Five9 Inc
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 21, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 21, 2025
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-22.
0001288847-24-000012
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsOverviewKey Operating and Financial Performance MetricsKey Components of Our Results of OperationsResults of Operations For the Years Ended December 31, 202 andLiquidity and Capital ResourcesContractual and Other ObligationsCritical Accounting Policies and EstimatesCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-21.
0001288847-25-000028
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsOverviewKey Operating and Financial Performance MetricsKey Components of Our Results of OperationsResults of Operations For the Years Ended December 31, 202 andLiquidity and Capital ResourcesContractual and Other ObligationsCritical Accounting Policies and EstimatesThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 101 previous paragraphs and 102 current paragraphs.
55 unchanged; 36 reworded; 11 added; 10 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 12 previous and 12 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (11)
Current report
We provide our solution through a software-as-a-service, or SaaS, business model. We generate subscription revenue from our Intelligent CX Platform, and also generate usage-based telephony revenue. We charge our customers monthly subscription fees for access to our Intelligent CX Platform, primarily based on the number of licenses, as well as on a consumption or capacity basis for our AI solutions. Our customers generally purchase both subscriptions and related telephony usage from us. However, a growing number of our customers subscribe to our platform but purchase telephony usage directly from wholesale telecommunications service providers. We offer monthly, annual and multiple-year contracts to our customers, generally with 30 days’ notice required for limited reductions in the number of licenses or the level of consumption or capacity. Increases in the number of licenses or the level of consumption or capacity can be provisioned almost immediately. Subscription fees are generally billed monthly in advance, while related usage fees are billed in arrears. For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, subscription and related usage fees accounted for 92%, 92% and 91% our revenue, respectively. The remainder was comprised of professional services revenue from the implementation and optimization of our solution.
Current report
In August 2024, we announced a reduction in force plan, or the Plan, as part of our broader efforts to drive balanced, profitable growth, further supporting our positive, long-term outlook and focus on increasing stockholder value. The Plan reduced our global full-time employees by approximately 6%. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred a total of $9.6 million in restructuring costs under the Plan, primarily consisting of notice period payments, severance payments, employee benefits and related costs, all of which were cash expenditures, of which $2.1 million was recorded in cost of revenue, $1.9 million was recorded in research and development expenses, $4.4 million was recorded in sales and marketing expenses, and $1.2 million was recorded in general and administrative expenses. We do not expect to incur any additional costs under the Plan.
Current report
(3) Non-GAAP adjustments do not have a material impact on our worldwide income tax provision due to the tax treatment of the non-GAAP adjustments reported, and our domestic valuation allowance position.
Current report
The increase in general and administrative expenses for 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to a $7.9 million increase in costs associated with the acquisition of Acqueon, a $6.0 million increase in personnel-related costs, and a $2.2 million increase in impairment losses as a result of our commitment to close two operating lease facilities and to abandon the associated leasehold improvements and property and equipment, offset in part by a $1.6 million decrease in office, facilities and related allocated costs. The $6.0 million increase in personnel-related costs was primarily driven by increased headcount, higher salaries, and $1.2 million in restructuring costs related to the Plan, offset in part by a $3.4 million decrease in stock-based compensation costs.
Current report
The increase in interest expense for 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to the issuance of the 2029 convertible senior notes in March 2024.
Current report
In connection with the issuance of the 2029 convertible senior notes, we used part of the net proceeds from the issuance to repurchase approximately $313.1 million aggregate principal amount of our then outstanding 2025 convertible senior notes in privately-negotiated transactions for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $304.9 million. The repurchase transaction was accounted for as a debt extinguishment. The difference between the consideration used to extinguish the 2025 convertible senior notes and the carrying value of the 2025 convertible senior notes (including unamortized debt discount and issuance cost) resulted in an extinguishment gain of approximately $6.6 million. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.
Current report
In March 2024, we issued $747.5 million aggregate principal amount of our 2029 convertible senior notes in a private offering. The 2029 convertible senior notes mature on March 15, 2029 and are our senior unsecured obligations. The 2029 convertible senior notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 1.00% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2024. The total net proceeds from the issuance of the 2029 convertible senior notes, after deducting initial purchasers' discounts and commissions and estimated debt issuance costs, were approximately $728.8 million. In connection with the issuance of the 2029 convertible senior notes, we used part of the net proceeds from the issuance to repurchase approximately $313.1 million aggregate principal amount of our then outstanding 2025 convertible senior notes in privately-negotiated transactions for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $304.9 million. In connection with the issuance of the 2029 convertible senior notes, we also entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions with certain financial institutions. We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure needs for at least the next 12 months.
Current report
In May and June 2020, we issued $747.5 million aggregate principal amount of our 2025 convertible senior notes in a private offering. The 2025 convertible senior notes mature on June 1, 2025 and are our senior unsecured obligations. The 2025 convertible senior notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 0.50% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning December 1, 2020. The total net proceeds from the offering, after deducting initial purchasers’ discounts and commissions and estimated debt issuance costs, were approximately $728.8 million. In connection with the issuance of the 2029 convertible senior notes, we used part of the net proceeds from the issuance to repurchase approximately $313.1 million aggregate principal amount of our 2025 convertible senior notes. As of December 31, 2024, the aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 2025 convertible senior notes was $434.4 million. We currently plan to use cash to settle amounts due under our convertible senior notes that mature on June 1, 2025, which will decrease our cash and cash equivalents, could preclude us from making other investments in our business and operations, and could necessitate or accelerate additional fundraising by us.
Current report
On December 4, 2024, a purported holder of our securities filed a putative class action complaint against us, our Chief Executive Officer, and our Chief Financial Officer in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California alleging violations of Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5, promulgated thereunder, based on alleged false and/or misleading statements or omissions regarding us and our business and seeking unspecified damages on behalf of all persons and entities (subject to specified exceptions) that purchased or otherwise acquired our securities, including call options, from June 4, 2024, through the close of trading on August 8, 2024. On February 3, 2025, Lucid Alternative Fund, LP moved to be appointed lead plaintiff of this action pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We cannot predict the duration or outcome of this lawsuit at this time. As a result, we are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of reasonably possible losses arising from this lawsuit. We intend to vigorously defend ourself in this lawsuit.
