EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1372612
Filing Year: 2022
Filename: 1372612_10-K_2022_0000950170-22-003913.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. BUSINESS
Overview
Box is the Content Cloud: one secure, cloud-native platform for managing the entire content journey. Content - from blueprints to wireframes, videos to documents, proprietary formats to PDFs - is the source of an organization’s unique value. Our cloud content management platform enables our customers, including 67% of the Fortune 500, to securely manage the entire content lifecycle, from the moment a file is created or ingested to when it’s shared, edited, published, approved, signed, classified, and retained. Box keeps content secure and compliant, while also allowing easy access and sharing of this content from anywhere, on any device - both within the organization and with external partners.
With our Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, users can collaborate on content both internally and with external parties, automate content-driven business processes, develop custom applications, and implement data protection, security and compliance features to comply with legal and regulatory requirements, internal policies and industry standards and regulations. The Box Content Cloud accelerates business processes, improves employee productivity, enables secure remote work, and protects an organization’s most valuable data. Our platform enables a broad set of high-value business use cases across enterprises, hundreds of file formats and media types, and user experiences. Our platform integrates with leading enterprise business applications, and is compatible with multiple application environments, operating systems and devices, ensuring that workers can securely access their critical business content whenever and wherever they need it.
Our go-to-market strategy is focused on selling our platform as a solution for the entire enterprise with the full set of Box capabilities, leveraging our product suite offerings, and driving high-value significant business outcomes for our customers. This strategy combines top-down, high-touch sales efforts with end-user-driven bottoms-up adoption. We focus our efforts on larger enterprises, capitalizing on international growth, and utilizing our partner ecosystem, where most advantageous. Our sales representatives engage directly with IT decision makers including CEOs, CIOs, CISOs, IT directors and line of business department heads. We also field inbound inquiries and online sales opportunities. We further expand our market reach by leveraging our network of channel partners that comprises value-added resellers and systems integrators as well as our own consulting services. We offer individuals a free basic version of Box that allows them to experience first-hand our easy-to-use and secure solution. Use of Box often spreads virally within and across organizations, as users adopt Box and invite new users to collaborate. In addition, an organization will frequently purchase Box for one use case and then later expand its deployment to other use cases with larger groups of employees, leading to deeper engagement with our service. We focus our sales strategy on ensuring that new and existing customers understand and experience the transformative impact of Box.
We are building a rich technology partner ecosystem around Box. We offer more than 1,500 pre-built integrations with partners including Microsoft, IBM, Salesforce.com, Apple, Google, Slack, Adobe, Palo Alto Networks, Okta, Zoom and others, giving our users easy access to their content in Box without leaving these applications. In addition, in-house enterprise developers and independent software developers can use our developer platform and open application programming interfaces (APIs) to rapidly build and provision new applications that leverage and extend the core functionality of our services, increasingly with a focus on specific industries and vertical market use cases. To date, tens of thousands of third-party developers have leveraged our platform as the secure content layer for their applications.
We are committed to powering how the world does more good together. Box.org mobilizes our technology, talent, partners and institutional assets to enable nonprofits to innovate and fulfill their missions. Founded in 2014, Box.org now serves over 10,000 nonprofits with donated or discounted Box access, employee volunteer hours and cash grants from the Box.org Fund.
The Box Solution
We offer web, mobile and desktop applications for cloud content management on a platform for developing custom applications, as well as industry-specific capabilities. Three core capabilities differentiate Box from potential competitors: frictionless security and compliance powered by our global cloud architecture, seamless external and internal collaboration and workflow automation, and expansive integrations and APIs that extend the value of our Content Cloud to every organization. Box features and functionality include the following:
Frictionless Security and Compliance
•Global Cloud Architecture. We have built our platform from the ground up on a cloud-based architecture, which enables us to rapidly develop, update and provision our services to users. Our proprietary cloud architecture is particularly well-suited for today's dynamically changing business requirements because it enables use of the most up-to-date versions of our solutions at all times and administrators to immediately apply changes in policies and controls across all their organization’s critical content simultaneously. Our modern cloud infrastructure also powers global scalability and reliability with minimal downtime for our customers, ensuring their business-critical content is always secure, compliant, and available.
•Enterprise-Grade Security. We have invested heavily to build robust security features to protect our customers from the most pervasive security threats. At the most basic level, all files stored in Box are encrypted at rest and in transit. Box’s information rights management features enable secure access and management of files by providing granular control over users’ ability to access, view, download, edit, print or share content. With Box KeySafe, organizations can implement higher levels of data security and protection by keeping control of the encryption keys that protect their content. This advanced encryption feature is valuable to many organizations, including those in highly regulated industries such as financial services, health care, government and legal.
•Intelligent Threat Detection and Smart Access with Box Shield. Box Shield uses machine learning to provide granular, real-time threat detection and prevention capabilities. Box Shield reduces the risk of accidental data leakage through native security classifications and granular access controls by, for example, automatically applying classification to files that contain personal identifiable information. Box Shield also uses advanced machine learning to scan files for sophisticated malware (including ransomware) and identify suspicious user behavior to help organizations detect and prevent threats before they become data breaches.
•Comprehensive Data Governance Strategy. Box serves as a secure, centralized system of record for retaining content for operational use while ensuring adherence to applicable laws and regulations, using data retention and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) capabilities. Our data security policies allow customers to apply quarantine or notification-only policies to sensitive confidential files, such as those containing predefined attributes, such as credit card or social security system numbers, and we provide robust integrations for leading eDiscovery and DLP systems. Our Box Governance solution allows customers to manage retention policies, legal holds, and disposition of data.
•Box Zones for In-Region Data Storage. Box Zones enables businesses around the globe to adopt Box as their modern content management platform, while letting them store and manage their data locally in certain regions. This helps organizations address region-specific compliance mandates associated with data residency and privacy. 
•Content Migration. Box Shuttle, our content migration offering, allows organizations of all sizes to easily and cost-effectively migrate their data into Box, regardless of file type or source system. Our powerful migration technology allows for in-depth analysis of existing data on 3rd party source systems, native simulation of the migration for testing purposes, and execution of a comprehensive migration that moves files, metadata, and version history. Additionally, organizations can seamlessly transform file permissions and ownership to ensure that users can continue work uninterrupted. With both self-serve and managed migration options available through Box Consulting, organizations can accelerate their digital transformation by quickly and easily migrating data into the cloud at petabyte scale.
•Focus on Industry-Specific Capabilities. In order to facilitate easier and faster time to market, we offer industry-specific capabilities for those industries that have more complex content and collaboration challenges. These features target specific business problems within those industries with a combination of Box, integration with industry-specific partner technologies, and implementation expertise from Box Consulting and/or implementation partners. For example, Box GxP Validation provides life sciences companies with an approach for maintaining always-on GxP compliance in the cloud and enables organizations subject to Food and Drug Administration regulations to manage both unregulated and regulated content within Box. We successfully serve customers in highly regulated industries with specific requirements relating to compliance with certain security and regulatory standards, such as GxP and FedRAMP, and those required by HIPAA, FINRA, and the HITECH Act.
•Administrative Controls. We give IT administrators powerful tools to define access rights by user, content type, device, and business need. Administrators can set specific content policies such as expiration dates to auto-delete files or deactivate links to time-sensitive materials. They can also manage mobile and sync security settings, including specification of which devices have access to Box and whether certain features are enabled.
•Tracking and Reporting for Visibility. All actions taken by paying business users and their external collaborators in Box are tracked and auditable by our customers’ authorized administrators through Box’s native administrative applications. The tracking and audit data are also accessible to administrators with the appropriate access rights via our APIs.
•Simple and Rapid Deployment. Our cloud-based software allows organizations to deploy our products easily, quickly, and inexpensively. IT administrators can quickly add users, set up permissions, create folders and policies, and begin using our products almost immediately without the need to procure and provision hardware or install and configure software.
To give our customers the flexibility to choose between à la carte and bundled subscription options, we offer Box Shield, Box Governance, Box GxP, Box KeySafe, and Box Zones both as standalone add-ons and as part of our bundled Enterprise Plus plan.
Seamless Collaboration and Workflow
•Internal and External Collaboration. Box offers deep integrations with all major productivity and collaboration platforms so that users can work together on any file type, in whatever format they choose, with content security and access permissions handled consistently within Box. By enabling users to share, preview, and annotate files in Box, we provide a consistent collaboration layer so that all feedback is captured and preserved within Box. Our Annotations feature enables users to add text-based comments or free-form markups on any file type without altering the underlying content so teams can work together without worrying about version control or data loss.
•Electronic Signatures. Box Sign, our natively integrated e-signature capability, allows organizations to easily digitize signature workflows, such as signing contracts, employment offers, or statements of work, right where their content lives - with enterprise-grade security, privacy, and compliance built in. Box Sign provides a seamless signer and sender experiences across web and mobile devices, with flexible template options, support for more than 20 languages, and additional security features like signer verification and password protection. We also offer an open API that allows organizations to power e-signatures in their custom integrations and applications, as well as integrations with tools like Salesforce to embed e-signature workflows in common business processes. Box Sign is available globally and Box Business and Enterprise plans include unlimited web-based signatures available at no additional cost.
•Real-Time Collaboration and Content Authoring. Our native content authoring tool, Box Notes, enables users to seamlessly share and collaborate in real time with internal teams and external partners. Box Notes combines lightweight word processing functionality with easy-to-use tables, content organization, and commenting features to make it easy for users to work together on projects in real time.
•Mobility. Our solution enables users to securely access, manage, share, and collaborate on their content anytime and from anywhere, using nearly any device and a variety of operating systems through both native and web browser applications. Our mobile apps allow users to preview, comment, and collaborate on content from anywhere, as well as make it easy to add content to Box with native scanning, uploading, and classification.
•Elegant, Intuitive and User-Focused Interface. We are dedicated to keeping our solution easy for users to understand with little to no upfront training. We strive to enable quick and viral user adoption by maintaining a simple and elegant interface with compelling access, sharing and collaboration features.
•Built to Handle Content of Nearly Any Type. We have designed our solution to serve as the central content management layer for an organization’s employees. Users can securely access, share, and collaborate on all types of information, regardless of format or file type, including large media files, from virtually any device or operating system.
•Automation and Workflow Management. Box Relay, our no-code process automation tool for content-centric workflows, accelerates productivity by enabling anyone to build simple process automations without code. For example, documents can be routed to specific folders or flagged for user action based on the content of the document. In addition, we provide pre-built workflow templates and reporting capabilities to make it easy for users to track and manage their own workflows. This allows customers to accelerate the flow of information through their organizations and increase the efficiency of their business processes. Box Relay is available within our Business and Enterprise plans.
Integrations and Developer Platform
•Easy Integration with Other Cloud-Based Applications. Our open platform allows for easy integration with other cloud-based and enterprise applications. We offer more than 1,500 pre-built integrations with partners including Microsoft, Google, Adobe, Slack, Palo Alto Networks, Salesforce.com, Zoom, Okta, IBM, Workday, and more, as well as an open API for organizations to integrate Box with other packaged and home-grown applications, including solution applications our customers build for their customers.
•Box Platform. We provide a content Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) product, known as Box Platform, which allows IT teams and third-party developers to extend the power of Box across their applications and build custom content experiences. With our easy-to-use APIs, businesses can create a single source of truth for their content, allowing IT teams to deploy key business applications while easily managing how content is accessed, collaborated on, and secured. Coupled with our robust developer tools, the Box Platform helps organizations accelerate their transformation into digital businesses by building applications faster, without having to invest in building their own content management infrastructure. We also give organizations the ability to apply machine learning algorithms from leading providers such as IBM, Microsoft, and Google, as well as specialized industry-specific vendors directly to content within Box using Box Skills. This eliminates the need for customers to create and manage separate document repositories for performing functions such as image and character recognition, video and audio analysis and transcriptions, and document analysis on business content, thus improving content searchability and business process automation. Box Platform is available as a standalone add-on and as part of our bundled Enterprise Plus plan.
Customers
As of January 31, 2022, we had over 100,000 paying organizations, and our solution was offered in 25 languages. We define paying organizations as separate and distinct buying entities, such as a company, an educational or government institution, or a distinct business unit of a large corporation, that have entered into a subscription agreement with us to utilize our services. Organizations typically purchase our solution in the following ways: (i) employees in one or more small groups within the organization may individually purchase our service; (ii) organizations may purchase IT-sponsored, enterprise-level agreements with deployments for specific, targeted use cases ranging from tens to thousands of user seats; (iii) organizations may purchase IT-sponsored, enterprise-level agreements where the number of user seats sold is intended to accommodate and enable nearly all information workers within the organization in whatever use cases they desire to adopt over the term of the subscription; and (iv) organizations may purchase our Box Platform service to create custom business applications for their internal use and extended ecosystem of customers, suppliers and partners.
We have developed several programs designed to provide customers with service options to quickly get them up and running and enhance their usage of Box. These services include 24x7 support provided by our Customer Success Management group and certain resellers; a professional services ecosystem that consists of our Box Consulting team and system integrators that help customers implement cloud content management oriented use cases; a Customer Success Management group to assist customers in production; and an online community with self-service training materials, best practice guides and product documentation.
No customer represented 10% or more of our revenue in the year ended January 31, 2022. Our geographic revenue and segment information is set forth in Notes 2 and 15, respectively, of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Sales and Marketing
We offer our solution to customers as a subscription-based service, with subscription fees based on customer requirements, including the number of users and functionality deployed. The majority of our customers subscribe to our service through one-year contracts, although we also offer our services for terms ranging from one month to three years or more. We typically invoice our customers at the beginning of the contract term, in multi-year, annual, quarterly or monthly installments. We recognize revenue as we satisfy our performance obligation. Accordingly, due to our subscription model, we recognize revenue for our subscription and premier services ratably over the term of the contract.
We employ a direct sales team to offer a higher touch experience. We also make it easy for users and organizations to subscribe to paid versions of our service on our self-service web portal. Our sales team is composed of inside sales, outbound sales and field sales personnel who are generally organized by account size and geography, and/or major industry focus. We also have a rich ecosystem of channel partners who expand our reach to both large and small enterprises.
We generate customer leads, accelerate sales opportunities and build brand awareness through our marketing programs and through our strategic relationships. Our marketing programs target senior IT leaders, technology professionals and senior line of business leaders.
As a core part of our strategy, we have developed an ecosystem of partners to both broaden and complement our application offerings and to provide a broad array of services that fall outside of Box’s areas of focus. These relationships include software and technology partners, as well as consulting and implementation services providers that enable Box to address a broader set of use cases for our customers.
Sales and marketing expenses were $298.6 million, $275.7 million and $317.6 million for the years ended January 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Research and Development
Our ability to compete depends in large part on our continuous commitment to product development and our ability to rapidly introduce new applications, technologies, features and functionality. In simple conceptual form, we provide a single, secure, easy-to-use platform built for the entire content lifecycle. In practice, we develop and maintain a set of sophisticated software services (e.g., search, share, secure, convert/view, logging) around content. These services, which comprise our platform, are used to develop our own applications (e.g., sync, desktop, web, native mobile) and also support the development of third-party applications.
Our product development organization is responsible for the specification, design, development and testing of our platform and applications. We focus our efforts on providing a platform that accelerates business processes, improves employee productivity, enables secure remote work, and protects an organization’s most valuable data. We strive to continually improve our applications so that they help users and teams become more productive in their day-to-day work.
Research and development expenses were $218.5 million, $201.3 million and $199.8 million for the years ended January 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Competition
The cloud content management market is large, highly competitive and highly fragmented. It is subject to rapidly evolving technology, shifting customer needs and frequent introductions of new products and services. We face competition from a broad spectrum of technology providers: traditional cloud content management vendors who deploy on-premise and offer deep records management, business process workflow, and archival capabilities; newer mobile enterprise vendors who are beginning to enter the content collaboration market; vendors whose core competency is simple file sync and share, which can be deployed on-premises, hybrid, or via a SaaS delivery model; and social collaboration vendors who focus on the conversations that occur between teams. Our primary competitors in the cloud content management market include, but are not limited to, Microsoft and OpenText (Documentum). In
the enterprise file sync and share market, our primary competitors include, but are not limited to, Microsoft, Google and, to a lesser extent, Dropbox.
We may face future competition in our markets from other large, established companies, as well as from smaller specialized companies. In addition, we expect continued consolidation in our industry which could adversely alter the competitive dynamics of our markets including both pricing and our ability to compete successfully for customers.
The principal competitive factors in our market include:
•enterprise-grade security and compliance;
•scalability of product and infrastructure for large deployments;
•ability to store content in multiple geographic locations;
•speed, availability, and reliability of the service;
•low-cost, quick deployment;
•agnostic to device, operating system, and file type;
•ease of user experience;
•customer-centric product development;
•current and forward-thinking product development;
•automation and workflow management;
•depth of integration into enterprise applications, including office productivity, desktop and mobile tools;
•rich ecosystem of channel partners and applications;
•open, extensible platform and APIs for custom application development;
•intelligent content management including metadata capabilities;
•superior customer service and commitment to customer success;
•strength of professional services organization; and
•self-service content migration tools.
We believe that we compete favorably on the basis of these factors, primarily because of our industry-leading security and compliance, cloud-native approach to real-time, internal and external collaboration, integrations and open platform. Our ability to remain competitive will depend to a great extent upon our ongoing performance in the areas of product development, core technical innovation, platform and partner ecosystem, and customer support. In addition, many of our competitors may have greater name recognition, longer operating histories, larger marketing budgets, significantly greater resources and established relationships with our partners and customers, which can give them advantageous positioning for their products despite other competitive merits of respective product features and functionality. Some competitors may be able to devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of their products than we can to ours, which could allow them to respond more quickly than we can to new technologies and changes in customer needs.
Intellectual Property
We rely on a combination of trade secrets, patents, copyrights and trademarks, as well as contractual protections, to establish and protect our intellectual property rights. As of January 31, 2022, our patents were set to expire between 2028 and 2040. We intend to pursue additional patent protection to the extent that we believe it would be beneficial and cost effective.
We require our employees, contractors, consultants and other third parties to enter into confidentiality and proprietary rights agreements and control access to software, documentation and other proprietary information. Although we rely on the intellectual property rights and contractual protections described above, we believe that factors such as the technological and creative skills of our personnel, creation of new modules, features and functionality, and frequent enhancements to our applications are more essential to establishing and maintaining our technology leadership position.
Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary technology and our intellectual property rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or obtain and use our technology to develop applications with the same functionality as our services. Policing unauthorized use of our technology and intellectual property rights on a global basis is difficult.
We expect that software and other applications in our industry may be subject to third-party infringement claims as the number of competitors grows and the functionality of applications in different industry segments overlaps. Any of these third parties might make a claim of infringement against us at any time.
Backlog
We generally sign annual and multi-year subscription contracts for our cloud content management services. The frequency of our invoices to each customer is negotiated and varies among our subscription contracts. We continued to focus on annual payment frequencies for multi-year contracts in the twelve months ended January 31, 2022. As a result, for multi-year contracts, we frequently invoice an initial amount at contract signing followed by subsequent annual invoices. Until amounts are invoiced, they are typically not recorded in deferred revenue, billings or elsewhere in our consolidated financial statements other than disclosed as part of remaining performance obligations. To the extent future invoicing is determined to be certain, we consider such future subscription invoices to be non-cancellable backlog, which is disclosed as part of remaining performance obligations. Future invoicing is determined to be certain when we have an executed non-cancellable contract or a significant penalty that is due upon cancellation, and invoicing is not dependent on a future event such as the delivery of a specific new product or feature, or the achievement of contractual contingencies. We had $541.5 million and $438.1 million of non-cancellable backlog as of January 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase of non-cancellable backlog as of January 31, 2022 was primarily driven by expansion within existing customers as they broadened their deployment of our product offerings, longer customer contract durations, the addition of new customers, and the timing of customer-driven renewals.
We expect that the amount of backlog relative to the total value of our contracts will change from year to year due to several factors, including the timing and duration of customer subscription agreements, varying price, volume, and invoicing cycles of subscription contracts, the timing of scheduled customer renewals, and foreign currency fluctuations. Accordingly, we believe that fluctuations in backlog are not always a reliable indicator of future revenue and we do not utilize backlog as a key management metric internally.
Human Capital Resources
Our company is built on people: We call them Boxers. They come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, and each of them has a unique story to tell. Our goal is to fully leverage and engage the individual talents and capabilities of our diverse teams, ultimately creating an inclusive environment where Boxers feel they belong. As of January 31, 2022, we employed 2,172 people. None of our employees are represented by a labor union. We have not experienced any work stoppages, and we consider our relations with our employees to be very good. Box was recognized as #5 in Glassdoor Best Places to Work in 2022 and as one of Great Place to Work’s Best Workplaces for Parents in 2021.
Diversity and Inclusion
One of our core values is creating a space where all Boxers can “Bring your (_____) self to work.” We take great pride in celebrating our differences, and we hire the best talent from all backgrounds. We want to build teams that are as diverse as our customers and the world we live in, with a broad representation of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, backgrounds, and perspectives - among many other dimensions of diversity.
When it comes to recruiting, our hiring philosophy is centered around the belief that building diverse teams enables us to do our best work. Our people and communities team hosts various training sessions focused on unconscious bias and interviewing best practices that are available to all Boxers through our LearnFest training series every quarter. Our recruiting team has specifically embedded unconscious bias topics into our company wide hiring guides, also known as the Box Recruiting Guides. Additionally, we have implemented programs such as culture interviewing and standardized assessments across the company to further limit unconscious bias in our hiring process. At our executive recruiting level, our policy is to interview at least one candidate from underrepresented backgrounds for all positions at the director level or above before making a hiring decision. At the university recruiting level, we have instituted programs to connect with underrepresented student groups and create a more fair and equitable hiring process. For example, our Box Business Fellowship provides students of historically underrepresented backgrounds with an opportunity to explore business careers in the tech industry. This program helps students develop the skills to succeed in tech industry roles and provides them with insights into the career opportunities available to them. In addition, participants in this program are also invited to an expedited interview process for available roles at Box.
We also ensure that Boxers can Bring their (_____) Self to Work by creating safe spaces for engagement and providing opportunities for networking and development, while promoting a culture of learning and allyship to ensure that the needs of underrepresented Boxers are supported. We support a dynamic array of employee-led resource communities for historically underrepresented groups and different communities at Box, including Box Women’s Network, Black Excellence Network, Latinx, Pride, and Box Vets, among others.
Learning and Development
We want all of our employees to have thriving careers where they grow and develop in meaningful ways. There is no one-size-fits-all career path at Box, so we seek to ensure that every Boxer has the tools and support they need to drive their career. We do this by giving all Boxers access to learning and development opportunities based around individual needs in order to build up skill sets and experience. These initiatives include:
•Internal mobility: We acknowledge that career progression looks less like a ladder and more like a climbing wall. We stand behind the idea that enabling our employees to work cross-functionally and within different teams provides a broader perspective of Box that will allow them to succeed in the future.
•LearnFest: LearnFest, our learning lineup for skill development and personal and professional growth, happens three times each year. During LearnFest, the entire company has focused time for trainings, workshops, book clubs, and other learning events.
•Professional coaching and external leadership development programs: We offer targeted professional coaching for all levels of our executive leadership team (i.e., director-level and above) as well as access to business education and networking programs such as The Leadership Consortium (Harvard), Stanford’s Women’s Executive Leadership program and AWE, Advancing Women Executives.
•On-Demand Learning: We offer all Boxers access to an on-demand learning platform so they can develop anywhere, anytime, in any skills. There are more than 2,000 courses available at the disposal of any Boxer eager to learn, including over 600 courses aimed at personal development, management, and leadership plus hundreds of tech-based functional skill trainings.
Pay Equity
We hold ourselves accountable, which is why we signed the California Equal Pay Pledge. As part of our commitment, we conduct an annual companywide gender pay analysis on hiring and promotion procedures to reduce unconscious bias and structural barriers to equitable compensation. In addition, we externally benchmark the compensation we provide for each role to ensure pay parity, and provide periodic pay equity updates to the compensation committee of our board of directors.
Boxer Experience Surveys
We survey employees two times a year to ensure that everyone’s voice gets heard and we better understand the key areas where we can improve employee experience. These key areas include our experience with our managers, our ability to get work done, and our sense of belonging at work. Survey results are reviewed and become part of our action plans at all levels of the organization. Our People and Communities team incorporates survey feedback into our programs, policies, and the cultivated experiences that drive our culture. Our functional leaders leverage the feedback to drive annual plans across their teams to improve efficiency, establish communication channels, and reinforce behaviors aligned with our values. Finally, following each survey, managers discuss employee experience results with their team and form a plan to address issues that are identified in survey results.
Employee Health and Safety
The health and safety of our employees is one of our top priorities. We strive to create an environment where Boxers are physically and mentally safe and healthy. We offer a comprehensive health and wellness benefits package to all employees.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, we convened a cross-functional team made up of leaders from across our organization who continue to meet frequently to ensure Boxers' safety and that business crisis plans are enacted, communicated, and running smoothly. As part of these plans, Box is currently offering flexible remote work arrangements to employees. To support the well-being of Boxers during these challenging times, we launched “Fresh Air Fridays” and "Mental Health Mondays," global company-wide days of paid time off, offered subscriptions to an app for meditation and mental health, partnered with a third-party family support system for families at Box, and provided additional paid time off for our employees, among other things.
Sustainability
Left unchecked, climate change disrupts the global economy, our company, and our stakeholders - so we take to heart our responsibility to protect the planet. We move organizations from legacy and paper-based processes to the cloud so customers can work securely and efficiently from anywhere. This reduces both office waste and commuting. As part of our mission to build a better world together, we have implemented various initiatives which include:
•Doing our best work from anywhere: The COVID-19 crisis made our mission more critical by heightening the need for safe remote work at home and strong business continuity plans. Cloud technology, coupled with a flexible, open culture and best-of-breed solutions, allows us to work sustainably while supporting customers when and how they need us most.
•Keeping our workplace green: We go to great lengths to reduce our impact and promote sustainability in our offices, especially as our offices begin to re-open. Some examples include using reusable bottles, plates, silverware, and sustainable packaging, while limiting single-use plastics; electric vehicle charging stations free to employees at Box headquarters; and certain subsidized transit benefits to U.S. employees returning to the office.
•Renewable energy: We focus on continuing to reduce our carbon footprint and using data centers that have achieved, or have committed to achieve, 100% renewable energy targets.
