cash flows, including net cash used in or provided by operating activities, may vary significantly from quarter to quarter, due to the timing of billings, cash collections and lease payments, significant marketing events and related expenses, acquisitions, and other factors.
Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including those set forth under "Risk Factors". We may in the future enter into arrangements to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, services, technologies, and intellectual property rights. In addition, we may be required to seek additional equity or debt financing. In the event that additional financing is required from outside sources, we may not be able to raise it on terms acceptable to us or at all. If we are unable to raise additional capital when desired, our business, operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected.
Credit Arrangements
Silicon Valley Bank
On March 11, 2020, we entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”). In January 2021, we amended the Credit Agreement which modified the conditions pursuant to which subsidiaries are required to become guarantors. On December 22, 2022, we entered into a second amendment (“Amendment No. 2”) to the Credit Agreement, dated March 11, 2020, and on July 26, 2024, we entered into a third amendment ("Amendment No. 3") to the Credit Agreement, collectively referred to as the Credit Facility. No significant debt issuance costs were incurred in association with Amendment No.2 and Amendment No.3.
Amendment No. 2 amended the Credit Facility to, among other things (i) extend the maturity date of the Credit Facility to December 22, 2025, (ii) amend the interest rate provisions to replace LIBOR with SOFR as the interest rate benchmark, and (iii) amend the recurring revenue growth rate financial covenant.
Amendment No. 3 amended the Credit Facility to, among other things (i) amend the interest rate applicable to loans under the Credit Facility, and (ii) replace the consolidated quick ratio and recurring revenue growth rate financial covenants with consolidated total leverage ratio and minimum liquidity financial covenants.
The Credit Facility provides for a senior secured revolving loan facility of up to $50.0 million that matures on December 22, 2025, with the right subject to certain conditions to add an incremental revolving loan facility of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate. The revolving loan facility provides for borrowings up to the amount of the facility with sub-limits of up to (i) $30.0 million to be available for the issuance of letters of credit and (ii) $10.0 million to be available for swingline loans.
On May 15, 2025, in connection with the May 2025 Credit Agreement entered into with BlackRock, the Credit Facility with SVB was terminated and was accounted for as a debt extinguishment. No amounts were drawn under the facility at the time of termination, and all remaining unamortized issuance costs were written off, which were immaterial.
BlackRock
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On May 15, 2025, we entered into the May 2025 Credit Agreement which provides for (i) a senior secured initial term loan facility (the “Initial Term Loan Facility”) in an aggregate principal amount of up to $100.0 million, (ii) a secured delayed draw term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50.0 million (the “Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility”), and (iii) an uncommitted secured discretionary delayed draw term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50.0 million (the “Discretionary Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility”, and together with the Initial Term Loan Facility and the Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility, the “Term Loan Facilities” and borrowings under the Term Loan Facilities, the “Term Loans”). The Term Loan Facilities mature on May 15, 2030. We borrowed $100.0 million under the Initial Term Loan Facility on May 15, 2025, and we borrowed $50.0 million under the Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility on March 6, 2026. The proceeds of the term loans made under the Initial Term Loan Facility were used to repay existing debt and related fees and expenses associated with Term Loan Facilities, with the remainder available for general corporate purposes, and we intend to use the proceeds of the term loans made under the Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility in connection with the Tender Offer.
The Term Loan Facilities bear interest, at our option, at an annual rate based on an adjusted term SOFR rate or a base rate. Term Loans based on the adjusted term SOFR rate shall bear interest at a per annum rate equal to term SOFR (subject to a 1.00% floor) plus 5.25%. Term Loans based on the base rate shall bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the greatest of (i) the prime rate then in effect, (ii) the federal funds effective rate then in effect, plus 0.50% per annum, (iii) an adjusted term SOFR rate determined on the basis of a one-month interest period, plus 1.00% per annum, and (iv) 2.00%, in each case, plus a margin of 4.25%. Interest is due and payable in quarterly arrears, in the case of Term Loans bearing interest at the base rate, and at the end of an interest period (or quarterly, in the case of any interest period longer than 3 months), in the case of Term Loans bearing interest at the adjusted term SOFR rate. As of January 31, 2026, interest on the Term Loan Facilities was based on an adjusted term SOFR rate.
The obligations under the May 2025 Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries and secured by a lien on substantially all of our property and certain subsidiary guarantors.
The May 2025 Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and restrictions that, among other things, restrict our and our subsidiaries' ability to repurchase stock, incur additional debt, pay dividends and make distributions, make certain investments and acquisitions, prepay certain indebtedness, create liens, enter into agreements with affiliates, modify the nature of our business, enter into sale-leaseback transactions, transfer and sell material assets and merge or consolidate. The May 2025 Credit Agreement also contains financial covenants that require us to maintain minimum qualified cash of at least $35.0 million at all times and minimum consolidated EBITDA for relevant test periods, tested on a quarterly basis. The May 2025 Credit Agreement contains customary events of default relating to, among other things, payment defaults, breach of covenants, cross acceleration to material indebtedness, bankruptcy-related defaults, judgment defaults, and the occurrence of certain change of control events. Non-compliance with one or more of the covenants and restrictions or the occurrence of an event of default could result in the full or partial principal balance of the May 2025 Credit Agreement becoming immediately due and payable and termination of the commitments.
The Term Loans are subject to certain mandatory prepayment events, including an excess cash flow sweep of up to 30% for excess cash flow periods in which our annualized recurring revenue is less than $350.0 million.
In connection with the May 2025 Credit Agreement, we incurred original issue discount costs of $1.0 million and debt issuance costs of $0.8 million. These costs will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the Term Loan Facilities using the effective interest method.
As of January 31, 2026, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.
Share Repurchase Program
In March 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a $100.0 million share repurchase program of our common stock which was increased by an additional $50.0 million in September 2023 and an additional $50.0 million in March 2025. During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026, 9,417,849 shares were purchased and as of January 31, 2026, approximately $14.9 million remains available for future purchases, exclusive of commissions paid on the repurchase of shares.
Tender Offer
On February 10, 2026, we announced the commencement of the Tender Offer to purchase for cash up to $180.0 million in value of shares of our common stock at a price of not less than $5.75 nor greater than $6.50 per share, to the seller in cash, less any applicable withholdings and without interest, upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in the offer to purchase and the related letter of transmittal, as each may be amended time to time. The Tender Offer was originally scheduled to expire on March 12, 2026. On March 4, 2026, we decreased the maximum aggregate purchase price of shares to be repurchased in the Tender Offer to $140.0 million and extended the expiration date to March 18, 2026, unless further extended or earlier terminated.
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Cash Flows
In this section, we discuss our cash flows for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2026 and 2025. For a discussion of our cash flows for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, see Part II, Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Liquidity and Capital Resources" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025.
The following table summarizes our cash flows:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 55,847 | $ | 50,211 | ||
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (21,358) | $ | (91,492) | ||
| Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (9,523) | $ | (28,541) |
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities of $55.8 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026 reflected our net income of $37.9 million, adjusted by non-cash charges including stock-based compensation expense of $48.7 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $27.0 million, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets of $9.4 million, asset impairment charges of $8.6 million, and bad debt expense of $3.1 million. These non-cash charges were offset by $28.6 million related to adjustments to contingent consideration. In addition, there were positive adjustments resulting from changes in other long term assets of $6.5 million, and costs to obtain revenue contracts of $3.0 million. These increases were offset by changes in unearned revenue of $15.7 million, operating lease liabilities of $14.3 million, other long term liabilities of $12.0 million, accounts receivable of $8.3 million, mainly due to timing of billing and cash collections during the period, prepaid expenses and other current assets of $5.2 million, and accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $4.9 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities of $50.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 reflected our net loss of $27.9 million, adjusted by non-cash charges including stock-based compensation expense of $51.8 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $18.5 million, including $7.1 million related to the amortization of acquired intangibles, as well as $8.7 million related to the amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets and $5.5 million related to adjustments to contingent consideration. In addition, there were positive adjustments resulting from changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $17.0 million and costs to obtain revenue contracts of $10.0 million. These increases were offset by changes in unearned revenue of $20.5 million, operating lease liabilities of $11.1 million, and accounts receivable of $1.1 million, mainly due to timing of billing and cash collections during the period.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities of $21.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026 reflected cash outflows of $18.8 million related to cash paid, net of cash acquired, in the acquisition of Places Scout, as well as capital expenditures of $2.6 million.
Net cash used in investing activities of $91.5 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 reflected cash outflows of $89.4 million related to cash paid, net of cash acquired, in the acquisition of Hearsay, as well as capital expenditures of $2.1 million.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities of $9.5 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026 reflected cash outflows of $67.4 million associated with repurchases of common stock as part of our share repurchase program, as well as $23.0 million associated with payments for taxes related to the net share settlement of stock-based compensation awards, and deferred acquisition payments of $22.0 million made in connection with the Hearsay acquisition. This was offset by proceeds from debt issuance of $99.0 million related to the May 2025 Credit Agreement and $2.9 million of net proceeds from employee stock purchase plan withholdings.
Net cash used in financing activities of $28.5 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 was primarily related to cash outflows of $17.9 million associated with repurchases of common stock as part of our share repurchase program, as well as $10.8 million associated with payments for taxes related to the net share settlement of stock-based compensation awards and $3.5 million related to deferred payments for acquisitions. This was offset by net proceeds from employee stock purchase plan withholdings of $3.3 million.
Contractual Obligations
See Note 15 "Commitments and Contingencies" to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on contractual obligations.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our management's discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our 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 and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported revenue generated and expenses incurred during the reporting periods. Our estimates are based on our historical experience and various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about items that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
See Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on our accounting policies. Our most critical accounting policies and estimates, based on the degree of judgment and complexity, are discussed below.
Revenue Recognition
We derive our revenue primarily from our subscriptions and associated support to our platform. Our subscriptions do not provide customers with the right to take possession of the software supporting the applications and, as a result, are accounted for as service contracts. Our subscription and associated support performance obligation is distinct because a customer's use of our platform is fully functional upon access, does not require any additional development, modification or customization, and is often sold separately. In certain instances, we enter into a contract that includes a promise to provide certain technical or customized professional services, in addition to a promise to provide its subscription and associated support. Our professional services performance obligation is distinct as it does not significantly change or enhance the functionality of our platform.
In instances when a contract includes more than one performance obligation, we must allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis ("SSP"). SSP represents the price at which a company would sell a promised product or service separately to a customer. We determine the SSP based on a series of complex factors. Our selling prices associated with our subscription and associated support are considered highly variable based on discounting practices, customer geography, customer size, and other such factors. In contrast, our selling prices associated with our professional services are more observable, predictable and consistent. Accordingly, we use the residual method to determine SSP.
The recognition of revenue is determined through application of the five-step model in accordance with ASC 606. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of services to our customers, including third-party reseller customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those services. In transactions with resellers, we contract only with the reseller, in which pricing and length of subscription and support services are agreed upon. The reseller negotiates the price charged and length of subscription and support service directly with its customer. We do not pay separate fees to third-party reseller customers in association with these transactions, and do not have direct interactions with the reseller’s customer.
Revenue is generally recognized ratably over the contract term beginning on the commencement date of each contract, which is the date our platform is made available to our customers. Amounts that have been invoiced for non-cancelable contracts are recorded in accounts receivable and unearned revenue or revenue. See Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and Note 3 "Revenue" to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on our revenue recognition.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” under which deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of our assets and liabilities. We classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current on the consolidated balance sheet. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized within the provision for income taxes on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) in the period that includes the enactment date.
We reduce deferred tax assets, if necessary, by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that we will not realize some or all of our deferred tax assets. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including results of operations, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income and tax-planning strategies.
We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions within the provision for income taxes on our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
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Business Combinations
We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquiree, to be measured at their fair values, as of the acquisition date. Any excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. The determination of fair value requires management to make significant estimates, particularly with respect to intangible assets. These estimates can include, but are not limited to:
•future expected cash flows from revenue contracts and acquired developed technologies and trademarks;
•historical and expected customer attrition rates and anticipated growth in revenue from acquired customers;
•royalty rates applied to acquired developed technology platforms and other intangible assets;
•assumptions about the period of time and intended use of acquired intangible assets;
•discount rates;
•uncertain tax positions and tax-related valuation allowances; and
•fair value of assumed equity awards.
These estimates are inherently uncertain and unpredictable, and unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results.
If the initial accounting for a business combination is not complete following the acquisition date, we report provisional amounts for the known assets, liabilities, equity interests, or items of consideration for which the accounting is incomplete at the end of the financial reporting period. Provisional accounting is inherently subjective and judgmental. The objective of the measurement period is to provide a reasonable period of time to obtain the information necessary to complete all aspects of business combination accounting with a high level of confidence. During the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, adjustments to the reported provisional amounts may be recorded for which the accounting was incomplete, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Should the accounting for a business combination be incomplete by the end of a reporting period that falls within the measurement period, we report provisional amounts in our financial statements, disclosing them as provisional, and any material measurement period adjustments are identified as such. Additional assets acquired or liabilities assumed in an acquisition that were not recognized at the acquisition date might be identified during the measurement period. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the fair value of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, no further adjustments are made.
Contingent consideration arrangements entered in connection with a business combination are measured at fair value on the acquisition date and in subsequent reporting periods. Changes in in fair value associated with these arrangements are recorded in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). These arrangements require management to make significant estimates and judgments that include, but are not limited to the future estimated achievement of earnout milestones, estimated timing of payments, and discount rates. These estimates are subject to changes in events and circumstances that arise over the duration of the arrangements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-Recent Accounting Pronouncements" to the consolidated financial statements for our discussion about adopted and pending recent accounting pronouncements.
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MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2025 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001614178-25-000030.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. As discussed in the section titled "Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements," the following discussion and analysis contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section titled "Risk Factors" under Part I, Item 1A in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
Yext empowers businesses to manage their knowledge so they can deliver relevant, actionable answers to consumer questions as well as consistent, accurate and engaging experiences to customers throughout the digital ecosystem. Our digital presence platform (also known as the Answers Platform) lets businesses structure and organize information about their brands in our knowledge graph, Yext Content (also known as the Knowledge Graph), which is then delivered across first-and third-party websites and applications through our network of over 200 service and application providers, which we refer to as our Publisher Network. These publishers include, among others, Amazon Alexa, Apple, Bing, Facebook, Google, and Yelp. Our platform powers all of our key products, including Listings, Reviews, Pages and Search, each with robust analytics capabilities for businesses to easily track performance across customer experiences. It is our mission to empower businesses to easily manage every aspect of their digital presence to make meaningful connections with their customers across every digital touchpoint.
We sell our platform throughout the world to customers of all sizes, including our enterprise, mid-size, and third-party reseller customers. In transactions with resellers, we are only party to the transaction with the reseller and are not a party to the reseller's transaction with its customer.
Revenue is a function of the number of customers, the number of licenses or capacity purchased by each customer, the package to which each customer subscribes, the price of the package and renewal rates. We offer subscriptions in a discrete range of packages, with pricing based on specified feature sets and the number of licenses managed by the customer as well as on a capacity-basis.
In August 2024, we acquired Hearsay Social, Inc., a digital client engagement platform for financial services ("Hearsay"). See Note 4 "Business Combination" to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Fiscal Year
Our fiscal year ends on January 31st. References to fiscal 2025, for example, are to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025.
Macroeconomic Conditions
Our results of operations have been and may continue to be influenced by general macroeconomic conditions, including, but not limited to, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, interest rates, inflation, recession risks, and geopolitical events and shifts. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and rising inflation have had, and may continue to have an adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results in future periods. The extent to which such disruptions will continue in future periods remains uncertain, which has had and may continue to have an adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results in future periods. We continue to be committed to our business, the strength of our platform, our ability to continue to execute on our strategy, and our efforts to support our customers.
Near-term revenues are relatively predictable as a result of our subscription-based business model. However, if the macroeconomic uncertainty continues or further increases, we may continue to experience a negative impact on existing and potential customers that may reduce, suspend or delay technology spending, request to renegotiate contracts to obtain concessions such as, extended billing and payment terms; shorten the duration of contracts; or elect not to renew their subscriptions which could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations in future periods. Therefore, changes in our contracting activity in the near term may not be fully reflected in our results of operations and overall financial performance until future periods.
Recent Developments
On June 4, 2024, we committed to a restructuring plan in response to evolving business needs to reduce operating expenses and position Yext for profitable future growth (the “Plan”). The Plan reduced the size of our workforce by approximately 12 percent of our full-time employees as compared to our headcount as of January 31, 2024. We incurred approximately $5 million in costs in connection with the Plan during our second quarter of fiscal year 2025, consisting primarily of severance payments, payments in lieu of notice, employee benefits and related costs.
Following approval by our Board of Directors, on June 10, 2024, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) for the acquisition of Hearsay Social, Inc. (“Hearsay”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Hearsay became a wholly owned subsidiary of Yext upon closing of the transaction on August 1, 2024. The acquisition of Hearsay is intended to produce an end-to-end digital presence platform, combining Yext’s cutting-edge digital presence management capabilities with Hearsay’s compliant engagement solutions across social media, websites, text, and voice. We acquired Hearsay for approximately $125 million
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in cash, as adjusted for customary adjustments set forth in the Merger Agreement and the assumption of Hearsay employee equity awards. We also offered participation rights to key employees and former founders of Hearsay in a bonus pool of $20 million that can be settled in cash or our common stock and shall be subject to 100% vesting on the first anniversary of closing, generally subject to continued employment. In addition, subject to the terms of the Merger Agreement, we may also be required to pay additional contingent consideration of up to $75 million to Hearsay based on the achievement of certain milestones (the “Earnout”). The Earnout shall be payable based on achievement of certain annual recurring revenue targets. The targets shall be measured at the end of the first and second anniversaries of closing. The Earnout may be settled in cash or our common stock at our election. See Note 4 "Business Combination" to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
On February 7, 2025, we completed an acquisition of KabanaSoft, LLC, doing business as Places Scout (“Places Scout”), for a purchase price of $20.3 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments as set forth in the Unit Purchase Agreement. The acquisition strengthens Yext’s ability to provide best-in-class competitive intelligence, benchmarking, and AI-powered insights. In addition, subject to the terms of the Unit Purchase Agreement, we agreed to grant approximately $10.0 million of incentive equity, based on current trading prices of Yext’s common stock, to certain key employees of Places Scout.
See Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors” for further discussion of the possible impact of the current macroeconomic conditions on our business.
Key Metrics
We monitor the following key operational and financial metrics to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, formulate business plans and make strategic decisions.
Annual Recurring Revenue ("ARR")
Annual recurring revenue, or ARR, for Direct customers is defined as the annualized recurring amount of all contracts in our enterprise, mid-size and small business customer base as of the last day of the reporting period. The recurring amount of a contract is determined based upon the terms of a contract and is calculated by dividing the amount of a contract by the term of the contract and then annualizing such amount. The calculation assumes no subsequent changes to the existing subscription. Contracts include portions of professional services contracts that are recurring in nature.
ARR for Third-party Reseller customers is defined as the annualized recurring amount of all contracts with Third-party Reseller customers as of the last day of the reporting period. The recurring amount of a contract is determined based upon the terms of a contract and is calculated by dividing the amount of a contract by the term of the contract and then annualizing such amount. The calculation assumes no subsequent changes to the existing subscription. The calculation includes the annualized contractual minimum commitment and amounts related to usage above the contractual minimum commitment. Contracts include portions of professional services contracts that are recurring in nature. See Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors" for further discussion of Third-party reseller customers.
Total ARR is defined as the annualized recurring amount of all contracts executed as of the last day of the reporting period. The recurring amount of a contract is determined based upon the terms of a contract and is calculated by dividing the amount of a contract by the term of the contract and then annualizing such amount. The calculation assumes no subsequent changes to the existing subscription, and where relevant, includes the annualized contractual minimum commitment and amounts related to usage above the contractual minimum commitment. Contracts include portions of professional services contracts that are recurring in nature.
We calculate usage by annualizing monthly amounts in excess of contractual minimum commitments in the current month.
ARR is independent of historical revenue, unearned revenue, remaining performance obligations or any other accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, ("GAAP"), financial measure over any period. It should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, nor superior to or in isolation from, these measures and other measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We believe ARR-based metrics provides insight into the performance of our recurring revenue business model while mitigating fluctuations in billing and contract terms.
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The following table provides our ARR for the periods presented:
| January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||
| Direct Customers(1) | $ | 368,201 | $ | 315,594 | $ | 52,607 | 17 | % | ||||
| Third-Party Reseller Customers | 74,461 | 76,588 | (2,127) | (3) | % | |||||||
| Total Annual Recurring Revenue | $ | 442,662 | $ | 392,182 | $ | 50,480 | 13 | % |
(1) ARR as of January 31, 2025 is inclusive of Hearsay's results.
Change in ARR Methodology
From time to time, we may refine our methodology of calculating our key performance metrics to better reflect our business. For example, beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, we refined our ARR methodology to include usage to align with management’s internal assessment of customers. Prior to that quarter, we had excluded what we previously referred to as overage. While this change may introduce additional volatility, we believe it provides a more comprehensive view of ARR that better aligns with the way we evaluate and manage our business. The amounts presented in the immediately preceding table have been restated to reflect our ARR presented on this current definition for periods previously disclosed that did not include overage.
To accompany the transition to this new presentation, the following table presents our ARR for the periods presented as calculated using our prior definition of ARR, which excluded usage:
| January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||
| Direct Customers(1) | $ | 368,201 | $ | 315,594 | $ | 52,607 | 17 | % | ||||
| Third-Party Reseller Customers | 67,459 | 71,784 | (4,325) | (6) | % | |||||||
| Total Annual Recurring Revenue | $ | 435,660 | $ | 387,378 | $ | 48,282 | 12 | % |
(1) ARR as of January 31, 2025 is inclusive of Hearsay's results.
Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate
We believe that our ability to retain our customers and expand the ARR they generate for us over time is an important component of our growth strategy and reflects the long term value of our customer relationships. We assess our performance in this area using a metric we refer to as our dollar-based net retention rate, which compares the ARR from a set of subscription customers across comparable periods.
This metric is calculated first by determining the ARR generated 12 months prior to the end of the current period for a cohort of customers who had active contracts at that time. We then calculate ARR from the same cohort of customers at the end of the current period, which includes customer expansion, contraction and churn. The current period ARR is then divided by the prior period ARR to arrive at our dollar-based net retention rate. Any ARR obtained through merger and acquisition transactions does not affect the dollar-based net retention rate until one year from the date on which the transaction closed. The cohorts of customers that we present dollar-based net retention rate for include direct, third-party reseller, and total customers. Direct customers include enterprise, mid-size and small business customers.
The following table provides our dollar-based net retention rate for the periods presented:
| January 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Direct Customers | 92% | 91% |
| Third-Party Reseller Customers | 95% | 93% |
| Total Customers | 93% | 92% |
Change in Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate Methodology
From time to time, we may refine our methodology of calculating our key performance metrics to better reflect our business. For example, beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, we refined our ARR calculation methodology to include usage. This update resulted in a corresponding change in our dollar-based net retention rate, which is based on ARR. While this change may
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introduce additional variability due to changes in customer usage, it provides a more comprehensive view of our dollar-based net retention rate. The amounts presented in the immediately preceding table have been restated to reflect our dollar-based net retention rate presented as measured on our current definition of ARR for periods previously disclosed that did not include overage.
To accompany the transition to this new presentation, the following table presents our dollar-based net retention rate for the periods presented as calculated using our prior definition of ARR, which excluded usage:
| January 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Direct Customers | 92% | 91% |
| Third-Party Reseller Customers | 92% | 95% |
| Total Customers | 92% | 92% |
Customer Count
Customer count is defined as the total number of customers with contracts executed as of the last day of the reporting period and a unique administrative account identifier on our platform. Generally, we assign unique administrative accounts to each separate and distinct entity (such as a company or government institution) or a business unit of a large corporation, that has its own separate contract with us to access our platform. Historically, we believed that customer count provided insight into our ability to grow our enterprise and mid-size customer base. As such, customer count excluded third-party reseller customers and small business customers as well as customers only receiving free trials. From time to time, some customers previously characterized as small business customers transitioned to mid-size customers, and customer count included these changes resulting from any recharacterization.
We no longer consider customer count to be a key performance measure of our business. As such, we are presenting customer count as of the end of January 31, 2025 as a key metric, but we do not expect to refer to it regularly in the future. As of January 31, 2025, customer count was approximately 2,920.
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Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
We derive our revenue primarily from subscription and associated support to our platform. Our contracts are typically one year in length, but may be up to three years or longer in length. Revenue is a function of the number of customers, the number of licenses or capacity purchased by each customer, the package to which each customer subscribes, the price of the package and renewal rates. Revenue is generally recognized ratably over the contract term beginning on the commencement date of each contract, which is the date our platform is made available to customers. At the beginning of each subscription term we invoice our customers, typically in annual installments, but also monthly, quarterly, and semi-annually. Amounts that have been invoiced for non-cancelable contracts are recorded in accounts receivable and unearned revenue. Unearned revenue is subsequently recognized as revenue when transfer of control to a customer has occurred.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue consists primarily of employee-related costs, including personnel-related costs, which mainly consist of salaries and wages, and stock-based compensation expense. Cost of revenue also includes fees associated with our Publisher Network application provider arrangements, the nature of which may be unpaid, fixed, or variable, and are unpaid with many of our larger providers, as well as the costs associated with our data centers. In addition, cost of revenue includes depreciation expense, which includes amounts allocated based on employee headcount, as well as amounts related to certain capitalized software development costs incurred in connection with additional functionality to our platform. Cost of revenue also includes amortization expense, which includes amounts related to intangible assets arising from acquisitions and lease expenses associated with our office spaces, which are allocated based on employee headcount. In addition, cost of revenue includes software expense, which relates to licenses, professional services, and other costs associated with software for use in the operations of our business, which is also allocated based on employee headcount.
Operating Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of employee-related costs which are comprised of personnel-related costs and stock-based compensation expense. Personnel-related costs mainly consist of salaries and wages and costs of obtaining revenue contracts. Sales and marketing expenses also include lease expenses associated with our office spaces, as well as software expense, each of which are allocated based on employee headcount. In addition, sales and marketing expenses include amortization expense, which includes amounts related to intangible assets arising from acquisitions, as well as costs related to advertising and conferences and brand awareness events.
Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses consist primarily of employee-related costs which are comprised of personnel-related costs and stock-based compensation expense. Personnel-related costs mainly consist of salaries and wages. Capitalized software development costs related to additional functionality to our platform are excluded from research and development expenses as they are capitalized as a component of property and equipment, net and depreciated to cost of revenue over the term of their useful life. Research and development expenses also include data centers costs associated with pre-production costs for testing and quality assurance, as well as lease expenses associated with our office spaces, and software expense, each of which are allocated based on employee headcount.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of employee-related costs which are comprised of personnel-related costs and stock-based compensation expense for our finance and accounting, human resources, information technology and legal support departments. Personnel-related costs mainly consist of salaries and wages. General and administrative expenses also include lease expenses associated with our office spaces, as well as software expense, each of which are allocated based on employee headcount. In addition, general and administrative expenses include other professional related costs, which include acquisition-related costs, as well as fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration.
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Results of Operations
In this section, we discuss the results of our operations for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024. For a discussion of our results of operations for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, see Part II, Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024.
The following table sets forth selected consolidated statement of operations data for each of the periods indicated:
| (in thousands) | Fiscal year ended January 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statements of Operations Data: | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| Revenue | $ | 420,957 | $ | 404,322 | ||
| Cost of revenue(1) | 96,364 | 87,468 | ||||
| Gross profit | 324,593 | 316,854 | ||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||
| Sales and marketing(1) | 174,779 | 178,830 | ||||
| Research and development(1) | 77,201 | 72,040 | ||||
| General and administrative(1) | 105,061 | 72,185 | ||||
| Total operating expenses | 357,041 | 323,055 | ||||
| Loss from operations | (32,448) | (6,201) | ||||
| Interest income | 6,102 | 7,094 | ||||
| Interest expense | (967) | (470) | ||||
| Other expense, net | (745) | (761) | ||||
| Loss from operations before income taxes | (28,058) | (338) | ||||
| Benefit from (provision for) income taxes | 110 | (2,292) | ||||
| Net loss | $ | (27,948) | $ | (2,630) |
(1) See Note 10 "Stock-Based Compensation" to the consolidated financial statements for amounts included.
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The following table sets forth selected consolidated statements of operations data for each of the periods indicated as a percentage of total revenue:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| Revenue | 100 | % | 100 | % | |
| Cost of revenue | 23 | 22 | |||
| Gross profit | 77.1 | 78.4 | |||
| Operating expenses: | |||||
| Sales and marketing | 42 | 44 | |||
| Research and development | 18 | 18 | |||
| General and administrative | 25 | 18 | |||
| Total operating expenses | 85 | 80 | |||
| Loss from operations | (8) | (2) | |||
| Interest income | 1 | 2 | |||
| Interest expense | — | — | |||
| Other expense, net | — | — | |||
| Loss from operations before income taxes | (7) | — | |||
| Benefit from (provision for) income taxes | — | (1) | |||
| Net loss | (7) | % | (1) | % |
Note: Numbers rounded for presentation purposes and may not sum.
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2025 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2024
Revenue
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 420,957 | $ | 404,322 | $ | 16,635 | 4 | % | ||||||
| Cost of revenue | 96,364 | 87,468 | $ | 8,896 | 10 | % | ||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 324,593 | $ | 316,854 | $ | 7,739 | 2 | % | ||||||
| Gross margin | 77.1 | % | 78.4 | % |
Total revenue was $421.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, compared to $404.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, an increase of $16.6 million or 4%. The increase was entirely driven by the inclusion of Hearsay’s revenue as a result of the acquisition which did not exist in the comparative period. The increase was negatively affected by the resulting absence of revenue from the attrition of a large customer that did not renew their contract as of January 31, 2024. Revenue recognized from subscriptions and associated support to our platform was 93% and 92%, while revenue recognized from professional services was 7% and 8%, for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Revenue for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 included a positive impact from foreign currency exchange rates of approximately $1.5 million, using a constant currency basis. We calculate constant currency by translating our current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than U.S. Dollars (“USD”) into USD at the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the comparative period, as opposed to the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the current period.
The following table summarizes our revenue by sales channel for the periods presented:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Dollars | Percent | |||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Direct Customers | $ | 346,951 | $ | 327,093 | $ | 19,858 | 6 | % | ||||
| Third-Party Reseller Customers | 74,006 | 77,229 | (3,223) | (4) | % | |||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | 420,957 | $ | 404,322 | $ | 16,635 | 4 | % |
Revenue attributable to direct customers was $347.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, compared to $327.1 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, an increase of $19.9 million or 6%.The increase was entirely driven by the inclusion of Hearsay’s revenue as a result of the acquisition which did not exist in the comparative period. The increase was negatively
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affected by the resulting absence of revenue from the attrition of a large customer that did not renew their contract as of January 31, 2024. Revenue attributable to third-party reseller customers was $74.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, compared to $77.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, a decrease of $3.2 million or 4% primarily due to customer attrition.
Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin
Cost of revenue was $96.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, compared to $87.5 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, an increase of $8.9 million, or 10%. The increase was primarily driven by the acquisition of Hearsay, which resulted in a $4.0 million increase in amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, as well as a $1.3 million increase related to royalties and integration fees. In addition, data center costs increased $2.4 million, and professional related costs increased $1.6 million. These increases were offset by a $2.0 million decrease in depreciation expense, as certain assets have fully depreciated.
Gross margin was 77.1% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, compared to 78.4% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 as reflected in the discussion above.
Operating Expenses
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | $ | 174,779 | $ | 178,830 | $ | (4,051) | (2) | % | ||||||
| Research and development | $ | 77,201 | $ | 72,040 | $ | 5,161 | 7 | % | ||||||
| General and administrative | $ | 105,061 | $ | 72,185 | $ | 32,876 | 46 | % |
Sales and marketing expense was $174.8 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, compared to $178.8 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, a decrease of $4.1 million, or 2%. The decrease was primarily driven by a $1.9 million decrease in personnel-related costs, reflecting lower headcount, a $1.4 million decrease in depreciation expense as certain assets have fully depreciated, a $1.3 million decrease in employee travel and a $1.2 million decrease in lease expense. In addition, there were smaller decreases in conferences and events of $0.6 million and software expense of $0.5 million. These decreases were offset by a $3.1 million increase in amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets from the Hearsay acquisition.
Research and development expense was $77.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, compared to $72.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, an increase of $5.2 million, or 7%. The increase was primarily driven by a $7.6 million increase in personnel-related costs, reflecting higher headcount. This increase was offset by decreases in stock-based compensation expense of $1.1 million, depreciation expense of $0.6 million, as certain assets have fully depreciated, and a $0.5 million decrease in professional related costs, among others.
General and administrative expense was $105.1 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, compared to $72.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, an increase of $32.9 million or 46%. The increase was primarily driven by the acquisition of Hearsay, which resulted in $8.8 million of costs being incurred related to the portion of the incentive pool payable to founders and early employees, as well as $5.5 million related to changes in the fair value of contingent consideration. The increase was further driven by employee-related costs, as stock-based compensation expense increased $7.5 million, mainly due to PSUs granted in fiscal year 2024, and personnel-related costs increased $3.1 million, largely due to retention amounts related to Hearsay employees. In addition, professional related costs increased $7.3 million, primarily due to professional services related to the Hearsay acquisition.
Net Loss
Net loss was $27.9 million and $2.6 million for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to our financial results determined in accordance with GAAP, we believe that certain non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating our operating performance and our business.
Non-GAAP net income (loss) is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. We define non-GAAP net income (loss) as our GAAP net income (loss) as adjusted to exclude the effects of stock-based compensation expense, acquisition-related costs, amortization of acquired intangibles, and the related income tax effect of these adjustments. Acquisition-related costs include transaction and related costs, subsequent fair value movements in contingent consideration, and compensation arrangements. We believe non-GAAP net income (loss) provides investors and other users of our financial information consistency and comparability with our past financial performance and facilitates period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations. We also believe non-GAAP net income (loss) is useful in evaluating our operating performance compared to that of other companies in our industry, as it eliminates the effects of stock-based compensation, acquisition-related costs, and amortization of acquired intangibles, which may vary for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance.
In addition, beginning in fiscal 2025, we are utilizing a projected tax rate of 25% in our computation of the non-GAAP income tax provision. Our estimated tax rate on non-GAAP income is determined annually and may be adjusted during the year to take into account events or trends that we believe materially impact the estimated annual rate including, but not limited to, significant changes
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resulting from tax legislation, material changes in the geographic mix of revenue and expenses and other significant events. Our estimated tax rate on non-GAAP income may differ from our GAAP tax rate and from our actual tax liabilities.
We use non-GAAP net income (loss) in conjunction with traditional GAAP net income (loss) as part of our overall assessment of our performance, including the preparation of our annual operating budget and quarterly forecasts, and to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies.
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that we believe offers a useful view of overall operations used to assess the performance of core business operations and for planning purposes. We define Adjusted EBITDA as GAAP net income (loss) before (1) interest income (expense), net, (2) (provision for) benefit from income taxes, (3) depreciation and amortization, (4) other income (expense), net, (5) stock-based compensation expense, and (6) acquisition-related costs. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to Adjusted EBITDA is GAAP net income (loss). Users should consider the limitations of using Adjusted EBITDA, including the fact that this measure does not provide a complete measure of our operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to purport to be an alternate to GAAP net income (loss) as a measure of operating performance.
The definitions of our non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the definitions used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. In addition, other companies may not publish this or similar metrics. Thus, our non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, nor superior to or in isolation from, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Our non-GAAP financial measures may be limited in their usefulness because they do not present the full economic effect of the expenses mentioned above. We compensate for these limitations by providing a reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the most closely related GAAP financial measures. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety, not to rely on any single financial measure and to view non-GAAP net income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA in conjunction with GAAP net income (loss).
Recent Changes in Non-GAAP Metrics
Beginning with the three months ended July 31, 2024, we revised our definitions of Non-GAAP net income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA to adjust for the effects of certain acquisition-related costs prompted by our recent acquisition of Hearsay. We believe these changes provide investors with a view of continuing core operations without the effects of unusual activity specific to acquisition-related accounting. These adjustments do not omit or adjust for the inclusion of ongoing operations of acquisitions.