Removed paragraphs (10)
Previous report
We provide our solution through a SaaS business model with recurring subscriptions. We offer a comprehensive suite of applications delivered on our VCC cloud platform that are designed to enable our clients to manage and optimize interactions across inbound and outbound contact centers. We primarily generate revenue by selling subscriptions and related usage of our VCC cloud platform. We charge our clients monthly subscription fees for access to our solution, primarily based on the number of agent seats, as well as the specific functionalities and applications our clients deploy. We define agent seats as the maximum number of named agents allowed to concurrently access our solution. Our clients typically have more named agents than agent seats, and multiple named agents may use an agent seat, though not simultaneously. Substantially all of our clients purchase both subscriptions and related telephony usage from us. A small percentage of our clients subscribe to our platform but purchase telephony usage directly from wholesale telecommunications service providers. We do not sell telephony usage on a stand-alone basis to any client. The related usage fees are based on the volume of minutes for inbound and outbound interactions. We also offer bundled plans, generally for smaller deployments, where the client is charged a single monthly fixed fee per agent seat that includes both subscription and unlimited usage in the contiguous 48 states and, in some cases, Canada. We offer monthly, annual and multiple-year contracts to our clients, generally with 30 days’ notice required for reductions in the number of agent seats. Increases in the number of agent seats can be provisioned almost immediately. Our clients, therefore, are able to adjust the number of agent seats used to meet their changing contact center volume needs. Our larger clients typically choose annual contracts, which generally include an implementation and ramp period of several months. Fixed subscription fees, including bundled plans, are generally billed monthly in advance, while related usage fees are billed in arrears. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, subscription and related usage fees accounted for 92%, 91% and 92% of our revenue, respectively. The remainder was comprised of professional services revenue from the implementation and optimization of our solution.
Previous report
We are subject to risks and exposures, including those caused by adverse economic conditions, including macroeconomic deterioration, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the conflict in Israel.
Previous report
In March 2022, we decided to close our Russia office and to establish a new European development center in Portugal, in part due to the growing uncertainty arising from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we incurred approximately $2.8 million and $7.9 million in costs related to the closure and relocation of our Russian operations, of which $0.1 million and $0.7 million was recorded in cost of revenue, $1.7 million and $5.9 million was recorded in research and development expense, $0.5 million and $1.4 million was recorded in general and administrative expense and $0.5 million and $(0.1) million was recorded in interest income and other in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Going forward, we do not expect to incur additional material costs related to the closure and relocation of our Russia operations. We currently do not believe that this decision will have a material effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Previous report
(3) Exit costs related to the closure and relocation of our Russian operations were $2.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. The $2.3 million adjustment presented above was net of $0.5 million included in “Interest (income) and other.” Exit costs related to the closure and relocation of our Russian operations were $7.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. The $7.2 million adjustment presented above was net of $0.8 million included in “Depreciation and amortization” and $(0.1) million included in “Interest (income) and other.”
Previous report
Our revenue consists of subscription and related usage as well as professional services. We consider our subscription and related usage to be recurring revenue. This recurring revenue includes fixed subscription fees for the delivery and support of our VCC cloud platform, as well as related usage fees. The related usage fees are generally based on the volume of minutes for inbound and outbound client interactions. We also offer bundled plans, generally for smaller deployments, where the client is charged a single monthly fixed fee per agent seat that includes both subscription and unlimited usage in the contiguous 48 states and, in some cases, Canada. We offer monthly, annual and multiple-year contracts for our clients, generally with 30 days’ notice required for reductions in the number of agent seats. Increases in the number of agent seats can be provisioned almost immediately. Our clients, therefore, are able to adjust the number of agent seats used to meet their changing contact center volume needs. Our larger clients typically choose annual contracts, which generally include an implementation and ramp period of several months.
Previous report
2022, a $2.0 million increase in office, facilities and related costs, and a $1.0 million increase in amortization of capitalized internal-use software development costs, partially offset by a $1.6 million decrease in usage and carrier costs due to a rate reduction and a $1.5 million decrease in staff augmentation costs related to implementation of our solutions.
Previous report
The increase in general and administrative expenses for 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to a $23.4 million increase in personnel costs driven by increased stock-based compensation costs, increased headcount and higher salaries, and a $5.1 million increase in legal and other professional service costs primarily as a result of the expenses incurred in connection with the Aceyus acquisition and other strategic activities.
Previous report
Interest expense remained consistent for 2023 compared to 2022 as it primarily related to our 2025 convertible senior notes for which the aggregate outstanding principal amount remained unchanged during 2022 and 2023. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.
Previous report
In May 2018, we issued $258.8 million aggregate principal amount of our 2023 convertible senior notes in a private offering. The 2023 convertible senior notes matured on May 1, 2023 and the remaining principle amounts were settled in a combination of cash and shares of our common stock.
Reworded paragraphs (36)
Previous wording
We are a pioneer and leading provider of intelligent cloud contact centers with more than 3,000 clients. We believe we achieved this leadership position through our expertise and technology, which has empowered us to help organizations of all sizes transition from legacy on-premise contact center systems to our cloud solution. Our solution, comprised of our VCC cloud platform and applications, allows simultaneous management and optimization of customer interactions across voice, chat, email, web, social media and mobile channels, either directly or through our APIs. Our VCC cloud platform matches each customer interaction with an appropriate agent resource and delivers relevant customer data to the agent in real-time through integrations with adjacent enterprise applications, such as CRM software, to optimize the customer experience and improve agent productivity. Unlike legacy on-premise contact center systems, our solution requires minimal up-front investment, can be rapidly deployed and adjusted depending on our client’s requirements.
Current wording
We are a leading provider of intelligent cloud contact centers with more than 3,000 customers. We believe we achieved this leadership position through our expertise and technology, which has empowered us to help organizations of all sizes transition from legacy on-premises contact center systems to our cloud solution. Our solution, comprised of our Intelligent CX Platform and applications, allows simultaneous management and optimization of customer interactions across voice, chat, email, web, social media and mobile channels, either directly or through our APIs. Our Intelligent CX Platform, powered by Five9 Genius AI, matches each customer interaction with an appropriate agent resource and delivers relevant customer data to the agent in real-time through integrations with adjacent enterprise applications, such as CRM software, to optimize the customer experience and improve agent productivity. Unlike legacy on-premises contact center systems, our solution requires minimal up-front investment, can be rapidly deployed and adjusted depending on our customer’s requirements.