•The Green Team: As part of our company values, employees are encouraged to "be an owner" inside and outside Box. The Green Team is a Box employee group dedicated to protecting our planet. Among recent highlights by employee-led teams, our Redwood City office removed 200+ pounds of trash from Half Moon Bay and raised funds for the Nature Conservancy.
Corporate Information
Our website address is www.box.com, and our investor relations website is located at www.box.com/investors. The information on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We were incorporated in 2005 as Box.Net, Inc., a Washington corporation, and later reincorporated in 2008 under the same name as a Delaware corporation. In November 2011, we changed our name to Box, Inc. The Box design logo, “Box” and our other registered and common law trade names, trademarks and service marks are the property of Box, Inc. Other trademarks, service marks, or trade names appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are the property of their respective owners.
Available Information
We file annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information that we file with the SEC electronically. Copies of our reports on Form 10-K, Forms 10-Q, Forms 8-K, and amendments to those reports may also be obtained, free of charge, electronically through our investor relations website located at www.box.com/investors as soon as reasonably practical after we file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.
We also use our investor relations website as a channel of distribution for important company information. Important information, including press releases, analyst presentations and financial information regarding us, as well as corporate governance information, is routinely posted and accessible on certain Twitter accounts, such as @box, @levie and @boxincir. Information on, or that can be accessed through, our websites or these Twitter accounts is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the inclusion of our website addresses and Twitter accounts are inactive textual references only.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
Investing in our Class A common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes, before making a decision to invest in our Class A common stock. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the market price of our Class A common stock could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment.
Risk Factors Summary
Our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those risks discussed at length below. These risks include, among others, the following:
•The market in which we participate is intensely competitive, and if we do not compete effectively, our operating results could be harmed.
•Our business depends substantially on customers renewing their subscriptions with us and expanding their use of our services. Any decline in our customer renewals or failure to convince our customers to broaden their use of our services would harm our future operating results.
•If the market for cloud-based enterprise services declines or develops more slowly than we expect, our business could be adversely affected.
•Because we recognize revenue from subscriptions for our services over the term of the subscription, downturns or upturns in new business may not be immediately reflected in our operating results.
•If we are unable to attract new customers at rates that are consistent with our expectations, our future revenue and operating results could be adversely impacted.
•The continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the resultant economic impacts, may have an adverse effect on our business, operations and future financial performance.
•The Russian invasion of Ukraine, including the resultant economic impacts, may have an adverse effect on our business, operations, and future performance.
•As a substantial portion of our sales efforts are increasingly focused on cloud content management use cases and are targeted at enterprise and highly-regulated customers, our sales cycles may become longer and more expensive, we may encounter greater pricing pressure and implementation and customization challenges, and we may have to delay revenue recognition for more complicated transactions, all of which could harm our business and operating results.
•If we fail to meet the service level commitments we provide under our subscription agreements, we could be obligated to provide credits or refunds for prepaid amounts related to unused subscription services or face subscription terminations, which could adversely affect our revenue. Furthermore, any failure in our delivery of high-quality customer support services may adversely affect our relationships with our customers and our financial results.
•Actual or perceived security vulnerabilities in our services or any breaches of our security controls and unauthorized access to our or a customer’s data could harm our business and operating results.
•Privacy concerns and laws or other domestic or foreign regulations may reduce the effectiveness of our services and harm our business.
•If we are not able to satisfy data protection, security, privacy, and other government- and industry-specific requirements, our growth could be harmed.
•Our platform must integrate with a variety of operating systems and software applications that are developed by others, and if we are unable to ensure that our solutions interoperate with such systems and applications, our service may become less competitive, and our operating results may be harmed.
•If we fail to effectively manage our technical operations infrastructure, our customers may experience service outages and delays in the deployment of our services, which may adversely affect our business.
•Interruptions or delays in service from our third-party data center hosting facilities and cloud computing and hosting providers could impair the delivery of our services and harm our business.
•Our services are becoming increasingly mission-critical for our customers and if these services fail to perform properly or if we are unable to scale our services to meet the needs of our customers, our reputation could be adversely affected, our market share could decline and we could be subject to liability claims.
•Our growth depends in part on the success of our strategic relationships with third parties.
•We depend on our key employees and other highly skilled personnel to grow and operate our business, and if we are unable to hire, retain and motivate our personnel, we may not be able to grow effectively.
•Failure to adequately expand and optimize our direct sales force and successfully maintain our online sales experience will impede our growth.
•Any acquisitions and investments we make could disrupt our business and harm our financial condition and operating results.
•We may be sued by third parties for alleged infringement of their proprietary rights.
•Any failure to protect our intellectual property rights could impair our ability to protect our proprietary technology and brand.
•Servicing our future debt may require a significant amount of cash, and we may not have sufficient cash flow from our business to settle conversions of our convertible senior notes in cash, repay the convertible senior notes at maturity, or repurchase the convertible senior notes as required following a fundamental change.
•Our business could be negatively affected as a result of actions of activist shareholders.
•Our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock has rights, preferences and privileges that are not held by, and are preferential to the rights of, our Class A common stockholders, which could adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.
Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry
The market in which we participate is intensely competitive, and if we do not compete effectively, our operating results could be harmed.
The market for cloud content management services is fragmented, rapidly evolving and highly competitive, with relatively low barriers to entry for certain applications and services. Many of our competitors and potential competitors are larger and have greater brand recognition, longer operating histories, and significantly greater resources than we do. Our primary competitors in the cloud content management market include Microsoft and OpenText (Documentum). In the enterprise file sync and share market, our primary competitors include Microsoft, Google and, to a lesser extent, Dropbox. With the introduction of new technologies and market entrants, we expect competition to intensify in the future. If we fail to compete effectively, our business will be harmed. Some of our competitors offer their products or services at a lower price or for free, which has placed pricing pressure on our business. If we are unable to achieve our target pricing levels, our operating results will be negatively impacted. In addition, pricing pressures and increased competition could result in reduced sales, lower margins, losses or the failure of our services to achieve or maintain widespread market acceptance, any of which could harm our business.
Many of our competitors are able to devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of their products or services. In addition, many of our competitors have established marketing relationships and major distribution agreements with channel partners, consultants, system integrators and resellers. Moreover, many software vendors could bundle products or offer them at lower prices as part of a broader product sale or enterprise license arrangement. Competitors may offer products or services that address business execution functions at lower prices or with greater depth than our services. Our competitors may be able to respond more quickly and effectively to new or changing opportunities, technologies, standards or customer requirements. Furthermore, some potential customers, particularly large enterprises, may elect to develop their own internal solutions. For any of these reasons, we may not be able to compete successfully against our competitors.
Our business depends substantially on customers renewing their subscriptions with us and expanding their use of our services. Any decline in our customer renewals or failure to convince our customers to broaden their use of our services would harm our future operating results.
In order for us to maintain or improve our operating results, it is important that our customers renew their subscriptions with us when their existing subscription term expires. We cannot assure you that customers will renew their subscriptions upon expiration at the same or higher level of service, if at all. Although our net retention rate has increased in recent quarters, we have also experienced periods where it has decreased and it may decrease again in the future if our customers do not renew their subscriptions with us or decrease their use of our services. Our net retention rate was approximately 111% and 102% as of January 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Although our net retention rate has increased in recent quarters, it may decline or fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including our customers’ satisfaction with our services, the effectiveness of our customer support services, the performance of our partners and resellers, our pricing, the prices of competing products or services, mergers and acquisitions affecting our customer base, our ability to successfully integrate acquired technology into our products, our ability to execute on our product roadmap, the effects of global economic conditions, such as those arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, or reductions in our customers’ spending levels. If our customers do not renew their subscriptions, renew them on less favorable terms, purchase fewer seats, or fail to purchase new product offerings, our revenue may decline, and we may not realize improved operating results from our customer base.
In addition, our business growth depends in part on our customers expanding their use of our services. The use of our cloud content management platform often expands within an organization as new users are added or as additional services are purchased by or for other departments within an organization. Further, as we have introduced new services throughout our operating history, our existing customers have constituted a significant portion of the users of such services. If our customers do not expand their use of our services, our operating results may be adversely affected.
If the market for cloud-based enterprise services declines or develops more slowly than we expect, our business could be adversely affected.
The market for cloud-based enterprise services is not as mature as the on-premise enterprise software market. Because we derive, and expect to continue to derive, substantially all of our revenue and cash flows from sales of our cloud content management solutions, our success will depend to a substantial extent on the widespread adoption of cloud computing in general and of cloud-based content management services in particular. Many organizations have invested substantial personnel and financial resources to integrate traditional enterprise software into their organizations and may be reluctant or unwilling to migrate to a cloud-based model for managing their content. It is difficult to predict customer adoption rates and demand for our services, the future growth rate and size of the cloud computing market or the entry of competitive services. The expansion of the cloud content management market depends on a number of factors, including the cost, performance and perceived value associated with cloud computing, as well as the ability of companies that provide cloud-based services to address security and privacy concerns. If there is a reduction in demand for cloud-based services, it could result in decreased revenue, harm our growth rates, and adversely affect our business and operating results.
Because we recognize revenue from subscriptions for our services over the term of the subscription, downturns or upturns in new business may not be immediately reflected in our operating results.
We generally recognize revenue from customers ratably over the terms of their subscription agreements, which are typically one year, although we also offer our services for terms ranging from one month to three years or more. As a result, most of the revenue we report in each quarter is the result of subscription agreements entered into during prior quarters. Consequently, a decline in new or renewed subscriptions in any one quarter may not be reflected in our revenue results for that quarter. However, any such decline will negatively affect our revenue in future quarters. Accordingly, the effect of significant downturns in sales, our failure to achieve our internal sales targets, a decline in the market acceptance of our services, or a decrease in our net retention rate may not be fully reflected in our operating results until future periods. Our subscription model also makes it difficult for us to rapidly increase our revenue through additional sales in any period, as revenue from additional sales must be recognized over the applicable subscription term.
If we are unable to attract new customers at rates that are consistent with our expectations, our future revenue and operating results could be adversely impacted.
In order for us to improve our operating results and continue to grow our business, it is important that we continue to attract new customers and expand deployment of our solutions and products with existing customers. To the extent we are successful in increasing our customer base, we could incur increased losses because costs associated with new customers are generally incurred up front, while revenue is recognized ratably over the term of our subscription services. Alternatively, to the extent we are unsuccessful in increasing our customer base, we could also incur increased losses as costs associated with marketing programs and new products intended to attract new customers would not be offset by incremental revenue and cash flow. Catastrophic events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may financially impact our existing and prospective customers and cause them to delay or reduce their technology spending, which may adversely affect our ability to attract new customers. All of these factors could negatively impact our future revenue and operating results.
The continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic may have an adverse effect on our business, operations and future financial performance.
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Governments and municipalities around the world have instituted measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including quarantines, shelter-in-place orders, school closures, travel restrictions, vaccine mandates, and closure of non-essential businesses. These measures have led to significant adverse economic impacts which have had, and could continue to have, an adverse impact on our business operations in a number of ways, including, without limitation, (1) disruptions to our sales operations and marketing efforts as a result of restrictions on our sales team's ability to travel and meet customers in person, (2) negative impacts on our customers and prospects that could result in (i) extended customer sales cycles, delayed spending on our services, impairment of our ability to collect accounts receivable, and (ii) reduced payment frequencies, demand for our services, renewal rates, and spending on our services, and (3) negative impacts to the financial condition or operations of our vendors and business partners, as well as disruptions to the supply chain of hardware needed to offer our services. Moreover, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our offices in the United States have been closed since March 2020. Although we have begun re-opening offices in the United States for non-essential employees on a voluntary basis, our transition to a hybrid workforce (with a mix of employees working from offices and others working remotely) may lead to disruptions and decreased productivity and other adverse operational business impacts. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant economic impact affects our business, results of operations and financial condition will depend on future developments (such as the potential emergence of new variants, vaccines, treatments, and government responses to such developments), which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.
Adverse economic conditions may negatively impact our business.
Our business depends on the overall demand for cloud content management services and on the economic health of our current and prospective customers. The United States and other key international economies have experienced cyclical downturns from time to time that have resulted in a significant weakening of the economy, more limited availability of credit, a reduction in business confidence and activity, and other difficulties that may
affect the industries to which we sell our services. An economic downturn, recession, or uncertainty about economic conditions, including the effects of COVID-19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, could cause customers to delay or reduce their information technology spending. This could result in reduced sales, longer sales cycles, slower adoption of new technologies and increased price competition. Any of these events would likely have an adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial position. In addition, there can be no assurance that cloud content management and collaboration spending levels will increase following any recovery.
If we are not able to successfully launch new products and services or provide enhancements or new features to our existing products and services, our business could be adversely affected.
Our industry is marked by rapid technological developments and new and enhanced applications and services. If we are unable to enhance our existing services or offer new services such as our electronic signature offering, Box Sign, that achieve market acceptance or keep pace with rapid technological developments, our business could be adversely affected. The success of any new services or enhancements to our existing services depends on several factors, including their timely completion, introduction and market acceptance. We also may experience business or economic disruptions that could adversely affect the productivity of our employees and result in delays in our product development process. For example, we have begun re-opening our offices in the United States to non-essential personnel for the first time in two years and transitioning to a hybrid workforce (with a mix of employees working from offices and others working remotely), which may lead to disruptions and decreased productivity that could result in delays in our product development process. Failure in this regard may significantly impair our revenue growth and our future financial results. In addition, because our services are designed to operate on a variety of systems, we must continuously modify and enhance our services to keep pace with changes in internet-related hardware, mobile operating systems, and other software, communication, browser and database technologies. We may not be successful in developing these modifications and enhancements or bringing them to market in a timely fashion. Furthermore, modifications to existing platforms or technologies will increase our research and development expenses. Any failure of our services to operate effectively with existing or future network platforms and technologies could reduce the demand for our services, result in customer dissatisfaction and adversely affect our business.
Our sales to government entities are subject to a number of additional challenges and risks.
We sell to government customers, which can be highly competitive, often requiring significant upfront time and expense without any assurance that these efforts will generate a sale. Government certification requirements may change, or we may lose one or more government certifications, and in doing so restrict our ability to sell into the government sector or maintain existing government customers until we attain revised certifications. Government demand and payment for our products and services are affected by public sector budgetary cycles and funding authorizations, with funding reductions or delays adversely affecting public sector demand for our solutions. Moreover, an extended federal government shutdown resulting from budgetary decisions may limit or delay federal government spending on our solutions and adversely affect our revenue. Government entities may also have statutory, contractual or other legal rights to terminate contracts with us for convenience or due to a default, and any such termination may adversely affect our future operating results.
As our sales efforts are increasingly focused on cloud content management use cases and are targeted at enterprise and highly-regulated customers, our sales cycles may become longer and more expensive, we may encounter greater pricing pressure and implementation and customization challenges, and we may have to delay revenue recognition for more complicated transactions, all of which could harm our business and operating results.
As our sales efforts are increasingly focused on cloud content management use cases and are targeted at enterprise and highly-regulated customers, we face greater costs, longer sales cycles and less predictability in the completion of some of our sales. In this market segment, a customer’s decision to use our services may be an enterprise-wide decision. These types of sales opportunities require us to provide greater levels of customer education regarding the uses and benefits of our services, as well as education regarding security, privacy, and data protection laws and regulations, especially for customers in more heavily regulated industries or with significant international operations. In addition, larger enterprises may demand more customization, integration, support services, and features. Furthermore, our sales efforts may be impeded by catastrophic events, including public health
epidemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, that limit our ability to travel or meet customers in person. These factors could increase our costs, lengthen our sales cycles and leave fewer sales support and professional services resources for other customers. Professional services may also be performed by a third party or a combination of our own staff and a third party. Our strategy is to work with third parties to increase the breadth of capability and depth of capacity for delivery of these services to our customers. If a customer is not satisfied with the quality or interoperability of our services with their own IT environment, we could incur additional costs to address the situation, which could adversely affect our margins. Moreover, any customer dissatisfaction with our services could damage our ability to encourage broader adoption of our services by that customer. In addition, any negative publicity resulting from such situations, regardless of its accuracy, may further damage our business by affecting our ability to compete for new business with current and prospective customers.
If we fail to meet the service level commitments we provide under our subscription agreements, we could be obligated to provide credits or refunds for prepaid amounts related to unused subscription services or face subscription terminations, which could adversely affect our revenue. Furthermore, any failure in our delivery of high-quality customer support services may adversely affect our relationships with our customers and our financial results.
Our customer subscription agreements provide service level commitments. If we are unable to meet our service level commitments or suffer periods of downtime that exceed the periods allowed under our customer agreements, we may be obligated to provide customers with service credits which could significantly impact our revenue in the period in which the downtime occurs and the credits could be due. We have encountered issues in the past, and may again in the future, that have caused Box services to be temporarily unavailable. We could also face subscription terminations, which could significantly impact our current and future revenue. Any extended service outages could also adversely affect our reputation, which would also impact our future revenue and operating results.
Our customers depend on us to resolve technical issues relating to our services. We may be unable to respond quickly enough to accommodate short-term increases in customer demand for support services. Increased customer demand for these services, without corresponding revenue, could increase costs and adversely affect our operating results. In addition, our sales process is highly dependent on the ease of use of our services, our reputation and positive recommendations from our existing customers. Any failure to maintain, or a market perception that we do not maintain, high-quality customer support could adversely affect our reputation and our ability to sell our services to existing and prospective customers.
We are in the process of expanding our international operations, which exposes us to significant risks.
A key element of our growth strategy is to expand our international operations and develop a worldwide customer base. In addition, we have opened, and may continue to open, international offices and hire employees to work at these offices in order to gain access to additional talent. For example, we recently established an office in Warsaw, Poland and acquired SignRequest B.V., a company located in The Netherlands. Operating in international markets requires significant resources and management attention and will subject us to regulatory, economic, geographic, social, and political risks that differ from those in the United States. Because of our limited experience with international operations and significant differences between international and U.S. markets, we may not succeed in creating demand for our services outside of the United States or in effectively selling our services in all of the international markets we enter. In addition, we will face challenges in doing business internationally that could adversely affect our business, including:
•the need to localize and adapt our services for specific countries, including translation into foreign languages and associated expenses;
•laws (and changes to such laws) relating to privacy, data protection and data transfer that, among other things, could require that customer data be stored and processed in a designated territory;
•difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations;
•different pricing environments, longer sales cycles and longer accounts receivable payment cycles and collections issues;
•new and different sources of competition;
•weaker protection for intellectual property and other legal rights than in the United States and practical difficulties in enforcing intellectual property and other rights outside of the United States;
•laws and business practices favoring local competitors, including economic tariffs;
•changes in the geopolitical environment, the perception of doing business with U.S. based companies, and changes in regulatory requirements that impact our operating strategies, access to global markets or hiring;
•compliance challenges related to the complexity of multiple, conflicting and changing governmental laws and regulations, including employment, tax, privacy and data protection laws and regulations;
•increased financial accounting and reporting burdens and complexities;
•restrictions on the transfer of funds;
•reliance on third-party resellers and other parties;
•adverse tax consequences; and
•unstable regional, economic, social and political conditions, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
We sell our services and incur operating expenses in various currencies. Therefore, fluctuations in the relative value of the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies may impact our operating results. We currently manage our exchange rate risk by matching foreign currency assets with payables and by maintaining minimal non-U.S. dollar cash reserves, but we do not have any other hedging programs in place to limit the risk of exchange rate fluctuation. In the future, however, to the extent our foreign currency exposures become more material, we may elect to deploy normal and customary hedging practices designed to more proactively mitigate such exposure. We cannot be certain such practices will ultimately be available and/or effective at mitigating all foreign currency risk to which we are exposed. If we are unsuccessful in detecting material exposures in a timely manner, any hedging strategies we deploy are not effective, or there are no hedging strategies available for certain exposures that are prudent given the associated risks and the potential mitigation of the underlying exposure achieved, our operating results or financial position could be adversely affected in the future.
In addition, the United Kingdom’s (UK) withdrawal from the European Union (EU), or Brexit, became effective on January 31, 2020. The UK and EU subsequently signed an EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. This agreement provides details on how some aspects of the UK and EU’s relationship will operate going forward, however there continues to be uncertainty over the practical consequences of Brexit. Many of the regulations that now apply in the UK will likely be amended in the future as the UK determines its new approach, which may result in significant divergence from EU regulations. This lack of clarity could lead to economic and legal uncertainty, including significant volatility in global stock markets and currency exchange rates, among other things. Any of these effects of Brexit, among others, could adversely affect our operations, especially in the United Kingdom, and our financial results.
If we are unable to maintain and promote our brand, our business and operating results may be harmed.
We believe that maintaining and promoting our brand is critical to expanding our customer base. Maintaining and promoting our brand will depend largely on our ability to continue to provide useful, reliable and innovative services, which we may not do successfully. We may introduce new features, products, services or terms of service that our customers do not like, which may negatively affect our brand and reputation. Additionally, the actions of third parties may affect our brand and reputation if customers do not have a positive experience using third-party apps or other services that are integrated with Box. Maintaining and enhancing our brand may require us to make substantial investments, and these investments may not achieve the desired goals. If we fail to successfully promote and maintain our brand or if we incur excessive expenses in this effort, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.
We have a history of cumulative losses, and we may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability.
We incurred net losses of $41.5 million, $43.4 million, and $144.3 million in our fiscal years ended January 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of January 31, 2022, we had an accumulated deficit of $1.4 billion. These losses and accumulated deficit reflect the substantial investments we made to acquire new customers and develop our services. We intend to continue scaling our business to increase our number of users and paying organizations and to meet the increasingly complex needs of our customers. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will achieve profitability in the future or that, if we do become profitable, we will sustain profitability.
Our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly and may not fully reflect the underlying performance of our business.
Our quarterly operating results may vary significantly in the future, and period-to-period comparisons of our operating results may not be meaningful. Accordingly, the results of any one quarter should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. Our quarterly financial results may fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors, and as a result, may not fully reflect the underlying performance of our business. Factors that may cause fluctuations in our quarterly financial results include, but are not limited to:
•our ability to attract and retain new customers;
•our ability to convert users of our limited free version to paying customers;
•the addition or loss of large customers, including through acquisitions or consolidations;
•changes in our net retention rate;
•the timing of revenue recognition;
•the impact on billings of customer shifts between payment frequencies;
•the amount and timing of operating expenses related to the maintenance and expansion of our business, operations and infrastructure;
•network or service outages, internet disruptions, disruptions to the availability of our service, or actual or perceived security breaches, incidents and vulnerabilities;
•general economic, industry and market conditions, including those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine;
•changes in our go-to-market strategies and/or pricing policies and/or those of our competitors;
•seasonal variations in our billings results and sales of our services, which have historically been highest in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year;
•the timing and success of new services and product introductions by us and our competitors or any other change in the competitive dynamics of our industry, including consolidation or new entrants among competitors, customers or strategic partners;
•changes in usage or adoption rates of content management services;
•the success of our strategic partnerships, including the performance of our resellers; and
•the timing of expenses related to the development or acquisition of technologies or businesses and potential future charges for impairment of goodwill from acquired companies.
Risks Related to Data Privacy and Data Security
Actual or perceived security vulnerabilities in our services or any breaches of our security controls and unauthorized access to our or a customer’s data could harm our business and operating results.
The services we offer involve the storage of large amounts of our and our customers’ sensitive and proprietary information, some of which may be considered personally identifiable. Cyberattacks and other malicious internet-based activity, including ransomware, malware and viruses, continue to increase in frequency and magnitude and we
face security threats from malicious third parties that could obtain unauthorized access to, or disrupt, our systems, infrastructure and networks. These threats may come from a variety of sources including nation-state sponsored espionage and hacking activities, industrial espionage, organized crime, sophisticated organizations, hacking groups and individuals and insider threats. These sources can also implement social engineering techniques to induce our partners, users, employees or customers to disclose passwords or other sensitive information or take other actions to gain access to our data or our users’ data. Hackers that acquire user account information at other companies can attempt to use that information to compromise the accounts of personnel, or our users’ accounts if an account shares the same sensitive information such as passwords. As we increase our customer base, our brand becomes more widely known and recognized, and our service is used in more heavily regulated industries where there may be a greater concentration of sensitive and protected data, such as healthcare, government, life sciences, and financial services, we may become more of a target for these malicious third parties.
In addition, because Box is configured by administrators and users to select their default settings, the third-party integrations they enable, and their privacy and permissions settings, an administrator or user could intentionally or inadvertently configure settings to share their sensitive data. For example, a Box user can choose to share the content they store in Box with third parties by creating a link that can be customized to be accessible by anyone with the link. While this feature is designed to be used for a variety of legitimate use cases in which a user wishes to share non-sensitive content with a broad or public audience, if a user were to intentionally or inadvertently configure a setting that allowed public access to their sensitive data, that data could be discovered and accessed by an unintended third party.
There can be no assurance that any security measures that we or third parties on which we rely have implemented will be effective against current or future security threats, and we cannot guarantee that our systems and networks or those of such third parties have not been breached or otherwise compromised, or that they and any software in our or their supply chains do not contain bugs, vulnerabilities, or compromised code that could result in a breach of or disruption to our systems and networks or the systems and networks of third parties that support us or our products or services. Given that our customers manage significant amounts of sensitive and proprietary information on our platform, and many of our customers are in heavily regulated industries where there may be a greater concentration of sensitive and proprietary data, our reputation and market position are particularly sensitive to impacts from actual or perceived security breaches or incidents, security vulnerabilities, or concerns regarding security. If our security measures or those of third parties on which we rely are or are believed to be inadequate or breached or otherwise compromised as a result of third-party action, employee negligence, error or malfeasance, product defects, social engineering techniques, improper user configuration or otherwise, and this results in, or is believed to result in, unauthorized access to or disclosure, modification, misuse, loss, corruption, unavailability, or destruction of our data or our customers’ data, or any other disruption of the confidentiality, integrity or availability of our data or our customers’ data, we could incur significant liability to various parties, including our customers and individuals or organizations whose information is stored by our customers, and our business, reputation or competitive position may be harmed. Techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to, or to sabotage, systems or networks, are constantly evolving and generally are not recognized until launched against a target. Therefore, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques, react in a timely manner, or implement adequate preventive measures, and we may face delays in our detection or remediation of, or other responses to, security breaches and other security-related incidents or vulnerabilities. We also expect to incur significant costs in our ongoing efforts to detect and prevent security breaches and other security-related incidents, and in the event of actual or perceived security breaches or other security-related incidents. Additionally, our service providers may suffer, or be perceived to suffer, data security breaches or other incidents that may compromise data stored or processed for us that may give rise to any of the foregoing.