We have recast our results on the same basis for the prior comparative periods presented, although the effects in those periods remain unchanged notwithstanding as no such acquisition-related activity had occurred. The following table reconciles our GAAP net loss to non-GAAP net income (loss):
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| GAAP net loss | $ | (27,948) | $ | (2,630) | ||
| Plus: Stock-based compensation expense | 51,780 | 44,961 | ||||
| Plus: Acquisition-related costs | 29,176 | — | ||||
| Plus: Amortization of acquired intangibles | 7,097 | — | ||||
| Less: Tax adjustment(1) | (15,109) | — | ||||
| Non-GAAP net income | $ | 44,996 | $ | 42,331 |
(1) Beginning in fiscal 2025, we are utilizing a projected tax rate of 25% in our computation of the non-GAAP income tax provision. Our estimated tax rate on non-GAAP income is determined annually and may be adjusted during the year to take into account events or trends that we believe materially impact the estimated annual rate including, but not limited to, significant changes resulting from tax legislation, material changes in the geographic mix of revenue and expenses and other significant events. Our estimated tax rate on non-GAAP income may differ from our GAAP tax rate and from our actual tax liabilities.
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The following table reconciles our GAAP net loss to Adjusted EBITDA:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||
| GAAP net loss | $ | (27,948) | $ | (2,630) | ||||||
| Interest (income) expense, net | (5,135) | (6,624) | ||||||||
| (Benefit from) provision for income taxes | (110) | 2,292 | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 18,531 | 15,805 | ||||||||
| Other expense (income), net | 745 | 761 | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 51,780 | 44,961 | ||||||||
| Acquisition-related costs | 29,176 | — | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 67,039 | $ | 54,565 |
Constant Currency
We provide revenue, including year-over-year growth rates, adjusted to remove the impact of foreign currency rate fluctuations, which we refer to as constant currency. We believe providing revenue on a constant currency basis helps our investors to better understand our underlying performance, given the current macroeconomic environment. We calculate constant currency by using the current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than USD, which are then converted into USD at the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the comparative period, as opposed to the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the current period. Our definition may differ from the definitions used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. In addition, other companies may not publish these or similar metrics. Thus, our revenue on a constant currency basis should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, nor superior to or in isolation from, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We provide a reconciliation of revenue on a constant currency basis to the most closely related GAAP financial measure. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety and to view revenue on a constant currency basis in conjunction with revenue on a GAAP basis.
The following table provides a reconciliation of revenue on a GAAP basis to revenue on a constant currency basis:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | Growth Rates | |||||||
| Revenue (GAAP) | $ | 420,957 | $ | 404,322 | 4 | % | ||||
| Effects of foreign currency rate fluctuations | (1,453) | |||||||||
| Revenue on a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP) | $ | 419,504 | 4 | % |
Free Cash Flow
We also provide free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP measure defined as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, less cash used for purchases of capital expenditures, inclusive of capitalized software development costs. Free cash flow margin is calculated as free cash flow divided by total revenue. We believe this is meaningful to investors because it is a measure of liquidity that provides useful information in understanding and evaluating the strength of our liquidity and future ability to generate cash that can be used for strategic opportunities or investing in our business.
The following table provides a reconciliation of GAAP Cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities to free cash flow:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 50,211 | $ | 46,157 | |||
| Less: Capital expenditures inclusive of capitalized software development costs | (2,085) | (2,728) | |||||
| Free cash flow | $ | 48,126 | $ | 43,429 | |||
| Operating cash flow margin | 12 | % | 11 | % | |||
| Free cash flow margin | 11 | % | 11 | % |
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of January 31, 2025, our principal sources of liquidity were cash and cash equivalents of $123.1 million. We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our projected operating requirements for at least the next 12 months. Our cash flows, including net cash used in or provided by operating activities, may vary significantly from quarter to quarter, due to the timing of billings, cash collections and lease payments, significant marketing events and related expenses, acquisitions, and other factors.
Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including those set forth under "Risk Factors". We may in the future enter into arrangements to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, services, technologies, and intellectual property rights. In addition, we may be required to seek additional equity or debt financing. In the event that additional financing is required from outside sources, we may not be able to raise it on terms acceptable to us or at all. If we are unable to raise additional capital when desired, our business, operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected.
Credit Arrangements
On March 11, 2020, we entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”). In January 2021, we amended the Credit Agreement which modified the conditions pursuant to which subsidiaries are required to become guarantors. On December 22, 2022, we entered into a second amendment (“Amendment No. 2”) to the Credit Agreement, dated March 11, 2020, and on July 26, 2024, we entered into a third amendment ("Amendment No. 3") to the Credit Agreement, collectively referred to as the Credit Facility. No significant debt issuance costs were incurred in association with Amendment No.2 and Amendment No.3.
Amendment No. 2 amended the Credit Facility to, among other things (i) extend the maturity date of the Credit Facility to December 22, 2025, (ii) amend the interest rate provisions to replace LIBOR with SOFR as the interest rate benchmark, and (iii) amend the recurring revenue growth rate financial covenant.
Amendment No. 3 amended the Credit Facility to, among other things (i) amend the interest rate applicable to loans under the Credit Facility, and (ii) replace the consolidated quick ratio and recurring revenue growth rate financial covenants with consolidated total leverage ratio and minimum liquidity financial covenants.
The Credit Facility provides for a senior secured revolving loan facility of up to $50.0 million that matures on December 22, 2025, with the right subject to certain conditions to add an incremental revolving loan facility of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate. The revolving loan facility provides for borrowings up to the amount of the facility with sub-limits of up to (i) $30.0 million to be available for the issuance of letters of credit and (ii) $10.0 million to be available for swingline loans.
As amended, the revolving loans bear interest, at our election, at an annual rate based on SOFR or a base rate. Loans based on SOFR shall bear interest at a rate between SOFR plus 1.75% and SOFR plus 2.25%, depending on our consolidated total leverage ratio and subject to a SOFR floor of 1.00%. Loans based on the base rate shall bear interest at a rate between the base rate minus 1.25% and the base rate minus 0.75%, depending on our consolidated total leverage ratio. We are also obligated to pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility at a rate of 0.25% per annum.
The obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by a lien on substantially all of our tangible and intangible property and by a pledge of all of our equity interests of material direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries and 66% of each class of capital stock of any material first-tier foreign subsidiaries, subject to limited exceptions.
The Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and restrictions, as well as financial covenants that require us to maintain minimum liquidity of $35.0 million at all times and a consolidated total leverage ratio of no greater than 3.00 to 1.00, tested on a quarterly basis.
As of January 31, 2025, we were in compliance with all debt covenants. As of such date, the $50.0 million revolving loan facility had $36.6 million available and $13.4 million in letters of credit allocated as security in connection with office space.
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Share Repurchase Program
In March 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a $100.0 million share repurchase program of our common stock. In September 2023, our Board of Directors authorized an additional $50.0 million to the share repurchase program. During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, 2,687,528 shares were purchased and as of January 31, 2025 approximately $31.9 million remains available for future purchases, exclusive of commissions paid on the repurchase of shares.
In March 2025, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $50.0 million to the share repurchase program.
Cash Flows
In this section, we discuss our cash flows for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2025 and 2024. For a discussion of our cash flows for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, see Part II, Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Liquidity and Capital Resources" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024.
The following table summarizes our cash flows:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 50,211 | $ | 46,157 | ||
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (91,492) | $ | (2,728) | ||
| Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (28,541) | $ | (23,254) |
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities of $50.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 reflected our net loss of $27.9 million, adjusted by non-cash charges including stock-based compensation expense of $51.8 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $18.5 million, including $7.1 million related to the amortization of acquired intangibles, as well as $8.7 million related to the amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets and $5.5 million related to adjustments to contingent consideration. In addition, there were positive adjustments resulting from changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $17.0 million and costs to obtain revenue contracts of $10.0 million. These increases were offset by changes in unearned revenue of $20.5 million, operating lease liabilities of $11.1 million, and accounts receivable of $1.1 million, mainly due to timing of billing and cash collections during the period.
Net cash provided by operating activities of $46.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 reflected our net loss of $2.6 million, adjusted by non-cash charges including stock-based compensation expense of $45.0 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $15.8 million and amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets of $8.8 million. In addition, there were positive adjustments resulting from changes in costs to obtain revenue contracts of $8.8 million, prepaid expenses and other current assets of $0.8 million and accounts receivable of $0.5 million, mainly due to timing of billing and cash collections during the period. These increases were offset by changes in operating lease liabilities of $11.7 million, unearned revenue of $11.3 million and accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $10.2 million.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities of $91.5 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 reflected cash outflows of $89.4 million related to cash paid, net of cash acquired, in the acquisition of Hearsay, as well as capital expenditures of $2.1 million.
Net cash used in investing activities of $2.7 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 reflected capital expenditures.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities of $28.5 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025 was primarily related to cash outflows of $17.9 million associated with repurchases of common stock as part of our share repurchase program, as well as $10.8 million associated with payments for taxes related to the net share settlement of stock-based compensation awards and $3.5 million related to deferred payments for acquisitions. This was offset by net proceeds from employee stock purchase plan withholdings of $3.3 million.
Net cash used in financing activities of $23.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 was primarily related to $23.1 million in cash outflows associated with repurchases of common stock as part of our share repurchase program, as well as payments for taxes related to the net share settlement of stock-based compensation awards of $13.0 million and payments of deferred financing costs of $0.5 million. This was offset by proceeds from exercise of stock options of $9.4 million and net proceeds from employee stock purchase plan withholdings of $3.9 million.
Contractual Obligations
See Note 15 "Commitments and Contingencies" to the consolidated financial statements for our discussion on contractual obligations.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our management's discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our 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 and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported revenue generated and expenses incurred during the reporting periods. Our estimates are based on our historical experience and various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about items that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
See Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on our accounting policies. Our most critical accounting policies and estimates, based on the degree of judgment and complexity, are discussed below.
Revenue Recognition
We derive our revenue primarily from our subscriptions and associated support to our platform. Our subscriptions do not provide customers with the right to take possession of the software supporting the applications and, as a result, are accounted for as service contracts. Our subscription and associated support performance obligation is distinct because a customer's use of our platform is fully functional upon access, does not require any additional development, modification or customization, and is often sold separately. In certain instances, we enter into a contract that includes a promise to provide certain technical or customized professional services, in addition to a promise to provide its subscription and associated support. Our professional services performance obligation is distinct as it does not significantly change or enhance the functionality of our platform.
In instances when a contract includes more than one performance obligation, we must allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis ("SSP"). SSP represents the price at which a company would sell a promised product or service separately to a customer. We determine the SSP based on a series of complex factors. Our selling prices associated with our subscription and associated support are considered highly variable based on discounting practices, customer geography, customer size, and other such factors. In contrast, our selling prices associated with our professional services are more observable, predictable and consistent. Accordingly, we use the residual method to determine SSP.
The recognition of revenue is determined through application of the five-step model in accordance with ASC 606. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of services to our customers, including third-party reseller customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those services. In transactions with resellers, we contract only with the reseller, in which pricing and length of subscription and support services are agreed upon. The reseller negotiates the price charged and length of subscription and support service directly with its customer. We do not pay separate fees to third-party reseller customers in association with these transactions, and do not have direct interactions with the reseller’s customer.
Revenue is generally recognized ratably over the contract term beginning on the commencement date of each contract, which is the date our platform is made available to our customers. Amounts that have been invoiced for non-cancelable contracts are recorded in accounts receivable and unearned revenue or revenue. See Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and Note 3 "Revenue" to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on our revenue recognition.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” under which deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of our assets and liabilities. We classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current on the consolidated balance sheet. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized within the provision for income taxes on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss in the period that includes the enactment date.
We reduce deferred tax assets, if necessary, by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that we will not realize some or all of our deferred tax assets. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including results of operations, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income and tax-planning strategies.
We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions within the provision for income taxes on our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.
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Business Combinations
We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquiree, to be measured at their fair values, as of the acquisition date. Any excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. The determination of fair value requires management to make significant estimates, particularly with respect to intangible assets. These estimates can include, but are not limited to:
•future expected cash flows from revenue contracts and acquired developed technologies and trademarks;
•historical and expected customer attrition rates and anticipated growth in revenue from acquired customers;
•royalty rates applied to acquired developed technology platforms and other intangible assets;
•assumptions about the period of time and intended use of acquired intangible assets;
•discount rates;
•uncertain tax positions and tax-related valuation allowances; and
•fair value of assumed equity awards.
These estimates are inherently uncertain and unpredictable, and unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results.
If the initial accounting for a business combination is not complete following the acquisition date, we report provisional amounts for the known assets, liabilities, equity interests, or items of consideration for which the accounting is incomplete at the end of the financial reporting period. Provisional accounting is inherently subjective and judgmental. The objective of the measurement period is to provide a reasonable period of time to obtain the information necessary to complete all aspects of business combination accounting with a high level of confidence. During the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, adjustments to the reported provisional amounts may be recorded for which the accounting was incomplete, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Should the accounting for a business combination be incomplete by the end of a reporting period that falls within the measurement period, we report provisional amounts in our financial statements, disclosing them as provisional, and any material measurement period adjustments are identified as such. Additional assets acquired or liabilities assumed in an acquisition that were not recognized at the acquisition date might be identified during the measurement period. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the fair value of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, no further adjustments are made.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-Recent Accounting Pronouncements" to the consolidated financial statements for our discussion about adopted and pending recent accounting pronouncements.
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FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001614178-24-000023.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. As discussed in the section titled "Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements," the following discussion and analysis contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section titled "Risk Factors" under Part I, Item 1A in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
Yext empowers businesses to manage their knowledge so they can deliver relevant, actionable answers to consumer questions as well as consistent, accurate and engaging experiences to customers throughout the digital ecosystem. Our digital presence platform (also known as the Answers Platform) lets businesses structure and organize information about their brands in our knowledge graph, Yext Content (also known as the Knowledge Graph), which is then delivered across first-and third-party websites and applications through our network of over 200 service and application providers, which we refer to as our Publisher Network. These publishers include, among others, Amazon Alexa, Apple Maps, Bing, Cortana, Facebook, Google, Google Assistant, Google Maps, Siri and Yelp. Our platform powers all of our key products, including Listings, Reviews, Pages and Search, each with robust analytics capabilities for businesses to easily track performance across customer experiences. It is our mission to empower businesses to easily manage every aspect of their digital presence to make meaningful connections with their customers across every digital touchpoint.
We sell our platform throughout the world to customers of all sizes, including our enterprise, mid-size, and third-party reseller customers. In transactions with resellers, we are only party to the transaction with the reseller and are not a party to the reseller's transaction with its customer.
Revenue is a function of the number of customers, the number of licenses or capacity purchased by each customer, the package to which each customer subscribes, the price of the package and renewal rates. We offer subscriptions in a discrete range of packages, with pricing based on specified feature sets and the number of licenses managed by the customer as well as on a capacity-basis.
Fiscal Year
Our fiscal year ends on January 31st. References to fiscal 2024, for example, are to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024.
Macroeconomic Conditions
Our results of operations have been and may continue to be influenced by general macroeconomic conditions, including, but not limited to, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, interest rates, inflation, recession risks and public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and rising inflation have had, and may continue to have an adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results in future periods. The extent to which such disruptions will continue in future periods remains uncertain, which has had and may continue to have an adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results in future periods. We continue to be committed to our business, the strength of our platform, our ability to continue to execute on our strategy, and our efforts to support our customers.
Near-term revenues are relatively predictable as a result of our subscription-based business model. However, if the macroeconomic uncertainty continues or further increases, we may continue to experience a negative impact on existing and potential customers that may reduce, suspend or delay technology spending, request to renegotiate contracts to obtain concessions such as, extended billing and payment terms; shorten the duration of contracts; or elect not to renew their subscriptions which could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations in future periods. Therefore, changes in our contracting activity in the near term may not be fully reflected in our results of operations and overall financial performance until future periods. See Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors” for further discussion of the possible impact of the current macroeconomic conditions on our business.
Key Metrics
We monitor the following key operational and financial metrics to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, formulate business plans and make strategic decisions.
Customer Count
Customer count is defined as the total number of customers with contracts executed as of the last day of the reporting period and a unique administrative account identifier on our platform. Generally, we assign unique administrative accounts to each separate and distinct entity (such as a company or government institution) or a business unit of a large corporation, that has its own separate contract with us to access our platform. We believe that customer count provides insight into our ability to grow our enterprise and mid-size customer base. As such, customer count excludes third-party reseller customers and small business customers as well as customers only receiving free trials. From time to time, some customers previously characterized as small business customers may
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transition to mid-size customers, and customer count includes these changes resulting from any recharacterization. As of January 31, 2024, customer count was approximately 3,000.
Annual Recurring Revenue ("ARR")
Annual recurring revenue, or ARR, for Direct customers is defined as the annualized recurring amount of all contracts in our enterprise, mid-size and small business customer base as of the last day of the reporting period. The recurring amount of a contract is determined based upon the terms of a contract and is calculated by dividing the amount of a contract by the term of the contract and then annualizing such amount. The calculation assumes no subsequent changes to the existing subscription. Contracts include portions of professional services contracts that are recurring in nature.
ARR for Third-party Reseller customers is defined as the annualized recurring amount of all contracts with Third-party Reseller customers as of the last day of the reporting period. The recurring amount of a contract is determined based upon the terms of a contract and is calculated by dividing the amount of a contract by the term of the contract and then annualizing such amount. The calculation assumes no subsequent changes to the existing subscription. The calculation includes the annualized contractual minimum commitment and excludes amounts related to overages above the contractual minimum commitment. Contracts include portions of professional services contracts that are recurring in nature. See Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors" for further discussion of Third-party reseller customers.
Total ARR is defined as the annualized recurring amount of all contracts executed as of the last day of the reporting period. The recurring amount of a contract is determined based upon the terms of a contract and is calculated by dividing the amount of a contract by the term of the contract and then annualizing such amount. The calculation assumes no subsequent changes to the existing subscription, and where relevant, includes the annualized contractual minimum commitment and excludes amounts related to overages above the contractual minimum commitment. Contracts include portions of professional services contracts that are recurring in nature.