Previous wording
Since founding our business in 2001, we have focused exclusively on delivering cloud contact center software. We initially targeted smaller contact center opportunities with our telesales team and, over time, invested in expanding the breadth and depth of the functionality of our cloud platform to meet the evolving requirements of our clients. In 2009, we made a strategic decision to expand our market opportunity to include larger contact centers. This decision drove further investments in research and development and the establishment of our field sales team to meet the requirements of these larger contact centers. We believe this shift has helped us diversify our client base, while significantly enhancing our opportunity for future revenue growth. To complement these efforts, we have also focused on building client awareness and driving adoption of our solution through marketing activities, which include internet advertising, digital marketing campaigns, social media, trade shows, industry events, telemarketing and out of home campaigns.
Current wording
Since founding our business in 2001, we have focused exclusively on delivering cloud contact center software. We initially targeted smaller contact center opportunities with our telesales team and, over time, invested in expanding the breadth and depth of the functionality of our cloud platform to meet the evolving requirements of our customers. In 2009, we made a strategic decision to expand our market opportunity to include larger contact centers. This decision drove further investments in research and development and the establishment of our field sales team to meet the requirements of these larger contact centers. We believe this shift has helped us diversify our customer base, while significantly enhancing our opportunity for future revenue growth. In 2018, we started including AI enhancements to our platform, and AI is now embedded throughout our platform. To complement these efforts, we have also focused on building customer awareness and driving adoption of our solution through marketing activities, which include internet advertising, digital marketing campaigns, social media, trade shows, industry events, telemarketing and out of home campaigns.
Previous wording
Macroeconomic factors include the global economic slowdown, continued inflation, increased interest rates, supply chain disruptions, decreased economic output and fluctuations in currency exchange rates. We continuously monitor the direct and indirect impacts of these circumstances on our business and financial results, as well as the overall global economy and geopolitical landscape. While the implications of macroeconomic events on our business, results of operations and overall financial position remain uncertain over the long term, we expect that adverse economic conditions will continue to have an adverse impact on our revenue in future periods. For example, our installed base business, which typically contributes approximately half of our annual revenue growth, continues to experience macroeconomic headwinds.
Current wording
We are subject to risks and exposures, including continued macroeconomic challenges, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the conflicts in the Middle East. While the implications of macroeconomic challenges, and global and regional conflicts on our business, results of operations and overall financial position remain uncertain over the long term, we expect that macroeconomic challenges will continue to have an adverse impact on our revenue in future periods.
Previous wording
Our revenue increased to $910.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, from $778.8 million and $609.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Revenue growth was primarily attributable to our larger clients, driven by an increase in our sales and marketing activities and our improved brand awareness. For each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, no single client accounted for more than 10% of our total revenue. As of December 31, 2023, we had over 3,000 clients across multiple industries with a wide range of seat sizes. We had a net loss of $81.8 million, $94.7 million and $53.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Current wording
Our revenue increased to $1,041.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $910.5 million and $778.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Revenue growth was primarily attributable to our larger customers, driven by an increase in our sales and marketing activities and our improved brand awareness. For each of the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of our total revenue. As of December 31, 2024, we had over 3,000 customers across multiple industries with a wide range of license sizes. We had a net loss of $12.8 million, $81.8 million and $94.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Previous wording
We have continued to make significant expenditures and investments, including in sales and marketing, research and development and infrastructure. We primarily evaluate the success of our business based on revenue growth and the efficiency and effectiveness of our investments. The growth of our business and our future success depend on many factors, including our ability to continue to expand our base of larger clients, grow revenue from our existing clients, innovate and expand internationally. While these areas represent significant opportunities for us, they also pose risks and challenges that we must successfully address, including the impact of macroeconomic deterioration, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the conflict in Israel, in order to successfully grow our business and improve our operating results.
Current wording
We have continued to make significant expenditures and investments, including in sales and marketing, research and development, infrastructure and investments in complementary businesses, technologies and intellectual property rights. We primarily evaluate the success of our business based on revenue growth and the efficiency and effectiveness of our investments. The growth of our business and our future success depend on many factors, including our ability to continue to expand our base of larger customers, grow revenue from our existing customers, innovate and expand internationally. While these areas represent significant opportunities for us, they also pose risks and challenges that we must successfully address, including the impact of continued macroeconomic challenges, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the conflicts in the Middle East, in order to successfully grow our business and improve our operating results.
Previous wording
We believe that our Annual Dollar-Based Retention Rate provides insight into our ability to retain and grow revenue from our clients, and is a measure of the long-term value of our client relationships. Our Annual Dollar-Based Retention Rate is calculated by dividing our Retained Net Revenue by our Retention Base Net Revenue on a monthly basis, which we then average using the rates for the trailing twelve months for the period presented. We define Retention Base Net Revenue as recurring net revenue from all clients in the comparable prior year period, and we define Retained Net Revenue as recurring net revenue from that same group of clients in the current period. We define recurring net revenue as net subscription and related usage revenue.
Current wording
We believe that our Annual Dollar-Based Retention Rate provides insight into our ability to retain and grow revenue from our customers, and is a measure of the long-term value of our customer relationships. Our Annual Dollar-Based Retention Rate is calculated by dividing our Retained Net Revenue by our Retention Base Net Revenue on a monthly basis, which we then average using the rates for the trailing twelve months for the period presented. We define Retention Base Net Revenue as recurring net revenue from all customers in the comparable prior year period, and we define Retained Net Revenue as recurring net revenue from that same group of customers in the current period. We define recurring net revenue as net subscription and related usage revenue.
Previous wording
Our Dollar-Based Retention Rate decreased year-over-year primarily due to macroeconomic headwinds we started experiencing in 2022 and continued to experience throughout 2023.
Current wording
Our Dollar-Based Retention Rate decreased year-over-year primarily due to continued macroeconomic headwinds on our installed base.
Previous wording
Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and our calculation of adjusted EBITDA may differ from that of other companies in our industry. We compensate for the inherent limitations associated with using adjusted EBITDA through disclosure of these limitations, presentation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, net loss. We calculate adjusted EBITDA as net loss before (1) depreciation and amortization, (2) stock-based compensation, (3) interest expense, (4) interest (income) and other, (5) exit costs related to the closure and relocation of our Russian operations, (6) acquisition and related transaction costs and one-time integration costs, (7) contingent consideration expense, (8) lease amortization for finance leases, (9) refund for prior year overpayment of USF fees, (10) provision for income taxes, and (11) other items that do not directly affect what we consider to be our core operating performance.