Our customer contracts often include (i) specific obligations that we maintain the availability of the customer’s data through our service and that we secure customer content against unauthorized access or loss, and (ii) provisions whereby we indemnify our customers for third-party claims asserted against them that result from our failure to maintain the availability of their content or securing the same from unauthorized access or loss. While our customer contracts contain limitations on our liability in connection with these obligations and indemnities, if an actual or perceived security breach or incident occurs, the market perception of the effectiveness of our security measures could be harmed, we could be subject to indemnity or damage claims in certain customer contracts, and we could lose future sales and customers, any of which could harm our business and operating results. Furthermore, while our errors and omissions insurance policies include liability coverage for certain of these matters, if we experience a security breach or other incident, we could be subject to indemnity claims or other damages that exceed our insurance coverage. We also cannot be certain that our insurance coverage will be adequate for data handling or data security liabilities actually incurred, that insurance will continue to be available to us on economically reasonable terms, or at all, or that any insurer will not deny coverage as to any future claim. The successful assertion of one or more large claims against us that exceed available insurance coverage, or the occurrence of changes in our insurance policies, including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible or co-insurance requirements, could have a material adverse effect on our business, including our financial condition, operating results, and reputation.
Privacy concerns and laws or other regulations may reduce the effectiveness of our services and harm our business.
Users can use our services to store identifying information or information that otherwise is considered personal information. Federal, state and foreign government bodies and agencies have adopted or are considering adopting laws and regulations regarding the collection, use and disclosure of personal information obtained from consumers, businesses and other individuals and entities. Data protection, privacy, consumer protection, cybersecurity and other laws and regulations, particularly in Europe, are often more restrictive than those in the United States. The costs of compliance with, and other burdens imposed by, such laws, policies and regulations that apply to our business or our customers’ businesses may limit the use and adoption of our services and reduce overall demand for them.
These laws and regulations, which may be enforceable by private parties and/or governmental entities, are constantly evolving and can be subject to significant change. A number of new laws coming into effect and/or proposals pending before federal, state and foreign legislative and regulatory bodies could affect our business. For example, the European Commission enacted the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which imposes significant obligations on companies regarding the handling of personal data and provides for penalties for noncompliance of up to the greater of 20 million euros or four percent of a company’s global revenue. Further, local data protection authorities in Europe may adopt regulations and/or guidance more stringent than the GDPR, which may impose additional compliance costs or other burdens that impact our business. In 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) invalidated the EU-US Privacy Shield framework, and imposed additional obligations on companies when relying on model contractual clauses approved by the European Commission (EC) to transfer personal data from the EU to the U.S. On September 8, 2020, the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner invalidated the Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield in light of the CJEU’s decision. These developments or other developments relating to cross-border data transfer may result in the EC and European data protection regulators applying differing standards for, and requiring ad hoc verification of, transfers of personal data from the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, or the United Kingdom (UK) to the U.S. On June 4, 2021, the EC published new standard contractual clauses (SCCs) that are required to be implemented by companies relying on the SCCs as a basis for cross-border transfers of personal data. These or other developments relating to cross-border data transfer also may require us to change our policies and practices, engage in additional contractual negotiations, and undertake additional measures to legitimize personal data transfers, which may result in increased costs of compliance and limitations on our customers and us. This CJEU decision or other legal challenges relating to cross-border data transfers may serve as a basis for challenges to our personal data handling practices, or those of our customers, and may otherwise adversely impact our business, financial condition and operating results.
Brexit has created uncertainty around data protection issues and could lead to further legislative and regulatory changes. For example, the UK Data Protection Act of 2018 substantially implements the GDPR in the UK and was the subject of statutory amendments that further aligned it with the GDPR in 2019. In June 2021, the EC announced
a decision that the UK is an “adequate country” to which personal data could be exported from the EEA, but this decision must be renewed and may face challenges in the future, creating uncertainty regarding transfers of personal data to the UK from the EEA. It remains unclear how UK data protection laws or regulations will develop, and how data transfers to and from the United Kingdom will be regulated, over time.
In 2018, the State of California enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which became operative on January 1, 2020. The CCPA requires covered companies to, among other things, provide new disclosures to California consumers and afford such consumers new abilities to opt-out of certain sales of personal information. Additionally, a new privacy law, the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), was approved by California voters in November 2020. The CPRA’s substantive provisions become effective on January 1, 2023, and new guidance and supporting regulations are expected to be introduced by July 1, 2022. The CPRA will replace the CCPA and may potentially result in further uncertainty and require us to incur additional costs and expenses. Further, similar privacy legislation has been proposed and/or enacted in other states. Aspects of the interpretation and enforcement of the CCPA, CPRA and other enacted and proposed state laws remain unclear. We cannot fully predict the impact of these laws on our business or operations, but they may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies and incur substantial costs and expenses in an effort to comply. There also have been a number of other recent legislative proposals in the United States, at both the federal and state level, that would impose new obligations in areas such as privacy and liability for copyright infringement by third parties.
In addition, some countries are considering or have enacted legislation requiring local storage and processing of data that could increase the cost and complexity of delivering our services. If we are unable to develop and offer services that meet our legal duties or help our customers meet their obligations under the laws or regulations relating to privacy, data protection, or information security, we may become subject to significant fines and penalties, which would harm our business.
We also expect laws, regulations, industry standards and other obligations worldwide relating to privacy, data protection, ransomware and cybersecurity to continue to evolve, and that there will continue to be new, modified, and re-interpreted laws, regulations, standards, and other obligations in these areas. We cannot yet determine the impact such future laws, regulations and standards, or amendments to or re-interpretations of, existing laws and regulations, industry standards, or other obligations may have on us or our business. Moreover, these existing and proposed laws, regulations, standards, and other actual or asserted obligations can be difficult and costly to comply with, delay or impede the development or adoption of our products and services, reduce the overall demand for our products and services, increase our operating costs, require modifications to our policies, practices, or products or services, require significant management time and attention, and slow the pace at which we close (or prevent us from closing) sales transactions. Additionally, any actual or alleged noncompliance with these laws, regulations, standards, or other actual or asserted obligations could result in negative publicity and subject us to investigations and other proceedings by regulatory authorities, claims, demands, and litigation by private entities, or other requested remedies or demands, including demands that we modify or cease existing business practices, and expose us to significant fines, penalties and other damages and liabilities. In addition to the possibility of fines, proceedings, demands, claims, and litigation, we may find it necessary or appropriate to fundamentally change our business activities and practices, including the establishment of in-region data storage or other data processing operations, or modify or cease offering certain products or services, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business. We may be unable to make such changes and modifications in a commercially reasonable manner or at all, and our ability to develop new offerings and features could be limited.
Furthermore, government agencies may seek to access sensitive information that our users upload to Box, or restrict users’ access to Box. Laws and regulations relating to government access and restrictions are evolving, and compliance with such laws and regulations could limit adoption of our services by users and create burdens on our business. Moreover, regulatory investigations into, or other proceedings by regulators or private entities involving, our compliance with privacy-related laws and regulations could increase our costs and divert management attention.
If we are not able to satisfy data protection, security, privacy, and other government- and industry-specific requirements, our growth could be harmed.
There are a number of data protection, security, privacy and other government- and industry-specific requirements, including those that require companies to notify individuals of data security incidents involving
certain types of personal data. Security compromises experienced by our competitors, by our customers or by us may lead to public disclosures, which could harm our reputation, erode customer confidence in the effectiveness of our security measures, negatively impact our ability to attract new customers, or cause existing customers to elect not to renew their agreements with us. Our customers also expect, and in some instances require, us to meet voluntary certifications or adhere to guidelines or standards established by third parties, to offer particular controls, or otherwise support customer-specific requirements. Although we currently have certain certifications such as AICPA SOC 1, 2 and 3 reports, and ISO/IEC 27001, 27017, and 27018, we may not be successful in continuing to maintain those certifications or in obtaining other certifications or otherwise being able to adhere to or comply with all customer requirements. In addition, some of the industries we serve have industry-specific requirements relating to compliance with certain security and regulatory standards, such as GxP and FedRAMP, and those required by HIPAA, FINRA, and the HITECH Act. As we expand into new industries and regions, we will likely need to comply with these and other new requirements to compete effectively. We may not always be able to support or comply with all of these customer requirements. If we cannot adequately comply with these requirements, our growth could be adversely impacted, we may face a loss of customers or difficulty attracting new customers in impacted industries, and we could incur significant liability and our reputation and business could be harmed.
Risks Related to Our Technical Operations Infrastructure and Dependence on Third Parties
If we are unable to ensure that our solutions interoperate with operating systems and software applications developed by others, our service may become less competitive, and our operating results may be harmed.
We offer our services across a variety of operating systems and through the internet. We are dependent on the interoperability of our platform with third-party mobile devices, tablets, desktop and mobile operating systems, as well as web browsers that we do not control. Any changes in such systems, devices or web browsers that degrade the functionality of our services or give preferential treatment to competitive services could adversely affect usage of our services and our ability to deliver high quality services. We may not succeed in developing relationships with key participants in the mobile industry or in developing services that operate effectively with these operating systems, networks, infrastructure, devices, web browsers and standards. In the event that our users experience difficulty accessing and using our services, our user growth may be harmed, and our business and operating results could be adversely affected.
If we fail to effectively manage our technical operations infrastructure, our customers may experience service outages and delays in the deployment of our services, which may adversely affect our business.
We have experienced significant growth in the number of users and the amount of data that our operations infrastructure supports. We seek to maintain sufficient excess capacity in our operations infrastructure to meet our customers’ needs. We also seek to maintain excess capacity to facilitate the rapid provisioning of new customer deployments and the expansion of existing customer deployments. In addition, we need to properly manage our technological operations infrastructure in order to support version control, changes in hardware and software parameters and the evolution of our services. However, the provision of new hosting infrastructure requires significant lead-time. We have experienced, and may in the future experience, website disruptions, incidents of data corruption and loss, service outages and other performance problems. These problems may be caused by a variety of factors, including infrastructure changes, changes to our core services architecture, changes to our infrastructure necessitated by legal and compliance requirements governing the storage and transmission of data, human or software errors, viruses, security attacks, fraud, spikes in customer usage, primary and redundant hardware or connectivity failures, dependent data center and other service provider failures and denial of service issues. Additionally, our ability to properly manage our technical operations infrastructure depends on the reliability of the global supply chain for hardware, network, and platform infrastructure equipment. Significant and unforeseen disruptions to the supply chain may impede our ability to meet our infrastructure capacity requirements. In some instances, we may not be able to identify the cause or causes of these performance problems within an acceptable period of time, which may harm our reputation and operating results. Furthermore, if we encounter any of these problems in the future, our customers may lose access to important data or experience data corruption or service outages that may subject us to financial penalties, other liabilities and customer losses. If our operations infrastructure fails to keep pace with increased sales, customers may experience delays as we seek to obtain additional capacity, which could adversely affect our reputation and our business.
Interruptions or delays in service from our third-party data center hosting facilities and cloud computing and hosting providers could impair the delivery of our services and harm our business.
We currently store and process our customers’ information within multiple third-party data center hosting facilities located in Nevada and, increasingly, in third-party cloud computing and hosting facilities inside and outside of the United States. As we continue to migrate more of our storage and processing operations to cloud computing and hosting facilities operated by third parties, our service will become more susceptible to interruptions or delays that are out of our direct control. Similarly, as part of our disaster recovery arrangements, our production environment and metadata related to our customers’ data is currently replicated in near real time in facilities located in Nevada. In addition, all of our customers’ data is typically replicated on third-party storage platforms located inside and outside of the United States. These facilities may be located in areas prone to natural disasters and may experience events such as earthquakes, floods, fires, power loss, telecommunications failures and similar events. They may also be subject to break-ins, sabotage, intentional acts of vandalism, cyber-attacks and similar misconduct, including by state-sponsored or otherwise well-funded actors. Any damage to, or failure of, our systems generally, or those of the third-party cloud computing and hosting providers, could result in interruptions in our service, which may reduce our revenue, cause us to issue credits or pay penalties, cause customers to terminate their subscriptions and adversely affect our renewal rate and our ability to attract new customers. In addition, we may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate for losses from a major interruption. Our business will also be harmed if our customers and potential customers believe our service is unreliable. Despite precautions taken at our third-party data center hosting facilities, the occurrence of disasters, security issues (including an act of terrorism or an armed conflict), certain geopolitical events, labor or trade disputes, or pandemics (such as COVID-19), could lead to a decision to close the facilities without adequate notice or other unanticipated problems that result in lengthy interruptions in our service or cause us to not comply with certification requirements. Even with the disaster recovery arrangements, we have never performed a full live failover of our services and, in an actual disaster, we could learn our recovery arrangements are not sufficient to address all possible scenarios and our service could be interrupted for a longer period than expected. We have encountered issues in the past, and may again in the future, that have caused Box services to be temporarily unavailable. As we migrate from data centers we currently operate to third-party cloud computing and hosting providers, we may move or transfer our data and our customers' data. Despite precautions taken during any of these data center moves and data transfers, any unsuccessful data transfers may impair the delivery of our service and materially and adversely disrupt our operations and our service delivery to our customers, which could result in contractual penalties or damage claims from customers. In addition, changes to our data center infrastructure could occur over a period longer than planned, require greater than expected investment and other internal and external resources and cause us to incur increased costs as we operate multiple data center facilities. It may also take longer than expected to realize the intended benefits from any data center infrastructure migrations and improvements, and disruptions or unexpected costs may continue to occur while we enhance our data center infrastructure.
Our services are becoming increasingly mission-critical for our customers and if these services fail to perform properly or if we are unable to scale our services to meet our customers’ needs, our reputation could be adversely affected, our market share could decline and we could be subject to liability claims.
Our services are becoming increasingly mission-critical to our customers’ business operations, as well as their ability to comply with legal requirements, regulations, and standards such as GxP, FINRA, HIPAA, and FedRAMP. These services and offerings are inherently complex and may contain material defects or errors that could cause interruptions in the availability of our services, as well as user error, which could result in loss or delayed market acceptance and sales, breach of contract or warranty claims, issuance of sales credits or refunds for prepaid amounts related to unused subscription services, loss of customers, diversion of development and customer service resources, and harm to our reputation. The costs incurred in correcting any material defects or errors might be substantial and could adversely affect our operating results. Further, our errors and omissions insurance may be inadequate or may not be available in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. In addition, our insurance may not cover all claims made against us and defending a lawsuit, regardless of its merit, could be costly and divert management’s attention.
Because of the large amount of data that we collect and manage, it is possible that hardware failures, software errors, errors in our systems, or by third-party service providers, user errors, or internet outages could result in significant data loss or corruption. Furthermore, the availability or performance of our services could be adversely affected by a number of factors, including customers’ inability to access the internet, the failure of our network or software systems, security breaches or variability in customer traffic for our services. We have been, and in the future may be, required to issue credits or refunds for prepaid amounts related to unused services or otherwise be liable to our customers for damages they may incur resulting from some of these events.
Furthermore, we will need to ensure that our services can scale to meet the needs of our customers, particularly as we continue to focus on larger enterprise customers. If we are not able to provide our services at the scale required by our customers, potential customers may not adopt our solution and existing customers may not renew their agreements with us.
We rely on third parties for certain financial and operational services essential to our ability to manage our business. A failure or disruption in these services could materially and adversely affect our ability to manage our business effectively.
We rely on third parties for certain essential financial and operational services. We receive many of these services on a subscription basis from various software-as-a-service companies that are smaller and have shorter operating histories than traditional software vendors. Moreover, these vendors provide their services to us via a cloud-based model instead of software that is installed on our premises. We depend upon these vendors to provide us with services that are always available and are free of errors or defects that could cause disruptions in our business processes, and any failure by these vendors to do so, or any disruptions in networks or the availability of the internet, would adversely affect our ability to operate and manage our operations.
We employ third-party software for use in or with our services, and the inability to maintain licenses to this software, or errors in the software, could result in increased costs, or reduced service levels, which would adversely affect our business.
Our services incorporate certain third-party software obtained under open source licenses or licenses from other companies. We anticipate that we will continue to rely on such third-party software and development tools in the future. Although we believe that there are commercially reasonable alternatives to the third-party software we currently license, this may not always be the case, or it may be difficult or costly to replace. In addition, integration of the software used in our services with new third-party software may require significant work and require substantial investment of our time and resources. Also, to the extent that our services depend upon the successful operation of third-party software in conjunction with our software, any undetected errors or defects in this third-party software could prevent the deployment or impair the functionality of our services, delay the introduction of new services, result in a failure of our services, and injure our reputation. Our use of additional or alternative third-party software would require us to enter into additional license agreements with third parties. If we are unable to maintain licenses to software necessary to operate our business, or if third-party software that we use contains errors or defects, our costs may increase, or the services we provide may be harmed, which would adversely affect our business.
Our growth depends in part on the success of our strategic relationships with third parties.
In order to grow our business, we anticipate that we will continue to depend on our relationships with third parties, such as alliance partners, resellers, distributors, system integrators and developers. For example, we have entered into agreements with partners such as Google, IBM, Macnica Networks, Microsoft, Mitsui Knowledge Industry and Salesforce to market, resell, integrate with or endorse our services. Identifying partners and resellers, and negotiating and documenting relationships with them, requires significant time and resources.
We also depend on our ecosystem of system integrators, partners and developers to create applications that will integrate with our platform or permit us to integrate with their product offerings. This presents certain risks to our business, including:
•we cannot provide any assurance that these third-party applications and products meet the same quality standards that we apply to our own development efforts, and to the extent that they contain bugs or defects or otherwise fail to perform as expected, they may create disruptions in our customers’ use of our services or negatively affect our brand and reputation;
•we do not currently provide support for software applications developed by our partner ecosystem, and users may be left without support and potentially cease using our services if these system integrators and developers do not provide adequate support for their applications;
•we cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to successfully integrate our services with our partners’ products or that our partners will continue to provide us the right to do so; and
•these system integrators, partners and developers may not possess the appropriate intellectual property rights to develop and share their applications.
In addition, our competitors may be effective in providing incentives to third parties to favor their products or services, or to prevent or reduce subscriptions to our services. In some cases, we also compete directly with our partners’ product offerings, and if these partners stop reselling or endorsing our services or impede our ability to integrate our services with their products, our business and operating results could be adversely affected. Moreover, competitor acquisitions of our partners could result in a decrease in the number of current and potential customers, as our partners may no longer facilitate the adoption of our services by potential customers.
If we are unsuccessful in establishing or maintaining our relationships with third parties, or realizing the anticipated benefits from such partnerships, our ability to compete in the marketplace or to grow our revenue could be impaired and our operating results may suffer. Even if we are successful, we cannot assure you that these relationships will result in increased customer usage of our services or increased revenue.
Our business is subject to the risks of natural disasters, pandemics and other catastrophic events that could disrupt our business operations and our business continuity and disaster recovery plans may not adequately protect us from a serious disaster.
The occurrence of any catastrophic event, including a pandemic (such as COVID-19), earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, or other weather event, power loss, telecommunications failure, software or hardware malfunctions, cyber-attack, war, or terrorist attack, could result in lengthy interruptions in our service. Our corporate headquarters is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, a region known for seismic activity. Our insurance coverage may not compensate us for losses that may occur in the event of an earthquake or other significant natural disaster. In addition, pandemics, acts of terrorism or war could cause disruptions to the internet or the economy as a whole, which could have a significant impact on our business and operating results. If our or our partners’ business continuity and disaster recovery arrangements prove to be inadequate, our services could be interrupted. Our partners, suppliers, and customers are also subject to the risk of catastrophic events. In those events, our ability to deliver our services in a timely manner, as well as the demand for our services, may be adversely impacted by factors outside our control. If our systems were to fail or be negatively impacted as a result of a natural disaster, pandemic or other catastrophic event, our ability to deliver our services to our customers would be impaired, we could lose critical data, our reputation could suffer and we could be subject to contractual penalties.
If we overestimate or underestimate our data center capacity requirements, our operating results could be adversely affected.
We continuously evaluate our short- and long-term data center capacity requirements to ensure adequate capacity for new and existing customers while minimizing unnecessary excess capacity costs. If we overestimate the demand for our cloud content management services and therefore secure excess data center capacity, or if we are unable to meet our contractual minimum commitments, our operating margins could be reduced. If we underestimate our data center capacity requirements, we may not be able to service the expanding needs of customers and may be required to limit new customer acquisition, which would impair our revenue growth. Furthermore, regardless of our ability to appropriately manage our data center capacity requirements, only a small percentage of our customers currently use Box to organize all of their internal files, and an increase in the number of organizations, in particular large businesses and enterprises, that use our service as a larger component of their content storage requirements, could result in lower gross and operating margins or otherwise have an adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results.
Changes in laws and regulations related to the internet or changes in the internet infrastructure itself, or disruption in access to the internet or critical services on which the internet depends, may diminish the demand for our services, and could have a negative impact on our business.
The future success of our business depends upon the continued use and availability of the internet as a primary medium for commerce, communication and business services. Federal, state or foreign government bodies or agencies have in the past adopted, and may in the future adopt, laws or regulations affecting the use of the internet as a commercial medium. The adoption of any laws or regulations that adversely affect the growth, popularity or use of the internet, including laws or practices limiting internet neutrality, could decrease the demand for, or the usage of, our services, increase our cost of doing business, adversely affect our operating results, and require us to modify our services in order to comply with these changes. In addition, government agencies or private organizations may begin to impose taxes, fees or other charges for accessing the internet or commerce conducted via the internet. These laws or charges could limit the growth of internet-related commerce or communications generally, or result in reductions in the demand for internet-based services such as ours.
In addition, the use of the internet and, in particular, the cloud as a business tool could be adversely affected due to delays in the development or adoption of new standards and protocols to handle increased demands of internet activity, security, reliability, cost, ease of use, accessibility, and quality of service. The performance of the internet and its acceptance as a business tool have been adversely affected by “viruses,” “worms,” “denial of service attacks” and similar malicious activity. The internet has also experienced a variety of outages, disruptions and other delays as a result of this malicious activity targeted at critical internet infrastructure. These service disruptions could diminish the overall attractiveness to existing and potential customers of services that depend on the internet and could cause demand for our services to suffer.
Risks Related to Employees and Managing Our Growth
We depend on our key employees and other highly skilled personnel to grow and operate our business, and if we are unable to hire, retain and motivate our personnel, we may not be able to grow effectively.
Our future success depends upon our continued ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate and retain highly skilled personnel, representing diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets, including senior management, engineers, designers, product managers, sales representatives, and customer support representatives. Identifying, recruiting, training and integrating qualified individuals will require significant time, expense and attention. In addition to hiring new employees, we must continue to focus on retaining our best employees, and fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that enables all of our employees to prosper. Competition for highly skilled personnel is intense, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area, where our headquarters is located. Moreover, our ability to attract and hire personnel may be materially adversely affected by changes to immigration laws or the availability of work visas. We may need to invest significant amounts of cash and equity to attract and retain new employees, and we may never realize returns on these investments. If we are not able to effectively add and retain employees, our ability to achieve our strategic objectives will be adversely impacted, and our business will be harmed.
Our success is also dependent upon contributions from our executive officers and other key employees and, in particular, Aaron Levie, our co-founder and Chief Executive Officer. There may be changes in our senior management team that could disrupt our business. The loss of one or more of our executive officers or key employees, or the failure of our senior management team to work together effectively and execute our plans and strategies, could harm our business.
Failure to adequately expand and optimize our direct sales force and successfully maintain our online sales experience could impede our growth.
We will need to continue to optimize our sales infrastructure in order to grow our customer base and business. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have temporarily restricted most business-related travel, which may negatively impact our ability to recruit and train our sales force. Our business may be adversely affected if our efforts to expand and train our direct sales force do not generate a corresponding increase in revenue. If we are unable to hire, develop and retain talented sales personnel or if new direct sales personnel are unable to achieve desired productivity levels in a reasonable period of time, we may not realize the intended benefits of this investment or increase our revenue.
We maintain our Box website to efficiently service our high volume, low dollar customer transactions and certain customer inquiries. Our goal is to continue to evolve this online experience so it effectively serves the increasing and changing needs of our growing customer base. If we are unable to maintain an effective online solution to meet the future needs of our online customers and to eliminate fraudulent transactions occurring in this channel, we could see reduced online sales volumes as well as a decrease in our sales efficiency, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
Any acquisitions and investments we make could disrupt our business and harm our financial condition and operating results.
We have acquired, and may in the future acquire, other companies, employee teams, or technologies to complement or expand our services and grow our business. For example, in February 2021 we acquired SignRequest. We may not be able to successfully complete or integrate identified acquisitions. Moreover, we may not successfully evaluate or utilize the acquired technology or personnel, or accurately forecast the financial impact of an acquisition. The risks we face in connection with acquisitions include:
•diversion of management time and focus from operating our business to addressing acquisition integration challenges;
•coordination of research and development and sales and marketing functions;
•retention of key employees from the acquired company;
•cultural challenges associated with integrating employees from the acquired company into our organization;
•integration of the acquired company’s technology and products into our business, particularly if the acquired company’s software and services are not easily adapted to work with our products;
•integration of the acquired company’s accounting, management information, human resources and other administrative systems, as well as the acquired operations, and any unanticipated expenses related to such integration;
•the need to implement or improve controls, procedures, and policies at a business that prior to the acquisition may have lacked effective controls, procedures and policies;
•liability for activities of the acquired company before the acquisition, including intellectual property infringement claims, violations of laws, commercial disputes, tax liabilities and other known and unknown liabilities;
•completing the transaction and achieving the anticipated benefits of the acquisition within the expected timeframe or at all;
•unanticipated write-offs, expenses, charges or risks associated with the transaction;
•litigation or other claims in connection with the acquired company, including claims from terminated employees, customers, former stockholders or other third parties, which may differ from or be more significant than the risks our business faces; and
•acquisitions could result in dilutive issuances of equity securities or the incurrence of debt.
Our failure to address these risks or other problems encountered in connection with our past or future acquisitions and investments could cause us to fail to realize the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions or investments, cause us to incur unanticipated liabilities, and harm our business generally. Future acquisitions could also result in dilutive issuances of our equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities, amortization expenses, incremental operating expenses or the write-off of goodwill, any of which could harm our financial condition or operating results.
Our company culture has contributed to our success, and if we cannot maintain this culture as we grow, we could lose the innovation, creativity and teamwork fostered by our culture, and our business may be harmed.