ARR is independent of historical revenue, unearned revenue, remaining performance obligations or any other accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, ("GAAP"), financial measure over any period. It should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, nor superior to or in isolation from, these measures and other measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We believe ARR-based metrics provides insight into the performance of our recurring revenue business model while mitigating fluctuations in billing and contract terms.
| January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Dollars | Percent | |||||||||
| Annual Recurring Revenue | ||||||||||||
| Direct Customers(1) | $ | 315,594 | $ | 327,017 | $ | (11,423) | (3) | % | ||||
| Third-Party Reseller Customers | 71,784 | 73,343 | (1,559) | (2) | % | |||||||
| Total Annual Recurring Revenue | $ | 387,378 | $ | 400,360 | $ | (12,982) | (3) | % |
(1) ARR as of January 31, 2024 includes a decrease of $10.8 million related to the attrition of a large customer, which occurred during the three months ended January 31, 2024.
Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate
We believe that our ability to retain our customers and expand the ARR they generate for us over time is an important component of our growth strategy and reflects the long term value of our customer relationships. We assess our performance in this area using a metric we refer to as our dollar-based net retention rate, which compares the ARR from a set of subscription customers across comparable periods.
This metric is calculated first by determining the ARR generated 12 months prior to the end of the current period for a cohort of customers who had active contracts at that time. We then calculate ARR from the same cohort of customers at the end of the current period, which includes customer expansion, contraction and churn. The current period ARR is then divided by the prior period ARR to arrive at our dollar-based net retention rate. The cohorts of customers that we present dollar-based net retention rate for include direct, third-party reseller, and total customers. Direct customers include enterprise, mid-size and small business customers. The following table provides our dollar-based net retention rate for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2024 and 2023:
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| January 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate (ARR) | ||
| Direct Customers (1) | 91% | 97% |
| Third-Party Reseller Customers | 95% | 92% |
| Total Customers | 92% | 96% |
(1) Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate as of January 31, 2024 reflects the attrition of a large customer, which occurred during the three months ended January 31, 2024.
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Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
We derive our revenue primarily from subscription and associated support to our platform. Our contracts are typically one year in length, but may be up to three years or longer in length. Revenue is a function of the number of customers, the number of licenses or capacity purchased by each customer, the package to which each customer subscribes, the price of the package and renewal rates. Revenue is generally recognized ratably over the contract term beginning on the commencement date of each contract, which is the date our platform is made available to customers. At the beginning of each subscription term we invoice our customers, typically in annual installments, but also monthly, quarterly, and semi-annually. Amounts that have been invoiced for non-cancelable contracts are recorded in accounts receivable and unearned revenue. Unearned revenue is subsequently recognized as revenue when transfer of control to a customer has occurred.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue consists primarily of employee-related costs, including personnel-related costs, which mainly consist of salaries and wages, and stock-based compensation expense. Cost of revenue also includes fees associated with our Publisher Network application provider arrangements, the nature of which may be unpaid, fixed, or variable, and are unpaid with many of our larger providers, as well as the costs associated with our data centers. In addition, cost of revenue includes depreciation expense, which includes amounts allocated based on employee headcount, as well as amounts related to certain capitalized software development costs incurred in connection with additional functionality to our platform. Cost of revenue also includes lease expenses associated with our office spaces, which are allocated based on employee headcount. In addition, cost of revenue includes software expense, which relates to licenses, professional services, and other costs associated with software for use in the operations of our business, which is also allocated based on employee headcount.
Operating Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of employee-related costs which are comprised of personnel-related costs and stock-based compensation expense. Personnel-related costs mainly consist of salaries and wages and costs of obtaining revenue contracts. Sales and marketing expenses also include lease expenses associated with our office spaces, as well as software expense, each of which are allocated based on employee headcount. In addition, sales and marketing expenses include costs related to advertising and conferences and brand awareness events.
Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses consist primarily of employee-related costs which are comprised of personnel-related costs and stock-based compensation expense. Personnel-related costs mainly consist of salaries and wages. Capitalized software development costs related to additional functionality to our platform are excluded from research and development expenses as they are capitalized as a component of property and equipment, net and depreciated to cost of revenue over the term of their useful life. Research and development expenses also include data centers costs associated with pre-production costs for testing and quality assurance, as well as lease expenses associated with our office spaces, and software expense, each of which are allocated based on employee headcount.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of employee-related costs which are comprised of personnel-related costs and stock-based compensation expense for our finance and accounting, human resources, information technology and legal support departments. Personnel-related costs mainly consist of salaries and wages. General and administrative expenses also include lease expenses associated with our office spaces, as well as software expense, each of which are allocated based on employee headcount, and other professional related costs.
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Results of Operations
In this section, we discuss the results of our operations for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023. For a discussion of our results of operations for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, please refer to Part II, Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023.
The following table sets forth selected consolidated statement of operations data for each of the periods indicated:
| (in thousands) | Fiscal year ended January 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statements of Operations Data: | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Revenue | $ | 404,322 | $ | 400,850 | ||
| Cost of revenue(1) | 87,468 | 103,960 | ||||
| Gross profit | 316,854 | 296,890 | ||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||
| Sales and marketing(1) | 178,830 | 211,479 | ||||
| Research and development(1) | 72,040 | 70,903 | ||||
| General and administrative(1) | 72,185 | 79,336 | ||||
| Total operating expenses | 323,055 | 361,718 | ||||
| Loss from operations | (6,201) | (64,828) | ||||
| Interest income | 7,094 | 1,684 | ||||
| Interest expense | (470) | (589) | ||||
| Other expense, net | (761) | (125) | ||||
| Loss from operations before income taxes | (338) | (63,858) | ||||
| Provision for income taxes | (2,292) | (2,080) | ||||
| Net loss | $ | (2,630) | $ | (65,938) |
(1) Amounts include stock-based compensation expense as follows:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Cost of revenue | $ | 2,900 | $ | 5,042 | ||
| Sales and marketing | 15,067 | 22,961 | ||||
| Research and development | 11,349 | 16,401 | ||||
| General and administrative | 15,645 | 18,674 | ||||
| Total stock-based compensation expense | $ | 44,961 | $ | 63,078 |
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The following table sets forth selected consolidated statements of operations data for each of the periods indicated as a percentage of total revenue:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Revenue | 100 | % | 100 | % | |
| Cost of revenue | 22 | 26 | |||
| Gross profit | 78 | 74 | |||
| Operating expenses: | |||||
| Sales and marketing | 44 | 53 | |||
| Research and development | 18 | 17 | |||
| General and administrative | 18 | 20 | |||
| Total operating expenses | 80 | 90 | |||
| Loss from operations | (2) | (16) | |||
| Interest income | 2 | — | |||
| Interest expense | — | — | |||
| Other expense, net | — | — | |||
| Loss from operations before income taxes | — | (16) | |||
| Provision for income taxes | (1) | — | |||
| Net loss | (1) | % | (16) | % |
Note: Numbers rounded for presentation purposes and may not sum.
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2024 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2023
Revenue
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 404,322 | $ | 400,850 | $ | 3,472 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Cost of revenue | 87,468 | 103,960 | $ | (16,492) | (16) | % | ||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 316,854 | $ | 296,890 | $ | 19,964 | 7 | % | ||||||
| Gross margin | 78.4 | % | 74.1 | % |
Total revenue was $404.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, compared to $400.9 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, an increase of $3.5 million or 1%, primarily driven by new customer subscriptions to our platform, expanded subscriptions for existing customers, and the impact of foreign currency exchange rates as discussed below. Revenue recognized from subscriptions and associated support to our platform was 92% and 91%, while revenue recognized from professional services was 8% and 9%, for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Revenue for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 included a positive impact from foreign currency exchange rates of approximately $1.3 million, using a constant currency basis. We calculate constant currency by translating our current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than U.S. Dollars (“USD”) into USD at the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the comparative period, as opposed to the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the current period.
The following table summarizes our revenue by sales channel for the periods presented:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Dollars | Percent | |||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Direct Customers | $ | 327,093 | $ | 318,032 | $ | 9,061 | 3 | % | ||||
| Third-Party Reseller Customers | 77,229 | 82,818 | (5,589) | (7) | % | |||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | 404,322 | $ | 400,850 | $ | 3,472 | 1 | % |
Revenue attributable to direct customers was $327.1 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, compared to $318.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, an increase of $9.1 million or 3%, primarily driven by new customer subscriptions to our platform, as well as expanded subscriptions for existing customers. While the attrition of a large direct customer occurred during the three months ended January 31, 2024, we expect that the corresponding absence of revenue from this customer
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will become more apparent in our quarterly results for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2025. Revenue attributable to third-party reseller customers was $77.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, compared to $82.8 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, a decrease of $5.6 million or 7% primarily due to customer attrition.
Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin
Cost of revenue was $87.5 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, compared to $104.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, a decrease of $16.5 million, or 16%. The decrease was primarily driven by employee related costs, as personnel-related costs decreased $11.3 million and stock-based compensation expense decreased $2.1 million, reflecting lower headcount. In addition, depreciation expense decreased $2.1 million as certain assets have fully depreciated.
Gross margin was 78.4% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, compared to 74.1% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 as reflected in the discussion above.
Operating Expenses
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | $ | 178,830 | $ | 211,479 | $ | (32,649) | (15) | % | ||||||
| Research and development | $ | 72,040 | $ | 70,903 | $ | 1,137 | 2 | % | ||||||
| General and administrative | $ | 72,185 | $ | 79,336 | $ | (7,151) | (9) | % |
Sales and marketing expense was $178.8 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, compared to $211.5 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, a decrease of $32.6 million, or 15%. The decrease was primarily driven by employee-related costs, as personnel-related costs decreased $20.2 million and stock-based compensation expense decreased $7.9 million, reflecting lower headcount. In addition, conferences and events decreased $1.3 million.
Research and development expense was $72.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, compared to $70.9 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, an increase of $1.1 million, or 2%. The increase was primarily driven by a $4.3 million increase in personnel-related costs, as well as smaller increases in depreciation expense, among others. These increases were partially offset by a $5.1 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense, largely due to decreases in the fair value of awards granted.
General and administrative expense was $72.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, compared to $79.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, a decrease of $7.2 million or 9%. The decrease was primarily driven by employee-related costs, as stock-based compensation expense decreased $3.0 million and personnel-related costs decreased $1.8 million, reflecting lower headcount. In addition, professional related costs decreased $2.8 million. These decreases were partially offset by smaller increases in bad debt expense, among others.
Net Loss
Net loss was $2.6 million and $65.9 million for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to our financial results determined in accordance with GAAP, we believe that certain non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating our operating performance and our business.
Non-GAAP net income (loss) is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. We define non-GAAP net income (loss) as our GAAP net income (loss) as adjusted to exclude the effects of stock-based compensation expense. We believe non-GAAP net income (loss) provides investors and other users of our financial information consistency and comparability with our past financial performance and facilitates period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations. We also believe non-GAAP net income (loss) is useful in evaluating our operating performance compared to that of other companies in our industry, as it eliminates the effects of stock-based compensation, which may vary for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance.
We use non-GAAP net income (loss) in conjunction with traditional GAAP net income (loss) as part of our overall assessment of our performance, including the preparation of our annual operating budget and quarterly forecasts, and to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies.
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that we believe offers a useful view of overall operations used to assess the performance of core business operations and for planning purposes. We define Adjusted EBITDA as GAAP net income (loss) before (1) interest income (expense), net, (2) provision for income taxes, (3) depreciation and amortization, (4) other income (expense), net, and (5) stock-based compensation expense. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to Adjusted EBITDA is GAAP net income (loss). Users should consider the limitations of using Adjusted EBITDA, including the fact that this measure does not provide a complete measure of our operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to purport to be an alternate to GAAP net income (loss) as a measure of operating performance.
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The definitions of our non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the definitions used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. In addition, other companies may not publish this or similar metrics. Thus, our non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, nor superior to or in isolation from, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Our non-GAAP financial measures may be limited in their usefulness because they do not present the full economic effect of the expenses mentioned above. We compensate for these limitations by providing a reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the most closely related GAAP financial measures. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety, not to rely on any single financial measure and to view non-GAAP net income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA in conjunction with GAAP net income (loss).
The following table reconciles our GAAP net loss to non-GAAP net income (loss):
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| GAAP net loss | $ | (2,630) | $ | (65,938) | ||
| Plus: Stock-based compensation expense | 44,961 | 63,078 | ||||
| Non-GAAP net income (loss) | $ | 42,331 | $ | (2,860) |
The following table reconciles our GAAP net loss to Adjusted EBITDA:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||
| GAAP net loss | $ | (2,630) | $ | (65,938) | ||||||
| Interest (income) expense, net | (6,624) | (1,095) | ||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 2,292 | 2,080 | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 15,805 | 17,583 | ||||||||
| Other expense (income), net | 761 | 125 | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 44,961 | 63,078 | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 54,565 | $ | 15,833 |
Constant Currency
We provide revenue, including year-over-year growth rates, adjusted to remove the impact of foreign currency rate fluctuations, which we refer to as constant currency. We believe providing revenue on a constant currency basis helps our investors to better understand our underlying performance, given the current macroeconomic environment. We calculate constant currency by using the current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than USD, which are then converted into USD at the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the comparative period, as opposed to the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the current period. Our definition may differ from the definitions used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. In addition, other companies may not publish these or similar metrics. Thus, our revenue on a constant currency basis should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, nor superior to or in isolation from, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We provide a reconciliation of revenue on a constant currency basis to the most closely related GAAP financial measure. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety and to view revenue on a constant currency basis in conjunction with revenue on a GAAP basis.
The following table provides a reconciliation of revenue on a GAAP basis to revenue on a constant currency basis:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | Growth Rates | |||||||
| Revenue (GAAP) | $ | 404,322 | $ | 400,850 | 1 | % | ||||
| Effects of foreign currency rate fluctuations | (1,305) | |||||||||
| Revenue on a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP) | $ | 403,017 | 1 | % |
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of January 31, 2024, our principal sources of liquidity were cash and cash equivalents of $210.2 million. We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our projected operating requirements for at least the next 12 months. Our cash flows, including net cash used in or provided by operating activities, may vary significantly from quarter to quarter, due to the timing of billings, cash collections and lease payments, significant marketing events and related expenses, and other factors.
Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including those set forth under "Risk Factors." We may in the future enter into arrangements to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, services, technologies, and intellectual property rights. In addition, we may be required to seek additional equity or debt financing. In the event that additional financing is required from outside sources, we may not be able to raise it on terms acceptable to us or at all. If we are unable to raise additional capital when desired, our business, operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected.
Credit Arrangements
On March 11, 2020, we entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”). In January 2021, we amended the Credit Agreement which modified the conditions pursuant to which subsidiaries are required to become guarantors. On December 22, 2022, we entered into a second amendment (“Amendment No. 2”) to the Credit Agreement, dated March 11, 2020, collectively referred to as the Credit Facility. No significant debt issuance costs were incurred in association with the December 2022 Credit Facility.
Amendment No. 2 amends the Credit Facility to, among other things (i) extend the maturity date of the Credit Facility to December 22, 2025, (ii) amend the interest rate provisions to replace LIBOR with SOFR as the interest rate benchmark, and (iii) amend the recurring revenue growth rate financial covenant.
The Credit Facility provides for a senior secured revolving loan facility of up to $50.0 million that matures three years after the effective date, with the right subject to certain conditions to add an incremental revolving loan facility of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate. The three-year revolving loan facility provides for borrowings up to the amount of the facility with sub-limits of up to (i) $30.0 million to be available for the issuance of letters of credit and (ii) $10.0 million to be available for swingline loans.
As amended, the revolving loans bear interest, at our election, at an annual rate based on SOFR or a base rate. Loans based on SOFR shall bear interest at a rate between SOFR plus 2.50% and SOFR plus 3.00%, depending on our average daily usage of the revolving loan facility and subject to a SOFR floor of 1.00%. Loans based on the base rate shall bear interest at a rate between the base rate minus 0.50% and the base rate plus 0.00%, depending on our average daily usage of the revolving loan facility. We are also obligated to pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility at a rate of 0.25% per annum.
The obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by a lien on substantially all of our tangible and intangible property and by a pledge of all of our equity interests of material direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries and 66% of each class of capital stock of any material first-tier foreign subsidiaries, subject to limited exceptions.
The Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and restrictions, as well as financial covenants that require us to maintain the year-over-year growth rate of its recurring revenue for a trailing four fiscal quarter period above specified rates when certain liquidity thresholds are not met and to maintain a consolidated quick ratio of at least 1.50 to 1.00 tested on a monthly basis.
As of January 31, 2024, we were in compliance with all debt covenants. As of such date, the $50.0 million revolving loan facility had $36.4 million available and $13.6 million in letters of credit allocated as security in connection with office space.
Following the closure of SVB by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation on March 10, 2023, and its subsequent receivership by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the FDIC announced that all of SVB’s deposits and substantially all of its assets had been transferred to a newly created, full-service FDIC-operated bridge bank, Silicon Valley Bridge Bank N.A. (“SVBB”). On March 27, 2023, First Citizens Bank & Trust Company (“First Citizens”) acquired substantially all of the loans and certain other assets of SVBB, and assumed all customer deposits and certain other liabilities of SVBB. As such, First Citizens assumed SVB’s obligations under the Credit Facility.
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Share Repurchase Program
In March 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a $100.0 million share repurchase program of our common stock. In September 2023, our Board of Directors authorized an additional $50.0 million to the share repurchase program. During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, 2,980,641 shares were purchased for a total cost of $22.9 million, inclusive of broker commissions. As of January 31, 2024, a total of 16,824,920 shares have been purchased for a total cost of $100.3 million since the commencement of the program, inclusive of broker commissions, and approximately $49.7 million remains available for future purchases.
Cash Flows
In this section, we discuss our cash flows for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2024 and 2023. For a discussion of our cash flows for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, please refer to Part II, Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Liquidity and Capital Resources" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023.
The following table summarizes our cash flows:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 46,157 | $ | 17,853 | ||
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (2,728) | $ | (6,193) | ||
| Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (23,254) | $ | (79,021) |
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities of $46.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 reflected our net loss of $2.6 million, adjusted by non-cash charges including stock-based compensation expense of $45.0 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $15.8 million and amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets of $8.8 million. In addition, there were positive adjustments resulting from changes in costs to obtain revenue contracts of $8.8 million, prepaid expenses and other current assets of $0.8 million and accounts receivable of $0.5 million, mainly due to timing of billing and cash collections during the period. These increases were partially offset by changes in operating lease liabilities of $11.7 million, unearned revenue of $11.3 million and accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $10.2 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities of $17.9 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 reflected our net loss of $65.9 million, adjusted by non-cash charges including stock-based compensation expense of $63.1 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $17.6 million and amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets of $8.8 million. In addition, there were positive adjustments resulting from changes in costs to obtain revenue contracts of $8.0 million, unearned revenue of $3.5 million and accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $2.7 million. These increases were partially offset by changes in operating lease liabilities of $11.0 million, accounts receivable of $10.1 million, mainly due to timing of billing and cash collections during the period, and changes in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $2.3 million.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities of $2.7 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 reflected capital expenditures.