Current wording
Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and our calculation of adjusted EBITDA may differ from that of other companies in our industry. We compensate for the inherent limitations associated with using adjusted EBITDA through disclosure of these limitations, presentation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, net loss. We calculate adjusted EBITDA as net loss before (1) depreciation and amortization, (2) stock-based compensation, (3) interest expense, (4) gain on early extinguishment of debt, (5) interest income and other, (6) exit costs related to the closure and relocation of our Russian operations, (7) acquisition and related transaction costs and one-time integration costs, (8) lease amortization for finance leases, (9) costs related to a reduction in force plan, (10) impairment charges related to closure of operating lease facilities, (12) provision for income taxes, and (13) other items that do not directly affect what we consider to be our core operating performance.
Previous wording
Fixed subscription fees, including plans with bundled usage, are generally billed monthly in advance, while variable usage fees are billed in arrears. Fixed subscription fees are recognized on a straight-line basis over the applicable term, which is predominantly the monthly contractual billing period. Support activities include technical assistance for our solution and upgrades and enhancements on a when and if available basis, which are not billed separately. Variable subscription related usage fees for non-bundled plans are billed in arrears based on client-specific per minute rate plans and are recognized as actual usage occurs. We generally require advance deposits from clients based on estimated usage. All fees, except usage deposits, are non-refundable.
Current wording
Our revenue consists of subscription and related usage as well as professional services. We consider our subscription and related usage to be recurring revenue. We charge our customers monthly subscription fees for access to our Intelligent CX Platform, primarily based on the number of licenses, as well as on a consumption or capacity basis for our AI solutions. We offer monthly, annual and multiple-year contracts to our customers, generally with 30 days’ notice required for limited reductions in the number of licenses or the level of consumption or capacity. Increases in the number of licenses or the level of consumption or capacity can be provisioned almost immediately. Subscription fees are generally billed monthly in advance, while usage fees are billed in arrears. Subscription fees are recognized on a straight-line basis over the applicable term, which is predominantly the monthly contractual billing period. Support activities include technical assistance for our solution and upgrades and enhancements on a when and if available basis, which are not billed separately. Usage fees are billed in arrears based on customer-specific per minute rate plans and are recognized as actual usage occurs.
Previous wording
In addition, we generate professional services revenue from assisting clients in implementing our solution and optimizing use. These services include application configuration, system integration and education and training services. Professional services are primarily billed on a fixed-fee basis and are typically performed by us directly. In limited cases, our clients choose to perform these services themselves or engage their own third-party service providers to perform such services. Professional services are recognized as the services are performed using the proportional performance method, with performance measured based on labor hours, provided all other criteria for revenue recognition are met.
Current wording
In addition, we generate professional services revenue from assisting customers in implementing our solution and optimizing its use. These services include application configuration, system integration and education and training services. Professional services are primarily billed on a fixed-fee basis and are typically performed by us directly. However, our customers can choose to perform these services themselves, use one of our certified professional service providers, or engage their own third-party service providers to perform such services. Professional services are recognized as the services are performed using the proportional performance method, with performance measured based on labor hours, provided all other criteria for revenue recognition are met.
Previous wording
While the implications of macroeconomic events on our business, results of operations and overall financial position remain uncertain over the long term, we expect that adverse economic conditions will continue to have an adverse impact on our revenue in future periods. For example, our installed base business, which typically contributes approximately half of our annual revenue growth, continues to experience macroeconomic headwinds.
Current wording
While the implications of macroeconomic events on our business, results of operations and overall financial position remain uncertain over the long term, we expect that macroeconomic challenges will continue to have an adverse impact on our revenue in future periods. For example, our installed base business, which contributes a significant portion of our annual revenue growth, continues to experience macroeconomic challenges.
Previous wording
Our cost of revenue consists primarily of personnel costs, including stock-based compensation, fees that we pay to telecommunications providers for usage, USF contributions and other regulatory costs, depreciation and related expenses of our servers and equipment, costs to build out and maintain co-location data centers, costs of public cloud-based data centers, allocated office and facility costs, amortization of acquired technology and amortization of internal-use software development costs. Cost of revenue can fluctuate based on a number of factors, including the fees we pay to telecommunications providers, which vary depending on our clients’ usage of our VCC cloud platform, the timing of capital expenditures and related depreciation charges and changes in headcount. We expect to continue investing in professional services, public cloud, cloud operations, client support and network infrastructure to maintain high quality and availability of services, which we believe will result in absolute dollar increases in cost of revenue but percentage of revenue declines in the long-term through economies of scale.
Current wording
Our cost of revenue consists primarily of personnel costs, including stock-based compensation, fees that we pay to telecommunications providers for usage, USF contributions and other regulatory costs, depreciation and related expenses of our servers and equipment, costs to build out and maintain co-location data centers, costs of public cloud-based data centers, cost of third party software that we resell, allocated office and facility costs, amortization of acquired technology, amortization of internal-use software development costs and lease amortization for finance leases. Cost of revenue can fluctuate based on a number of factors, including the fees we pay to telecommunications providers, which vary depending on our customers’ usage of our Intelligent CX Platform, the timing of capital expenditures and related depreciation charges and changes in headcount. We expect to continue investing in professional services, public cloud, cloud operations, customer support and network infrastructure to maintain high quality and availability of services, which we believe will result in absolute dollar increases in cost of revenue but percentage of revenue declines in the long-term through economies of scale.
Previous wording
Research and Development. Our research and development expenses consist primarily of salary and related expenses, including stock-based compensation, for personnel related to the development of improvements and expanded features for our services, as well as quality assurance, testing, product management and allocated overhead. We expense research and development expenses as they are incurred except for internal use software development costs that qualify for capitalization. We believe that continued investment in our solution is important for our future growth, and we expect our research and development expenses to increase in absolute dollars and fluctuate as a percentage of revenue in the near and longer term.
Current wording
Research and Development. Our research and development expenses consist primarily of salary and related expenses, including stock-based compensation, for personnel related to the development of new products, improvements and expanded features for our services, as well as quality assurance, testing, product management and allocated overhead. We expense research and development expenses as they are incurred except for internal use software development costs that qualify for capitalization. We believe that continued investment in our solution is important for our future growth, and we expect our research and development expenses to increase in absolute dollars and fluctuate as a percentage of revenue in the near and longer term.