We believe that our culture has been and will continue to be a key contributor to our success. We expect to continue to hire additional employees as we expand our business. If we do not continue to develop our company culture or maintain our core values as we grow and evolve both in the United States and abroad, we may be unable to foster the innovation, creativity and teamwork we believe we need to support our growth.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
We may be sued by third parties for alleged infringement of their proprietary rights.
There is considerable patent and other intellectual property development activity in our industry. Our success depends on developing or licensing our own intellectual property and not infringing upon the valid intellectual property rights of others. Our competitors, as well as a number of other entities, including non-practicing entities, and individuals, may own or claim to own intellectual property relating to our industry.
From time to time, third parties have claimed, and in the future may claim, that we are infringing upon their intellectual property rights, and we may be found to be infringing upon such rights. We may be unaware of the intellectual property rights that others may claim cover some or all of our technology or services. Any claims or litigation could cause us to incur significant expenses and, if successfully asserted against us, could require that we pay substantial damages or ongoing royalty payments, prevent us from offering our services, or require that we comply with other unfavorable terms. We may also be obligated to indemnify our customers or business partners or pay substantial settlement costs, including royalty payments, in connection with any such claim or litigation and to obtain licenses, modify services, or refund fees, which could be costly. Even if we were to prevail in such a dispute, any litigation regarding our intellectual property could be costly and time consuming and divert the attention of our management and key personnel from our business operations. During the course of any litigation, we may make announcements regarding the results of hearings and motions, and other interim developments. If securities analysts or investors regard these announcements as negative, the market price of our Class A common stock may decline.
Any failure to protect our intellectual property rights could impair our ability to protect our proprietary technology and brand.
Our success and ability to compete depend in part on our intellectual property. We primarily rely on copyright, patent, trade secret and trademark laws, trade secret protection and confidentiality or license agreements with our employees, customers, partners and others to protect our intellectual property rights. However, the steps we take to protect our intellectual property rights may be inadequate. We may not be able to obtain any further patents, and our pending applications may not lead to the issuance of patents. We may also have to expend significant resources to obtain additional patents as we expand our international operations.
In order to protect our intellectual property rights, we may spend significant resources to monitor and protect these rights. Litigation brought to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights could be costly, time-consuming and distracting to management and may result in the impairment or loss of portions of our intellectual property. Furthermore, our efforts to enforce our intellectual property rights may be met with defenses, counterclaims and countersuits attacking the validity and enforceability of our intellectual property rights. Accordingly, we may not be able to prevent third parties from infringing upon or misappropriating our intellectual property. Our failure to secure, protect and enforce our intellectual property rights could materially adversely affect our brand and adversely impact our business.
Our services contain open source software, and we license some of our software through open source projects, which may pose particular risks to our proprietary software, products, and services in a manner that could have a negative impact on our business.
We use open source software in our services and will use open source software in the future. In addition, we regularly contribute software source code to open source projects under open source licenses or release internal software projects under open source licenses, and anticipate doing so in the future. The terms of many open source licenses to which we are subject have not been interpreted by U.S. or foreign courts, and there is a risk that open source software licenses could be construed in a manner that imposes unanticipated conditions or restrictions on our ability to provide or distribute our services. Additionally, from time to time third parties may claim ownership of, or demand release of, the open source software or derivative works that we developed using such software, which could include our proprietary source code, or otherwise seek to enforce the terms of the applicable open source license. These claims could result in litigation and could require us to make our software source code freely available, purchase a costly license or cease offering the implicated services unless and until we can re-engineer them to avoid infringement. This re-engineering process could require significant additional research and development resources, and we may not be able to complete it successfully. In addition to risks related to license requirements, use of certain open source software can lead to greater risks than use of third-party commercial software, as open source code may contain bugs or other defects and open source licensors generally do not provide warranties or controls on the functionality or origin of software. Additionally, because any software source code we contribute to open source projects is publicly available, our ability to protect our intellectual property rights with respect to such software source code may be limited or lost entirely, and we cannot prevent our competitors or others from using such contributed software source code. Any of these risks could be difficult to eliminate or manage and could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
Risks Related to Our Financial Position and Need for Additional Capital
We may require additional capital to support our operations or the growth of our business, and we cannot be certain that this capital will be available on reasonable terms when required, or at all.
On occasion, we may need additional financing for a variety of reasons, including operating or growing our business, responding to business opportunities, undertaking acquisitions, or repaying our convertible senior notes. For example, in May 2021, we issued and sold 500,000 shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $500 million. Our ability to obtain additional financing, if and when required, will depend on investor and lender demand, our operating performance, the condition of the capital markets and other factors. We cannot guarantee that additional financing will be available to us on favorable terms when required, or at all. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, equity-linked or debt securities, those securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to the rights of our Class A common stock, and our existing stockholders may experience dilution. If we are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to us when we require it, our ability to continue to support the operation or growth of our business could be significantly impaired and our operating results may be harmed.
Financing agreements we are party to or may become party to may contain operating and financial covenants that restrict our business and financing activities.
Our senior credit facility contains certain operating and financial restrictions and covenants that may restrict our and our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness, grant liens on our assets, make loans or investments, consummate certain merger and consolidation transactions, dispose of assets, incur contractual obligations and commitments and enter into affiliate transactions, subject in each case to customary exceptions. We are also required to comply with a maximum senior secured leverage ratio, a maximum total leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. These restrictions and covenants, as well as those contained in any future financing agreements that we may enter into, may restrict our ability to finance our operations, engage in, expand or otherwise pursue our business activities and strategies. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, and breaches of these covenants could result in a default under the senior credit facility and any future financial agreements that we may enter into and under other arrangements containing cross-default provisions. If not waived, defaults could cause our outstanding indebtedness under our senior credit facility and any future financing agreements that we may enter into to become immediately due and payable, and permit our lenders to terminate their lending commitments and to foreclose upon any collateral securing such indebtedness.
Risks Related to Financial, Accounting, Tax and Other Legal Matters
If we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations could be impaired.
As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). We expect that compliance with these rules and regulations will continue to increase our legal, accounting and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time consuming and costly, and place significant strain on our personnel, systems and resources.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures, and internal control over financial reporting. We are continuing to develop and refine our disclosure controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file with the SEC is properly recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. We are also continuing to improve our internal control over financial reporting. We have expended, and anticipate that we will continue to expend, significant resources in order to maintain and improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.
Our current controls and any new controls that we develop may become inadequate because of changes in conditions in our business, including increased complexity resulting from our international expansion. Further, weaknesses in our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting may be discovered in the future. Additionally, to the extent that we acquire other businesses, the acquired company may not have a sufficiently robust system of internal controls and we may uncover new deficiencies. Any failure to develop or maintain effective controls, or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and may result in a restatement of our financial statements for prior periods. Any failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could also adversely affect the results of management reports and independent registered public accounting firm audits of our internal control over financial reporting that we are required to include in our periodic reports that we file with the SEC. Ineffective disclosure controls and procedures, and internal control over financial reporting could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial and other information, which would likely have a negative effect on the market price of our Class A common stock. In addition, if we are unable to continue to meet these requirements, we may not be able to remain listed on the NYSE.
Any failure to maintain effective disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting could have a material and adverse effect on our business and operating results, and cause a decline in the market price of our Class A common stock.
Our reported financial results may be adversely affected by changes in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Generally accepted accounting principles in the United States are subject to interpretation by the FASB, the SEC and various bodies formed to promulgate and interpret appropriate accounting principles. A change in these principles or interpretations could have a significant effect on our reported financial results, and could affect the reporting of transactions completed before the announcement of a change. These or other changes in accounting principles could adversely affect our financial results. Any difficulties in implementing these pronouncements could cause us to fail to meet our financial reporting obligations, which could result in regulatory discipline and harm investors’ confidence in us.
Tax laws or regulations could be enacted or changed and existing tax laws or regulations could be applied to us or to our customers in a manner that could increase the costs of our services and adversely impact our business.
The application of federal, state, local and international tax laws to services provided electronically is unclear and continuously evolving. Income, sales, use or other tax laws, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances could be enacted or amended at any time, such as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the United States, possibly with retroactive effect, and could be applied solely or disproportionately to services provided over the internet. These enactments or amendments could adversely affect our sales activity due to the inherent cost increase the taxes would represent and ultimately result in a negative impact on our operating results and cash flows.
In addition, existing tax laws, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances could be interpreted or applied adversely to us, possibly with retroactive effect, which could require us or our customers to pay additional tax amounts, as well as require us or our customers to pay fines or penalties, as well as interest for past amounts. If we are unsuccessful in collecting such taxes due from our customers, we could be held liable for such costs, thereby adversely impacting our operating results and cash flows.
We may be subject to additional tax liabilities.
We are subject to income, sales, use, value added and other taxes in the United States and other countries in which we conduct business, and such laws and rates vary by jurisdiction. Our income tax obligations are based in part on our corporate structure and intercompany arrangements, including the manner in which we acquire, develop, value, and use our intellectual property and the valuations of our intercompany transactions. Certain jurisdictions in which we do not collect sales, use, value added or other taxes on our sales may assert that such taxes are applicable, which could result in tax assessments, penalties and interest, and we may be required to collect such taxes in the future. Judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes. These determinations are highly complex and require detailed analysis of the available information and applicable statutes and regulatory materials. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could be materially different from our historical tax practices, provisions and accruals. If we receive an adverse ruling as a result of an audit, or we unilaterally determine that we have misinterpreted provisions of the tax regulations to which we are subject, there could be a material effect on our tax provision, net loss or cash flows in the period or periods for which that determination is made. In addition, liabilities associated with taxes are often subject to an extended or indefinite statute of limitations period. Therefore, we may be subject to additional tax liability (including penalties and interest) for a particular year for extended periods of time.
Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.
As of January 31, 2022, we had U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $700.2 million, state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $571.2 million, and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $313.0 million. Under Sections 382 and 383 of Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change net operating loss carryforwards and other pre-change tax attributes, such as research tax credits, to offset its post-change income and taxes may be limited. In general, an “ownership change” occurs if there is a cumulative change in our ownership by “5% shareholders” that exceeds 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period. Similar
rules may apply under state tax laws. If we experience ownership changes as a result of future transactions in our stock, then we may be further limited in our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and other tax assets to reduce taxes owed on the net taxable income that we earn. Any such limitations on the ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and other tax assets could adversely impact our business, financial condition and operating results.
We are subject to governmental export controls that could impair our ability to compete in international markets due to licensing requirements and economic sanctions programs that subject us to liability if we are not in full compliance with applicable laws.
Certain of our services are subject to export controls, including the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Export Administration Regulations and various economic and trade sanction regulations administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Controls. The provision of our products and services must comply with these laws. The U.S. export control laws and U.S. economic sanctions laws include prohibitions on the sale or supply of certain products and services to U.S. embargoed or sanctioned countries, governments, persons and entities and also require authorization for the export of encryption items. In addition, various countries regulate the import of certain encryption technology, including through import permitting and licensing requirements, and have enacted laws that could limit our ability to distribute our services or could limit our customers’ ability to implement our services in those countries.
Although we take precautions to prevent our services from being provided in violation of such laws, our solutions may have been in the past, and could in the future be, provided inadvertently in violation of such laws, despite the precautions we take. If we fail to comply with these laws, we and our employees could be subject to civil or criminal penalties, including the possible loss of export privileges, monetary penalties, and, in extreme cases, imprisonment of responsible employees for knowing and willful violations of these laws. We may also be adversely affected through penalties, reputational harm, loss of access to certain markets, or otherwise.
Changes in tariffs, sanctions, international treaties, export/import laws and other trade restrictions or trade disputes may delay the introduction and sale of our services in international markets, prevent our customers with international operations from deploying our services or, in some cases, prevent the export or import of our services to certain countries, governments, persons or entities altogether. Any change in export or import regulations, economic sanctions or related laws, shift in the enforcement or scope of existing regulations, or change in the countries, governments, persons or technologies targeted by such regulations, could result in decreased use of our services, or in our decreased ability to export or sell our services to existing or potential customers with international operations. Any decrease in the use of our services or limitation on our ability to export or sell our services would likely adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
Failure to comply with anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and anti-money laundering laws could subject us to penalties and other adverse consequences.
We are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the U.K. Bribery Act and other anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-money laundering laws in various jurisdictions both domestic and abroad. In addition to our own sales force, we also leverage third parties to sell our products and services and conduct our business abroad. We and our third-party intermediaries may have direct or indirect interactions with officials and employees of government agencies or state-owned or affiliated entities and may be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of these third-party business partners and intermediaries, our employees, representatives, contractors, channel partners, and agents, even if we do not explicitly authorize such activities. While we have policies and procedures to address compliance with such laws, we cannot assure you that our employees and agents will not take actions in violation of our policies or applicable law, for which we may be ultimately held responsible. Any violation of the FCPA or other applicable anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and anti-money laundering laws could result in whistleblower complaints, adverse media coverage, investigations, loss of export privileges, severe criminal or civil sanctions, or suspension or debarment from U.S. government contracts, all of which may have an adverse effect on our reputation, business, operating results and prospects.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Class A Common Stock
Anti-takeover provisions contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, as well as provisions of Delaware law, could impair a takeover attempt.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and Delaware law contain provisions which could have the effect of rendering more difficult, delaying or preventing an acquisition deemed undesirable by our board of directors. Among other things, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws include provisions:
•authorizing a classified board of directors whose members serve staggered three-year terms;
•authorizing “blank check” preferred stock, which could be issued by our board of directors without stockholder approval and may contain voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights superior to our Class A common stock;
•limiting the liability of, and providing indemnification to, our directors and officers;
•limiting the ability of our stockholders to call and bring business before special meetings;
•requiring advance notice of stockholder proposals for business to be conducted at meetings of our stockholders and for nominations of candidates for election to our board of directors; and
•controlling the procedures for the conduct and scheduling of board directors and stockholder meetings.
These provisions, alone or together, could delay or prevent hostile takeovers and changes in control or changes in our management.
As a Delaware corporation, we are also subject to provisions of Delaware law, including Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which prevents certain stockholders holding more than 15% of our outstanding capital stock from engaging in certain business combinations without approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of our outstanding Class A common stock not held by such stockholder.
Any provision of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying, preventing or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our capital stock, and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our Class A common stock.
The market price of our Class A common stock has been and may continue to be volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
The market price of our Class A common stock has been and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be related to our operating performance. In addition to the factors discussed in this “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, factors that could cause fluctuations in the market price of our Class A common stock include the following:
•price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;
•volatility in the market prices and trading volumes of technology stocks;
•changes in operating performance and stock market valuations of other technology companies generally or those in our industry in particular;
•purchases and sales of shares of our Class A common stock by us or our stockholders;
•whether our results of operations meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors and changes in actual or future expectations of investors or securities analysts;
•the financial projections we may provide to the public, any changes in those projections or our failure to meet those projections;
•announcements by us or our competitors of new products or services;
•the public’s reaction to our press releases, other public announcements and filings with the SEC;
•rumors and market speculation involving us or other companies in our industry;
•actual or anticipated changes in our operating results or fluctuations in our operating results;
•actual or anticipated developments in our business, our competitors’ businesses or the competitive landscape generally;
•litigation involving us, our industry or both, or investigations by regulators into our operations or those of our competitors;
•developments or disputes concerning our intellectual property or other proprietary rights;
•announced or completed acquisitions of businesses or technologies by us or our competitors;
•new laws or regulations or new interpretations of existing laws or regulations applicable to our business;
•network or service outages, internet disruptions, the availability of our service, security breaches or perceived security breaches and vulnerabilities;
•changes in accounting standards, policies, guidelines, interpretations or principles;
•actions instituted by activist shareholders or others;
•any significant change in our management; and
•general economic conditions and slow or negative growth of our markets.
In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against these companies. Any future securities litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources.
Servicing our future debt may require a significant amount of cash, and we may not have sufficient cash flow from our business to settle conversions of our convertible senior notes in cash, repay the convertible senior notes at maturity, or repurchase the convertible senior notes as required following a fundamental change.
In January 2021, we issued $345.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes (the “Notes”). Prior to October 15, 2025, the Notes are convertible at the option of the holders only under certain conditions or upon occurrence of certain events. We have made an irrevocable election to settle the principal of the Notes in cash upon any conversion of the Notes. As a result, if holders of the Notes elect to convert their Notes, we will be required to make cash payments in respect of the Notes being converted. Holders of the Notes also have the right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of their Notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the indenture governing the Notes) at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest. If the Notes have not previously been converted or repurchased, we will be required to repay the Notes in cash at maturity.
Our ability to make required cash payments in connection with conversions of the Notes, repurchase the Notes in the event of a fundamental change, or to repay or refinance the Notes at maturity will depend on market conditions and our past and expected future performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive, and other factors beyond our control. We also may not use the cash proceeds we raised through the issuance of the Notes in an optimally productive and profitable manner. Since inception, our business has generated net losses, and we may continue to incur significant losses. As a result, we may not have enough available cash or be able to obtain financing, or financing at acceptable terms, at the time we are required to repurchase or repay the Notes or pay cash with respect to Notes being converted.
In addition, our ability to repurchase or pay cash upon conversion or at maturity of the Notes may be limited by law or regulatory authority. Our failure to repurchase Notes following a fundamental change or to pay cash upon conversion or at maturity of the Notes as required by the indenture would constitute a default under such indenture. A default under the indenture or the fundamental change itself could also lead to a default under our senior credit facility, our other outstanding indebtedness, or agreements governing our future indebtedness and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. If the payment of the related indebtedness were to be accelerated after any applicable notice or grace periods, we may not have sufficient funds to repay the indebtedness and repurchase the Notes or to pay cash upon conversion or at maturity of the Notes.
The capped call transactions we entered into in connection with the issuance of the Notes may affect the value of our Class A common stock.
In connection with the issuance of the Notes, we entered into capped call transactions with various counterparties. The capped call transactions cover, subject to customary adjustments, the number of shares of our Class A common stock initially underlying the Notes. The capped call transactions are expected generally to reduce or offset the potential dilution to our Class A common stock upon any conversion of the Notes with such reduction or offset, as the case may be, subject to a cap based on the cap price.
From time to time, the counterparties to the capped call transactions or their respective affiliates may modify their hedge positions by entering into or unwinding various derivatives with respect to our Class A common stock and/or purchasing or selling our Class A common stock or other securities of ours in secondary market transactions prior to the maturity of the Notes. This activity could also cause or prevent an increase or a decrease in the market price of our Class A common stock or the Notes.
We are subject to counterparty risk with respect to the capped call transactions.
The counterparties to the capped call transactions that we entered into are financial institutions, and we will be subject to the risk that one or more of the counterparties may default or otherwise fail to perform, or may exercise certain rights to terminate, their obligations under the capped call transactions. Our exposure to the credit risk of the counterparties will not be secured by any collateral.
Global economic conditions have in the past resulted in the actual or perceived failure or financial difficulties of many financial institutions. If a counterparty to one or more capped call transactions becomes subject to insolvency proceedings, we will become an unsecured creditor in those proceedings with a claim equal to our exposure at the time under such transaction. Our exposure will depend on many factors but, generally, our exposure will increase if the market price or the volatility of our Class A common stock increases. In addition, upon a default or other failure to perform, or a termination of obligations, by a counterparty, the counterparty may fail to deliver the consideration required to be delivered to us under the capped call transactions and we may experience more dilution than we currently anticipate with respect to our Class A common stock. We can provide no assurances as to the financial stability or viability of the counterparties.
Our business could be negatively affected as a result of actions of activist shareholders.
We value constructive input from investors and regularly engage in dialogue with our shareholders regarding strategy and performance. Our board of directors and management team are committed to acting in the best interests of all of our shareholders.
Responding to actions by activist stockholders could be costly and time-consuming, disrupt our operations and divert the attention of management and our employees. For example, we were recently engaged in a proxy contest with an activist shareholder that was very costly and diverted a significant amount of time from our board of directors and management. Additionally, perceived uncertainties as to our future direction as a result of shareholder activism or changes to the composition of our board of directors may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of our business or other instability, which may be exploited by our competitors and/or other activist shareholders and cause concern to our current or potential customers, employees, investors, strategic partners and other constituencies, which could result in lost sales and the loss of business opportunities and make it more difficult
to attract and retain qualified personnel and business partners. If customers choose to delay, defer or reduce transactions with us or do business with our competitors instead of us, then our business, financial condition and operating results would be adversely affected. In addition, our share price could experience periods of increased volatility as a result of shareholder activism.
The holders of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to vote on an as-converted to Class A common stock basis and have rights to approve certain actions. Additionally, KKR may exercise influence over us through their ability to designate a member of our board of directors.
In May 2021, we issued 500,000 shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to a group of investors led by KKR. The holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock are generally entitled to vote with the holders of our Class A common stock on all matters submitted for a vote of holders of shares of Class A common stock (voting together with the holders of shares of Class A common stock as one class) on an as-converted basis.
Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, KKR has the right to designate one candidate for nomination for election to our board of directors for so long as KKR and its permitted transferees maintain minimum aggregate holdings of our stock as described in further detail in the Investment Agreement. Notwithstanding the fact that all directors are subject to fiduciary duties to us and to applicable law, the interests of the KKR director designee may differ from the interests of our security holders as a whole or of our other directors.
Additionally, the consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is required in order for us to take certain actions, including issuances of securities that are senior to, or equal in priority with, the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, and payments of special dividends in excess of an agreed upon amount.
As a result, the holders of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may in the future have the ability to influence the outcome of certain matters affecting our governance and capitalization.
The issuance of shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock reduces the relative voting power of holders of our Class A common stock, and the conversion of those shares into shares of our Class A common stock would dilute the ownership of Class A common stockholders and may adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock.
The holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, on an as-converted basis, together with holders of our Class A common stock on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of our Class A common stock, which reduces the relative voting power of the holders of our Class A common stock. In addition, the conversion of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock into Class A common stock would dilute the ownership interest of existing holders of our Class A common stock, and any conversion of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock would increase the number of shares of our Class A common stock available for public trading, which could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our Class A common stock.
Our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock has rights, preferences and privileges that are not held by, and are preferential to the rights of, our Class A common stockholders, which could adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.
The holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock have the right to receive a payment on account of the distribution of assets on any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our business before any payment may be made to holders of any other class or series of capital stock. In addition, dividends on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock accrue and are cumulative at the rate of 3.0% per annum, compounding quarterly, and paid-in-kind or paid in cash, at our election.
The holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock also have certain redemption rights, including the right to require us to repurchase all or any portion of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock at any time following the seventh anniversary of the original issuance date, at 100% of the liquidation preference thereof plus all accrued but unpaid dividends. In addition, upon prior written notice of certain change of control events, the shares of the
Series A Preferred Stock will automatically be redeemed by us for a repurchase price equal to the greater of (i) the value of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock as converted into Class A common stock at the then-current conversion price and (ii) an amount in cash equal to 100% of the then-current liquidation preference thereof plus all accrued but unpaid dividends. In the case of clause (ii) above, we will also be required to pay the holders of our Series A Preferred Stock a “make-whole” premium consisting of dividends that would have otherwise accrued from the effective date of such change of control through the fifth anniversary of the original issuance date.
These dividend and share repurchase obligations could impact our liquidity and reduce the amount of cash flows available for working capital, capital expenditures, growth opportunities, acquisitions, and other general corporate purposes. Our obligations to the holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock could also limit our ability to obtain additional financing, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition. The preferential rights could also result in divergent interests between the holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and holders of our Class A common stock.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about us, our business, our market or our competitors, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our Class A common stock, the market price of our Class A common stock and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our Class A common stock is influenced, to some extent, by the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us, our business, our market or our competitors. If any of the analysts who cover us adversely change their recommendations regarding our Class A common stock or provide more favorable recommendations about our competitors, the market price of our Class A common stock would likely decline. If any of the analysts who cover us cease coverage of our company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause the market price of our Class A common stock or trading volume to decline.
We do not expect to declare any dividends to holders of our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future.
We do not anticipate declaring any cash dividends to holders of our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. Consequently, investors may need to rely on sales of our Class A common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gains on their investment. Investors seeking cash dividends should not purchase shares of our Class A common stock.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. PROPERTIES
Our corporate headquarters, which includes research and development, sales, marketing, business operations and executive offices, is located in Redwood City, California. It consists of approximately 340,000 square feet of space under a lease that expires in fiscal 2029. We sublease a portion of this space.
We also lease offices in other locations, with our principal offices in San Francisco, California; Austin, Texas; New York, New York; Chicago, Illinois; London, England; Tokyo, Japan; and Warsaw, Poland. We intend to procure additional space as we add employees in our current locations and expand geographically. We believe that our facilities are adequate to meet our needs for the immediate future, and that, should it be needed, suitable additional space will be available to accommodate expansion of our operations.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Refer to Note 9 in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the subheading “Legal Matters,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information for Common Stock
Our Class A common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BOX” on January 23, 2015. Prior to that date, there was no public trading market for shares of our Class A common stock.
Holders of Record
As of February 28, 2022, there were 140 holders of record of our Class A common stock. Because many of our shares of Class A common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of beneficial owners of our Class A common stock represented by these record holders.
Dividend Policy
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our Class A common stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation of our business and do not anticipate paying any dividends on our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to declare dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors, subject to applicable laws, and will depend on our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, general business conditions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.
Holders of our Series A convertible preferred stock are entitled to a cumulative dividend. Refer to Note 11 in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information about such dividends.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
We did not sell any equity securities which were not registered under the Securities Act during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022 that were not otherwise disclosed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or our Current Reports on Form 8-K.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Share repurchase activity during the three months ended January 31, 2022 was as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Average Price
Paid Per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs(1)
November 1, 2021 to November 30, 2021
$
24.10
$
54,419
December 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021
1,847
$
26.17
1,847
$
206,075
January 1, 2022 to January 31, 2022
2,942
$
25.36
2,942
$
131,487
Total
5,510
5,510
(1)On July 9, 2021, our board of directors authorized a $260 million share repurchase plan (Share Repurchase Plan) to opportunistically repurchase additional shares of our Class A common stock. Under this plan, shares may be repurchased in open market transactions until February 28, 2022. In July 2021, we entered into a pre-set trading plan adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 to effect repurchases under our Share Repurchase Plan. On November 27, 2021, our board of directors authorized a $200 million expansion of the Share Repurchase Plan and an extension of the expiration date of the repurchase plan to February 28, 2023.