Net cash used in investing activities of $6.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 reflected capital expenditures.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities of $23.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 was primarily related to $23.1 million in cash outflows associated with repurchases of common stock as part of our share repurchase program, as well as payments for taxes related to the net share settlement of stock-based compensation awards of $13.0 million and payments of deferred financing costs of $0.5 million. This was partially offset by proceeds from exercise of stock options of $9.4 million and net proceeds from employee stock purchase plan withholdings of $3.9 million.
Net cash used in financing activities of $79.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 was primarily related to $77.3 million in cash outflows associated with repurchases of common stock as part of our share repurchase program, as well as payments for taxes related to the net share settlement of stock-based compensation awards of $5.1 million and payments of deferred financing costs of $0.5 million. This was partially offset by net proceeds from employee stock purchase plan withholdings of $3.2 million and proceeds from exercise of stock options of $0.7 million.
Contractual Obligations
See Note 14 "Commitments and Contingencies", to the consolidated financial statements for our discussion on contractual obligations.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our management's discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our 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 and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported revenue generated and expenses incurred during the reporting periods. Our estimates are based on our historical experience and various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about items that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
See Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on our accounting policies. Our most critical accounting policies and estimates, based on the degree of judgment and complexity, are discussed below.
Revenue Recognition
We derive our revenue primarily from our subscriptions and associated support to our platform. Our subscriptions do not provide customers with the right to take possession of the software supporting the applications and, as a result, are accounted for as service contracts. Our subscription and associated support performance obligation is distinct because a customer's use of our platform is fully functional upon access, does not require any additional development, modification or customization, and is often sold separately. In certain instances, we enter into a contract that includes a promise to provide certain technical or customized professional services, in addition to a promise to provide its subscription and associated support. Our professional services performance obligation is distinct as it does not significantly change or enhance the functionality of our platform.
In instances when a contract includes more than one performance obligation, we must allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis ("SSP"). SSP represents the price at which a company would sell a promised product or service separately to a customer. We determine the SSP based on a series of complex factors. Our selling prices associated with our subscription and associated support are considered highly variable based on discounting practices, customer geography, customer size, and other such factors. In contrast, our selling prices associated with our professional services are more observable, predictable and consistent. Accordingly, we use the residual method to determine SSP.
The recognition of revenue is determined through application of the five-step model in accordance with ASC 606. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of services to our customers, including third-party reseller customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those services. In transactions with resellers, we contract only with the reseller, in which pricing and length of subscription and support services are agreed upon. The reseller negotiates the price charged and length of subscription and support service directly with its customer. We do not pay separate fees to third-party reseller customers in association with these transactions, and do not have direct interactions with the reseller’s customer.
Revenue is generally recognized ratably over the contract term beginning on the commencement date of each contract, which is the date our platform is made available to our customers. Amounts that have been invoiced for non-cancelable contracts are recorded in accounts receivable and unearned revenue or revenue. See Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and Note 3 "Revenue" to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on our revenue recognition.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” under which deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of our assets and liabilities. We classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current on the consolidated balance sheet. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized within the provision for income taxes on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss in the period that includes the enactment date.
We reduce deferred tax assets, if necessary, by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that we will not realize some or all of our deferred tax assets. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including results of operations, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income and tax-planning strategies.
We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions within the provision for income taxes on our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies- Recent Accounting Pronouncements", to the consolidated financial statements for our discussion about adopted and pending recent accounting pronouncements.
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FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001614178-23-000017.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. As discussed in the section titled "Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements," the following discussion and analysis contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section titled "Risk Factors" under Part I, Item 1A in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
Yext organizes a business's facts so it can deliver relevant, actionable answers to consumer questions throughout the digital ecosystem. Our platform lets businesses structure the facts about their brands in a database called the Knowledge Graph. Our platform is built to leverage the structured data stored in the Knowledge Graph to deliver a modern search experience on a business's or organization's own website, as well as across over 200 service and application providers, which we refer to as our Publisher Network and includes Amazon Alexa, Apple Maps, Bing, Cortana, Facebook, Google, Google Assistant, Google Maps, Siri and Yelp. Our platform powers all of our key features, including Listings, Pages, and Search, along with its other features and capabilities.
We sell our platform throughout the world to customers of all sizes, including our enterprise, mid-size, and third-party reseller customers. In transactions with resellers, we are only party to the transaction with the reseller and are not a party to the reseller's transaction with its customer.
Revenue is a function of the number of customers, the number of licenses or capacity purchased by each customer, the package to which each customer subscribes, the price of the package and renewal rates. We offer subscriptions in a discrete range of packages, with pricing based on specified feature sets and the number of licenses managed by the customer as well as on a capacity-basis.
Fiscal Year
Our fiscal year ends on January 31st. References to fiscal 2023, for example, are to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023.
Macroeconomic Conditions
Our results of operations may be influenced by general macroeconomic conditions, including, but not limited to, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, interest rates, inflation, recession risks and the COVID-19 pandemic. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and rising inflation have had, and may continue to have an adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results in future periods. The extent to which such disruptions will continue in future periods remains uncertain. The uncertain duration of these measures has had and may continue to have an adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results in future periods. We continue to be committed to our business, the strength of our platform, our ability to continue to execute on our strategy, and our efforts to support our customers.
Near-term revenues are relatively predictable as a result of our subscription-based business model. However, if the macroeconomic uncertainty increases, we may continue to experience a negative impact on existing and potential customers that may reduce, suspend or delay technology spending, request to renegotiate contracts to obtain concessions such as, extended billing and payment terms; shorten the duration of contracts; or elect not to renew their subscriptions which could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations in future periods. Therefore, changes in our contracting activity in the near term may not be fully reflected in our results of operations and overall financial performance until future periods. See Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors” for further discussion of the possible impact of the current macroeconomic conditions on our business.
Key Metrics
We monitor the following key operational and financial metrics to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, formulate business plans and make strategic decisions.
Customer Count
Customer count is defined as the total number of customers with contracts executed as of the last day of the reporting period and a unique administrative account identifier on our platform. Generally, we assign unique administrative accounts to each separate and distinct entity (such as a company or government institution) or a business unit of a large corporation, that has its own separate contract with us to access our platform. We believe that customer count provides insight into our ability to grow our enterprise and mid-size customer base. As such, customer count excludes third-party reseller customers and small business customers as well as customers only receiving free trials. As of January 31, 2023, customer count increased 7% year-over-year to over 2,960.
Annual Recurring Revenue ("ARR")
Annual recurring revenue, or ARR, for Direct customers is defined as the annualized recurring amount of all contracts in our enterprise, mid-size and small business customer base as of the last day of the reporting period. The recurring amount of a contract is determined based upon the terms of a contract and is calculated by dividing the amount of a contract by the term of the contract and
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then annualizing such amount. The calculation assumes no subsequent changes to the existing subscription. Contracts include portions of professional services contracts that are recurring in nature.
ARR for Third-party Reseller customers is defined as the annualized recurring amount of all contracts with Third-party Reseller customers as of the last day of the reporting period. The recurring amount of a contract is determined based upon the terms of a contract and is calculated by dividing the amount of a contract by the term of the contract and then annualizing such amount. The calculation assumes no subsequent changes to the existing subscription. The calculation includes the annualized contractual minimum commitment and excludes amounts related to overages above the contractual minimum commitment. Contracts include portions of professional services contracts that are recurring in nature. See Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors" for further discussion of Third-party reseller customers.
Total ARR is defined as the annualized recurring amount of all contracts executed as of the last day of the reporting period. The recurring amount of a contract is determined based upon the terms of a contract and is calculated by dividing the amount of a contract by the term of the contract and then annualizing such amount. The calculation assumes no subsequent changes to the existing subscription, and where relevant, includes the annualized contractual minimum commitment and excludes amounts related to overages above the contractual minimum commitment. Contracts include portions of professional services contracts that are recurring in nature.
ARR is independent of historical revenue, unearned revenue, remaining performance obligations or any other accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, ("GAAP"), financial measure over any period. It should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, nor superior to or in isolation from, these measures and other measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We believe ARR-based metrics provides insight into the performance of our recurring revenue business model while mitigating for fluctuations in billing and contract terms.
| January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Dollars | Percent | |||||||||
| Annual Recurring Revenue | ||||||||||||
| Direct Customers | $ | 327,017 | $ | 312,132 | $ | 14,885 | 5 | % | ||||
| Third-Party Reseller Customers | 73,343 | 78,353 | (5,010) | (6) | % | |||||||
| Total Annual Recurring Revenue | $ | 400,360 | $ | 390,485 | $ | 9,875 | 3 | % |
Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate
We believe that our ability to retain our customers and expand the ARR they generate for us over time is an important component of our growth strategy and reflects the long term value of our customer relationships. We assess our performance in this area using a metric we refer to as our dollar-based net retention rate, which compares the ARR from a set of subscription customers across comparable periods.
This metric is calculated first by determining the ARR generated 12 months prior to the end of the current period for a cohort of customers who had active contracts at that time. We then calculate ARR from the same cohort of customers at the end of the current period, which includes customer expansion, contraction and churn. The current period ARR is then divided by the prior period ARR to arrive at our dollar-based net retention rate. The cohorts of customers that we present dollar-based net retention rate for include direct, third-party reseller, and total customers. Direct customers include enterprise, mid-size and small business customers. The following table provides our dollar-based net retention rate for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
| January 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate (ARR) | |||
| Direct Customers | 97% | 101% | 100% |
| Third-Party Reseller Customers | 92% | 101% | 92% |
| Total Customers | 96% | 101% | 98% |
Historically, we presented dollar-based net retention rate on a revenue basis whereby we first established a cohort of enterprise, mid-size, and third-party reseller customers, who had active contracts at the end of each month of the same period in the prior year. We divided the single month revenue from each of those customer cohorts for the applicable month in the current year by the single month revenue of that same customer cohort for the corresponding month in the prior year. We then determined the dollar-based weighted average of each of the monthly rates, which represented the dollar-based net retention rate for the period. Under this prior methodology, our dollar-based net retention rate was 95%, 98%, and 102% for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
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We believe that the change in methodology in our dollar-based net retention rate from a revenue basis to an ARR basis is more meaningful to investors as it aligns more closely with how management views growth in the business, assesses Company performance, and provides better insight into the directional movements within ARR.
Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
We derive our revenue primarily from subscription and associated support to our Answers platform. Our contracts are typically one year in length, but may be up to three years or longer in length. Revenue is a function of the number of customers, the number of licenses or capacity purchased by each customer, the package to which each customer subscribes, the price of the package and renewal rates. Revenue is generally recognized ratably over the contract term beginning on the commencement date of each contract, which is the date our platform is made available to customers. At the beginning of each subscription term we invoice our customers, typically in annual installments, but also monthly, quarterly, and semi-annually. Amounts that have been invoiced for non-cancelable contracts are recorded in accounts receivable and unearned revenue. Unearned revenue is subsequently recognized as revenue when transfer of control to a customer has occurred.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue consists primarily of employee-related costs, including personnel-related costs, which mainly consist of salaries and wages, and stock-based compensation expense. Cost of revenue also includes fees associated with our Publisher Network application provider arrangements, the nature of which may be unpaid, fixed, or variable, and are unpaid with many of our larger providers, as well as the costs associated with our data centers. In addition, cost of revenue includes depreciation expense, which includes amounts allocated based on employee headcount, as well as amounts related to certain capitalized software development costs incurred in connection with additional functionality to our platform. Cost of revenue also includes lease expenses associated with our office spaces, which are allocated based on employee headcount. In addition, cost of revenue includes software expense, which relates to licenses, professional services, and other costs associated with software for use in the operations of our business, which is also allocated based on employee headcount.
Operating Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of employee-related costs which are comprised of personnel-related costs and stock-based compensation expense. Personnel-related costs mainly consist of salaries and wages and costs of obtaining revenue contracts. Sales and marketing expenses also include lease expenses associated with our office spaces, as well as software expense, each of which are allocated based on employee headcount. In addition, sales and marketing expenses include costs related to advertising and conferences and brand awareness events.
Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses consist primarily of employee-related costs which are comprised of personnel-related costs and stock-based compensation expense. Personnel-related costs mainly consist of salaries and wages. Capitalized software development costs related to additional functionality to our platform are excluded from research and development expenses as they are capitalized as a component of property and equipment, net and depreciated to cost of revenue over the term of their useful life. Research and development expenses also include data centers costs associated with pre-production costs for testing and quality assurance, as well as lease expenses associated with our office spaces, and software expense, each of which are allocated based on employee headcount.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of employee-related costs which are comprised of personnel-related costs and stock-based compensation expense for our finance and accounting, human resources, information technology and legal support departments. Personnel-related costs mainly consist of salaries and wages. General and administrative expenses also include lease expenses associated with our office spaces, as well as software expense, each of which are allocated based on employee headcount, and other professional related costs.
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Results of Operations
The following table sets forth selected consolidated statement of operations data for each of the periods indicated:
| (in thousands) | Fiscal year ended January 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statements of Operations Data: | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Revenue | $ | 400,850 | $ | 390,577 | $ | 354,661 | ||||
| Cost of revenue(1) | 103,960 | 98,299 | 86,404 | |||||||
| Gross profit | 296,890 | 292,278 | 268,257 | |||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||
| Sales and marketing(1) | 211,479 | 230,467 | 228,417 | |||||||
| Research and development(1) | 70,903 | 68,350 | 58,146 | |||||||
| General and administrative(1) | 79,336 | 83,420 | 76,026 | |||||||
| Total operating expenses | 361,718 | 382,237 | 362,589 | |||||||
| Loss from operations | (64,828) | (89,959) | (94,332) | |||||||
| Interest income | 1,684 | 22 | 532 | |||||||
| Interest expense | (589) | (544) | (614) | |||||||
| Other expense, net | (125) | (1,501) | (181) | |||||||
| Loss from operations before income taxes | (63,858) | (91,982) | (94,595) | |||||||
| Provision for income taxes | (2,080) | (1,277) | (97) | |||||||
| Net loss | $ | (65,938) | $ | (93,259) | $ | (94,692) |
(1) Amounts include stock-based compensation expense as follows:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Cost of revenue | $ | 5,042 | $ | 7,099 | $ | 5,724 | ||||
| Sales and marketing | 22,961 | 26,496 | 32,581 | |||||||
| Research and development | 16,401 | 20,654 | 17,071 | |||||||
| General and administrative | 18,674 | 19,231 | 16,918 | |||||||
| Total stock-based compensation expense | $ | 63,078 | $ | 73,480 | $ | 72,294 |
Decreases in stock-based compensation expense for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, compared to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022 are largely due to decreases in the fair value of awards granted.
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The following table sets forth selected consolidated statements of operations data for each of the periods indicated as a percentage of total revenue:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
| Revenue | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||
| Cost of revenue | 26 | 25 | 24 | |||||
| Gross profit | 74 | 75 | 76 | |||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||
| Sales and marketing | 53 | 59 | 65 | |||||
| Research and development | 17 | 18 | 16 | |||||
| General and administrative | 20 | 21 | 21 | |||||
| Total operating expenses | 90 | 98 | 102 | |||||
| Loss from operations | (16) | (23) | (26) | |||||
| Interest income | — | — | — | |||||
| Interest expense | — | — | (1) | |||||
| Other expense, net | — | — | — | |||||
| Loss from operations before income taxes | (16) | (23) | (27) | |||||
| Provision for income taxes | — | — | — | |||||
| Net loss | (16) | % | (23) | % | (27) | % |
Note: Numbers rounded for presentation purposes and may not sum.
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2023 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2022
Revenue
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 400,850 | $ | 390,577 | $ | 10,273 | 3 | % | ||||||
| Cost of revenue | 103,960 | 98,299 | $ | 5,661 | 6 | % | ||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 296,890 | $ | 292,278 | $ | 4,612 | 2 | % | ||||||
| Gross margin | 74.1 | % | 74.8 | % |
Total revenue was $400.9 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, compared to $390.6 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, an increase of $10.3 million or 3%, primarily driven by new customer subscriptions to our platform, as well as expanded subscriptions for existing customers. Revenue recognized from subscriptions and associated support to our platform was 91% and 92%, while revenue recognized from professional services was 9% and 8%, for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Revenue for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 included a negative impact from foreign currency exchange rates of approximately $10.2 million, using a constant currency basis. We calculate constant currency by translating our current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than USD into USD at the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the comparative period, as opposed to the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the current period.
The following table summarizes our revenue by sales channel for the periods presented:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Dollars | Percent | |||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Direct Customers | $ | 318,032 | $ | 303,338 | $ | 14,694 | 5 | % | ||||
| Third-Party Reseller Customers | 82,818 | 87,239 | (4,421) | (5) | % | |||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | 400,850 | $ | 390,577 | $ | 10,273 | 3 | % |
Revenue attributable to direct customers was $318.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, compared to $303.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, an increase of $14.7 million or 5%, primarily driven by new customer subscriptions to our platform, as well as expanded subscriptions for existing customers. Revenue attributable to third-party reseller customers was $82.8 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, compared to $87.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, a decrease of $4.4 million or 5% primarily due to customer attrition.
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Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin
Cost of revenue was $104.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, compared to $98.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, an increase of $5.7 million, or 6%. The increase was primarily driven by a $5.1 million increase in personnel-related costs, reflecting higher headcount, a $1.7 million increase in costs associated with our data centers and a $1.4 million increase in depreciation expense. These increases were partially offset by a $2.1 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense, largely due to decreases in the fair value of awards granted, as well as a $1.2 million decrease in Publisher Network provider fees due to favorable contract renewal terms with certain providers in the prior year.
Gross margin was 74.1% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, compared to 74.8% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022 as reflected in the discussion above.