Previous wording
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries and related expenses, including stock-based compensation, for personnel in sales and marketing, sales commissions, as well as advertising, marketing, corporate communications, travel costs and allocated overhead. We believe it is important to continue investing in sales and marketing to continue to generate revenue growth, and we expect sales and marketing expenses to increase in absolute dollars and fluctuate as a percentage of revenue in the near and longer term as we continue to support our growth initiatives.
Current wording
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries and related expenses, including stock-based compensation, for personnel in sales and marketing, amortization of deferred contract acquisition costs, as well as advertising, marketing, corporate communications, travel costs and allocated overhead. We believe it is important to continue investing in sales and marketing to continue to generate revenue growth, and we expect sales and marketing expenses to increase in absolute dollars and fluctuate as a percentage of revenue in the near and longer term as we continue to support our growth initiatives.
Previous wording
The increase in revenue for 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily attributable to our larger clients, driven by an increase in our sales and marketing activities and our improved brand awareness.
Current wording
The increase in revenue for 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily attributable to our larger customers, driven by an increase in our sales and marketing activities and our improved brand awareness.
Previous wording
The increase in cost of revenue for 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to a $19.1 million increase in depreciation, data center and public cloud costs to support our growing capacity needs, an $18.4 million increase in personnel costs driven mainly by increased headcount, higher salaries and increased stock-based compensation costs, an $18.0 million increase in third-party hosted software costs driven by increased client activities, an $8.4 million increase in USF contributions and other federal telecommunication service fees due to increased client usage and a change in methodology in the prior year, which resulted in a $3.5 million refund for 2020 that was received in
Current wording
The increase in cost of revenue for 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to a $21.0 million increase in depreciation, data center and public cloud costs to support our growing capacity needs, a $10.0 million increase in personnel-related costs, a $6.2 million increase in third-party costs driven by increased customer activities, a $3.1 million increase in amortization of capitalized internal-use software development costs, a $2.9 million increase in USF contributions and other federal telecommunication service fees due to increased customer usage, a $2.7 million increase in lease amortization of finance leases, and a $0.6 million increase in amortization of intangibles, offset in part by a $1.4 million decrease in usage and carrier costs due to lower rates and by a $0.8 million decrease in consulting costs for global expansion. The $10.0 million increase in personnel-related costs was primarily driven by increased headcount, higher salaries, and $2.1 million in restructuring costs related to the Plan, offset in part by an $8.4 million decrease in stock-based compensation costs.
Previous wording
The increase in gross profit for 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to increases in subscription and related revenues. We expect gross margin to increase in the long term despite continued investments in professional services, public cloud, cloud operations, client support and network infrastructure, as we expect revenue growth in the long term to more than offset these increases.
Current wording
The increase in gross profit for 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to increases in subscription and related revenues. We expect gross margin to increase in the long term despite continued investments in professional services, public cloud, cloud operations, customer support and network infrastructure, as we expect revenue growth in the long term to more than offset these increases.
Previous wording
The increase in research and development expenses for 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to a $20.0 million increase in personnel-related costs driven mainly by an increase in stock-based compensation costs, increased headcount and higher salaries, and a $1.4 million increase in office, facilities and related costs, offset in part by a $8.0 million increase in research and development costs that qualified for capitalization.
Current wording
The increase in research and development expenses for 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to a $12.6 million increase in personnel-related costs, a $3.7 million increase in staff augmentation costs, a $3.3 million increase in office, facilities and related allocated costs, and a $1.3 million increase in public cloud development costs, offset in part by a $12.3 million increase in research and development costs (excluding stock-based compensation costs) that qualified for capitalization. The $12.6 million increase in personnel-related costs was primarily driven by increased headcount, higher salaries, and $1.9 million in restructuring costs related to the Plan, offset in part by a $13.2 million decrease in stock-based compensation costs.
Previous wording
The increase in sales and marketing expenses for 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to a $14.9 million increase in personnel costs driven by increased stock-based compensation costs, increased headcount and higher salaries, a $14.2 million increase in amortization of deferred contract acquisition costs driven by the growth in sales and bookings of our solution, a $1.9 million increase in travel costs as a result of an increase in business travel, and a $1.2 million increase in office, facilities and related costs. The increases in sales and marketing expenses were primarily due to the execution of our growth strategy to acquire new clients, increase the number of agent seats within our existing client base, and increased advertising and other marketing expenses to increase our brand awareness.
Current wording
The increase in sales and marketing expenses for 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to a $15.5 million increase in amortization of deferred contract acquisition costs driven by the growth in sales and bookings of our solution and a $3.0 million increase in personnel-related costs, offset in part by a decrease in overall marketing spend. The $3.0 million increase in personnel-related costs was primarily driven by higher salaries, and $4.4 million in restructuring costs related to the Plan, offset in part by a $15.0 million decrease in stock-based compensation costs.
Previous wording
The increase in interest income and other for 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to higher interest income on our marketable investments, offset in part by an increase in foreign currency transaction losses during this period.
Current wording
The increase in interest income and other for 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to higher interest income on our marketable investments due to higher investable balances and higher interest rates and from an increase in foreign currency transaction gains, offset in part by a $1.3 million impairment charge of an equity investment.
Previous wording
To date, we have financed our operations, primarily through sales of our solution, net proceeds from our equity and debt financings, including the issuance of our 2025 convertible senior notes in May and June 2020 and of our 2023 convertible senior notes in May 2018, and lease facilities. As of December 31, 2023, we had $756.8 million in working capital, which included $143.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $587.1 million in marketable investments. Our intent is that all marketable investments are available for use in our current operations, including marketable investments with maturity dates greater than one year from December 31, 2023. The 2023 convertible senior notes matured on May 1, 2023 and were settled in a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. Upon maturity, the outstanding capped calls associated with the repurchase and early settlements of $194.7 million 2023 convertible senior notes were settled, which resulted in us receiving 370,877 shares of our common stock and $74.5 million. We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure needs for at least the next 12 months.
Current wording
To date, we have financed our operations, primarily through sales of our solution, net proceeds from our equity and debt financings, including the issuance of our 2029 convertible senior notes in March 2024, issuance of our 2025 convertible senior notes in May and June 2020 and of our 2023 convertible senior notes in May 2018, and lease facilities. As of December 31, 2024, we had $606.9 million in working capital, which included $362.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $643.4 million in marketable investments. Our intent is that all marketable investments are available for use in our current operations, including marketable investments with maturity dates greater than one year from December 31, 2024.