Performance Graph
This performance graph shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Box, Inc. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
The following graph compares the cumulative total return to stockholders on our common stock relative to the cumulative total returns of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, or S&P 500, and the NASDAQ Computer Index. An investment of $100 (with reinvestment of all dividends) is assumed to have been made in our Class A common stock
and in each index on January 31, 2017 and its relative performance is tracked through January 31, 2022. The returns shown are based on historical results and are not intended to suggest future performance.
Base
Period
Company/Index
01/31/2017
01/31/2018
01/31/2019
01/31/2020
01/31/2021
01/31/2022
Box, Inc.
$
$
$
$
$
$
S&P 500 Index
NASDAQ Computer Index

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. [RESERVED]
Not applicable.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” and in other parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
Box is the Content Cloud: one secure, cloud-native platform for managing the entire content journey. Content - from blueprints to wireframes, videos to documents, proprietary formats to PDFs - is the source of an organization’s unique value. Our cloud content management platform enables our customers, including 67% of the Fortune 500, to securely manage the entire content lifecycle, from the moment a file is created or ingested to when it’s shared, edited, published, approved, signed, classified, and retained. Box keeps content secure and compliant, while also allowing easy access and sharing of this content from anywhere, on any device - both within the organization and with external partners.
With our Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, users can collaborate on content both internally and with external parties, automate content-driven business processes, develop custom applications, and implement data protection, security and compliance features to comply with legal and regulatory requirements, internal policies and industry standards and regulations. The Box Content Cloud accelerates business processes, improves employee productivity, enables secure remote work, and protects an organization’s most valuable data. Our platform enables a broad set of high-value business use cases across enterprises, hundreds of file formats and media types, and user experiences. Our platform integrates with more than 1,500 leading enterprise business applications, and is compatible with multiple application environments, operating systems and devices, ensuring that workers can securely access their critical business content whenever and wherever they need it.
In addition, we continue to innovate by expanding our core services and offerings with a focus on frictionless security and compliance, seamless internal and external collaboration and workflow, and integration with best-of-breed applications. For example, we provide Box Shield, our advanced security offering that helps customers reduce the risk of accidental content leakage and protect their business from insider threats and account compromise; Box KeySafe, a solution that builds on top of Box’s strong encryption and security capabilities to give customers greater control over the encryption keys used to secure the file contents that are stored with Box; Box Governance, which gives customers a better way to comply with regulatory policies, satisfy e-discovery requests and effectively manage sensitive business information throughout its lifecycle; Box Relay, which allows our end users to easily build, manage and track their own workflows; Box Sign, which enables customers to securely send documents for electronic signature directly from Box; Box Platform, which further enables customers and partners to build enterprise apps using our open APIs and developer tools; and Box Zones, which gives global customers the ability to store their content locally in certain regions. We also offer self-service and managed content migration services with Box Shuttle, and with Box Consulting, we also provide in-house professional services such as implementation support, assisted content migration, and change management. The increasing traction of these product innovations allows our customers to realize the full set of capabilities of our Content Cloud.
We offer our solution to our customers as a subscription-based service, with subscription fees based on the requirements of our customers, including the number of users and functionality deployed. The majority of our customers subscribe to our service through one-year contracts, although we also offer our services for terms ranging from one month to three years or more. We typically invoice our customers at the beginning of the term, in multi-year, annual, quarterly or monthly installments. We recognize revenue as we satisfy our performance obligations. Accordingly, due to our subscription model, we recognize revenue for our subscription and premier services ratably over the term of the contract.
Our objective is to build an enduring business that creates sustainable revenue and earnings growth over the long term. To best achieve this objective, we focus on growing the number of users and paying organizations through direct field sales, direct inside sales, indirect channel sales and through word-of-mouth by individual users, some of whom use our services at no cost. Individual users and organizations can also simply sign up to use our solution on our website. We believe this approach not only helps us build a critical mass of users but also has a viral effect within organizations as more of their employees use our service and encourage their IT professionals to deploy our services to a broader user base.
As of January 31, 2022, we had over 100,000 paying organizations, and our solution was offered in 25 languages. We define paying organizations as separate and distinct buying entities, such as a company, an educational or government institution, or a distinct business unit of a large corporation, that have entered into a subscription agreement with us to utilize our services.
Organizations typically purchase our solution in the following ways: (i) employees in one or more small groups within the organization may individually purchase our service; (ii) organizations may purchase IT-sponsored, enterprise-level agreements with deployments for specific, targeted use cases ranging from tens to thousands of user seats; (iii) organizations may purchase IT- sponsored, enterprise-level agreements where the number of user seats sold is intended to accommodate and enable nearly all information workers within the organization in whatever use cases they desire to adopt over the term of the subscription; and (iv) organizations may purchase our Box Platform service to create custom business applications for their internal use and extended ecosystem of customers, suppliers and partners. Customers can choose between an a la carte approach (i.e., by purchasing specific add-on products to complement their Box subscription) or one of our bundled Enterprise Plus plan, which include multiple add-on products to help accelerate customer time to value.
We intend to continue scaling our organization to meet the increasingly complex needs of our customers. Our sales and customer success teams are organized to efficiently serve organizations ranging from small businesses to the world’s largest global organizations. We have invested in our sales and marketing teams to sell our services around the world, as well as in our development efforts to deliver additional features and capabilities of our cloud services to address our customers’ evolving needs. We also expect to continue to make investments in both our infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing global user base and our professional services organization (Box Consulting) to address the strategic needs of our customers in more complex deployments and to drive broader adoption across a wide array of use cases.
Current Period Highlights
For the years ended January 31, 2022 and 2021, our revenue was $874.3 million and $770.8 million, respectively, representing year-over-year growth of 13%. As of January 31, 2021, our remaining performance obligations were $1.1 billion, representing a 19% increase from our remaining performance obligations of $896.9 million as of January 31, 2021. For the year ended January 31, 2022, our operating loss was $27.6 million, and our operating margin was negative 3%, compared to our operating loss of $37.6 million and our operating margin of negative 5% for the year ended January 31, 2021. Our operating loss included $15.6 million in fees related to shareholder activism during the year ended January 31, 2022, compared to $1.4 million during the year ended January 31, 2021. For the year ended January 31, 2022, our net cash provided by operating activities was $234.8 million, compared to our net cash provided by operating activities of $196.8 million for the year ended January 31, 2021. For the year ended January 31, 2022, our free cash flow was positive $170.2 million, an increase of $49.9 million from our free cash flow of positive $120.3 million for the year ended January 31, 2021.
Continuous Innovation
Despite the pandemic’s impact, we were able to continue delivering product innovation throughout our fiscal year 2022. During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, we launched several new products including, but not limited to:
•Box Sign - an e-signature solution natively integrated into Box. The launch of Box Sign includes unlimited web-based signatures and a robust set of APIs, enabling businesses to digitize and modernize the way agreements are managed and governed in the cloud;
•New self-service migration tools for customers as part of Box Shuttle, our cost-effective and easy-to-use content migration service;
•New all-in subscription plan, Box Enterprise Plus, which gives customers access to all of our most valued products in one simple package, with the ability to migrate up to 20 terabytes of data from legacy network files shares, Sharepoint online, and enterprise file sync & share tools in Box at no cost using Box Shuttle;
•Major new developments in our partnership with Microsoft, including giving customers the ability to default to Box as a storage option in Microsoft Teams, and the ability to co-author in real time in the Microsoft Office desktop and mobile apps, with all content saved to the Box Content Cloud; and
•New deep learning-based malware scanning in Box Shield, to enable even more rigorous protections against sophisticated malware attacks, including ransomware.
COVID-19
We continue to monitor, analyze and respond to evolving developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, which has significantly impacted global economic activity and social practices. As part of these efforts, we have taken steps to protect the health and welfare of our employees by temporarily closing certain of our offices and suspending most business-related travel, while continuing our commitment and efforts to serve customers that rely on us. In addition, we have shifted substantially all of our customer and marketing events in the United States to virtual-only experiences.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has not had a material adverse impact on our financial results for our fiscal year 2022, the pandemic has negatively impacted some of our customers and prospects. As a result, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, increased customer churn and delayed sales cycles, as well as customers and prospective customers reducing budgets related to services that we offer. Despite these adverse impacts, the COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed how organizations get work done, with many businesses shifting to remote and hybrid remote work environments. This shift has created additional opportunities for Box by enabling our customers’ and prospects’ employees to engage in secure remote work through our platform.
The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately impacts our business, results of operations, and financial position will depend on future developments, which are uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time, and include the severity and duration of the pandemic, the occurrence of breakthrough cases and COVID-19 variants, the availability, effectiveness, and administration of COVID-19 vaccines globally, actions that may be taken by government authorities to contain the virus and minimize its economic impact, passing or not passing of further stimulus packages by governments, the impact of COVID-19 on our customers, business partners, and employees, and other factors identified in Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" of this Form 10-K. As a result, the extent and magnitude of the impact COVID-19 will have on our business and operating results cannot be predicted at this time.
Our Business Model
Our business model focuses on maximizing the lifetime value of a customer relationship. We make significant investments in acquiring new customers and believe that we will be able to achieve a positive return on these investments by retaining customers, cross-selling our add-on products and expanding the size of our deployments within our customer base over time. In connection with the acquisition of new customers, we incur and recognize
significant upfront costs. These costs include sales and marketing costs associated with acquiring new customers, such as sales commission expenses, a portion of which are deferred and then amortized over a period of benefit, and marketing costs, which are expensed as incurred. We recognize revenue as we satisfy our performance obligations to customers. Accordingly, due to our subscription model, we recognize revenue for our subscription services ratably over the term of the contract.
We experience a range of profitability with our customers depending in large part upon their current stage. We generally incur higher sales and marketing expenses for new customers and existing customers who are still in an expanding stage. For new customers and for customers who are expanding their use of Box, our associated sales and marketing expenses typically represent a higher portion of revenue for the initial subscription term for new customers or the remaining subscription term for existing customers. For customers who are renewing their Box subscriptions, our associated sales and marketing expenses are significantly less than the revenue we recognize from those customers over the term of the renewed subscription. These differences are primarily driven by the higher compensation we provide to our sales force for new customers and customer subscription expansions compared to the compensation we provide to our sales force for routine subscription renewals by customers. We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, lower sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue as our existing customer base grows over time and a relatively higher percentage of our revenue is attributable to renewals versus new or expanding Box deployments.
Key Business Metrics
We use the key metrics below for financial and operational decision-making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. We believe that these key metrics provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance. We believe that both management and investors benefit from referring to these key metrics in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting, and analyzing future periods. These key metrics also facilitate management's internal comparisons to our historical performance as well as comparisons to certain competitors' operating results. We believe these key metrics are useful to investors both because (1) they allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision-making and (2) they are used by institutional investors and the analyst community to help analyze the health of our business. The below data is presented in millions, except for percentage rate data.
Year Ended January 31,
Remaining performance obligations (period end)
$
1,070.8
$
896.9
$
767.8
Remaining performance obligations growth rate
%
%
%
Billings
$
941.9
$
812.5
$
745.1
Billings growth rate
%
%
%
Free cash flow
$
170.2
$
120.3
$
(7.2
)
Net retention rate (period end)
%
%
%
Remaining Performance Obligations
Remaining performance obligations (RPO) represent, at a point in time, contracted revenue that has not yet been recognized. RPO consists of deferred revenue and backlog, offset by contract assets. Backlog is defined as non-cancellable contracts deemed certain to be invoiced and recognized as revenue in future periods. Future invoicing is determined to be certain when we have an executed non-cancellable contract or a significant penalty that is due upon cancellation, and invoicing is not dependent on a future event such as the delivery of a specific new product or feature, or the achievement of contractual contingencies. While Box believes RPO is a leading indicator of revenue as it represents sales activity not yet recognized in revenue, it is not necessarily indicative of future revenue growth as it is influenced by several factors, including seasonality of contract renewal timing, average contract terms and foreign currency exchange rates. Box monitors RPO to manage the business and evaluate performance.
RPO as of January 31, 2022 was $1.1 billion, an increase of 19% from January 31, 2021. The increase in RPO was primarily driven by expansion within existing customers as they broadened their deployment of our product offerings, longer customer contract durations, the addition of new customers, and the timing of customer-driven renewals.
Billings
Billings represent our revenue plus the changes in deferred revenue and contract assets in the period. Billings we record in any particular period primarily reflect subscription renewals and expansion within existing customers plus sales to new customers, and represent amounts invoiced for all of our products and professional services. We typically invoice our customers at the beginning of the term, in multi-year, annual, quarterly or monthly installments. If the customer negotiates to pay the full subscription amount at the beginning of the period, the total subscription amount for the entire term will be reflected in billings. If the customer negotiates to be invoiced annually or more frequently, only the amount billed for such period will be included in billings.
Billings help investors better understand our sales activity for a particular period, which is not necessarily reflected in our revenue given that we recognize subscription revenue ratably over the contract term. We consider billings a significant performance measure. We monitor billings to manage our business, make planning decisions, evaluate our performance and allocate resources. We believe that billings offer valuable supplemental information regarding the performance of our business and will help investors better understand the sales volumes and performance of our business. We do not consider billings to be a non-GAAP financial measure because it is calculated using exclusively revenue, deferred revenue, and contract assets, all of which are financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
Billings during the year ended January 31, 2022 were $941.9 million, an increase of 16% from the year ended January 31, 2021. The increase in billings was primarily driven by expansion within existing customers as they broadened their deployment of our product offerings, the addition of new customers, and the timing of customer-driven renewals.
Our use of billings has certain limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for revenue or an analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Billings are recognized when invoiced, while the related subscription and premier services revenue is recognized ratably over the contract term as we satisfy a performance obligation. Also, other companies, including companies in our industry, may not use billings, may calculate billings differently, may have different billing frequencies, or may use other financial measures to evaluate their performance, all of which could reduce the usefulness of billings as a comparative measure.
Over time, we expect to continue to normalize payment durations. In addition, as we have gained and expect to continue to gain more traction with large enterprise customers, we also anticipate our quarterly billings to increasingly concentrate in the back half of our fiscal year, especially in the fourth quarter.
A calculation of billings starting with revenue, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, is presented below (in thousands):
Year Ended January 31,
GAAP revenue
$
874,332
$
770,770
$
696,264
Deferred revenue, end of period
534,242
465,613
423,849
Less: deferred revenue, beginning of period
(465,613
)
(423,849
)
(375,041
)
Contract assets, beginning of period
-
Less: contract assets, end of period
(1,111
)
(25
)
-
Billings
$
941,875
$
812,509
$
745,075
Free Cash Flow
We define free cash flow as cash flows from operating activities less purchases of property and equipment, principal payments of finance lease liabilities, capitalized internal-use software costs, and other items that did not or are not expected to require cash settlement and that management considers to be outside of our core business. We specifically identify adjusting items in our reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures. We consider free cash flow to be a profitability and liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by the business that can possibly be used for investing in our business and strengthening the balance sheet, but it is not intended to represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. A reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities, its nearest GAAP equivalent, is presented in the non-GAAP Financial Measures section at the end of Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The presentation of free cash flow is also not meant to be considered in isolation or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity.
For the year ended January 31, 2022, free cash flow was $170.2 million, an increase of $49.9 million from the year ended January 31, 2021. The increase in free cash flow was primarily driven by an increase in cash provided by operating activities of $38.0 million, a decrease in principal payments of finance lease liabilities of $9.6 million and a decrease in capital expenditures of $4.3 million, partially offset by an increase in capitalized internal-use software costs of $2.0 million. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was driven by the increase in revenue outpacing the increase in cash expenses compared to the prior period, adjusted for the timing of working capital.
Net Retention Rate
Net retention rate is defined as the net percentage of Total Annual Recurring Revenue (Total ARR) retained from existing customers, including expansion. We define Total ARR as the annualized recurring revenue from all active customer contracts at the end of a reporting period. We adjust exchange rates used to calculate Total ARR on an annual basis, at the beginning of each fiscal year. We calculate constant currency Total ARR growth rates by applying the current period rate to prior period results. We calculate our net retention rate as of a period end by starting with the Total ARR from customers as of 12 months prior to such period end (Prior Period Total ARR). We then calculate Total ARR from these same customers as of the current period end (Current Period Total ARR). Finally, we divide the Current Period Total ARR by the Prior Period Total ARR to arrive at our net retention rate. In calculating our net retention rate, we include only Total ARR associated with those customers who have subscribed to Box for at least 12 months. We present net retention rate on a constant currency basis to provide a framework for assessing how our business performed excluding the effects of foreign currency rate fluctuations. We believe our net retention rate is an important metric that provides insight into the long-term value of our subscription agreements and our ability to retain and grow revenue from our customer base. Net retention rate is an operational metric and there is no comparable GAAP financial measure to which we can reconcile this particular key metric.
Our net retention rate was 111%, 102%, and 104% as of January 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Our net retention rates were primarily attributable to seat growth in existing customers and strong attach rates of add-on products and our bundled Enterprise Plus plan. As our customers purchase add-on products or our bundled Enterprise Plus plan, we tend to realize significantly higher average contract values and stronger net retention rates as compared to customers who only purchase our core product. We believe our go-to-market efforts to deliver a solution selling strategy and our investments in product, customer success, and Box Consulting, including our Box Shuttle migration offering, have been significant factors in our customer retention results. As we penetrate customer accounts, we expect our net retention rate to remain above 100% for the foreseeable future.
Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
We derive our revenue primarily from three sources: (1) subscription revenue, which is comprised of subscription fees from customers who have access to our content cloud platform including routine customer support; (2) revenue from customers purchasing our premier services package; and (3) revenue from professional services such as implementing best practice use cases, project management and implementation consulting services.
To date, practically all of our revenue has been derived from subscription and premier services. Subscription and premier services revenue are driven primarily by the number of customers, the number of seats sold to each customer and the price of our services.
We recognize revenue as we satisfy our performance obligation. Accordingly, due to our subscription model, we recognize revenue for our subscription and premier services ratably over the contract term. We typically invoice our customers at the beginning of the term, in multi-year, annual, quarterly or monthly installments. Our subscription and premier services contracts are typically non-cancellable and do not contain refund-type provisions. The majority of our customers subscribe to our service through one-year contracts, although we also offer our services for terms ranging between one month to three years or more.
Professional services are generally billed on a fixed price basis, for which revenue is recognized over time based on the proportion performed. Professional services revenue was not material as a percentage of total revenue for all periods presented.
Revenue is presented net of sales and other taxes we collect on behalf of governmental authorities.
Cost of Revenue
Our cost of revenue consists primarily of costs related to providing our subscription services to our paying customers, including employee compensation and related expenses for data center operations, customer support and professional services personnel, payments to outside technology service providers, depreciation of servers and equipment, security services and other tools, as well as amortization expense associated with acquired technology and capitalized internally developed software. We allocate overhead such as rent, information technology costs and employee benefit costs to all departments based on headcount. As such, general overhead expenses are reflected in cost of revenue and each of the operating expense categories set forth below.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses consist of research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative expenses. Personnel costs are the most significant component of each category of operating expenses. Operating expenses also include allocated overhead costs for facilities, information technology costs and employee benefit costs.
Research and Development. Research and development expense consists primarily of employee compensation and related expenses, as well as allocated overhead. Our research and development efforts are focused on scaling our platform, building an ecosystem of best-of-breed applications and platforms, infrastructure, adding enterprise grade features, functionality and enhancements such as workflow automation, intelligent content management capabilities, and advanced security to enhance the ease of use of our cloud content management services. We capitalize certain qualifying costs to develop software for internal use incurred during the application development stage.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expense consists primarily of employee compensation and related expenses, sales commissions, marketing programs, travel-related expenses, as well as allocated overhead. Marketing programs include but are not limited to advertising, events, corporate communications, brand building, and product marketing. Sales and marketing expense also consists of data center and customer support costs related to providing our cloud-based services to our free users. We market and sell our cloud content management services worldwide through our direct sales organization and through indirect distribution channels such as strategic resellers.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expense consists primarily of employee compensation and related expenses for administrative functions including finance, legal, human resources, recruiting, information systems, security, compliance, fees for external professional services and cloud-based enterprise systems, as well as allocated overhead. External professional services fees are primarily comprised of outside legal, accounting, audit and outsourcing services.
Interest and Other Expense, Net
Interest and other expense, net consists of interest expense, interest income, gains and losses from foreign currency transactions, and other income and expense. Interest expense consists primarily of interest charges for our line of credit and interest rate swap agreement, interest expense related to finance leases, and the amortization of issuance costs of our convertible senior notes. Interest income consists primarily of interest earned on our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. We have historically invested our cash and cash equivalents in overnight deposits, certificates of deposit, money market funds, and short term, investment-grade corporate debt, marketable securities and asset backed securities.
Provision for Income Taxes
Provision for income taxes consists primarily of income taxes in certain foreign jurisdictions in which we conduct business and state income taxes in the United States and, as applicable, changes in our deferred taxes and related valuation allowance positions, uncertain tax positions, and taxes associated with jurisdictional transfers of intellectual property.
Results of Operations
The following tables set forth our results of operations for the periods presented (in thousands and as a percentage of our revenue):
Year Ended January 31,
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:
Revenue
$
874,332
$
770,770
$
696,264
Cost of revenue (1)
249,484
224,738
215,577
Gross profit
624,848
546,032
480,687
Operating expenses:
Research and development (1)
218,523
201,262
199,750
Sales and marketing (1)
298,635
275,742
317,615
General and administrative (1)
135,316
106,670
102,794
Total operating expenses
652,474
583,674
620,159
Loss from operations
(27,626
)
(37,642
)
(139,472
)
Interest and other expense, net
(9,838
)
(4,584
)
(3,466
)
Loss before provision for income taxes
(37,464
)
(42,226
)
(142,938
)
Provision for income taxes
3,995
1,207
1,410
Net loss
(41,459
)
(43,433
)
(144,348
)
Dividend on series A convertible preferred stock
(10,911
)
-
-
Accretion of series A convertible preferred stock
(1,508
)
-
-
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
$
(53,878
)
$
(43,433
)
$
(144,348
)
(1)Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows:
Year Ended January 31,
Cost of revenue
$
20,093
$
18,936
$
16,769
Research and development
68,063
61,145
62,565
Sales and marketing
52,547
42,015
38,030
General and administrative
38,271
32,196
28,624
Total stock-based compensation
$
178,974
$
154,292
$
145,988
Year Ended January 31,
Percentage of Revenue:
Revenue
%
%
%
Cost of revenue (1)
Gross profit
Operating expenses:
Research and development (1)
Sales and marketing (1)
General and administrative (1)
Total operating expenses
Loss from operations
(3
)
(5
)
(20
)
Interest and other expense, net
(1
)
(1
)
(1
)
Loss before provision for income taxes
(4
)
(6
)
(21
)
Provision for income taxes
(1
)
-
-
Net loss
(5
)
%
(6
)
%
(21
)
%
(1)Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows:
Year Ended January 31,
Cost of revenue
%
%
%
Research and development
Sales and marketing
General and administrative
Total stock-based compensation
%
%
%
A discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended January 31, 2022 compared to the year ended January 31, 2021 is presented below. A discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended January 31, 2021 compared to the year ended January 31, 2020 can be found under Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2021, which is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Comparison of the Years Ended January 31, 2022 and 2021
Revenue
Year Ended January 31,
$ Change
% Change
(dollars in thousands)
Revenue
$
874,332
$
770,770
$
103,562
%
The increase in revenue was primarily driven by an increase in the number of large deals and higher attach rates of our bundled offering. The increase in subscription services was also driven by the addition of new customers, as the number of paying organizations increased by 6% from January 31, 2021 to January 31, 2022. In the year ended January 31, 2022, we experienced significant growth in the Japan market, driving an increase in revenue from non-U.S. customers to 32%, compared to 28% in the year ended January 31, 2021. This increase was partially offset by customers partially churning their deployment with Box.
Cost of Revenue
Year Ended January 31,
$ Change
% Change
(dollars in thousands)
Cost of revenue
$
249,484
$
224,738
$
24,746
%
Percentage of revenue
%
%
The increase in absolute dollars during the fiscal year was primarily due to an increase of $14.5 million in hosted data service costs and bandwidth, an increase of $5.1 million in acquired intangible assets amortization, and an increase of $3.4 million in enterprise subscription software costs. Cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue remained flat year-over-year. We expect our cost of revenue to increase in dollars but decrease as a percentage of revenue over time as we continue to optimize data center efficiencies and invest in public cloud infrastructure.
Research and Development
Year Ended January 31,
$ Change
% Change
(dollars in thousands)
Research and development
$
218,523
$
201,262
$
17,261
%
Percentage of revenue
%
%
The increase in absolute dollars during the fiscal year was primarily due to an increase of $7.0 million in stock-based compensation expense driven by equity grants to existing and new employees, an increase of $5.7 million in employee and related costs due to higher headcount, an increase of $1.5 million in enterprise subscription software costs, and an increase of $1.3 million in consulting services. Research and development expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased 100 basis points year-over-year. We continue to invest in enhancements of our products and services, developing new products, and further differentiating our offerings. We expect our research and development expenses to increase in dollars but decrease as a percentage of revenue over time as we continue to make significant improvements to our content cloud product offerings and services.
Sales and Marketing
Year Ended January 31,
$ Change
% Change
(dollars in thousands)
Sales and marketing
$
298,635
$
275,742
$
22,893
%
Percentage of revenue
%
%
The increase in absolute dollars during the fiscal year was primarily due to an increase of $10.5 million in stock-based compensation expense due to equity grants to existing and new employees, an increase of $9.2 million in commission expense, driven by growth in sales and improved pacing of sales, and an increase of $4.7 million in employee and related costs due to higher headcount. The increase in sales and marketing expenses was partially offset by a decrease of $1.4 million in travel-related costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased 200 basis points year-over-year due to our focus on driving greater efficiency from our solution selling strategy and simplifying our product offerings, as well our focus on higher performing geographies and segments producing a greater return on investment.
Our sales and marketing expenses are generally higher for acquiring new, or expanding existing, customers than for renewals of existing customer subscriptions. We expect to continue to invest in capturing our large market opportunity globally and capitalize on our competitive position with continued focus on our profitability objectives. We expect our sales and marketing expenses to increase in dollars but decrease as a percentage of revenue over time as our existing customer base grows and a relatively higher percentage of our revenue is attributable to renewals versus new or expanding Box deployments and as we continue to focus on improving sales productivity and simplifying our product offerings. While we expect certain expenses that were reduced due to COVID-19 to increase over time, we currently do not expect to return to pre-COVID-19 levels, even after we return to an office-based environment.