Operating Expenses
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | $ | 211,479 | $ | 230,467 | $ | (18,988) | (8) | % | ||||||
| Research and development | $ | 70,903 | $ | 68,350 | $ | 2,553 | 4 | % | ||||||
| General and administrative | $ | 79,336 | $ | 83,420 | $ | (4,084) | (5) | % |
Sales and marketing expense was $211.5 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, compared to $230.5 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, a decrease of $19.0 million, or 8%. The decrease was primarily driven by employee-related costs, as personnel-related costs decreased $10.4 million, reflecting lower headcount, and stock-based compensation expense which decreased $3.5 million, largely due to decreases in the fair value of awards granted. In addition, advertising costs decreased $4.9 million due to certain brand media campaigns in the prior period and professional related costs decreased $2.8 million. These decreases were partially offset by a $3.1 million increase in conferences and events and a $2.8 million increase in employee travel.
Research and development expense was $70.9 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, compared to $68.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, an increase of $2.6 million, or 4%. The increase was primarily driven by a $4.9 million increase in personnel-related costs and a $1.3 million increase in costs associated with our data centers. These increases were partially offset by a $4.3 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense, largely due to decreases in the fair value of awards granted.
General and administrative expense was $79.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, compared to $83.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, a decrease of $4.1 million or 5%. The decrease was primarily driven by a $4.2 million decrease in professional related costs, a $1.1 million decrease in bad debt expense and a $0.6 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense, largely due to decreases in the fair value of awards granted. This was partially offset by a $0.7 million increase in personnel-related costs, reflecting higher headcount, a $0.7 million increase in software expense and a $0.4 million increase in depreciation expense.
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2022 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2021
Revenue and Cost of Revenue
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 390,577 | $ | 354,661 | $ | 35,916 | 10 | % | ||||||
| Cost of revenue | 98,299 | 86,404 | $ | 11,895 | 14 | % | ||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 292,278 | $ | 268,257 | $ | 24,021 | 9 | % | ||||||
| Gross margin | 74.8 | % | 75.6 | % |
Total revenue was $390.6 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, compared to $354.7 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, an increase of $35.9 million or 10%, primarily driven by new customer subscriptions to our platform, and to a lesser extent included expanded subscriptions for existing customers. Our revenue is predominately derived from our enterprise, mid-size, and third-party reseller customers. Revenue recognized from subscriptions and associated support to our platform was 92% and revenue recognized from professional services was 8%, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, compared to 93% and 7%, respectively, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021.
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The following table summarizes our revenue by sales channel for the periods presented:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Dollars | Percent | |||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Direct Customers | $ | 303,338 | $ | 265,756 | $ | 37,582 | 14 | % | ||||
| Third-Party Reseller Customers | 87,239 | 88,905 | (1,666) | (2) | % | |||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | 390,577 | $ | 354,661 | $ | 35,916 | 10 | % |
Revenue attributable to direct customers was $303.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, compared to $265.8 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, an increase of $37.6 million or 14%, primarily driven by new customer subscriptions to our platform, as well as expanded subscriptions for existing customers. Revenue attributable to third-party reseller customers was $87.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, compared to $88.9 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, a decrease of $1.7 million or 2% primarily due to customer attrition.
Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin
Cost of revenue was $98.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, compared to $86.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, an increase of $11.9 million, or 14%. This increase was primarily driven by employee-related costs, as personnel-related costs increased $8.8 million and stock-based compensation expense increased $1.4 million, reflecting higher headcount and employee stock grants. In addition, depreciation expense increased $2.2 million and costs associated with our data centers increased $1.5 million. These increases were partially offset by Publisher Network application provider fees which decreased $5.1 million due to favorable contract renewal terms with certain providers in the prior year.
Gross margin was 74.8% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, compared to 75.6% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021 as reflected in the discussion above.
Operating Expenses
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | $ | 230,467 | $ | 228,417 | $ | 2,050 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Research and development | $ | 68,350 | $ | 58,146 | $ | 10,204 | 18 | % | ||||||
| General and administrative | $ | 83,420 | $ | 76,026 | $ | 7,394 | 10 | % |
Sales and marketing expense was $230.5 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, compared to $228.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, an increase of $2.1 million, or 1%. The increase reflected a $5.5 million increase in personnel-related costs, inclusive of a $3.5 million increase in costs to obtain revenue contracts. In addition, there was a $2.3 million increase in depreciation expense and a $0.9 million increase in advertising costs associated with certain brand media campaigns. These increases were largely offset by a $6.1 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense, which is lower in the current period reflecting the impact of certain departures of senior management in the prior periods.
Research and development expense was $68.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, compared to $58.1 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, an increase of $10.2 million, or 18%. The increase was primarily driven by a $3.6 million increase in stock-based compensation expense due to employee stock grants, a $3.6 million increase in personnel-related costs, reflecting higher headcount, which mainly consisted of salaries and wages, as well as a $0.8 million increase in depreciation expense.
General and administrative expense was $83.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, compared to $76.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, an increase of $7.4 million or 10%. The increase was primarily driven by a $2.6 million increase in personnel-related costs, a $2.3 million increase in stock-based compensation due to employee stock grants, as well as a $0.9 million increase in depreciation expense. This was partially offset by a $1.3 million decrease in bad debt expense as the prior year period had higher expense to reflect the initial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Net Loss
Net loss was $65.9 million, $93.3 million, and $94.7 million for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to our financial results determined in accordance with GAAP, we believe that certain non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating our operating performance and our business.
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Non-GAAP net loss is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. We define non-GAAP net loss as our GAAP net loss as adjusted to exclude the effects of stock-based compensation expense. We believe non-GAAP net loss provides investors and other users of our financial information consistency and comparability with our past financial performance and facilitates period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations. We also believe non-GAAP net loss is useful in evaluating our operating performance compared to that of other companies in our industry, as it eliminates the effects of stock-based compensation, which may vary for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance. We use non-GAAP net loss in conjunction with traditional GAAP net loss as part of our overall assessment of our performance, including the preparation of our annual operating budget and quarterly forecasts, and to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies.
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that we believe offers a useful view of overall operations used to assess the performance of core business operations and for planning purposes. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before (1) interest income (expense), net, (2) provision for income taxes, (3) depreciation and amortization, (4) other income (expense), net, and (5) stock-based compensation expense. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to Adjusted EBITDA is GAAP net loss. Users should consider the limitations of using Adjusted EBITDA, including the fact that this measure does not provide a complete measure of our operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to purport to be an alternate to net loss as a measure of operating performance.
The definitions of our non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the definitions used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. In addition, other companies may not publish this or similar metrics. Thus, our non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, nor superior to or in isolation from, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Our Non-GAAP financial measures may be limited in their usefulness because they do not present the full economic effect of expenses mentioned above. We compensate for these limitations by providing a reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the most closely related GAAP financial measures. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety, not to rely on any single financial measure and to view non-GAAP net loss and Adjusted EBITDA in conjunction with GAAP net loss.
The following table reconciles our GAAP net loss to non-GAAP net loss:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| GAAP net loss | $ | (65,938) | $ | (93,259) | $ | (94,692) | ||||
| Plus: Stock-based compensation expense | 63,078 | 73,480 | 72,294 | |||||||
| Non-GAAP net loss | $ | (2,860) | $ | (19,779) | $ | (22,398) |
The following table reconciles our GAAP net loss to Adjusted EBITDA:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
| GAAP net loss to Adjusted EBITDA: | ||||||||||||||
| GAAP net loss | $ | (65,938) | $ | (93,259) | $ | (94,692) | ||||||||
| Interest (income) expense | (1,095) | 522 | 82 | |||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 2,080 | 1,277 | 97 | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 17,583 | 16,783 | 10,612 | |||||||||||
| Other expense (income) | 125 | 1,501 | 181 | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 63,078 | 73,480 | 72,294 | |||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 15,833 | $ | 304 | $ | (11,426) |
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Constant Currency
We provide revenue, including year-over-year growth rates, adjusted to remove the impact of foreign currency rate fluctuations, which we refer to as constant currency. We believe providing revenue on a constant currency basis helps our investors to better understand our underlying performance, given the current macroeconomic environment. We calculate constant currency by using the current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than U.S. Dollars (“USD”), which are then converted into USD at the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the comparative period, as opposed to the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the current period. Our definition may differ from the definitions used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. In addition, other companies may not publish these or similar metrics. Thus, our revenue on a constant currency basis should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, nor superior to or in isolation from, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We provide a reconciliation of revenue on a constant currency basis to the most closely related GAAP financial measure. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety and to view revenue on a constant currency basis in conjunction with revenue on a GAAP basis.
The following table provides a reconciliation of revenue on a GAAP basis to revenue on a constant currency basis:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | Growth Rates | |||||||
| Revenue (GAAP) | $ | 400,850 | $ | 390,577 | 3 | % | ||||
| Effects of foreign currency rate fluctuations | 10,232 | |||||||||
| Revenue on a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP) | $ | 411,082 | 5 | % |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of January 31, 2023, our principal sources of liquidity were cash and cash equivalents of $190.2 million. We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our projected operating requirements for at least the next 12 months. Our cash flows, including net cash used in or provided by operating activities, may vary significantly from quarter to quarter, due to the timing of billings, cash collections and lease payments, significant marketing events and related expenses, and other factors.
Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including those set forth under "Risk Factors." We may in the future enter into arrangements to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, services, technologies, and intellectual property rights. In addition, we may be required to seek additional equity or debt financing. In the event that additional financing is required from outside sources, we may not be able to raise it on terms acceptable to us or at all. If we are unable to raise additional capital when desired, our business, operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected.
Credit Arrangements
On March 11, 2020, we entered into a credit agreement with Silicon Valley Bank (the “Credit Agreement”). In January 2021, we amended the Credit Agreement which modified the conditions pursuant to which subsidiaries are required to become guarantors. On December 22, 2022, we entered into a second amendment (“Amendment No. 2”) to the Credit Agreement, dated March 11, 2020, collectively referred to as the Credit Facility. No significant debt issuance costs were incurred in association with the December 2022 Credit Facility.
Amendment No. 2 amends the Credit Facility to, among other things (i) extend the maturity date of the Credit Facility to December 22, 2025, (ii) amend the interest rate provisions to replace LIBOR with SOFR as the interest rate benchmark, and (iii) amend the recurring revenue growth rate financial covenant.
The Credit Facility provides for a senior secured revolving loan facility of up to $50.0 million that matures three years after the effective date, with the right subject to certain conditions to add an incremental revolving loan facility of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate. The three-year revolving loan facility provides for borrowings up to the amount of the facility with sub-limits of up to (i) $30.0 million to be available for the issuance of letters of credit and (ii) $10.0 million to be available for swingline loans.
As amended, the revolving loans bear interest, at our election, at an annual rate based on SOFR or a base rate. Loans based on SOFR shall bear interest at a rate between SOFR plus 2.50% and SOFR plus 3.00%, depending on our average daily usage of the revolving loan facility and subject to a SOFR floor of 1.00%. Loans based on the base rate shall bear interest at a rate between the base rate minus 0.50% and the base rate plus 0.00%, depending on our average daily usage of the revolving loan facility. See Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors - Our credit facility contains restrictive covenants that may limit our operating flexibility".
The obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by a lien on substantially all of our tangible and intangible property and by a pledge of all of our equity interests of material direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries and 66% of each class of capital stock of any material first-tier foreign subsidiaries, subject to limited exceptions.
The Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and restrictions, as well as financial covenants that require us to maintain the year-over-year growth rate of its recurring revenue for a trailing four fiscal quarter period above specified
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rates when certain liquidity thresholds are not met and to maintain a consolidated quick ratio of at least 1.50 to 1.00 tested on a monthly basis.
As of January 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all debt covenants. As of such date, the $50.0 million revolving loan facility had $35.9 million available and $14.1 million in letters of credit allocated as security in connection with office space.
On March 10, 2023, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was appointed as receiver for SVB and created the National Bank of Santa Clara to hold the deposits of SVB after SVB was unable to continue their operations. While the National Bank of Santa Clara has publicly assured holders of credit facilities that they intend to honor those facilities, our credit agreement may not be available in all or in part in the near future depending on the resolution of SVB.
Share Repurchase Program
In March 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a $100.0 million share repurchase program of our common stock. As of January 31, 2023, a total of 13,844,279 shares have been purchased at an average price of $5.59 per share for a total cost of $77.4 million since the commencement of the share repurchase program. As of January 31, 2023, there was approximately $22.6 million that remained available to be purchased under this share repurchase program.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 17,853 | $ | 21,849 | $ | 1,204 | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (6,193) | $ | (13,418) | $ | (65,111) | ||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | $ | (79,021) | $ | 24,617 | $ | 22,548 |
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities of $17.9 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 reflected our net loss of $65.9 million, adjusted by non-cash charges including stock-based compensation expense of $63.1 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $17.6 million and amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets of $8.8 million. In addition, there were positive adjustments resulting from changes in costs to obtain revenue contracts of $8.0 million, unearned revenue of $3.5 million and accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $2.7 million. These increases were partially offset by changes in operating lease liabilities of $11.0 million, accounts receivable of $10.1 million, mainly due to timing of billing and cash collections during the period, and changes in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $2.3 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities of $21.8 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022 reflected our net loss of $93.3 million, adjusted by non-cash charges including stock-based compensation expense of $73.5 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $16.8 million, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets of $9.3 million, and bad debt expense of $1.3 million. In addition, there were positive adjustments resulting from changes in unearned revenue of $33.3 million and changes in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $4.2 million. These increases were partially offset by changes in costs to obtain revenue contracts of $9.1 million, operating lease liabilities of $6.6 million, and accounts receivable of $6.1 million, mainly due to timing of billing and cash collections during the period.
Net cash provided by operating activities of $1.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021 reflected our net loss of $94.7 million, adjusted by non-cash charges including stock-based compensation expense of $72.3 million, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets of $12.2 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $10.6 million, and bad debt expense of $2.5 million, reflecting an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts in light of impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, there were positive adjustments resulting from changes in unearned revenue of $12.7 million, operating lease liabilities of $8.9 million, and costs to obtain revenue contracts of $2.4 million. These increases were partially offset by changes in accounts receivable of $18.0 million, mainly due to timing of billing and cash collections during the period, changes in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $5.5 million, and changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $2.0 million.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities of $6.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 reflected capital expenditures.
Net cash used in investing activities of $13.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022 reflected capital expenditures primarily associated with our new corporate headquarters in New York, NY.
Net cash used in investing activities of $65.1 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021 reflected capital expenditures primarily associated with our new corporate headquarters in New York, NY, and our office spaces in Rosslyn, VA and Tokyo, Japan, among others.
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Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities of $79.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 was primarily related to $77.3 million in cash outflows associated with repurchases of common stock as part of our share repurchase program, as well as payments for taxes related to the net share settlement of stock-based compensation awards of $5.1 million and payments of deferred financing costs of $0.5 million. This was partially offset by net proceeds from employee stock purchase plan withholdings of $3.2 million and proceeds from exercise of stock options of $0.7 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities of $24.6 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022 was primarily related to proceeds from exercise of stock options of $19.2 million, and net proceeds from employee stock purchase plan withholdings of $5.7 million, partially offset by payments of deferred financing costs of $0.3 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities of $22.5 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021 was primarily related to proceeds from exercise of stock options of $16.5 million, and net proceeds from employee stock purchase plan withholdings of $7.0 million, partially offset by payments of deferred financing costs of $0.9 million.
Contractual Obligations
See Note 14 "Commitments and Contingencies", to the consolidated financial statements for our discussion on contractual obligations.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our management's discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our 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 and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported revenue generated and expenses incurred during the reporting periods. Our estimates are based on our historical experience and various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about items that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
See Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on our accounting policies. Our most critical accounting policies and estimates, based on the degree of judgment and complexity, are discussed below.
Revenue Recognition
We derive our revenue primarily from our subscriptions and associated support to the Answers platform. Our subscriptions do not provide customers with the right to take possession of the software supporting the applications and, as a result, are accounted for as service contracts. Our subscription and associated support performance obligation is distinct because a customer's use of the Answers platform is fully functional upon access, does not require any additional development, modification or customization, and is often sold separately. In certain instances, we enter into a contract that includes a promise to provide certain technical or customized professional services, in addition to a promise to provide its subscription and associated support. Our professional services performance obligation is distinct as it does not significantly change or enhance the functionality of the Answers platform.
In instances when a contract includes more than one performance obligation, we must allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis ("SSP"). SSP represents the price at which a company would sell a promised product or service separately to a customer. We determine the SSP based on a series of complex factors. Our selling prices associated with our subscription and associated support are considered highly variable based on discounting practices, customer geography, customer size, and other such factors. In contrast, our selling prices associated with our professional services are more observable, predictable and consistent. Accordingly, we use the residual method to determine SSP.
The recognition of revenue is determined through application of the five-step model in accordance with ASC 606. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of services to our customers, including third-party reseller customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those services. In transactions with resellers, we contract only with the reseller, in which pricing and length of subscription and support services are agreed upon. The reseller negotiates the price charged and length of subscription and support service directly with its customer. We do not pay separate fees to third-party reseller customers in association with these transactions, and do not have direct interactions with the reseller’s customer.
Revenue is generally recognized ratably over the contract term beginning on the commencement date of each contract, which is the date our platform is made available to our customers. Amounts that have been invoiced for non-cancelable contracts are recorded in accounts receivable and unearned revenue or revenue. See Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and Note 3 "Revenue" to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on our revenue recognition.
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Costs Capitalized to Obtain Revenue Contracts
We capitalize costs of obtaining revenue contracts that are incremental and recoverable. Incremental costs primarily include sales commissions, certain related incentives, and associated payroll tax and fringe benefit costs. We amortize such costs on a straight-line basis over the average benefit period, which is typically three years for new contracts and one year for renewals. We determine the average benefit period by considering both qualitative and quantitative factors, which include the estimated life of capitalized software development costs resulting from additional functionality to the Answers platform and estimated customer life, among other such factors. Amortization of costs capitalized to obtain revenue contracts is included in sales and marketing expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation for all employee and non-employee stock-based awards, including restricted stock units, restricted stock, performance-based restricted stock units, and options to purchase common stock, is measured at fair value on the date of grant and recognized over the service period. The fair value of restricted stock units and restricted stock are estimated on the date of grant based on the fair value of our Company’s common stock. The fair value of performance-based restricted stock units are estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The fair value of stock options are estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
Stock-based compensation expense is generally recognized over the requisite service periods of awards, which is typically one to four years for restricted stock units and restricted stock, and four years for options and performance-based restricted stock units. The estimated forfeiture rate applied to employee awards is based on historical forfeiture rates. The estimated number of stock-based awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results, or updated estimates, differ from our current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period actual results are realized or estimates are revised. A higher forfeiture rate will result in an adjustment that will decrease stock-based compensation expense, whereas a lower forfeiture rate will result in an adjustment that will increase stock-based compensation expense. We do not apply a forfeiture rate assumption to value non-employee awards, given the nature of the services provided.