Previous wording
We plan to continue to finance our operations in the future primarily through sales of our solution, net proceeds from equity and debt financings, and lease facilities. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors including our growth rate, continuing market acceptance of our solution, the strength of the global economy, client retention, growth within our installed base, our ability to gain new clients, the timing and extent of spending to support research and development efforts, the outcome of any pending or future litigation or other claims by third parties or governmental entities, the expansion of sales and marketing activities and personnel, the introduction of new and enhanced offerings, expenses incurred in closing our Russia operations and expanding our operations in Portugal and any operational disruptions due to this transition, and the effect of the length and severity of the current economic downturn, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the conflict in Israel on these or other factors. We may also acquire or invest in complementary businesses, technologies and intellectual property rights, such as our recent acquisition of Aceyus in August 2023, which may increase our use of cash and future capital requirements, both to pay acquisition costs and to support our combined operations. We may raise additional capital through equity or debt financings at any time to fund these or other requirements. However, we may not be able to raise additional capital through equity or debt financings when needed on terms acceptable to us or at all, depending on our financial performance and condition, economic and market conditions, the trading price of our common stock, and other factors, including the length and severity of the current economic downturn and fluctuations in the financial markets, including due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the conflict in Israel. If we are unable to raise additional capital as needed, our business, operating results and financial condition could be harmed. In addition, if our operating performance during the next twelve months is below our expectations, our liquidity and ability to operate our business also could be harmed.
Current wording
We plan to continue to finance our operations in the future primarily through sales of our solution, net proceeds from equity and debt financings, and lease facilities. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors including our growth rate, continuing market acceptance of our solution, the strength of the global economy, customer retention, growth within our installed base, our ability to gain new customers, the timing and extent of spending to support research and development efforts, the outcome of any pending or future litigation or other claims by third parties or governmental entities, the expansion of sales and marketing activities and personnel, the introduction of new and enhanced offerings, expenses incurred in expanding our operations in Portugal, and the effect of the length and severity of the continued macroeconomic challenges, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the conflicts in the Middle East, on these or other factors. We currently plan to use cash to settle amounts due under our convertible senior notes that mature on June 1, 2025. We may also acquire or invest in complementary businesses, technologies and intellectual property rights, such as our recent acquisitions of Aceyus in August 2023 and Acqueon in August 2024, which may increase our use of cash and future capital requirements, both to pay acquisition costs and to support our combined operations. We may raise additional capital through equity or debt financings at any time to fund these or other requirements. However, we may not be able to raise additional capital through equity or debt financings when needed on terms acceptable to us or at all, depending on our financial performance and condition, economic and market conditions, the trading price of our common stock, and other factors, including the length and severity of the current economic downturn and fluctuations in the financial markets, including due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the conflicts in the Middle East. If we are unable to raise additional capital as needed, our business, operating results and financial condition could be harmed. In addition, if our operating performance during the next twelve months is below our expectations, our liquidity and ability to operate our business also could be harmed.
Previous wording
Cash provided by operating activities is primarily influenced by our personnel-related expenditures, data center and telecommunications carrier costs, office and facility related costs, USF contributions and other regulatory costs and the amount and timing of client payments. If we continue to improve our financial results, we expect net cash provided by operating activities to increase. Our largest source of operating cash inflows is cash collections from our clients for subscription and related usage services. Payments from clients for these services are typically received monthly.
Current wording
Cash provided by operating activities is primarily influenced by our personnel-related expenditures, data center and telecommunications carrier costs, office and facility related costs, USF contributions and other regulatory costs and the amount and timing of customer payments. If we continue to improve our financial results, we expect net cash provided by operating activities to increase. Our largest source of operating cash inflows is cash collections from our customers for subscription and related usage services. Payments from customers for these services are typically received monthly.
Previous wording
Net cash provided by operating activities was $128.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. Net cash provided by operating activities resulted from our net loss of $81.8 million, adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities of $317.1 million, primarily consisting of $206.3 million of stock-based compensation, $55.4 million of amortization of deferred contract acquisition costs,$48.5 million of depreciation and amortization, $12.6 million of amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, $3.7 million of amortization of issuance costs on our convertible senior notes and $(11.4) million of accretion of discount on marketable investments, partially offset by use of cash for operating assets and liabilities of $(106.5) million primarily due to the timing of cash payments to vendors and cash receipts from customers.
Current wording
Net cash provided by operating activities was $143.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2024. Net cash provided by operating activities resulted from our net loss of $12.8 million, adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities of $283.1 million, primarily consisting of $166.3 million of stock-based compensation, $71.5 million of amortization of deferred contract acquisition costs, $52.9 million of depreciation and amortization, $15.4 million of reduction in carrying amount of right-of-use assets, $5.5 million of amortization of issuance costs on our convertible senior notes, a $2.2 million impairment charge as a result of our commitment to close two operating lease facilities and to abandon the associated leasehold improvements and property and equipment, a $1.3 million impairment charge of an equity investment, $(20.8) million of accretion of discount on marketable investments, and a $(6.6) million gain on early extinguishment of debt, partially offset by use of cash for operating assets and liabilities of $(127.1) million primarily due to the timing of cash payments to vendors and cash receipts from customers.
Previous wording
Net cash used in investing activities of $(259.6) million in 2023 was comprised of $795.0 million related to purchases of marketable investments, $80.6 million, in connection with the acquisition of Aceyus, net of cash acquired, $31.2 million in capital expenditures and $9.5 million in capitalized software development costs, offset in part by $656.8 million related to cash proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable investments.
Current wording
Net cash used in investing activities of $(266.6) million in 2024 was comprised of $1,289.4 million related to purchases of marketable investments, $167.2 million, net of cash acquired in connection with the acquisition of Acqueon, $42.4 million in capital expenditures and $22.2 million in capitalized software development costs, offset in part by $1,254.5 million related to cash proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable investments.
Previous wording
Net cash provided by financing activities of $94.6 million in 2023 was related to $74.5 million of cash received from the settlement at maturity of the outstanding capped calls associated with the repurchase and early settlements of the 2023 convertible senior notes, $15.9 million from the sale of common stock under our employee stock purchase plan, and cash proceeds of $9.1 million from the exercise of stock options, offset in part by $3.3 million related to payments of employee taxes related to vested RSUs, $1.0 million of payments related to finance leases, $0.5 million of holdback payment related to an acquisition, and $0.2 million of cash paid in connection with 2023 convertible senior note settlements.