General and Administrative
Year Ended January 31,
$ Change
% Change
(dollars in thousands)
General and administrative
$
135,316
$
106,670
$
28,646
%
Percentage of revenue
%
%
The increase in absolute dollars during the fiscal year was primarily due to an increase of $14.2 million in fees related to shareholder activism, an increase of $5.9 million in stock-based compensation expense driven by equity grants to existing and new employees, an increase of $2.2 million in consulting and audit services, an increase of $2.2 million in employee and related costs driven by the annual merit increase to salaries, and a $1.0 million impairment charge related to capitalized cloud computing arrangements. General and administrative expense as a percentage of revenue increased 100 basis points year-over-year. We expect our general and administrative expense to slowly increase in dollars but to decrease as a percentage of revenue over time as we benefit from greater operational efficiency.
Interest Expense, Net and Other Income (Loss), Net
Year Ended January 31,
$ Change
% Change
(dollars in thousands)
Interest and other expense, net
$
(9,838
)
$
(4,584
)
$
(5,254
)
*
* Percentage change not meaningful
The increase in absolute dollars during the fiscal year was primarily due to an increase of $6.2 million in foreign currency losses, an increase of $1.2 million in the amortization of issuance costs related to our convertible debt, and a decrease of $0.3 million in interest income from our certificates of deposit and money market funds due to a lower interest rate environment. This was partially offset by a decrease of $2.4 million in interest expense related to our finance leases and line of credit.
Provision for Income Taxes
Year Ended January 31,
$ Change
% Change
(dollars in thousands)
Provision for income taxes
$
3,995
$
1,207
$
2,788
%
The increase in absolute dollars during the fiscal year was due to $1.6 million in higher foreign tax expense from recurring operations and $1.0 million in non-recurring tax expense associated with the transfer of intellectual property between our entities.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of January 31, 2022, we had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short-term investments of $586.9 million. Our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments are comprised primarily of overnight cash deposits, money market funds, and certificates of deposit. Since our inception, we have financed our operations primarily through equity financing, cash generated from operations and debt financing. We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents, together with our finance leases and credit facilities, will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure needs for at least the next 12 months. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors including our growth rate, subscription renewal activity, billing frequency, data center expansions, the timing and extent of spending to support development efforts, the expansion of international activities, the introduction of new and enhanced service offerings, and the continuing market acceptance of our services. We may in the future enter into arrangements to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, services and technologies, including intellectual property rights. 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.
Cash Flows
We generated positive cash flow from operations. While we may continue to incur operating losses, we expect to continuously improve overall cash flow from operations through improvements to our working capital management processes which will provide capital resources for strategic initiatives to grow our business.
For the years ended January 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, our cash flows were as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended January 31,
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
234,818
$
196,834
$
44,713
Net cash used in investing activities
(239,368
)
(16,383
)
(13,296
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(172,861
)
218,677
(53,416
)
Operating Activities
For the year ended January 31, 2022, cash provided by operating activities was $234.8 million. The primary factors affecting our operating cash flows during this period were our net loss of $41.5 million, favorably offset by non-cash charges of $179.0 million for stock-based compensation, $78.2 million for depreciation and amortization of our property and equipment and capitalized software, and $45.9 million for amortization of deferred commissions. Cash provided by operating activities during the year ended January 31, 2022 were further adjusted by net cash outflows of $29.7 million provided by changes in our operating assets and liabilities.
The primary drivers for the changes in operating assets and liabilities include a $59.2 million increase in deferred commissions resulting from capitalization of incremental commissions paid to our sales force, a $47.4 million decrease in operating lease liabilities, a $27.2 million increase in accounts receivable that was primarily due to higher sales and timing of our cash collections, and a $16.1 million increase in prepaid expenses and other assets. This was partially offset by a $63.1 million increase in deferred revenue, a $41.8 million decrease in operating right-of-use assets, and a $15.3 million increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities of $239.4 million for the year ended January 31, 2022 was primarily driven by $170.0 million in purchases of short-term investments, $59.4 million in cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired, $5.8 million of capitalized internally developed software costs, and $4.7 million of fixed asset purchases.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities of $172.9 million for the year ended January 31, 2022 was primarily driven by $561.6 million in repurchases of our common stock, $57.4 million of employee payroll taxes paid related to net
share settlement of restricted stock, $50.4 million of principal payments of finance lease liabilities, and $9.6 million of dividend payments to preferred stockholders. This was partially offset by $485.1 million from the issuance of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs and $25.4 million from issuances of common stock under our employee equity plans.
Debt
In January 2021, we issued $345.0 million aggregate principal amount of 0.00% convertible senior notes due January 15, 2026. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations and do not bear regular interest. Each $1,000 principal amount of the Notes is convertible into 38.7962 shares of our Class A common stock, which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $25.78 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events. We have made an irrevocable election to settle the principal portion of the Notes only in cash. Accordingly, upon conversion, we will pay the principal in cash and we will pay or deliver, as the case may be, the conversion premium in cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, at our election.
In connection with the pricing of the Notes, we entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions with certain counterparties (the "Capped Calls"). The Capped Calls each have a strike price of approximately $25.80 and initial cap prices of $35.58 per share, subject to certain adjustments.
On November 27, 2017, we entered into a secured credit agreement (as amended or otherwise modified from time to time, the "November 2017 Facility"). On July 26, 2021, we entered into Amendment No. 4 to the November 2017 Facility. Pursuant to the terms of the amendment, the maturity date of borrowings under the November 2017 Facility is July 26, 2024, the revolving commitment is $65.0 million, and it provides for a sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit of $45.0 million. As of January 31, 2022, debt outstanding under the November 2017 Facility was $30.0 million.
Refer to Note 10 in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for detailed descriptions of the Notes and the November 2017 Facility.
Recent Financing Activities
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
On April 7, 2021, we entered into an investment agreement (the "Investment Agreement") with certain investment funds managed or advised by KKR (collectively "KKR") relating to the issuance and sale of 500,000 shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value of $0.0001 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $500 million, or $1,000 per share (the "Issuance"). The closing of the Issuance occurred on May 12, 2021. Refer to Note 11 in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a detailed description of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.
Tender Offer
On June 2, 2021, we announced the commencement of a tender offer to purchase up to $500 million in value of shares of our Class A common stock. On June 30, 2021, upon the completion of the tender offer, we announced that we repurchased 9.2 million shares at a price of $25.75 for a total amount of $238.2 million.
Share Repurchase Plan
On July 9, 2021, our board of directors authorized a $260 million Class A common stock Share Repurchase Plan. On November 27, 2021, our board of directors authorized a $200 million expansion of the Share Repurchase Plan. Refer to Note 17 in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding a subsequent expansion of the Share Repurchase Plan, which occurred after January 31, 2022 and authorized up to an additional $150 million for repurchase.
As of January 31, 2022, we had repurchased 13.3 million shares under this plan at a weighted average price of $24.61 for a total amount of $328.5 million.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Our principal commitments consist of (i) obligations under operating leases for office spaces and data centers, (ii) obligations under finance leases for servers and related equipment for our data center operations, (iii) purchase obligations not recognized on the consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2022, which relate primarily to infrastructure services and IT software and support services, and (iv) debt, including obligations under both our November 2017 Facility and Notes. For more information regarding our obligations for leases, purchase agreements, and debt, refer to Notes 6, 9, and 10, respectively, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Through January 31, 2022, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material effect on our financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, costs and expenses, and related disclosures. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
We believe that of our significant accounting policies, which are described in Note 2 in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following accounting policies involve a greater degree of judgment and complexity. Accordingly, these are the policies we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our consolidated financial condition and results of our operations. The estimates and assumptions included in our critical accounting policies have not changed during the year ended January 31, 2022 from those disclosed during the year ended January 31, 2021.
Revenue Recognition
We derive our revenue from three sources: (1) subscription revenue, which is comprised of subscription fees from customers who have access to our content cloud platform which includes routine customer support; (2) revenue from customers purchasing our premier services package; and (3) revenue from professional services such as implementing best practice use cases, project management and implementation consulting services.
Revenue is recognized when control of these services is transferred to a customer. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services. Revenue recognition is subject to uncertainty due to the judgments made in applying the revenue recognition framework.
We determine revenue recognition through the following steps:
•Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer
•Identification of the performance obligations in the contract
•Determination of the transaction price
•Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract
•Recognition of revenue as we satisfy a performance obligation
Subscription and Premier Services Revenues
We recognize revenue as we satisfy our performance obligation. Accordingly, due to our subscription model, we recognize revenue for our subscription and premier services ratably over the contract term.
We typically invoice our customers at the beginning of the term, in multi-year, annual, quarterly or monthly installments. Our subscription and premier services contracts generally range from one to three years in length, are typically non-cancellable and do not contain refund-type provisions. Revenue is presented net of sales and other taxes we collect on behalf of governmental authorities.
Professional Services
Professional services are generally billed on a fixed price basis, for which revenue is recognized over time based on the proportion performed.
Contracts with Multiple Performance Obligations
Our contracts can include multiple performance obligations which may consist of some or all of subscription services, premier services, and professional services. For these contracts, we account for individual performance obligations separately if they are distinct. The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis. We determine the standalone selling prices based on our overall pricing objectives, taking into consideration discounting practices, the size and volume of our transactions, the customer demographic, the geographic area where services are sold, price lists, our go-to-market strategy, historical standalone sales and contract prices.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue consists of billings in advance of revenue recognition generated by our subscription services, premier services, and professional services described above.
Deferred Commissions
Sales commissions earned by our sales force are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. Sales commissions for new contracts are deferred and then amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of benefit that we have estimated to be five years. Arriving at this period of benefit involves judgment. We determined the period of benefit by taking into consideration both qualitative and quantitative factors, including the duration of our customer contracts, the life cycles of our technology and other factors. If these factors change or different assumptions are used, our period of benefit could change and result in a materially different amortization of sales commissions. Sales commissions for renewal contracts are deferred and then amortized on a straight-line basis over the related contractual renewal period. Amortization expense is included in sales and marketing expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Stock-Based Compensation
We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based awards granted to our employees and other service providers, including stock options, restricted stock units, restricted stock and purchase rights granted under our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (2015 Plan) and 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2015 ESPP), based on the estimated fair value of the award on the grant date. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock option awards and purchase rights granted under our 2015 Plan and 2015 ESPP. We use the market closing price of our Class A common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange for the fair value of restricted stock units granted after our initial public offering. We recognize the fair value of stock options and restricted stock units as an expense, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We recognize the fair value of purchase rights granted under our 2015 ESPP as an expense on a straight-line basis over the offering period.
Our Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of certain assumptions, including the fair value of the underlying common stock, the expected term of the option, the expected volatility of the price of our common stock, risk-free interest rates, and the expected dividend yield of our common stock. The assumptions used in our option pricing model represent management’s best estimates. These estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. If factors change and different assumptions are used, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future.
These assumptions are estimated as follows:
•Fair Value of Common Stock. We use the market closing price for our Class A common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange to determine the fair value of our common stock at each grant date.
•Expected Term. The expected term represents the period that our share-based awards are expected to be outstanding. The expected term assumptions were determined based on the vesting terms, exercise terms and contractual lives of the options and 2015 ESPP purchase rights.
•Expected Volatility. We estimate the expected volatility of the stock option grants and 2015 ESPP purchase rights based on the historical volatility of our Class A common stock over a period equivalent to the expected term of the stock option grants and 2015 ESPP purchase rights, respectively.
•Risk-free Interest Rate. The risk-free rate that we use is based on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with remaining terms similar to the expected term on the options and 2015 ESPP purchase rights.
•Dividend Yield. We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our Class A common stock and do not plan to pay cash dividends on our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future, and, therefore, use an expected dividend yield of zero.
Refer to Note 12 in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a summary of the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock option and ESPP purchase rights.
For performance-based restricted stock units that vest based upon continued service and achievement of certain performance conditions established by the board of directors for a predetermined period, the fair value is determined based upon the market closing price of our Class A common stock on the date of the grant; compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period if it is probable that the performance condition will be satisfied based on the accelerated attribution method.
In addition, we have issued performance-based stock options that vest based upon continued service through the vesting term and achievement of certain market conditions established by the board of directors for a predetermined period. We measure stock-based compensation expense for performance-based stock options containing market conditions based on the estimated grant date fair value determined using the Monte Carlo valuation model; we recognize compensation expense for such awards over the requisite service period using the accelerated attribution method.
We estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those shares that are expected to vest. We estimate the expected forfeiture rate at the date of grant based on historical experience and our expectations regarding future pre-vesting termination behavior of employees and other service providers and revise the estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. To the extent our actual forfeiture rate is different from our estimate, stock-based compensation expense is adjusted accordingly.
We will continue to use judgment in evaluating the assumptions related to our stock-based compensation on a prospective basis. As we continue to accumulate additional data related to our common stock, we may have refinements to our estimates, which could materially impact our future stock-based compensation expense.
Business Combinations
We allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Significant estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from acquired users, acquired technology, and trade names from a market participant perspective, useful lives and discount rates. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates. During the measurement period, which is one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings.
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 2 in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K regarding the effect of recently adopted and issued accounting pronouncements on our financial statements.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Regulation S-K Item 10(e), “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures in Commission Filings,” defines and prescribes the conditions for use of non-GAAP financial information. Our measures of non-GAAP operating income (loss), non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net income (loss) per share, and free cash flow (collectively, the non-GAAP financial measures) each meet the definition of a non-GAAP financial measure.
We use these non-GAAP financial measures and our key metrics for financial and operational decision-making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance by excluding certain expenses that may not be indicative of our recurring core business operating results. We believe that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting, and analyzing future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics also facilitate management’s internal comparisons to our historical performance as well as comparisons to our competitors’ operating results. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics are useful to investors both because (1) they allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision-making and (2) they are used by our institutional investors and the analyst community to help them analyze the health of our business.
Non-GAAP operating income (loss) and non-GAAP operating margin
We define non-GAAP operating income (loss) as operating income (loss) excluding expenses related to stock-based compensation (SBC), acquired intangible assets amortization, and as applicable, other special items. Non-GAAP operating margin is defined as non-GAAP operating income (loss) divided by revenue. Although SBC is an important aspect of the compensation of our employees and executives, determining the fair value of certain of the stock-based instruments we utilize involves a high degree of judgment and estimation and the expense recorded may bear little resemblance to the actual value realized upon the vesting or future exercise of the related stock-based awards. Furthermore, unlike cash compensation, the value of stock options, which is an element of our ongoing stock-based compensation expense, is determined using a complex formula that incorporates factors, such as market volatility, that are beyond our control. For restricted stock unit awards, the amount of stock-based compensation expenses is not reflective of the value ultimately received by the grant recipients. Management believes it is useful to exclude SBC in order to better understand the long-term performance of our core business and to facilitate comparison of our results to those of peer companies. Management also views amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, such as the amortization of the cost associated with an acquired company’s developed technology and trade names, as items arising from pre-acquisition activities determined at the time of an acquisition. While these intangible assets are continually evaluated for impairment, amortization of the cost of purchased intangibles is
a static expense, one that is not typically affected by operations during any particular period. Furthermore, Box excludes the following expenses as they are considered by management to be special items outside of Box’s core operating results: (1) fees related to shareholder activism, which include directly applicable third-party advisory and professional service fees, (2) expenses related to certain litigation, (3) expenses associated with restructuring activities, consisting primarily of severance and other personnel-related costs, and (4) expenses related to announced acquisitions, including transaction and discrete tax costs. There are no expenses related to litigation excluded from non-GAAP operating income (loss) in any of the periods presented.
Non-GAAP net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share
We define non-GAAP net income (loss) as net loss excluding expenses related to stock-based compensation, acquired intangible assets amortization and as applicable, other special items. We specifically identify other adjusting items in our reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP net income (loss). These items include expenses related to certain litigation and the amortization of the issuance costs associated with our Notes, which are amortized as interest expense, because they are considered by management to be special items outside our core operating results. We define non-GAAP net income (loss) per share as non-GAAP net income (loss) divided by the weighted-average outstanding shares. Similarly, the same adjusting items specified in our reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP net income (loss) are also excluded from the calculation of non-GAAP net income (loss) per share.
Free Cash Flow
We define free cash flow as cash flows from operating activities less purchases of property and equipment, principal payments of finance lease liabilities, capitalized internally developed software costs, and other items that did not or are not expected to require cash settlement and that management considers to be outside of our core business. We specifically identify other adjusting items in our reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures. We consider free cash flow to be a profitability and liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by the business that can possibly be used for investing in our business and strengthening the balance sheet, but it is not intended to represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. A reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities, its nearest GAAP equivalent, is presented below. The presentation of free cash flow is also not meant to be considered in isolation or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity.
Limitations on the use of non-GAAP financial measures
A limitation of our non-GAAP financial measures is that they do not have uniform definitions. Our definitions will likely differ from the definitions used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore comparability may be limited. Thus, our non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, or in isolation from, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, in the case of stock-based compensation expense, if we did not pay a portion of compensation in the form of stock-based compensation expense, the cash salary expense included in cost of revenue and operating expenses would be higher which would affect our cash position.
We compensate for these limitations by reconciling non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable 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 our non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with the most comparable GAAP financial measures.
Our reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures for years ended January 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 are as follows (in thousands, except per share data and percentages):
Year Ended January 31,
GAAP operating loss
$
(27,626
)
$
(37,642
)
$
(139,472
)
Stock-based compensation
178,974
154,292
145,988
Acquired intangible assets amortization
5,148
-
-
Acquisition-related expenses
1,282
-
Fees related to shareholder activism
15,644
1,402
1,154
Restructuring activities
-
-
1,651
Non-GAAP operating income
$
173,422
$
118,842
$
9,321
GAAP operating margin
(3
)
%
(5
)
%
(20
)
%
Stock-based compensation
Acquired intangible assets amortization
-
-
Acquisition-related expenses
-
-
-
Fees related to shareholder activism
-
-
Restructuring activities
-
-
-
Non-GAAP operating margin
%
%
%
GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders
$
(53,878
)
$
(43,433
)
$
(144,348
)
Stock-based compensation
178,974
154,292
145,988
Acquired intangible assets amortization
5,148
-
-
Acquisition-related expenses
2,349
-
Fees related to shareholder activism
15,644
1,402
1,154
Restructuring activities
-
-
1,651
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs
1,878
-
Undistributed earnings attributable to preferred stockholders
(12,034
)
-
-
Non-GAAP net income attributable to common stockholders
$
138,081
$
113,698
$
4,445
GAAP net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted
$
(0.35
)
$
(0.28
)
$
(0.98
)
Stock-based compensation
1.15
0.99
0.99
Acquired intangible assets amortization
0.03
-
-
Acquisition-related expenses
0.02
0.01
-
Fees related to shareholder activism
0.10
0.01
0.01
Restructuring activities
-
-
0.01
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs
0.01
-
-
Undistributed earnings attributable to preferred stockholders
(0.08
)
-
-
Non-GAAP net income per share attributable to common stockholders, basic
$
0.88
$
0.73
$
0.03
Non-GAAP net income per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted
$
0.85
$
0.70
$
0.03
Weighted-average shares used to compute GAAP net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted
155,598
155,849
147,762
Weighted-average shares used to compute non-GAAP net income per share attributable to common stockholders
Basic
155,598
155,849
147,762
Diluted
163,337
162,310
153,755
GAAP net cash provided by operating activities
$
234,818
$
196,834
$
44,713
Purchases of property and equipment, net of proceeds from sales
(4,702
)
(9,052
)
(5,444
)
Principal payments of finance lease liabilities
(50,391
)
(60,020
)
(38,542
)
Capitalized internal-use software costs
(9,486
)
(7,438
)
(7,957
)
Non-GAAP free cash flow
$
170,239
$
120,324
$
(7,230
)
GAAP net cash used in investing activities
$
(239,368
)
$
(16,383
)
$
(13,296
)
GAAP net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
$
(172,861
)
$
218,677
$
(53,416
)

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Risk
We had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short-term investments of $586.9 million as of January 31, 2022. Our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments primarily consist of overnight deposits, money market funds, and certificates of deposit. We do not expect our operating results or cash flows to be materially affected by a sudden change in market interest rates and we do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes.
Interest rate risk also reflects our exposure to movements in interest rates associated with the November 2017 Facility. As of January 31, 2022, we had total debt outstanding with a carrying amount of $30.0 million which approximates fair value. The revolving loans accrue interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) (based on one, three, or six-month interest periods) plus a margin ranging from 1.15% to 1.65%.
Effective September 5, 2019, we entered into a swap agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (Swap Agreement), in order to minimize our interest rate risk exposure due to the volatility of LIBOR. Under the Swap Agreement, we have hedged a portion of the variable interest payments of our debt by effectively fixing our interest payments over the five year term of the agreement. As of January 31, 2022, our interest rate swap had a notional value of $30.0 million.
A hypothetical change in interest rates of 100 basis points after January 31, 2022 would not have a material impact on the combined net fair value of our outstanding debt and Swap Agreement.
Foreign Currency Risk
Our sales contracts are denominated predominantly in U.S. dollars. We support sales contracts denominated in 11 foreign currencies, and consequently, our customer billings denominated in foreign currencies are subject to foreign currency exchange risk. Specifically, given our growth in Japan, we have increasing exposure to changes in the Japanese Yen. Five of the 11 currencies are only offered at this time through our online sales experience and are required to be settled by credit cards; accordingly, our foreign currency exposure on these transactions is limited only to ordinary credit card settlement timeframes. A portion of our operating expenses are incurred outside the United States and are denominated in foreign currencies, which are also subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our international subsidiaries maintain certain asset and liability balances that are denominated in foreign currencies. Additionally, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates can result in fluctuations in our total assets, liabilities, and cash flows and may cause us to recognize transaction gains and losses in our statement of operations impacting our revenue and operating expenses. To date we have managed our foreign currency risk by maintaining offsetting assets and liabilities and minimizing non-U.S. dollar cash balances and have not entered into derivatives or hedging transactions as our exposure to foreign currency exchange rates has not been material to our historical operating results; however, we may do so in the future if our exposure to foreign currency should become more significant. For the years ended January 31, 2022 and 2020, we incurred foreign exchange losses of $3.7 million and $1.1 million, respectively. For the year ended January 31, 2021, we incurred foreign exchange gains of $2.5 million.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
BOX, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID:42)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
Consolidated Statements of Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Box, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Box, Inc. (the Company) as of January 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ (deficit) equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at January 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2022, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated March 16, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the account or disclosure to which it relates.
Revenue recognition - evaluation of contract terms and conditions
Description of the Matter
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company derives its revenues primarily from subscription services, premier services packages and professional services. The Company determines revenue recognition following a five-step framework in line with ASC 606. Management applies significant effort and judgment in identifying and evaluating any non-standard terms and conditions in contracts which may impact revenue recognition.
Auditing revenue recognition was challenging and complex due to the significant amount of effort and judgment required in the identification and evaluation of terms and conditions in contracts that impact revenue recognition.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company's controls over the internal review and assessment of terms and conditions within contracts that would impact revenue recognition in accordance with ASC 606.
Our substantive procedures included, among others, testing the completeness and accuracy of management’s identification and evaluation of terms and conditions within contracts, reading executed contracts for a sample of revenue transactions and evaluating whether the Company appropriately applied its revenue recognition policy to the arrangements based on the terms and conditions therein. We additionally assessed the appropriateness of the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2012.