For our Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"), we measure stock-based compensation expense at fair-value using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model, at the commencement of each offering period and recognize the expense over that offering period, which is generally six months. The key assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model include a volatility assumption based on the historical volatility of our stock price and the risk-free rate assumption based on the U.S. treasury yield curve in effect at the commencement of the offering period or grant date. The dividend yield assumption is zero as we have not historically paid any dividends and do not expect to declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable future.
We will continue to use judgment in evaluating the assumptions related to our stock-based compensation. As we continue to accumulate additional data related to our common stock, we may refine our estimates. If factors change and different assumptions are used, the impact to our stock-based compensation expense could be material.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” under which deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of our assets and liabilities. We classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current on the consolidated balance sheet. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized within the (provision for) benefit from income taxes on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss in the period that includes the enactment date.
We reduce deferred tax assets, if necessary, by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that we will not realize some or all of our deferred tax assets. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including results of operations, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income and tax-planning strategies.
We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions within the (provision for) benefit from income taxes on our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.
Leases
We enter into contracts in the normal course of business and assess whether any such contracts contain a lease. We classify leases as operating or financing in nature, and record the associated lease liability and right-of-use asset on our balance sheet. The lease liability represents the present value of future lease payments, net of lease incentives, discounted using incremental borrowing rates.
For each individual lease arrangement, we estimate an incremental borrowing rate at the commencement date. The incremental borrowing rate is determined based on what we would estimate to pay for a collateralized loan over a similar term and economic environment for each lease arrangement.
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With respect to our operating lease arrangements, we account for lease components, and non-lease components that are fixed, as a single lease component in the measurement of operating lease liabilities and right-of-us assets. Non-lease components that are variable are expensed as incurred in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. Lease arrangements with an initial term of 12 months or less are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies- Recent Accounting Pronouncements", to the consolidated financial statements for our discussion about adopted and pending recent accounting pronouncements.
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FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001614178-22-000014.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. As discussed in the section titled "Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements," the following discussion and analysis contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section titled "Risk Factors" under Part I, Item 1A in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
Yext organizes a business's facts so it can provide official answers to consumer questions starting with the business's own website and then extending across search engines and voice assistants. Our platform lets businesses structure the facts about their brands in a database called the Knowledge Graph. Our platform is built to leverage the structured data stored in the Knowledge Graph to deliver a modern search experience on a business's or organization's own website, as well as across approximately 200 service and application providers, which we refer to as our Knowledge Network and includes Amazon Alexa, Apple Maps, Bing, Cortana, Facebook, Google, Google Assistant, Google Maps, Siri and Yelp. Our platform powers all of our key features, including Listings, Pages, and Answers, along with its other features and capabilities.
We sell our platform throughout the world to customers of all sizes, including our enterprise, mid-size, and third-party reseller customers. In transactions with resellers, we are only party to the transaction with the reseller and are not a party to the reseller's transaction with its customer.
Revenue is a function of the number of customers, the number of licenses with each customer, the package to which each customer subscribes, the price of the package and renewal rates. We offer subscriptions in a discrete range of packages, with pricing based on specified feature sets and the number of licenses managed by the customer as well as on a capacity-basis.
Fiscal Year
Our fiscal year ends on January 31st. References to fiscal 2022, for example, are to the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022.
COVID-19 Update
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted business operations for us and our customers, as well as suppliers, and other parties with whom we do business. Such disruptions are expected to continue for an indefinite period of time.
We have adopted several measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to monitor regional developments to inform our operational decisions. Our offices have been open on a voluntary basis in accordance with guidance provided by government agencies, although currently the majority of our employees are still working remotely. While we continue to hold virtual events, we have also resumed in-person marketing events. The uncertain duration of these measures have had and may continue to have negative effects on our sales efforts and revenue growth rates. We continue to be committed to our business, the strength of our platform, our ability to continue to execute on our strategy, and our efforts to support our customers.
We may continue to see some existing and potential customers, in particular customers in industries that have been highly impacted by the pandemic such as retail and food services as well as certain geographies such as Europe, reduce, suspend or delay technology spending, request to renegotiate contracts to obtain concessions such as, extended billing and payment terms; shorten the duration of contracts; or elect not to renew their subscriptions which could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations in future periods. The ultimate extent of the impact of the pandemic will depend on future developments, which continue to be highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including the severity and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants, vaccination rates and efficacy and the actions taken to contain and address the impact of the pandemic, among others. However, because we generally recognize revenue from our customer contracts ratably over the term of the contract, changes in our contracting activity in the near term may not be fully reflected in our results of operations and overall financial performance until future periods. See Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors” for further discussion of the possible impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business.
Recent Developments
On March 7, 2022, Howard Lerman notified our Board of Directors of his intention to step down from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective March 25, 2022. Michael Walrath, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, will succeed Mr. Lerman as Chief Executive Officer, principal executive officer and principal operating officer of the Company, effective March 25, 2022.
On March 7, 2022, Steven Cakebread notified our Board of Directors of his intention to step down from his position as Chief Financial Officer of the Company effective March 25, 2022. Darryl Bond, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief
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Accounting Officer, will succeed Mr. Cakebread as Chief Financial Officer and principal financial officer of the Company, effective March 25, 2022. Mr. Bond will continue to serve as the Company’s Chief Accounting Officer.
On March 7, 2022, the Board also appointed Marc Ferrentino, the Company’s Chief Strategy Officer, as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company.
In connection with the changes in our senior management, our Board of Directors and new management anticipate certain additional changes to our strategy and personnel that have not yet been determined.
Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
We derive our revenue primarily from subscription and associated support to our Yext platform. Our contracts are typically one year in length, but may be up to three years or longer in length. Revenue is a function of the number of customers, the number of licenses or capacity purchased by each customer, the package to which each customer subscribes, the price of the package and renewal rates. Revenue is generally recognized ratably over the contract term beginning on the commencement date of each contract, which is the date our platform is made available to customers. At the beginning of each subscription term we invoice our customers, typically in annual installments, but also monthly, quarterly, and semi-annually. Amounts that have been invoiced for non-cancelable contracts are recorded in accounts receivable and unearned revenue. Unearned revenue is subsequently recognized as revenue when transfer of control to a customer has occurred.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue consists primarily of employee-related costs, including personnel-related costs, which mainly consist of salaries and wages, and stock-based compensation expense. Cost of revenue also includes fees associated with our Knowledge Network application provider arrangements, the nature of which may be unpaid, fixed, or variable, and are unpaid with many of our larger providers, as well as the costs associated with our data centers. In addition, cost of revenue includes depreciation expense, including with respect to certain capitalized software development costs incurred in connection with additional functionality to our platform. Cost of revenue also includes lease expenses associated with our office spaces, which are allocated based on employee headcount. In addition, cost of revenue includes software expense, which relates to licenses, professional services, and other costs associated with software for use in the operations of our business, which is also allocated based on employee headcount.
Operating Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of employee-related costs which are comprised of personnel-related costs and stock-based compensation expense. Personnel-related costs mainly consist of salaries and wages and costs of obtaining revenue contracts. Sales and marketing expenses also include lease expenses associated with our office spaces, as well as software expense, each of which are allocated based on employee headcount. In addition, sales and marketing expenses include costs related to advertising and conferences and brand awareness events.
Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses consist primarily of employee-related costs which are comprised of personnel-related costs and stock-based compensation expense. Personnel-related costs mainly consist of salaries and wages. Capitalized software development costs related to additional functionality to our platform are excluded from research and development expenses as they are capitalized as a component of property and equipment, net and depreciated to cost of revenue over the term of their useful life. Research and development expenses also include lease expenses associated with our office spaces, as well as software expense, each of which are allocated based on employee headcount.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of employee-related costs which are comprised of personnel-related costs and stock-based compensation expense for our finance and accounting, human resources, information technology and legal support departments. Personnel-related costs mainly consist of salaries and wages. General and administrative expenses also include lease expenses associated with our office spaces, as well as software expense, each of which are allocated based on employee headcount, and other professional related costs.
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Results of Operations
| (in thousands) | Fiscal year ended January 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statements of Operations Data: | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Revenue | $ | 390,577 | $ | 354,661 | $ | 298,829 | ||||
| Cost of revenue(1) | 98,299 | 86,404 | 77,030 | |||||||
| Gross profit | 292,278 | 268,257 | 221,799 | |||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||
| Sales and marketing(1) | 230,467 | 228,417 | 218,076 | |||||||
| Research and development(1) | 68,350 | 58,146 | 49,445 | |||||||
| General and administrative(1) | 83,420 | 76,026 | 77,231 | |||||||
| Total operating expenses | 382,237 | 362,589 | 344,752 | |||||||
| Loss from operations | (89,959) | (94,332) | (122,953) | |||||||
| Interest income | 22 | 532 | 4,099 | |||||||
| Interest expense | (544) | (614) | (308) | |||||||
| Other expense, net | (1,501) | (181) | (1,285) | |||||||
| Loss from operations before income taxes | (91,982) | (94,595) | (120,447) | |||||||
| (Provision for) benefit from income taxes | (1,277) | (97) | (1,097) | |||||||
| Net loss | $ | (93,259) | $ | (94,692) | $ | (121,544) |
(1) Amounts include stock-based compensation expense as follows:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Cost of revenue | $ | 7,099 | $ | 5,724 | $ | 4,115 | ||||
| Sales and marketing | 26,496 | 32,581 | 31,421 | |||||||
| Research and development | 20,654 | 17,071 | 13,212 | |||||||
| General and administrative | 19,231 | 16,918 | 19,022 | |||||||
| Total stock-based compensation expense | $ | 73,480 | $ | 72,294 | $ | 67,770 |
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The following table sets forth selected consolidated statements of operations data for each of the periods indicated as a percentage of total revenue:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
| Revenue | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||
| Cost of revenue | 25 | 24 | 26 | |||||
| Gross profit | 74.8 | 75.6 | 74.2 | |||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||
| Sales and marketing | 59 | 65 | 73 | |||||
| Research and development | 18 | 16 | 16 | |||||
| General and administrative | 21 | 21 | 26 | |||||
| Total operating expenses | 98 | 102 | 115 | |||||
| Loss from operations | (23) | (26) | (41) | |||||
| Interest income | — | — | 1 | |||||
| Interest expense | — | (1) | — | |||||
| Other expense, net | — | — | — | |||||
| Loss from operations before income taxes | (23) | (27) | (40) | |||||
| (Provision for) benefit from income taxes | — | — | (1) | |||||
| Net loss | (23) | % | (27) | % | (41) | % |
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2022 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2021
Revenue and Cost of Revenue
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 390,577 | $ | 354,661 | $ | 35,916 | 10 | % | ||||||
| Cost of revenue | 98,299 | 86,404 | $ | 11,895 | 14 | % | ||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 292,278 | $ | 268,257 | $ | 24,021 | 9 | % | ||||||
| Gross margin | 74.8 | % | 75.6 | % |
Total revenue was $390.6 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, compared to $354.7 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, an increase of $35.9 million or 10%, primarily driven by new customer subscriptions to our platform, and to a lesser extent included expanded subscriptions for existing customers. Our revenue is predominately derived from our enterprise, mid-size, and third-party reseller customers. Revenue recognized from subscriptions and associated support to our platform was 92% and revenue recognized from professional services was 8%, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, compared to 93% and 7%, respectively, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021.
Cost of revenue was $98.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, compared to $86.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, an increase of $11.9 million, or 14%. This increase was primarily driven by employee-related costs, as personnel-related costs increased $8.8 million and stock-based compensation expense increased $1.4 million, reflecting higher headcount and employee stock grants. In addition, depreciation expense increased $2.2 million and costs associated with our data centers increased $1.5 million. These increases were partially offset by Knowledge Network application provider fees which decreased $5.1 million due to favorable contract renewal terms with certain providers in the prior year.
Gross margin was 74.8% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, compared to 75.6% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021 as reflected in the discussion above.
Operating Expenses
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | $ | 230,467 | $ | 228,417 | $ | 2,050 | 1 | % | ||||||
| Research and development | $ | 68,350 | $ | 58,146 | $ | 10,204 | 18 | % | ||||||
| General and administrative | $ | 83,420 | $ | 76,026 | $ | 7,394 | 10 | % |
Sales and marketing expense was $230.5 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, compared to $228.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, an increase of $2.1 million, or 1%. The increase reflected a $5.5 million increase in personnel-
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related costs, inclusive of a $3.5 million increase in costs to obtain revenue contracts. In addition, there was a $2.3 million increase in depreciation expense and a $0.9 million increase in advertising costs associated with certain brand media campaigns. These increases were largely offset by a $6.1 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense, which is lower in the current period reflecting the impact of certain departures of senior management in the prior periods.
Research and development expense was $68.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, compared to $58.1 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, an increase of $10.2 million, or 18%. The increase was primarily driven by a $3.6 million increase in stock-based compensation expense due to employee stock grants, a $3.6 million increase in personnel-related costs, reflecting higher headcount, which mainly consisted of salaries and wages, as well as a $0.8 million increase in depreciation expense.
General and administrative expense was $83.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, compared to $76.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, an increase of $7.4 million or 10%. The increase was primarily driven by a $2.6 million increase in personnel-related costs, a $2.3 million increase in stock-based compensation due to employee stock grants, as well as a $0.9 million increase in depreciation expense. This was partially offset by a $1.3 million decrease in bad debt expense as the prior year period had higher expense to reflect the initial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2021 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2020
Revenue and Cost of Revenue
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 354,661 | $ | 298,829 | $ | 55,832 | 19 | % | ||||||
| Cost of revenue | 86,404 | 77,030 | $ | 9,374 | 12 | % | ||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 268,257 | $ | 221,799 | $ | 46,458 | 21 | % | ||||||
| Gross margin | 75.6 | % | 74.2 | % |
Total revenue was $354.7 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, compared to $298.8 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2020, an increase of $55.8 million or 19%, primarily driven by new customer subscriptions to our platform, and to a lesser extent included expanded subscriptions for existing customers. Our revenue is predominately derived from our enterprise, mid-size, and third-party reseller customers. Revenue from our small business customers represented less than 5% of total revenue for each period. Revenue recognized from subscriptions and associated support to our platform was 93% and 95%, while revenue recognized from professional services was 7% and 5%, for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Cost of revenue was $86.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, compared to $77.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2020, an increase of $9.4 million, or 12%. This overall increase primarily reflects the increases in costs associated with our data centers of $3.2 million, personnel-related costs of $1.6 million, stock-based compensation expense of $1.6 million, and software expense of $1.4 million. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in Knowledge Network application provider costs of $1.0 million as a result of more favorable contract terms with certain providers.
Gross margin was 75.6% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, compared to 74.2% for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2020 as reflected in the discussion above.
Operating Expenses
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | Variance | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | Dollars | Percent | ||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | $ | 228,417 | $ | 218,076 | $ | 10,341 | 5 | % | ||||||
| Research and development | $ | 58,146 | $ | 49,445 | $ | 8,701 | 18 | % | ||||||
| General and administrative | $ | 76,026 | $ | 77,231 | $ | (1,205) | (2) | % |
Sales and marketing expense was $228.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, compared to $218.1 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2020, an increase of $10.3 million, or 5%. The increase was primarily due to a $23.6 million increase in personnel-related costs, reflecting higher headcount, which mainly consisted of salaries and wages and costs to obtain revenue contracts, a $2.8 million increase in software expense, a $1.4 million increase in operating and short-term lease expenses, a $1.3 million increase in depreciation expense, and a $1.2 million increase in stock-based compensation expense. These increases were partially offset by reductions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and leveraging costs, including a $10.8 million decrease in employee travel and a $7.6 million decrease in conferences and events.
Research and development expense was $58.1 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, compared to $49.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2020, an increase of $8.7 million, or 18%. The increase was primarily due to a $3.9 million increase
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in stock-based compensation expense, a $3.0 million increase in personnel-related costs, reflecting higher headcount, which mainly consisted of salaries and wages, and a $0.8 million increase in software expense.
General and administrative expense was $76.0 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, relatively consistent compared to $77.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2020, as decreases of $2.1 million in stock-based compensation expense and $2.0 million in employee travel, were generally offset by a $1.3 million increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts and a $0.8 million increase in software expense.
Net Loss
Net loss was $93.3 million, $94.7 million, and $121.5 million for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.
Non-GAAP Net Loss
In addition to our financial results determined in accordance with GAAP, we believe that non-GAAP net loss is useful in evaluating our operating performance and our business.
Non-GAAP net loss is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. We define non-GAAP net loss as our GAAP net loss as adjusted to exclude the effects of stock-based compensation expense. We believe non-GAAP net loss provides investors and other users of our financial information consistency and comparability with our past financial performance and facilitates period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations. We also believe non-GAAP net loss is useful in evaluating our operating performance compared to that of other companies in our industry, as it eliminates the effects of stock-based compensation, which may vary for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance.
We use non-GAAP net loss in conjunction with traditional GAAP net loss as part of our overall assessment of our performance, including the preparation of our annual operating budget and quarterly forecasts, and to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies. Our definition may differ from the definitions used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. In addition, other companies may not publish this or similar metrics. Thus, our non-GAAP net loss should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, nor superior to or in isolation from, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Non-GAAP net loss may be limited in its usefulness because it does not present the full economic effect of our use of stock-based compensation. We compensate for these limitations by providing a reconciliation of non-GAAP net loss to the most closely related GAAP financial measure. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety, not to rely on any single financial measure and to view non-GAAP net loss in conjunction with GAAP net loss.