Current wording
Net cash provided by financing activities of $342.7 million in 2024 was related to net cash proceeds of $728.8 million from the issuance of the 2029 convertible senior notes, net of initial purchasers' discounts and commissions and debt issuance costs, $14.8 million from the sale of common stock under our employee stock purchase plan, $0.5 million cash received from the partial termination of capped calls associated with the 2025 convertible senior notes, and $0.5 million of cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options, offset in part by $304.5 million from the repurchase of a portion of the 2025 convertible senior notes, $93.4 million from the payment for capped call transactions associated with the 2029 convertible senior notes, and $4.0 million of payments related to finance leases.
Previous wording
In May and June 2020, we issued $747.5 million aggregate principal amount of our 2025 convertible senior notes in a private offering. The 2025 convertible senior notes mature on June 1, 2025 and are our senior unsecured obligations. The 2025 convertible senior notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 0.50% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning December 1, 2020. The total net proceeds from the offering, after deducting initial purchasers’ discounts and commissions and estimated debt issuance costs, were approximately $728.8 million. As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 2025 convertible senior notes was $747.5 million.
Current wording
In March 2024, we issued $747.5 million aggregate principal amount of our 2029 convertible senior notes in a private offering. The 2029 convertible senior notes mature on March 15, 2029 and are our senior unsecured obligations. The 2029 convertible senior notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 1.00% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2024. The total net proceeds from the issuance of the 2029 convertible senior notes, after deducting initial purchasers' discounts and commissions and debt issuance costs, were approximately $728.8 million. As of December 31, 2024, the aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 2029 convertible senior notes was $747.5 million.
Previous wording
We have leases for offices, data centers and computer and networking equipment that expire at various dates through 2031. Our leases have remaining terms of one to seven years. Some of the leases include an option to extend the leases for up to one to five years, and some of the leases include the option to terminate the leases upon 30-days notice. We had outstanding operating lease obligations of $52.0 million as of December 31, 2023, with $12.3 million payable within 12 months, $16.4 million payable within one to three years, $11.6 million payable within three to five years, and $11.7 million after five years. We also had outstanding finance lease obligations of $5.0 million as of December 31, 2023, with $2.0 million payable within 12 months, and $3.0 million payable within one to three years. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report for further details.
Current wording
We have leases for offices, data centers and computer and networking equipment that expire at various dates through 2031. Our leases have remaining terms of one to seven years. Some of the leases include an option to extend the leases for up to one to five years, and some of the leases include the option to terminate the leases upon 30-days' notice. We had outstanding operating lease obligations of $53.3 million as of December 31, 2024, with $12.9 million payable within 12 months, $19.1 million payable within one to three years, $13.7 million payable within three to five years, and $7.6 million payable after five years. We also had outstanding finance lease obligations of $20.8 million as of December 31, 2024, with $8.6 million payable within 12 months and $12.2 million payable within one to three years. We entered into three-year equipment finance lease agreements and recognized $18.6 million right of use assets during the year ended December 31, 2024, which were reported within "Finance lease right-of-use assets" and are being depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lease term. As a result, we also recognized short-term lease liabilities of $5.9 million within "Finance lease liabilities" and long-term lease liabilities of $12.7 million within "Finance lease liabilities - less current portion" for the year ended December 31, 2024. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report for further details.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, we had outstanding cloud services and software and maintenance agreement commitments totaling $104.4 million, of which $33.0 million is expected to be purchased in 2024, $45.6 million is expected to be purchased in 2025 and the remaining $25.8 million is expected to be purchased in 2026.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had outstanding cloud services and software and maintenance agreement commitments totaling $38.1 million, of which $20.0 million is expected to be purchased within one year, and $18.1 million is expected to be purchased within one to three years. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we entered into equipment finance lease arrangements that resulted in a $8.8 million additional reduction of our outstanding cloud services commitment. See Note 10 for more information.
Previous wording
We have agreements with third parties to provide co-location hosting and telecommunication usage services. The agreements require payments per month for a fixed period of time in exchange for certain guarantees of network and telecommunication availability. As of December 31, 2023, we had outstanding hosting and telecommunication usage services obligations of $14.9 million, with $7.9 million payable within 12 months, $5.0 million payable within one to three years, and $2.0 million payable within three to five years.
Current wording
We have agreements with third parties to provide co-location hosting and telecommunication usage services. The agreements require payments per month for a fixed period of time in exchange for certain guarantees of network and telecommunication availability. As of December 31, 2024, we had outstanding hosting and telecommunication usage services obligations of $14.6 million, with $6.7 million payable within 12 months, $6.6 million payable within one to three years, and $1.3 million payable within three to five years.
Previous wording
In the ordinary course of business, we enter into agreements of varying scope and terms pursuant to which we agree to indemnify clients, vendors, lessors, business partners and other parties with respect to certain matters, including, but not limited to, losses arising out of breach of such agreements, services to be provided by us or from intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors, officers and certain employees that will require us, among other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors, officers or employees. There are no claims that we are aware of that could have a material effect on our consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, or consolidated statements of cash flows.
Current wording
In the ordinary course of business, we enter into agreements of varying scope and terms pursuant to which we agree to indemnify customers, vendors, lessors, business partners and other parties with respect to certain matters, including, but not limited to, losses arising out of breach of such agreements, services to be provided by us or from intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties. We have received indemnification demands, and will likely continue to receive demands, from customers regarding our intellectual property indemnification obligations under these contracts. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors, officers and certain employees that will require us, among other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors, officers or employees. There are no claims that we are aware of that could have a material effect on our consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, or consolidated statements of cash flows.
Previous wording
We are subject to certain legal and regulatory proceedings, and from time to time may be involved in a variety of claims, lawsuits, investigations, and proceedings relating to contractual disputes, intellectual property rights, employment matters, regulatory compliance matters, and other litigation matters relating to various claims that arise in the normal course of business. We determine whether an estimated loss from a contingency should be accrued by assessing whether a loss is deemed probable and can be reasonably estimated. We assess our potential liability by analyzing specific litigation and regulatory matters using reasonably available information. We develop our views on estimated losses in consultation with inside and outside counsel, which involves a subjective analysis of potential results and outcomes, assuming various combinations of appropriate litigation and settlement strategies. Legal fees are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for more details.