San Francisco, California
March 16, 2022
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Box, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Box, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Box, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2022, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of January 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ (deficit) equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2022, and the related notes and our report dated March 16, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
San Francisco, California
March 16, 2022
BOX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
January 31,
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
416,274
$
595,082
Short-term investments
170,000
-
Accounts receivable, net
256,312
228,309
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
27,953
16,785
Deferred commissions
46,025
39,110
Total current assets
916,564
879,286
Property and equipment, net
105,755
160,148
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
172,808
194,253
Goodwill
74,466
18,740
Deferred commissions, non-current
72,884
66,481
Other long-term assets
49,532
32,774
Total assets
$
1,392,009
$
1,351,682
LIABILITIES, CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
$
58,942
$
32,128
Accrued compensation and benefits
54,705
39,123
Finance lease liabilities
41,235
49,888
Operating lease liabilities
44,608
47,771
Deferred revenue
519,485
443,929
Total current liabilities
718,975
612,839
Debt, net, non-current
367,463
297,614
Finance lease liabilities, non-current
20,836
60,351
Operating lease liabilities, non-current
168,192
192,531
Deferred revenue, non-current
14,757
21,684
Other long-term liabilities
8,993
15,598
Total liabilities
1,299,216
1,200,617
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Series A convertible preferred stock, par value of $0.0001 per share; 500 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of January 31, 2022
487,880
-
Stockholders’ (deficit) equity:
Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 145,081 and 159,851 shares issued and outstanding as of January 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
972,020
1,473,666
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(4,543
)
(938
)
Accumulated deficit
(1,362,579
)
(1,321,679
)
Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity
(395,087
)
151,065
Total liabilities, convertible preferred stock and stockholders' (deficit) equity
$
1,392,009
$
1,351,682
See notes to consolidated financial statements
BOX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended January 31,
Revenue
$
874,332
$
770,770
$
696,264
Cost of revenue
249,484
224,738
215,577
Gross profit
624,848
546,032
480,687
Operating expenses:
Research and development
218,523
201,262
199,750
Sales and marketing
298,635
275,742
317,615
General and administrative
135,316
106,670
102,794
Total operating expenses
652,474
583,674
620,159
Loss from operations
(27,626
)
(37,642
)
(139,472
)
Interest and other expense, net
(9,838
)
(4,584
)
(3,466
)
Loss before provision for income taxes
(37,464
)
(42,226
)
(142,938
)
Provision for income taxes
3,995
1,207
1,410
Net loss
(41,459
)
(43,433
)
(144,348
)
Dividend on series A convertible preferred stock
(10,911
)
-
-
Accretion of series A convertible preferred stock
(1,508
)
-
-
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
$
(53,878
)
$
(43,433
)
$
(144,348
)
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted
$
(0.35
)
$
(0.28
)
$
(0.98
)
Weighted-average shares used to compute net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted
155,598
155,849
147,762
See notes to consolidated financial statements
BOX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In thousands)
Year Ended January 31,
Net loss
$
(41,459
)
$
(43,433
)
$
(144,348
)
Other comprehensive loss:
Changes in foreign currency translation adjustment
(4,796
)
(124
)
Changes in unrealized loss on cash flow hedge
1,191
(1,042
)
(206
)
Other comprehensive loss:
(3,605
)
(631
)
(330
)
Comprehensive loss
$
(45,064
)
$
(44,064
)
$
(144,678
)
See notes to consolidated financial statements
BOX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY
(In thousands)
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
Class A Common Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Accumulated
Total
Stockholders'
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Capital
Income (Loss)
Deficit
Equity (Deficit)
Balance as of January 31, 2019
-
-
144,311
1,165,266
(1,133,898
)
31,405
Issuance of common stock under employee equity plans, net of shares withheld for employee payroll taxes
-
-
6,300
(13,938
)
-
-
(13,937
)
Stock-based compensation related to stock awards
-
-
-
-
149,567
-
-
149,567
Other comprehensive loss
-
-
-
-
-
(330
)
-
(330
)
Net loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
(144,348
)
(144,348
)
Balance as of January 31, 2020
-
-
150,611
1,300,895
(307
)
(1,278,246
)
22,357
Issuance of common stock upon stock option exercises
-
-
9,240
(19,905
)
-
-
(19,904
)
Stock-based compensation related to stock awards
-
-
-
-
151,873
-
-
151,873
Equity component of convertible senior notes, net of issuance costs
-
-
-
-
68,576
-
-
68,576
Purchase of capped calls related to convertible senior notes
-
-
-
-
(27,773
)
-
-
(27,773
)
Other comprehensive loss
-
-
-
-
-
(631
)
-
(631
)
Net loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
(43,433
)
(43,433
)
Balance as of January 31, 2021
-
-
159,851
1,473,666
(938
)
(1,321,679
)
151,065
Cumulative adjustment due to adoption of ASU 2020-06
-
-
-
-
(68,576
)
-
(68,017
)
Stock consideration in connection with fiscal 2022 acquisition
-
-
-
-
10,000
-
-
10,000
Issuance of common stock under employee equity plans, net of shares withheld for employee payroll taxes
-
-
7,827
(32,010
)
-
-
(32,009
)
Stock-based compensation related to stock awards
-
-
-
-
170,149
-
-
170,149
Series A convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs
485,080
-
-
-
-
-
-
Dividend and accretion on series A convertible preferred stock
-
2,800
-
-
(12,419
)
-
-
(12,419
)
Repurchases of common stock
-
-
(22,597
)
(2
)
(568,790
)
-
-
(568,792
)
Other comprehensive loss
-
-
-
-
-
(3,605
)
-
(3,605
)
Net loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
(41,459
)
(41,459
)
Balance as of January 31, 2022
487,880
145,081
$
$
972,020
$
(4,543
)
$
(1,362,579
)
$
(395,087
)
See notes to consolidated financial statements
BOX, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Year Ended January 31,
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss
$
(41,459
)
$
(43,433
)
$
(144,348
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
78,234
75,478
59,424
Stock-based compensation expense
178,974
154,292
145,988
Amortization of deferred commissions
45,866
36,053
25,922
Other
2,862
1,071
(147
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable, net
(27,224
)
(18,875
)
(34,304
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(16,053
)
6,348
(7,108
)
Deferred commissions
(59,240
)
(48,041
)
(43,962
)
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
41,825
40,726
35,449
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities
15,325
(2,824
)
(5,951
)
Operating lease liabilities
(47,389
)
(45,725
)
(35,058
)
Deferred revenue
63,097
41,764
48,808
Net cash provided by operating activities
234,818
196,834
44,713
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of short-term investments
(170,000
)
-
-
Purchases of property and equipment, net of proceeds from sales
(4,702
)
(9,052
)
(5,444
)
Capitalized internal-use software costs
(5,785
)
(7,438
)
(7,957
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(59,395
)
-
-
Other
Net cash used in investing activities
(239,368
)
(16,383
)
(13,296
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Series A convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs
485,080
-
-
Repurchases of common stock
(561,571
)
-
-
Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt, net of issuance costs
(478
)
336,375
-
Purchase of capped calls related to convertible debt
-
(27,773
)
-
Proceeds from borrowings, net of borrowing costs
(171
)
30,000
-
Principal payments on borrowings
-
(40,000
)
-
Payments of dividends to preferred stockholders
(9,619
)
-
-
Proceeds from issuances of common stock under employee equity plans
25,373
28,856
29,390
Employee payroll taxes paid related to net settlement of restricted stock units
(57,383
)
(48,761
)
(43,328
)
Principal payments of finance lease liabilities
(50,391
)
(60,020
)
(38,542
)
Other
(3,701
)
-
(936
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(172,861
)
218,677
(53,416
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
(1,212
)
(171
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
(178,623
)
399,925
(22,170
)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period(1)
595,511
195,586
217,756
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period(1)
$
416,888
$
595,511
$
195,586
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized
$
4,690
$
7,481
$
5,549
Cash paid for income taxes, net of tax refunds
2,009
1,472
2,835
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase in finance lease liabilities
3,501
31,282
103,420
(1) Restricted cash is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets for the periods presented.
See notes to consolidated financial statements
BOX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
We were incorporated in the state of Washington in April 2005, and were reincorporated in the state of Delaware in March 2008. We changed our name from Box.Net, Inc. to Box, Inc. in November 2011. Box provides a leading cloud content management platform that enables organizations of all sizes to securely manage cloud content while allowing easy, secure access and sharing of this content from anywhere, on any device.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and include the consolidated accounts of Box, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Certain prior period amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications did not affect total revenues, operating income, or net income.
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make, on an ongoing basis, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Such estimates include, but are not limited to, the fair value of acquired intangible assets and goodwill, useful lives of acquired intangible assets and property and equipment, timing and costs associated with our asset retirement obligations, the standalone selling price allocation included in contracts with multiple performance obligations, the expected benefit period for deferred commissions, the useful life of capitalized internal-use software costs, the incremental borrowing rate we use to determine our lease liabilities, the valuation of deferred income tax assets, and unrecognized tax benefits, among others. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions which management believes to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities.
Revenue Recognition
We derive our revenue primarily from three sources: (1) subscription revenue, which is comprised of subscription fees from customers who have access to our content cloud platform which includes routine customer support; (2) revenue from customers purchasing our premier services package; and (3) revenue from professional services such as implementing best practice use cases, project management and implementation consulting services.
Revenue is recognized when control of these services is transferred to a customer. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services.
We determine revenue recognition through the following steps:
•Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer
•Identification of the performance obligations in the contract
•Determination of the transaction price
•Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract
•Recognition of revenue as we satisfy a performance obligation
Subscription and Premier Services Revenues
We recognize revenue as we satisfy our performance obligation. Accordingly, due to our subscription model, we recognize revenue for our subscription and premier services ratably over the contract term.
We typically invoice our customers at the beginning of the term, in multi-year, annual, quarterly or monthly installments. Our subscription and premier services contracts generally range from one to three years in length, are typically non-cancellable and do not contain refund-type provisions. Revenue is presented net of sales and other taxes we collect on behalf of governmental authorities.
Professional Services
Professional services are generally billed on a fixed price basis, for which revenue is recognized over time based on the proportion performed.
Contracts with Multiple Performance Obligations
Our contracts can include multiple performance obligations which may consist of some or all of subscription services, premier services, and professional services. For these contracts, we account for individual performance obligations separately if they are distinct. The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis. We determine the standalone selling prices based on our overall pricing objectives, taking into consideration discounting practices, the size and volume of our transactions, the customer demographic, the geographic area where services are sold, price lists, our go-to-market strategy, historical standalone sales and contract prices.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue consists of billings in advance of revenue recognition generated by our subscription services, premier services, and professional services described above.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue consists primarily of costs related to providing our subscription services to our paying customers, including employee compensation and related expenses for data center operations, customer support and professional services personnel, payments to outside technology service providers, depreciation of servers and equipment, security services and other tools, as well as amortization expense associated with capitalized internally developed software and acquired technology. We allocate overhead such as rent, information technology costs and employee benefit costs to all departments based on headcount.
Deferred Commissions
Sales commissions earned by our sales force are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. Sales commissions for new contracts are deferred and then amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of benefit that we have estimated to be five years. We determined the period of benefit by taking into consideration the duration of our customer contracts, the life cycles of our technology and other factors. Sales commissions for renewal contracts are deferred and then amortized on a straight-line basis over the related contractual renewal period. Amortization expense is included in sales and marketing expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
We deferred sales commissions costs of $59.2 million, $48.0 million and $44.0 million during the years ended January 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and amortized $45.9 million, $36.1 million and $25.9 million of deferred commissions during the same periods respectively.
Certain Risks and Concentrations
Our financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and accounts receivable. Although we deposit our cash with multiple financial institutions, our deposits, at times, may exceed deposit insurance coverage limits.
We sell to a broad range of customers. Our revenue is derived primarily from the United States across a multitude of industries. Accounts receivable are derived from the delivery of our services to customers primarily located in the United States. We accept and settle our accounts receivable using credit cards, electronic payments and checks. A majority of our lower dollar value invoices are settled by credit card on or near the date of the invoice. We do not require collateral from customers to secure accounts receivable. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the expected collectability, which takes into consideration specific customer creditworthiness and current economic trends. We believe collections of our accounts receivable are probable based on the size, industry diversification, financial condition and past transaction history of our customers. As of January 31, 2022 and 2021, one reseller, which is also a customer, accounted for more than 10% of total accounts receivable. No single customer represented over 10% of revenue in the years ended January 31, 2022 and 2021. One reseller, which is also a customer, represented 10% of revenue for the year ended January 31, 2020.
We serve our customers and users from data center facilities operated by third parties. In order to reduce the risk of down time of our subscription services, we have established data centers and third-party cloud computing and hosting providers in various locations in the United States and abroad. We have internal procedures to restore services in the event of disaster at any one of our current data center facilities. Even with these procedures for disaster recovery in place, our cloud services could be significantly interrupted during the implementation of the procedures to restore services.
Geographic Locations
For the years ended January 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, revenue attributable to customers in the United States was 68%, 72% and 75%, respectively. For the years ended January 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 revenue attributable to customers in Japan was 18%, 14%, and 10%, respectively.
As of January 31, 2022 and 2021, property and equipment located in the United States was approximately 95% and 96%, respectively.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
The functional currency of our principal foreign subsidiary is the U.S. dollar; for the other foreign subsidiaries, the functional currency is generally the local currency. Adjustments resulting from translating foreign functional currency financial statements into U.S. dollars for those entities that do not have U.S. dollars as their functional currency are recorded as part of a separate component of the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of operations for the period. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate during the period. Equity transactions are translated using historical exchange rates. Translation adjustments were $4.5 million and not material as of January 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We incurred $3.7 million in foreign currency transaction losses during the year ended January 31, 2022, $2.5 million in foreign currency transaction gains during the year ended January 31, 2021 and $1.1 million in foreign currency transaction losses during the year ended January 31, 2020.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments with an initial maturity of 90 days or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. We maintain such funds in overnight cash deposits, money market funds, and certificates of deposit.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
We measure our financial assets and liabilities at fair value at each reporting period using a fair value hierarchy which requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. We define fair value as the exchange price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. A financial instrument’s classification within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Three levels of inputs may be used to measure fair value:
•Level 1-Observable inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
•Level 2-Observable inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices which are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instruments.
•Level 3-Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. These inputs are based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value and require significant management judgment or estimation.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging
We measure derivative financial instruments at fair value and recognize them as either assets or liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. We record changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges in other comprehensive income (loss). When the hedged transaction affects earnings, we subsequently reclassify the net derivative gain or loss within other comprehensive income (loss) into the same line as the hedged item on the consolidated statements of operations to offset the changes in the hedged transaction.
The cash flow effects related to derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges are included within operating activities on our consolidated statements of cash flows.
Accounts Receivable and Related Allowance
Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amounts and do not bear interest. We maintain an allowance for estimated losses inherent in our accounts receivable portfolio. We assess the collectability of the accounts by taking into consideration the aging of our trade receivables, historical experience, and management judgment. We write off trade receivables against the allowance when management determines a balance is uncollectible and no longer intends to actively pursue collection of the receivable. We record a contract asset when revenue is recognized in advance of invoicing. Contract assets are presented within accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheets.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally three to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term. Depreciation commences once the asset is placed in service. Construction in progress is primarily related to the construction or development of property and equipment which have not yet been placed in service for their intended use.
Leases
We determine whether an arrangement contains a lease at inception. A contract is or contains a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To determine whether a contract is or contains a lease, we consider all relevant facts and circumstances to assess whether the customer has both of the following:
•The right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset
•The right to direct the use of the identified asset
We recognize lease liabilities and right-of-use assets at lease commencement. We measure lease liabilities based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term discounted using the rate implicit in the lease when that rate is readily determinable or our incremental borrowing rate. We estimate our incremental borrowing rate based on an analysis of publicly traded debt securities of companies with credit and financial profiles similar to our own and adjust our incremental borrowing rate to reflect the corresponding lease term. We do not include in the lease term options to extend or terminate the lease unless it is reasonably certain that we will exercise any such options. We account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for all our leases.
We measure right-of-use assets based on the corresponding lease liabilities adjusted for (i) prepayments made to the lessor at or before the commencement date, (ii) initial direct costs we incur, and (iii) tenant incentives under the lease. We evaluate the recoverability of our right-of-use assets for possible impairment in accordance with our long-lived assets policy. We do not recognize right-of-use assets or lease liabilities for short-term leases, which have a lease term of twelve months or less, and recognize the associated lease payments in the consolidated statements of operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Operating leases are reflected in operating lease right-of-use assets, operating lease liabilities, and operating lease liabilities, non-current on our consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, net, finance lease liabilities, and finance lease liabilities, non-current on our consolidated balance sheets.
We begin recognizing rent expense when the lessor makes the underlying asset available to us. We recognize rent expense under our operating leases on a straight-line basis. For finance leases, we record interest expense on the lease liability in addition to amortizing the right-of-use asset (generally straight-line) over the shorter of the lease term or the useful life of the right-of-use asset. Variable lease payments are expensed as incurred and are not included within the lease liabilities and right-of-use assets calculation. We generally recognize sublease income on a straight-line basis over the sublease term.
Business Combinations
We allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Significant estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from acquired users, acquired technology, and trade names from a market participant perspective, useful lives and discount rates. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates. During the measurement period, which is one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings.
Impairment Assessment of Long-Lived Assets, Including Goodwill and Other Acquired Intangible Assets
We evaluate the recoverability of property and equipment for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate. If such review indicates that the carrying amount of property and equipment is not recoverable, the carrying amount of such assets is reduced to fair value. We have not recorded any significant impairment charges during the years presented.
We review goodwill for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. We have elected to first assess the qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of our single reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. If we determine that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount, then the quantitative goodwill impairment test will be performed. The quantitative goodwill impairment test identifies goodwill impairment and measures the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recognized by comparing the fair value of our single reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the fair value exceeds its carrying amount, no further analysis is required; otherwise, any excess of the goodwill carrying amount over the implied fair value is recognized as an impairment loss, and the carrying value of goodwill is written down to fair value. No impairment of goodwill has been identified during the years presented.
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets are typically amortized over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which is generally two to seven years. We evaluate the recoverability of our intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate. If such review indicates that the carrying amount of intangible assets is not recoverable, the carrying amount of such assets is reduced to fair value. We have not recorded any such impairment charges during the years presented.
Legal Contingencies
From time to time, we are subject to litigation and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. We investigate litigation and claims as they arise and accrue estimates for resolution of legal and other contingencies when losses are probable and estimable. Because the results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we base our loss accruals on the best information available at the time. As additional information becomes available, we reassess our potential liability and may revise our estimates. Such revisions could have a material impact on future quarterly or annual results of operations.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs include personnel costs, including stock-based compensation expense, associated with our engineering personnel and consultants responsible for the design, development and testing of the product, depreciation of equipment used in research and development and allocated overhead for facilities, information technology, and employee benefit costs.
Internal-Use Software Costs
We capitalize costs to develop software for internal use incurred during the application development stage. Costs related to preliminary project activities and post implementation activities are expensed as incurred. Once an application has reached the development stage, qualifying internal and external costs are capitalized until the application is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Capitalized qualifying costs are amortized on a straight-line basis when the software is ready for its intended use over an estimated useful life, which is generally three years. Internal-use software costs also include third-party on-premises software, which is amortized over the lesser of five years or the license term. We evaluate the useful lives of these assets on an annual basis and test for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that could impact the recoverability of these assets.
We capitalize qualifying implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract based on the existing guidance for internally developed software, which is presented as part of our prepaid expenses and other current assets and other long-term assets based on the term of the associated hosting arrangement. Qualifying external and internal costs incurred during the application development stage of implementation are capitalized and costs incurred during the preliminary project and post implementation stages are expensed as incurred. We amortize capitalized qualifying implementation costs on a straight-line basis when the module or component of the hosting arrangement is ready for its intended use over the shorter of (i) the contract term plus the renewal period and (ii) three years. The amortization of capitalized qualifying implementation costs is presented in the same line item as fees for the associated hosting arrangement in the consolidated statements of operations. We test for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that could impact the recoverability of these assets.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in sales and marketing expense. Advertising costs for the years ended January 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 were $16.6 million, $15.0 million and $25.6 million, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
We determine the fair value of stock options and purchase rights issued to employees under our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan and 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which is impacted by the fair value of our common stock as well as changes in assumptions regarding a number of variables, which include, but are not limited to, the expected common stock price volatility over the term of the awards, the expected term of the awards, risk-free interest rates and the expected dividend yield. We use the market closing price of our Class A common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange for the fair value of restricted stock units granted after our IPO.
We recognize compensation expense for stock options and restricted stock units, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the period during which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award (generally the vesting period of the award). We estimate future forfeitures at the date of grant and revise the estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We recognize compensation expense of purchase rights granted under our 2015 ESPP on a straight-line basis over the offering period.
For performance-based restricted stock units that vest based upon continued service and achievement of certain performance conditions established by the board of directors for a predetermined period, the fair value is determined based upon the market closing price of our Class A common stock on the date of the grant; compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period if it is probable that the performance condition will be satisfied based on the accelerated attribution method.
In addition, we have issued performance-based stock options that vest based upon continued service through the vesting term and achievement of certain market conditions established by the Compensation Committee of our board of directors for a predetermined period. We measure stock-based compensation expense for performance-based stock options containing market conditions based on the estimated grant date fair value determined using the Monte Carlo valuation model; we recognize compensation expense for such awards over the requisite service period using the accelerated attribution method.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in income tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts we believe are more likely than not to be realized.
We recognize tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if we believe that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and by improving consistent application of other areas of Topic 740. We adopted the new standard, effective February 1, 2021, and the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. Reference rate reform refers to the global transition away from certain reference rates, such as LIBOR, and to the introduction of new reference rates that are based on a larger and more liquid population of observable transactions. ASU 2020-04 provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued as a result of reference rate reform. The amendments in this ASU were effective upon issuance and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06 (ASU 2020-06), Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). The amendments in this update were implemented by the FASB to reduce the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments. Under ASU 2020-06, the embedded conversion features are no longer separated from the host contract for convertible instruments with conversion features that are not required to be accounted for as derivatives under Topic 815, or that do not result in substantial premiums accounted for as paid-in capital. Consequently, a convertible debt instrument is accounted for as a single liability measured at its amortized cost, as long as no other features require bifurcation and recognition as derivatives. There is no longer a debt discount representing the difference between the carrying value, excluding issuance costs, and the principal of the convertible debt instrument and, as a result, there is no longer interest expense from the amortization of the debt discount over the term of the convertible debt instrument. The amendments in this update also require the if-converted method to be applied for all convertible instruments when calculating diluted earnings per share. We early adopted the new standard, effective February 1, 2021, using the modified retrospective method. The comparative periods presented and disclosed in the year of adoption are based on legacy guidance.
Adoption Impact of ASU 2020-06 on the Opening Balance Sheet as of February 1, 2021
In connection with the adoption of ASU 2020-06, we recognized a $0.6 million decrease of accumulated deficit, a $68.6 million decrease of additional paid-in capital, and a $68.0 million increase of debt, net, noncurrent. The adoption of ASU 2020-06 did not have a material effect on our consolidated statements of operations and cash flows.
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. The amendments in this update require that an acquirer recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606 instead of fair value on the acquisition date in accordance with Topic 805. We early adopted the new standard, effective November 1, 2021, and the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Note 3. Revenue
Contract Assets
Contract assets, which are presented within accounts receivable, were $1.1 million as of January 31, 2022 and were not material as of January 31, 2021.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue was $534.2 million and $465.6 million as of January 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. During the fiscal years ended January 31, 2022 and 2021, we recognized $443.9 million and $407.5 million of revenue that was included in the deferred revenue balance as of January 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations
As of January 31, 2022, we had remaining performance obligations for subscription contracts of $1.1 billion. We expect to recognize revenue on 61% of these remaining performance obligations over the next 12 months, with the substantial majority of the remaining balance expected to be recognized within 24 months.
Note 4. Fair Value Measurements
Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
Financial assets subject to the fair value disclosure requirements were as follows (in thousands):
January 31, 2022
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds
$
202,446
$
-
$
-
$
202,446
January 31, 2021
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds
$
256,861
$
-
$
-
$
256,861
As of January 31, 2022, we had certificates of deposit for a total of $170 million with original maturities of more than three months and less than twelve months that are classified as short-term investments in our consolidated balance sheet.
Fair Value Measurements of Other Financial Instruments
In November 2017, we entered into a secured credit agreement (as amended or otherwise modified from time to time, the November 2017 Facility). As of January 31, 2022, we had total debt outstanding relating to the November 2017 Facility with a carrying amount of $30.0 million. The estimated fair value of the November 2017 Facility, which we have classified as a Level 2 financial instrument, approximates its carrying value.
In January 2021, we issued $345.0 million aggregate principal amount of 0.00% convertible senior notes due January 15, 2026. The fair value of the Notes is determined using observable market prices. The fair value of the Notes, which we have classified as a Level 2 instrument, was $413.1 million and $348.4 million as of January 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Note 5. Balance Sheet Components
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Allowance for doubtful accounts, which is presented within accounts receivable, was $2.3 million and $2.7 million as of January 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
January 31,
Servers and related equipment
$
353,787
$
352,224
Leasehold improvements
75,981
80,558
Computer hardware
20,935
25,810
Furniture and fixtures
14,421
14,157
Construction in progress
6,324
11,422
Total property and equipment
471,448
484,171
Less: accumulated depreciation
(365,693
)
(324,023
)
Total property and equipment, net
$
105,755
$
160,148
As of January 31, 2022, the gross carrying amount of property and equipment included $258.8 million of servers and related equipment and construction in progress acquired under finance leases and the accumulated depreciation of property and equipment acquired under these finance leases was $196.6 million. As of January 31, 2021, the gross carrying amount of property and equipment included $263.1 million of servers and related equipment and construction in progress acquired under finance leases and the accumulated depreciation of property and equipment acquired under these finance leases was $152.5 million.
Depreciation expense related to property and equipment was $63.9 million, $68.1 million and $58.2 million for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Included in these amounts were depreciation expense for servers and related equipment acquired under finance leases in the amount of $51.9 million, $54.6 million and $43.4 million, for the same periods respectively.
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
January 31,
Operating lease right-of-use assets
$
290,808
$
270,428
Less: accumulated amortization
(118,000
)
(76,175
)
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
$
172,808
$
194,253
Other Long-term Assets
Other long-term assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
January 31,
Acquired intangible assets, net of amortization (1)
$
17,708
$
-
Internally developed software costs, net of amortization (2) (3)
15,576
16,071
On-premises software, net of amortization (4)
3,834
8,749
Other assets, non-current
12,414
7,954
Other long-term assets
$
49,532
$
32,774
(1)Refer to Note 8 for amortization expense details related to acquired intangible assets.
(2)Capitalized stock-based compensation expense, which is included in these amounts, was $2.8 million for the years ended January 31, 2022 and 2021.
(3)The accumulated amortization related to internally developed software was $16.4 million and $7.8 million as of January 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Amortization expense was $8.6 million and $6.1 million for the years ending January 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(4)The accumulated amortization related to on-premises software was $7.0 million and $3.4 million as of January 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Amortization expense was $3.6 million and $3.4 million for the years ending January 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
We did not record any material impairment charges related to acquired intangible assets, internally developed software costs, and on-premises software during the periods presented.
Note 6. Leases
We have entered into various non-cancellable operating lease agreements for certain of our offices and data centers with lease periods expiring primarily between fiscal years 2023 and 2029. Certain of these arrangements have free or escalating rent payment provisions and optional renewal or termination clauses. Our operating leases typically include variable lease payments, which are primarily comprised of common area maintenance and utility charges for our offices and power and network connections for our data centers, that are determined based on actual consumption. Our operating lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees, covenants, or other restrictions.
We also entered into various finance lease arrangements to obtain servers and related equipment for our data center operations. These agreements are primarily for four years and certain of these arrangements have optional renewal or termination clauses. The leases are secured by the underlying leased servers and related equipment.
We sublease certain floors of our Redwood City and London offices. Our current subleases have total lease terms ranging from 11 to 96 months that will expire at various dates by fiscal year 2025.
The components of lease cost, which were included in operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations, were as follows (in thousands):
Year End January 31,
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of finance lease right of-use assets
$
51,907
$
54,630
Interest on finance lease liabilities
3,913
5,753
Operating lease cost, gross
53,052
54,243
Variable lease cost, gross
8,995
9,288
Sublease income
(10,787
)
(10,969
)
Total lease cost (1)
$
107,080
$
112,945
(1)Short-term lease cost was not material for the periods presented and is not included in the table above.
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in thousands):
Year End January 31,
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows for operating leases
$
58,527
$
59,478
Operating cash flows for finance leases
3,923
6,358
Financing cash flows for finance leases
50,391
60,020
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange of lease obligations (1)
Operating leases
$
20,296
$
39,267
Finance leases
3,501
31,282
Supplemental information related to the remaining lease term and discount rate was as follows:
January 31,
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)
Operating leases
5.15
5.77
Finance leases
1.56
2.35
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases
5.09
%
5.27
%
Finance leases
4.55
%
4.44
%
As of January 31, 2022, maturities of our operating and finance lease liabilities, which do not include short-term leases and variable lease payments, are as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal years ending January 31:
Operating Leases (1)
Finance Leases
$
54,159
$
43,371
53,728
19,490
36,477
1,574
32,154
-
30,816
-
Thereafter
36,070
-
Total lease payments
$
243,404
$
64,435
Less: imputed interest
$
(30,604
)
$
(2,364
)
Present value of total lease liabilities
$
212,800
$
62,071
(1)Non-cancellable sublease proceeds for the fiscal years ending January 31, 2023, 2024, and 2025 of $8.2 million, $2.3 million, and $2.1 million, respectively, are not included in the table above.