The following table provides a reconciliation of GAAP net loss to non-GAAP net loss:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Net loss | $ | (93,259) | $ | (94,692) | $ | (121,544) | ||||
| Plus: Stock-based compensation expense | 73,480 | 72,294 | 67,770 | |||||||
| Non-GAAP net loss | $ | (19,779) | $ | (22,398) | $ | (53,774) |
Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate
We believe that our ability to retain our customers and expand the revenue they generate for us over time is an important component of our growth strategy and reflects the long term value of our customer relationships. We assess our performance in this respect using a metric we refer to as our dollar-based net retention rate. Our dollar-based net retention rate was 98%, 102%, and 106% for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The general decline in the net retention rate reflects continued challenges in our ability to retain and expand relationships with existing customers, which has been and may continue to be negatively impacted by the effects of COVID-19 on our customers. See "—Overview — COVID-19 Update" and "Risk Factors" for the impact of COVID-19 on our business.
We calculate this metric for a particular period by first establishing a cohort of the enterprise, mid-size, and third-party reseller customers, who had active contracts at the end of each month of the same period in the prior year. We divide the single month revenue from each of those customer cohorts for the applicable month in the current year by the single month revenue of that same customer cohort for the corresponding month in the prior year. We then determine the dollar-based weighted average of each of the monthly rates, and this average represents the dollar-based net retention rate for the period. As a result, if a customer, in particular an enterprise customer, elects to upgrade, downgrade or cancel its subscription, the full impact on dollar-based net retention rate is realized over the subsequent twelve months, thereby mitigating the immediate effect in the quarter when such election was made. We only consider revenue from our enterprise, mid-size, and third-party reseller customers when calculating this metric since small business customers have limited licenses, experience inherently high turnover, and continue to decline as a percentage of total revenue.
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Quarterly Results of Operations
The following tables set forth our unaudited quarterly statements of operations data for each of the eight quarters in the periods ended January 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The information for each of these quarters has been prepared on the same basis as the audited annual consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, in the opinion of management, includes all adjustments, which consist only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations for these periods in accordance with GAAP. This data should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These quarterly operating results are not necessarily indicative of our operating results for a full year or any future period.
| Three months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | Jan. 31, 2022 | Oct. 31, 2021 | Jul. 31, 2021 | Apr. 30, 2021 | Jan. 31, 2021 | Oct. 31, 2020 | Jul. 31, 2020 | Apr. 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 100,932 | $ | 99,529 | $ | 98,124 | $ | 91,992 | $ | 92,194 | $ | 89,061 | $ | 88,055 | $ | 85,351 | ||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenue | $ | 24,575 | $ | 25,255 | $ | 26,615 | $ | 21,854 | $ | 21,597 | $ | 21,639 | $ | 21,984 | $ | 21,184 | ||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 76,357 | $ | 74,274 | $ | 71,509 | $ | 70,138 | $ | 70,597 | $ | 67,422 | $ | 66,071 | $ | 64,167 | ||||||||||||||
| Gross margin | 75.7 | % | 74.6 | % | 72.9 | % | 76.2 | % | 76.6 | % | 75.7 | % | 75.0 | % | 75.2 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | $ | 58,175 | $ | 58,548 | $ | 58,578 | $ | 55,166 | $ | 57,202 | $ | 56,646 | $ | 56,049 | $ | 58,520 | ||||||||||||||
| Research and development | $ | 18,007 | $ | 17,986 | $ | 18,500 | $ | 13,857 | $ | 14,505 | $ | 14,475 | $ | 14,788 | $ | 14,378 | ||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | $ | 22,136 | $ | 22,094 | $ | 20,843 | $ | 18,347 | $ | 18,033 | $ | 18,061 | $ | 19,474 | $ | 20,458 | ||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 98,318 | $ | 98,628 | $ | 97,921 | $ | 87,370 | $ | 89,740 | $ | 89,182 | $ | 90,311 | $ | 93,356 | ||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses as a percentage of revenue | 97 | % | 99 | % | 100 | % | 95 | % | 97 | % | 100 | % | 103 | % | 109 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Loss from operations | $ | (21,961) | $ | (24,354) | $ | (26,412) | $ | (17,232) | $ | (19,143) | $ | (21,760) | $ | (24,240) | $ | (29,189) | ||||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (23,110) | $ | (24,926) | $ | (27,592) | $ | (17,631) | $ | (18,311) | $ | (22,041) | $ | (25,116) | $ | (29,224) | ||||||||||||||
| Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted | $ | (0.18) | $ | (0.19) | $ | (0.22) | $ | (0.14) | $ | (0.15) | $ | (0.18) | $ | (0.21) | $ | (0.25) |
Quarterly Trends
Historically, a higher proportion of new subscription and renewal agreements have occurred within the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, which contributes to driving our revenue recognized for the following fiscal year. We believe that this results from the procurement, budgeting, and deployment cycles of many of our customers, particularly our enterprise customers. At the beginning of each subscription term, we invoice our customers, typically in annual installments, but also monthly, quarterly, and semi-annually. Amounts that have been invoiced for non-cancelable contracts are recorded in accounts receivable and unearned revenue. As a result, accounts receivable and unearned revenue are seasonally stronger in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year. However, the nature of our subscription agreements generally results in revenue recognition ratably over the contract term, thereby mitigating the effect of potential seasonality in our revenue. Our quarterly revenue has generally increased over the periods presented.
Cost of revenue has moved generally proportional as a percentage of revenue. Personnel-related costs may generally continue to increase, while Knowledge Network application provider costs have become more stable and may continue to decline as a percentage of revenue, although costs may increase at times as we enter new international markets, or introduce new products and features.
Gross margin has generally stabilized in recent periods, and may decrease at times as we enter new international markets, or introduce new products and features.
Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue have generally decreased in recent quarters, reflecting COVID-19 impacts and strategically leveraging costs. Operating expenses may increase as a result of employee-related costs, inclusive of costs to obtain revenue contracts, as well as stock-based compensation.
Our quarterly results may fluctuate due to various factors affecting our performance including impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants. The ultimate extent of the impact of the pandemic on our business, financial condition and results of operations will depend on future developments, which continue to be highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including the severity and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants and the actions taken to contain and address its impact, among others. However, because we generally recognize revenue from our customer contracts ratably over the term of the contract, changes in our contracting activity in the near term may not be apparent as a change to our reported revenue until future periods. Most of our expenses are recorded as period costs and thus factors affecting our cost structure may be reflected in our financial results sooner than changes to our revenue.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of January 31, 2022, our principal sources of liquidity were cash and cash equivalents of $261.2 million. We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our projected operating requirements for at least the next 12 months. Our cash flows, including net cash used in or provided by operating activities, may vary significantly from quarter to quarter, due to the timing of billings, cash collections, lease payments and capital expenditures, significant marketing events and related expenses, the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, among other factors.
Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including those set forth under "Risk Factors." We may in the future enter into arrangements to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, services, technologies, and intellectual property rights. In addition, we may be required to seek additional equity or debt financing. In the event that additional financing is required from outside sources, we may not be able to raise it on terms acceptable to us or at all. If we are unable to raise additional capital when desired, our business, operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected.
Common Stock Offering
On March 20, 2019, we closed a common stock offering, in which we issued and sold 7,000,000 shares of common stock, inclusive of the fully exercised underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. The price per share to the public was $21.50. We received aggregate proceeds of $147.0 million from this offering, net of underwriters’ discounts and commissions, before deducting offering costs of approximately $0.5 million, which were recognized through additional paid in capital.
Credit Arrangements
On March 11, 2020, we entered into a credit agreement with Silicon Valley Bank (the “Credit Agreement”). No significant debt issuance costs were incurred in association with the Credit Agreement. In January 2021, we amended the Credit Agreement which modified the conditions pursuant to which subsidiaries are required to become guarantors.
The Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured revolving loan facility of up to $50.0 million that matures three years after the effective date, with the right subject to certain conditions to add an incremental revolving loan facility of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate. The three-year revolving loan facility provides for borrowings up to the amount of the facility with sub-limits of up to (i) $30.0 million to be available for the issuance of letters of credit and (ii) $10.0 million to be available for swingline loans.
Under the Credit Agreement, loans bear interest, at our option, at an annual rate based on LIBOR or a base rate. Loans based on LIBOR shall bear interest at a rate between LIBOR plus 2.50% and LIBOR plus 3.00%, depending on our average daily usage of the revolving loan facility. Loans based on the base rate shall bear interest at a rate between the base rate minus 0.50% and the base rate plus 0.00%, depending on our average daily usage of the revolving loan facility. See Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors - Our credit facility contains restrictive covenants that may limit our operating flexibility" for discussion of LIBOR being phased out.
The obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by a lien on substantially all of our tangible and intangible property and by a pledge of all of our equity interests of material direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries and 66% of each class of capital stock of any material first-tier foreign subsidiaries, subject to limited exceptions.
The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and restrictions, as well as financial covenants that require us to maintain the year-over-year growth rate of its ordinary course recurring revenue for a trailing four fiscal quarter period above specified rates when certain liquidity thresholds are not met and to maintain a consolidated quick ratio of at least 1.50 to 1.00 tested on a monthly basis.
As of January 31, 2022, we were in compliance with all debt covenants. As of such date, the $50.0 million revolving loan facility had $35.7 million available and $14.3 million in letters of credit allocated as security in connection with office space.
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Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows:
| Fiscal year ended January 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 21,849 | $ | 1,204 | $ | (30,768) | ||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | $ | (13,418) | $ | (65,111) | $ | 39,308 | ||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | $ | 24,617 | $ | 22,548 | $ | 168,373 |
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities of $21.8 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022 was primarily due to positive adjustments in reconciling our net loss of $93.3 million to net cash provided by operating activities. These adjustments included stock-based compensation expense of $73.5 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $16.8 million, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets of $9.3 million, and bad debt expense of $1.3 million. In addition, there were changes in unearned revenue of $33.3 million and changes in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $4.2 million. These increases were partially offset by changes in costs to obtain revenue contracts of $9.1 million, operating lease liabilities of $6.6 million, and accounts receivable of $6.1 million, mainly due to timing of billing and cash collections during the period.
Net cash provided by operating activities of $1.2 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021 was primarily due to positive adjustments in reconciling our net loss of $94.7 million to net cash provided by operating activities. These adjustments included stock-based compensation expense of $72.3 million, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets of $12.2 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $10.6 million, and bad debt expense of $2.5 million, reflecting an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts in light of impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, there were changes in unearned revenue of $12.7 million, operating lease liabilities of $8.9 million, and costs to obtain revenue contracts of $2.4 million. These increases were partially offset by changes in accounts receivable of $18.0 million, mainly due to timing of billing and cash collections during the period, changes in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $5.5 million, and changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $2.0 million.
Net cash used in operating activities of $30.8 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2020 was primarily due to the net loss of $121.5 million, as well as changes in accounts receivable of $27.0 million, mainly due to timing of billing and cash collections during the period, and changes in costs to obtain revenue contracts of $18.3 million. This was partially offset by positive reconciling adjustments related to non-cash charges of stock-based compensation expense of $67.8 million, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets of $11.1 million and depreciation and amortization expense of $8.1 million. In addition, net cash used in operating activities was also partially offset by changes in unearned revenue of $42.3 million and accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities of $8.3 million.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities of $13.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022 reflected capital expenditures primarily associated with our new corporate headquarters in New York, NY.
Net cash used in investing activities of $65.1 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021 reflected capital expenditures primarily associated with our new corporate headquarters in New York, NY, and our office spaces in Rosslyn, VA and Tokyo, Japan, among others.
Net cash provided by investing activities of $39.3 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2020 was due to maturities of marketable securities of $51.2 million, partially offset by capital expenditures of $11.9 million.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities of $24.6 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022 was primarily related to proceeds from exercise of stock options of $19.2 million, and net proceeds from employee stock purchase plan withholdings of $5.7 million, partially offset by payments of deferred financing costs of $0.3 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities of $22.5 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021 was primarily related to proceeds from exercise of stock options of $16.5 million, and net proceeds from employee stock purchase plan withholdings of $7.0 million, partially offset by payments of deferred financing costs of $0.9 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities of $168.4 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2020 was primarily related to proceeds from our common stock offering of $147.0 million, net of underwriting discounts and commissions, and to a lesser extent proceeds from exercises of stock options of $14.9 million, and $7.3 million of net proceeds from employee stock purchase plan withholdings.
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Contractual Obligations
We are obligated to make payments under certain non-cancelable contractual obligations in the normal course of business. Our contractual obligations primarily relate to our operating lease arrangements for office space. Our other contractual obligations include contracts with our Knowledge Network application providers, which generally have a term of one year, although some have a term of several years, as well as contracts with our software vendors, among others. These obligations represent minimum contractual payments, or our best estimate for variable elements based on historical payments. Our contractual obligations have various expiry dates between fiscal years 2023 and 2035.
As of January 31, 2022, our contractual obligations are as follows (in thousands):
| Fiscal year ending January 31: | Operating Leases | Other | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $ | 19,643 | $ | 35,460 | |||
| 2024 | 19,086 | 16,094 | |||||
| 2025 | 18,576 | 8,926 | |||||
| 2026 | 19,337 | 1,825 | |||||
| 2027 | 19,433 | 1,538 | |||||
| 2028 and thereafter | 75,492 | 401 | |||||
| Total | $ | 171,567 | $ | 64,244 |
See Note 13 "Commitments and Contingencies" to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on contractual obligations.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our management's discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported revenue generated and expenses incurred during the reporting periods. Our estimates are based on our historical experience and various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about items that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
See Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on our accounting policies. Our most critical accounting policies and estimates, based on the degree of judgment and complexity, are discussed below.
Revenue Recognition
We derive our revenue primarily from our subscriptions and associated support to the Yext platform. Our subscriptions do not provide customers with the right to take possession of the software supporting the applications and, as a result, are accounted for as service contracts. Our subscription and associated support performance obligation is distinct because a customer's use of the Yext platform is fully functional upon access, does not require any additional development, modification or customization, and is often sold separately. In certain instances, we enter into a contract that includes a promise to provide certain technical or customized professional services, in addition to a promise to provide its subscription and associated support. Our professional services performance obligation is distinct as it does not significantly change or enhance the functionality of the Yext platform.
In instances when a contract includes more than one performance obligation, we must allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis ("SSP"). SSP represents the price at which a company would sell a promised product or service separately to a customer. We determine the SSP based on a series of complex factors. Our selling prices associated with our subscription and associated support are considered highly variable based on discounting practices, customer geography, customer size, and other such factors. In contrast, our selling prices associated with our professional services are more observable, predictable and consistent. Accordingly, we use the residual method to determine SSP.
The recognition of revenue is determined through application of the five-step model in accordance with ASC 606. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of services to our customers, including third-party reseller customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those services. In transactions with resellers, we contract only with the reseller, in which pricing and length of subscription and support services are agreed upon. The reseller negotiates the price charged and length of subscription and support service directly with its customer. We do not pay separate fees to third-party reseller customers in association with these transactions, and do not have direct interactions with the reseller’s customer.
Revenue is generally recognized ratably over the contract term beginning on the commencement date of each contract, which is the date our platform is made available to our customers. Amounts that have been invoiced for non-cancelable contracts are recorded
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in accounts receivable and unearned revenue or revenue. See Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and Note 3 "Revenue" to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on our revenue recognition.
Costs Capitalized to Obtain Revenue Contracts
We capitalize costs of obtaining revenue contracts that are incremental and recoverable. Incremental costs primarily include sales commissions, certain related incentives, and associated payroll tax and fringe benefit costs. We amortize such costs on a straight-line basis over the average benefit period, which is typically three years for new contracts and one year for renewals. We determine the average benefit period by considering both qualitative and quantitative factors, which include the estimated life of capitalized software development costs resulting from additional functionality to the Yext platform and estimated customer life, among other such factors. Amortization of costs capitalized to obtain revenue contracts is included in sales and marketing expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation for all employee and non-employee stock-based awards, including restricted stock units and restricted stock, is measured at fair value on the date of grant and recognized over the service period. The fair value of restricted stock units and restricted stock are calculated based on the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant, while the fair value of stock options are calculated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service periods of awards, which is typically one to four years for restricted stock units and restricted stock. The estimated forfeiture rate applied to employee awards is based on historical forfeiture rates. The estimated number of stock-based awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results, or updated estimates, differ from our current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period actual results are realized or estimates are revised. A higher forfeiture rate will result in an adjustment that will decrease stock-based compensation expense, whereas a lower forfeiture rate will result in an adjustment that will increase stock-based compensation expense. We do not apply a forfeiture rate assumption to value non-employee awards, given the nature of the services provided.
For our Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"), we measure stock-based compensation expense at fair-value using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model, at the commencement of each offering period and recognize the expense over that offering period, which is generally six months. The key assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model include a volatility assumption based on the historical volatility of our stock price and the risk-free rate assumption based on the U.S. treasury yield curve in effect at the commencement of the offering period or grant date. The dividend yield assumption is zero as we have not historically paid any dividends and do not expect to declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable future.
We will continue to use judgment in evaluating the assumptions related to our stock-based compensation. As we continue to accumulate additional data related to our common stock, we may refine our estimates. If factors change and different assumptions are used, the impact to our stock-based compensation expense could be material.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” under which deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of our assets and liabilities. We classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current on the consolidated balance sheet. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized within the (provision for) benefit from income taxes on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss in the period that includes the enactment date.
We reduce deferred tax assets, if necessary, by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that we will not realize some or all of our deferred tax assets. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including results of operations, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, and tax-planning strategies.
We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions within the (provision for) benefit from income taxes on our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.
Leases
We enter into contracts in the normal course of business and assess whether any such contracts contain a lease. We classify leases as operating or financing in nature, and record the associated lease liability and right-of-use asset on our balance sheet. The lease liability represents the present value of future lease payments, net of lease incentives, discounted using incremental borrowing rates.
For each individual lease arrangement, we estimate an incremental borrowing rate at the commencement date. The incremental borrowing rate is determined based on what we would estimate to pay for a collateralized loan over a similar term and economic environment for each lease arrangement. As of January 31, 2022, a hypothetical 100 basis point change in our estimated incremental
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borrowing rates for our respective leases would have a less than 10% impact to the aggregated total operating lease liability on the consolidated balance sheet.
With respect to our operating lease arrangements, we account for lease components, and non-lease components that are fixed, as a single lease component in the measurement of operating lease liabilities and right-of-us assets. Non-lease components that are variable are expensed as incurred in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. Lease arrangements with an initial term of 12 months or less are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to the consolidated financial statements for our discussion about adopted and pending recent accounting pronouncements.
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