Current wording
We are subject to certain legal and regulatory proceedings, and from time-to-time may be involved in a variety of claims, lawsuits, investigations, and proceedings relating to contractual disputes, intellectual property rights, employment matters, regulatory compliance matters, and other litigation matters relating to various claims that arise in the normal course of business. We determine whether an estimated loss from a contingency should be accrued by assessing whether a loss is deemed probable and can be reasonably estimated. We assess our potential liability by analyzing specific litigation and regulatory matters using reasonably available information. We develop our views on estimated losses in consultation with inside and outside counsel, which involves a subjective analysis of potential results and outcomes, assuming various combinations of appropriate litigation and settlement strategies. Legal fees are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. We are currently party to the following action:
Previous wording
Our revenue consists of subscription services and related usage as well as professional services. We charge clients subscription fees, usually billed on a monthly basis, for access to our VCC solution. The subscription fees are primarily based on the number of agent seats, as well as the specific VCC functionalities and applications deployed by the client. Agent seats are defined as the maximum number of named agents allowed to concurrently access the VCC cloud platform. Clients typically have more named agents than agent seats. Multiple named agents may use an agent seat, though not simultaneously. Substantially all of our clients purchase both subscriptions and related telephony usage. A small percentage of our clients subscribe to our platform but purchase telephony usage directly from a wholesale telecommunications service provider. We do not sell telephony usage on a stand-alone basis to any client. The related usage fees are based on the volume of minutes used for inbound and outbound client interactions. Revenue generated from telephony usage is presented in revenue and cost of sales on a gross basis, as we are the party that controls the service and are responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the call service by diverting the calls to selected carriers. We also offer bundled plans, generally for smaller deployments, whereby the client is charged a single monthly fixed fee per agent seat that includes both subscription and unlimited usage in the contiguous 48 states and, in some cases, Canada. Professional services revenue is derived primarily from VCC implementations, including application configuration, system integration, optimization, education and training services. Clients are not permitted to take possession of our software.
Current wording
Our revenue consists of subscription services and related usage as well as professional services. We charge our customers subscription fees, usually billed on a monthly basis, for access to our Intelligent CX Platform, primarily based on the number of licenses, as well as on a consumption or capacity basis for our AI solutions. Licenses are defined as the maximum number of named agents allowed to concurrently access the Intelligent CX Platform. Customers typically have more named agents than licenses. Multiple named agents may use a license, though not simultaneously. The majority of our customers purchase both subscriptions and related telephony usage. A growing number of our customers subscribe to our platform but purchase telephony usage directly from wholesale telecommunications service providers. We do not sell telephony usage on a stand-alone basis to any customer. The related usage fees are based on the volume of minutes used for inbound and outbound customer interactions. Revenue generated from telephony usage is presented in revenue and cost of sales on a gross basis, as we are the party that controls the service and are responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the call service by diverting the calls to selected carriers. We also offer bundled plans, generally for smaller deployments, whereby the customer is charged a single monthly fixed fee per license that includes both subscription and unlimited usage in the contiguous 48 states and, in some cases, Canada. Professional services revenue is derived primarily from Intelligent CX implementations, including application configuration, system integration, optimization, education and training services. Customers are not permitted to take possession of our software.
Previous wording
We offer monthly, annual and multiple-year contracts to our clients, generally with 30 days’ notice required for reductions in the number of agent seats. Increases in the number of agent seats can be provisioned almost immediately. Our clients, therefore, are able to adjust the number of agent seats used to meet their changing contact center volume needs. Our larger clients typically choose annual contracts, which generally include an implementation and ramp period of several months. Fixed subscription fees, including bundled plans, are generally billed monthly in advance, while related usage fees are billed in arrears. Support activities include technical assistance for our solution and upgrades and enhancements to our VCC cloud platform on a when-and-if-available basis, which are not billed separately.
Current wording
We offer monthly, annual and multiple-year contracts to our customers, generally with 30 days’ notice required for limited reductions in the number of licenses or the level of consumption or capacity. Increases in the number of licenses or the level of consumption or capacity can be provisioned almost immediately. Our customers, therefore, are able to adjust the number of licenses used to meet their changing contact center volume needs. Our larger customers typically choose annual contracts, which generally include an implementation and ramp period of several months. Subscription fees, including bundled plans, are generally billed monthly in advance, while related usage fees are billed in arrears. Support activities include technical assistance for our solution and upgrades and enhancements to our Intelligent CX Platform on a when-and-if-available basis, which are not billed separately.
Previous wording
Professional services are primarily billed on a fixed-fee basis and are performed by us directly or, alternatively, clients may also choose to perform these services themselves or engage their own third-party service providers. Revenue for professional services is recognized over time as services are performed, based on the proportion of labor hours expended compared to the total hours expected to complete the related performance obligation.
Current wording
Professional services are primarily billed on a fixed-fee basis and are typically performed by us directly. However, our customers can choose to perform these services themselves, use one of our certified professional service providers, or engage their own third-party service providers to perform such services. Revenue for professional services is recognized over time as services are performed, based on the proportion of labor hours expended compared to the total hours expected to complete the related performance obligation.
Previous wording
The estimation of variable consideration for each performance obligation requires us to make subjective judgments. In the early stages of our larger contracts, in order to allocate the overall transaction fee on a relative stand-alone selling price basis to our multiple performance obligations, we estimate variable consideration to be included in the transaction fee to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. When services are included in the contract with the customer and are not sold at their stand-alone selling price, we are required to estimate the number of seats the customer will use, especially during the initial ramp period of the contract, during which we bill under an ‘actual usage’ model for subscription-related services. We expect estimated variable consideration to continue to not have a material impact on the allocation of transaction fees to multiple performance obligations.
Current wording
The estimation of variable consideration for each performance obligation requires us to make subjective judgments. In the early stages of our larger contracts, in order to allocate the overall transaction fee on a relative stand-alone selling price basis to our multiple performance obligations, we estimate variable consideration to be included in the transaction fee to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. When services are included in the contract with the customer and are not sold at their stand-alone selling price, we are required to estimate the number of licenses the customer will use, especially during the initial ramp period of the contract, during which we bill under an ‘actual usage’ model for subscription-related services. We expect estimated variable consideration to continue to not have a material impact on the allocation of transaction fees to multiple performance obligations.