As of January 31, 2022, we had two operating leases for our office spaces that have not yet commenced. These operating leases have aggregated undiscounted future payments of $43.0 million and lease terms ranging from one to ten years. These operating leases will commence in stages during fiscal year 2023, fiscal year 2024, and fiscal year 2025. We did not reflect these operating leases on the consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2022 and the tables above. We did not have any finance leases that have not yet commenced as of January 31, 2022.
We establish assets and liabilities for the present value of estimated future costs to return certain of our leased facilities to their original condition. Such assets are depreciated over the lease period into operating expense, and the recorded liabilities are accreted to the future value of the estimated restoration costs. The present value of our estimated asset retirement obligation for our headquarters facility, which is recorded in other long-term liabilities, was $3.6 million and $3.1 million as of January 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The accretion expense, which was included in operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations, was not material for all periods presented.
Note 7. Acquisitions
Results of operations for the acquisitions described in this Note have been included in our consolidated statements of operations since the acquisition dates and were not material. Pro forma results of operations for these acquisitions have not been presented because they were also not material to the consolidated results of operations.
SignRequest B.V.
On February 8, 2021, we completed the acquisition of SignRequest B.V. (SignRequest), an e-signature provider, for total aggregate consideration of $54.3 million comprised of a combination of cash and shares of our Class A common stock. Box acquired SignRequest to develop Box Sign, an e-signature capability that will be developed on Sign-Request’s technology and natively integrated into Box.
The consideration paid was $44.3 million of cash and 550,366 shares of our Class A common stock valued at $10.0 million.
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total final purchase price was allocated to SignRequest’s net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Of the total purchase price, $43.4 million was allocated to goodwill, $14.9 million to the acquired developed technology, $2.5 million to deferred tax liability and the remainder to net liabilities assumed which were not material. The goodwill recognized was primarily attributed to increased synergies that are expected to be achieved from the integration of the acquired developed technology into the Box service. Goodwill is non-deductible for tax purposes.
Cloud FastPath
On February 16, 2021, we purchased certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of, and hired certain employees from, Cloud FastPath, a cloud-based content migration solution, for total consideration of $14.8 million paid in cash. We entered into this agreement with Cloud FastPath to supplement and enhance Box Shuttle, our full-service content migration program.
The fair value of the consideration transferred on the date of purchase totaled $14.8 million, which consisted of cash consideration of $12.4 million and $2.4 million which has been held back for fifteen months from the date of purchase as partial security against indemnification obligations.
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total final purchase price was allocated to Cloud FastPath’s net tangible and intangible assets based on their estimated fair values as of the date of purchase. Of the total purchase price, $13.2 million was allocated to goodwill, $5.8 million to the acquired developed technology, $4.8 million to deferred revenue and the remainder to net assets assumed which were not material. The goodwill recognized was primarily attributed to increased synergies that are expected to be achieved from the integration of the acquired developed technology into the Box service. Goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.
Note 8. Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets
Goodwill was $74.5 million and $18.7 million as of January 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Goodwill acquired during the year ended January 31, 2022 included the acquisitions of SignRequest and Cloud FastPath described in Note 7 and others, partially offset by the effect of foreign currency translation. We did not record any goodwill impairment during the years ended January 31, 2022 and 2021.
Acquired intangible assets are included in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Acquired intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
Weighted-Average Remaining Useful
Life (Years)
Gross Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Carrying
Value
Developed technology
3.31
$
22,711
$
(5,003
)
$
17,708
Balance as of January 31, 2022
$
22,711
$
(5,003
)
$
17,708
Acquired intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the useful life. The net carrying value is partially offset by the effect of foreign currency translation. Acquired intangible assets amortization was $5.1 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022. We did not record any acquired intangible assets amortization during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2021. Amortization of acquired developed technology is included in cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. We did not have any acquired intangible assets as of January 31, 2021.
As of January 31, 2022, expected amortization expense for acquired intangible assets was as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal years ending January 31:
$
5,740
5,740
3,423
2,748
Thereafter
Total
$
17,708
Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies
Letters of Credit
As of January 31, 2022 and 2021, we had letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $18.6 million and $27.0 million, respectively, in connection with our operating leases and voluntary disability insurance (VDI) program, which were primarily issued under the available sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit in conjunction with a secured credit agreement as disclosed in Note 10.
Purchase Obligations
As of January 31, 2022, future payments under non-cancellable contractual purchases, which were not recognized on our consolidated balance sheet relate primarily to infrastructure services and IT software and support services costs, are as follows, shown in accordance with the payment due date (in thousands):
Fiscal years ending January 31:
$
29,732
16,064
139,782
263,750
Total
$
449,762
Our contracts for infrastructure services and IT software, which have terms ranging from 2 to 8 years, support our long-term goals of improving gross margin. In addition to the purchase obligations included above, as of January 31, 2022, we recognized a total of $3.3 million related to non-cancellable contractual purchases, which were included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities, and other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. $3.1 million and $0.2 million is due to be paid in the years ending January 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Legal Matters
From time to time, we are subject to litigation and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. We investigate litigation and claims as they arise and accrue estimates for resolution of legal and other contingencies when losses are probable and estimable. Although the results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe there was not at least a reasonable possibility that we had incurred a material loss with respect to such loss contingencies as of January 31, 2022.
Indemnification
We include service level commitments to our customers warranting certain levels of uptime reliability and performance and permitting those customers to receive credits in the event that we fail to meet those levels. In addition, our customer contracts often include (i) specific obligations that we maintain the availability of the customer’s data through our service and that we secure customer content against unauthorized access or loss, and (ii)
indemnity provisions whereby we indemnify our customers for third-party claims asserted against them that result from our failure to maintain the availability of their content or securing the same from unauthorized access or loss. To date, we have not incurred any material costs as a result of such commitments.
Our arrangements generally include certain provisions for indemnifying customers against liabilities if our products or services infringe a third party’s intellectual property rights. It is not possible to determine the maximum potential amount under these indemnification obligations due to the limited history of prior indemnification claims and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. To date, we have not incurred any material costs as a result of such obligations and have not accrued any material liabilities related to such obligations in the consolidated financial statements. In addition, we indemnify our officers, directors and certain key employees while they are serving in good faith in their respective capacities. To date, there have been no claims under any indemnification provisions.
Note 10. Debt
Convertible Senior Notes
In January 2021, we issued $345.0 million aggregate principal amount of 0.00% convertible senior notes due January 15, 2026. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations and do not bear regular interest. Initially, each $1,000 principal amount of the Notes was convertible into 38.7665 shares of our Class A common stock, which was equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $25.80 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events. In June 2021, we completed a tender offer as disclosed in Note 11, which triggered an adjustment to the conversion price. Following the adjustment, each $1,000 principal amount of the Notes will be convertible into 38.7962 shares of our Class A common stock, which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $25.78 per share.
The Notes are convertible at the option of the holders of the Notes at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding October 15, 2025, only under the following circumstances: (1) during any fiscal quarter commencing after the fiscal quarter ending on April 30, 2021 (and only during such fiscal quarter), if the last reported sale price of our Class A common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day; (2) during the five-business day period after any five consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our Class A common stock and the conversion rate for the Notes on each such trading day; (3) if we call the Notes for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the redemption date; or (4) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events.
On or after October 15, 2025, holders of the Notes may convert all or any portion of their Notes at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date regardless of the foregoing conditions. Effective February 5, 2021, we have made an irrevocable election to settle the principal portion of the Notes only in cash. Accordingly, upon conversion, we will pay the principal portion in cash and we will pay or deliver, as the case may be, the conversion premium in cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, at our election.
We may not redeem the Notes prior to January 20, 2024. We may redeem for cash all or any portion of the Notes, at our option, on or after January 20, 2024, if the last reported sale price of our common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period (including the last trading day of such period) ending on and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which we provide notice of redemption at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid special interest to, but excluding the redemption date.
Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the indenture governing the Notes) prior to the maturity date, subject to certain conditions, holders of the Notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of the
Notes for cash at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus any accrued and unpaid special interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.
As of January 31, 2022, the conditions allowing holders of the Notes to convert were not met.
The net carrying amount of the Notes consisted of the following (in thousands):
January 31,
January 31,
Principal
$
345,000
$
345,000
Unamortized debt discount for conversion option
-
(69,916
)
Unamortized issuance costs
(7,537
)
(7,470
)
Net carrying amount
$
337,463
$
267,614
Issuance costs are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Notes using the effective interest rate method. The effective interest rate used to amortize the issuance costs was 0.56%. For the year ended January 31, 2022 and 2021, our interest expense recognized related to the Notes was $1.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
Capped Calls
In connection with the pricing of the Notes, we entered into privately negotiated Capped Calls. The Capped Calls each have a strike price of approximately $25.80 per share, subject to certain adjustments, which correspond to the initial conversion price of the Notes. The Capped Calls have initial cap prices of $35.58 per share, subject to certain adjustments. The Capped Calls cover, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, approximately 13.4 million shares of our Class A common stock. The Capped Calls are generally intended to reduce or offset the potential dilution to our common stock upon any conversion of the Notes with such reduction or offset, as the case may be, subject to a cap based on the cap price. The Capped Calls are separate transactions, and not part of the terms of the Notes. As these transactions meet certain accounting criteria, the Capped Calls are recorded in stockholders’ (deficit) equity and are not accounted for as derivatives. The cost of $27.8 million incurred in connection with the Capped Calls was recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital.
Line of Credit
On November 27, 2017, we entered into a secured credit agreement (as amended or otherwise modified from time to time, the November 2017 Facility). On July 26, 2021, we entered into Amendment No. 4 to the November 2017 Facility. Pursuant to the terms of the amendment, the maturity date of borrowings under the November 2017 Facility is July 26, 2024, the revolving commitment is $65.0 million, and it provides for a sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit of $45.0 million. The revolving loans accrue interest at a LIBOR rate (based on one, three or six-month interest periods) plus a margin ranging from 1.15% to 1.65%. The margin is determined based on the senior secured leverage ratio, as defined in the November 2017 Facility. Borrowings under the November 2017 Facility are collateralized by substantially all of our assets. The November 2017 Facility requires us to comply with a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum liquidity requirement. Additionally, the November 2017 Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants.
As of January 31, 2022, we had total debt outstanding with a carrying amount of $30.0 million and we were in compliance with all financial covenants.
In connection with the November 2017 Facility, for the years ended January 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, we incurred interest expense of $0.8 million, $1.1 million, and $1.3 million, respectively. Interest expense in connection with the November 2017 Facility includes interest charges for our line of credit, amortization of issuance costs, and unused commitment fees on our line of credit.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging
In association with our November 2017 Facility, we are required to make variable rate interest payments based on a contractually specified interest rate index (e.g., LIBOR). The variable rate interest payments create interest rate risk as interest payments will fluctuate based on changes in the contractually specified interest rate index over the life of the loan. To minimize our risk exposure due to the volatility of the interest rate index, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, effective as of September 5, 2019. This agreement, which is designated as a cash flow hedge, has a maturity of five years. Under the Swap Agreement, we have hedged a portion of the variable interest payments by effectively fixing our interest payments over the term of the agreement. As of January 31, 2022, our interest rate swap had a notional value of $30.0 million.
Note 11. Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Deficit
Common Stock
The holder of each share of Class A common stock is entitled to 1 vote per share. As of January 31, 2022 and 2021, we had authorized 1,000,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share. 145,080,983 and 159,850,663 shares of Class A common stock were issued and outstanding as of January 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Preferred Stock
As of January 31, 2022 and 2021, we had authorized 100,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, par value of $0.0001 per share. 500,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding as of January 31, 2022. No shares of preferred stock were issued or outstanding as of January 31, 2021.
Treasury Stock
As of January 31, 2022 and 2021, we held an aggregate of 3,052,953 shares of common stock as treasury stock.
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
On April 7, 2021, we entered into an investment agreement with KKR relating to the issuance and sale of 500,000 shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $500 million, or $1,000 per share.
Prior to the consummation of the Issuance and as expressly contemplated by the Investment Agreement, KKR elected to syndicate a portion of the investment to certain investment partners. Each of the KKR-led group agreed to become a “party”, “Permitted Investor Transferee”, and “Investor Party” under the Investment Agreement.
The closing of the Issuance occurred on May 12, 2021 (the "Closing Date").
The Series A Preferred Stock rank senior to our Class A common stock with respect to dividend rights and rights on the distribution of assets on any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of Box. The Series A Preferred Stock initially have a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to a cumulative dividend (the “Dividend”) at the rate of 3.0% per annum, compounding quarterly, paid-in-kind or paid in cash, at our election. For any quarter in which we elect not to pay the Dividend in cash with respect to a share of Series A Preferred Stock, such Dividend will become part of the liquidation preference of such share, as set forth in the Certificate of Designations designating the Series A Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designations”).
The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible at the option of the holders thereof at any time into shares of Class A common stock at an initial conversion price of $27.00 per share. At any time after the third anniversary of the Closing Date, if the volume weighted average price of our Class A common stock exceeds 200% of the conversion price set forth in the Certificate of Designations, for at least 20 trading days in any period of 30 consecutive trading days, including the last day of such trading period, at our election, all of the Series A Preferred Stock will be convertible into the applicable number of shares of Class A common stock.
Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to vote with the holders of our Class A common stock on an as-converted basis. Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to a separate class vote with respect to, among other things, amendments to our organizational documents that have an adverse effect on the Series A Preferred Stock, authorizations or issuances by us of securities that are senior to, or equal in priority with, the Series A Preferred Stock, increases or decreases in the number of authorized shares of Series A Preferred Stock, and payments of special dividends in excess of an agreed upon amount.
At any time following the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, we may redeem some or all of the Series A Preferred Stock for a per share amount in cash equal to: (i) the sum of (x) 100% of the then-current liquidation preference thereof, plus (y) all accrued and unpaid dividends, multiplied by (ii) (A) 105% if the redemption occurs at any time on or after the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date and prior to the sixth anniversary of the Closing Date, (B) 102% if the redemption occurs at any time on or after the sixth anniversary of the Closing Date and prior to the seventh anniversary of the Closing Date, and (C) 100% if the redemption occurs at any time on or after the seventh anniversary of the Closing Date.
At any time following the seventh anniversary of the Closing Date, each holder of the Series A Preferred Stock will have the right to cause us to redeem, ratably, in whole or, from time to time, in part, the shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by such holder for a per share amount in cash equal to the sum of (x) 100% of the then-current liquidation preference thereof, plus (y) all accrued and unpaid dividends.
Upon prior written notice of certain change of control events involving Box, the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock shall automatically be redeemed by us for a repurchase price equal to the greater of (i) the value of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock as converted into Class A common stock at the then-current conversion price and (ii) an amount in cash equal to 100% of the then-current liquidation preference thereof plus all accrued but unpaid dividends. In the case of clause (ii) above, we will also be required to pay the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock a “make-whole” premium consisting of dividends that would have otherwise accrued from the effective date of such change of control through the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date.
Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, we agreed to increase the size of our board of directors in order to appoint, as of the Closing Date, one individual designated by KKR to our board of directors for a term expiring at the 2023 annual meeting of our stockholders. So long as KKR beneficially owns at least 50% of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock purchased by KKR at the closing of the Issuance on an as-converted basis, KKR will have the right to designate a director nominee for election to our board of directors.
We have applied the guidance in ASC 480-10-S99-3A, SEC Staff Announcement: Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities and have therefore classified the Series A Preferred Stock as mezzanine equity. The Series A Preferred Stock was recorded outside of stockholders’ deficit because the shares may be redeemed at the option of the holders and that redemption option is not solely within our control. Upon issuance, we recorded the Series A Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs. We have elected to accrete the issuance costs through the date the shares can first be redeemed at the option of the holders, which is the seventh anniversary of the Closing Date using the effective interest rate method. As of January 31, 2022, we recognized $1.5 million of accretion.
As of January 31, 2022, we had paid cash dividends to our Series A Preferred Stockholders in the amount of $9.6 million. As of January 31, 2022, we had accrued dividends of $1.3 million on the Series A Preferred Stock. Accrued dividends are recorded against additional paid-in capital due to Box being in an accumulated deficit position.
Tender Offer
On June 2, 2021, we announced the commencement of a tender offer to purchase up to $500 million in value of shares of our Class A common stock, or such lesser number of shares of our Class A common stock as are properly tendered and not properly withdrawn, at a price not less than $22.75 nor greater than $25.75 per share, to the seller in cash, less any applicable withholding taxes and without interest. On June 30, 2021, we announced the results of the tender offer. We repurchased 9.2 million shares at a price of $25.75 for a total amount of $238.2 million.
Share Repurchase Plan
On July 9, 2021, our board of directors authorized a $260 million Share Repurchase Plan, utilizing substantially all of the unused portion of the $500 million intended for the tender offer to opportunistically repurchase additional shares of our Class A common stock. On November 27, 2021, our board of directors authorized a $200 million expansion of the Share Repurchase Plan. As of January 31, 2022, we had repurchased 13.3 million shares under this plan at a weighted average price of $24.61 for a total amount of $328.5 million. Refer to Note 17 for information regarding a subsequent expansion of the Share Repurchase Plan, which occurred after January 31, 2022 and authorized up to an additional $150 million for repurchase.
Note 12. Stock-Based Compensation
Employee Equity Plans
In January 2015, our board of directors adopted the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (2015 Plan), which became effective prior to the completion of our initial public offering (IPO). Awards granted under the 2015 Plan may be (i) incentive stock options, (ii) nonstatutory stock options, (iii) restricted stock units, (iv) restricted stock awards or (v) stock appreciation rights, as determined by our board of directors at the time of grant. Generally, our restricted stock units vest over four years and, (a) for employee new hire restricted stock unit grants, twenty-five percent vest one year from the vesting commencement date and continue to vest 1/16th per quarter thereafter; or (b) for employee refresh restricted stock unit grants, 1/16th per quarter vest from the vesting commencement date. As of January 31, 2022, 26,828,445 shares were reserved for future issuance under the 2015 Plan.
In January 2015, our board of directors adopted the 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2015 ESPP), which became effective prior to the completion of our IPO. The 2015 ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase shares of our Class A common stock at a discount of up to 15% through payroll deductions of their eligible compensation, subject to any plan limitations. The 2015 ESPP provides for 24-month offering periods beginning March 16 and September 16 of each year, and each offering period consists of four six-month purchase periods.
On each purchase date, eligible employees may purchase our stock at a price per share equal to 85% of the lesser of (1) the fair market value of our stock on the offering date or (2) the fair market value of our stock on the purchase date. In the event the price is lower on the last day of any purchase price period, in addition to using that price as the basis for that purchase period, the offering period resets and the new lower price becomes the new offering price for a new 24 month offering period. As of January 31, 2022, 7,278,895 shares were reserved for future issuance under the 2015 ESPP.
Stock Options
The following table summarizes the stock option activity under the equity incentive plans and related information:
Shares Subject to Options Outstanding
Weighted-
Average
Weighted-
Remaining
Average Exercise
Contractual Life
Aggregate
Shares
Price
(Years)
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)
Balance as of January 31, 2020
8,772,585
$
9.48
4.27
$
60,221
Options granted
31,666
12.48
Options exercised
(1,994,667
)
5.14
Options forfeited/cancelled
(192,547
)
10.73
Balance as of January 31, 2021
6,617,037
$
10.77
3.77
$
48,098
Options granted
-
-
Options exercised
(886,644
)
4.54
Options forfeited/cancelled
(3,500
)
4.63
Balance as of January 31, 2022
5,726,893
$
11.74
3.04
$
82,481
Vested and expected to vest as of January 31, 2022
5,668,611
$
11.65
3.00
$
82,131
Exercisable as of January 31, 2022
4,561,255
$
9.59
2.12
$
75,480
Shares Subject to Options Outstanding Weighted-Average Weighted-Remaining Average Exercise Contractual Life Aggregate Shares Price (Years) Intrinsic Value (in thousands) Balance as of January 31, 2019 Options granted Option exercised Options forfeited/cancelled Balance as of January 31, 2020 Options granted Option exercised Options forfeited/cancelled Balance as of January 31, 2021 Vested and expected to vest as of January 31, 2021 Exercisable as of January 31, 2021 9,096,961 $9.01 4.97 $ 108,731 577,082 19.89 (659,34) 9.05 (242,110) 17.63 8,772,585 $ 9.48 4.27 $ 60,221 31,666 12.48 (1,994,667) 5.14 (192,547) 10.73 6,617,037 $ 10.773.77 $ 48,098 6,554,892 $ 10.68 3.74 $ 48,092 5,348,780 $ 8.59 2.87 $ 47,974
The aggregate intrinsic value of options vested and expected to vest and exercisable as of January 31, 2022 is calculated based on the difference between the exercise price and the current fair value of our common stock. The aggregate intrinsic value of exercised options for the years ended January 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $17.9 million, $28.0 million, and $5.9 million, respectively. The aggregate estimated fair value of stock options granted to employees that vested during the years ended January 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $0.8 million, $2.3 million, and $5.3 million, respectively. There were no options granted to employees during the year ended January 31, 2022. The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted to employees during the years ended January 31, 2021 and 2020 was $5.41 and $8.00 per share, respectively.
As of January 31, 2022, the unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding stock options granted to employees was not material.
Stock Options with Market-Based Performance Goals
To further align our stockholders’ interests with executive officers’ interests, the Compensation Committee of our board of directors approved and granted performance-based stock options with market-based performance goals under the 2015 Plan to certain executive officers, which are subject to both the achievement of the market-based performance goal established by the Compensation Committee and the continued employment of the participant. These performance-based stock options vest only to the extent that both the market-based performance goal and time-based condition are satisfied. As of January 31, 2022, there were 1,375,000 performance-based stock options outstanding.
The grant date fair value of these awards was determined using a Monte Carlo valuation model and the related stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on an accelerated attribution method. As of January 31, 2022, the unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding performance-based stock options with market-based performance goals was not material.
Restricted Stock Units
The following table summarizes the restricted stock unit activity under the equity incentive plans and related information:
Number of
Weighted-
Restricted
Average
Stock Units
Grant Date
Outstanding
Fair Value
Unvested balance - January 31, 2020
21,808,107
$
18.85
Granted
10,702,574
15.81
Vested
(5,100,239
)
18.27
Forfeited/cancelled
(13,079,764
)
17.87
Unvested balance - January 31, 2021
14,330,678
$
17.68
Granted
11,357,469
24.26
Vested
(6,816,896
)
19.66
Forfeited/cancelled
(4,030,338
)
19.39
Unvested balance - January 31, 2022
14,840,913
$
21.35
er of Weighted- Restricted Average Stock Units Grant Date Outstanding Fair Value Unvested balance - January 31, 2019 18,098,707 $ 19.35 Granted 12,436,586 18.81 Vested, net of shares withheld for employee payroll taxes (4,166,907 ) 19.92 Forfeited/cancelled (4,560,279 ) 19.77 Unvested balance - January 31, 2020 21,808,107 $ 18.85 Granted 10,702,574 15.82 Vested, net of shares withheld for employee payroll taxes (5,100,239 ) 18.28 Forfeited/cancelled (13,079,764 ) 17.87 Unvested balance - January 31, 2021 14,330,678 $ 17.68
As of January 31, 2022, there was $290.3 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding restricted stock units granted to employees that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.77 years.
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
We use performance-based incentives for certain employees, including our named executive officers, to achieve our annual financial and operational objectives, while making progress towards our longer-term strategic and growth goals. Typically, near the beginning of each fiscal year, our Compensation Committee adopts the performance criteria and targets for the incentive compensation plan (Executive Bonus Plan) for that fiscal year, which identifies the plan participants, the performance measures and the associated target levels for each measure, and the potential payouts based on actual performance for the fiscal year. Payouts are made in the form of cash, fully vested restricted stock units, or a combination of both, at the discretion of our Compensation Committee.
Based on a review of our actual achievement of the pre-established corporate financial objectives and additional inputs from our Compensation Committee, the Executive Bonus Plan is paid out in the first quarter of the following fiscal year. For the fiscal year 2021 and 2022 Executive Bonus Plans, the pay out was and will be in the form of fully vested restricted stock units. During the year ended January 31, 2022, we recognized stock-based compensation expense related to the Executive Bonus Plan for fiscal years 2021 and 2022 in the amount of $3.2 million and $17.1 million, respectively. The unrecognized compensation expense related to the ungranted and unvested Executive Bonus Plan for fiscal year 2022 is $3.2 million, based on the expected performance against the pre-established corporate financial objectives as of January 31, 2022, which is expected to be recognized during the first quarter of fiscal year 2023.
2015 ESPP
As of January 31, 2022, there was $7.4 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to the 2015 ESPP that is expected to be recognized over the remaining term of the respective offering periods.
Stock-Based Compensation 	
The following table summarizes the components of stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
Year Ended January 31,
Cost of revenue
$
20,093
$
18,936
$
16,769
Research and development
68,063
61,145
62,565
Sales and marketing
52,547
42,015
38,030
General and administrative
38,271
32,196
28,624
Total stock-based compensation
$
178,974
$
154,292
$
145,988
Year Ended January 31, 2021 2020 2019 Cost of revenue $ 18,936 $ 16,769 $ 14,065 Research and development 61,145 62,565 45,189 Sales and marketing 42,015 38,030 36,864 General and administrative 32,196 28,624 23,178 Total stock-based compensation $ 154,292 $ 145,988 $ 119,296
Determination of Fair Value
We estimated the fair value of employee stock options and 2015 ESPP purchase rights using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
Year Ended January 31,
Employee Stock Options
Expected term (in years)
N/A
5.8
5.5
-
5.8
Risk-free interest rate
N/A
0.6
%
1.8
%
Volatility
N/A
%
%
Dividend yield
N/A
%
%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Expected term (in years)
0.5
-
2.0
0.5
-
2.0
0.5
-
2.0
Risk-free interest rate
0.1
%
-
0.2
%
0.1
%
-
0.4
%
1.7
%
-
2.5
%
Volatility
%
-
%
%
-
%
%
-
%
Dividend yield
%
%
%
Year Ended January 31, 2021 2020 2019 Employee Stock Options Expected term (in years) 5.8 5.5 - 5.8 5.5 - 5.8 Risk-free interest rate 0.6% 1.8% 2.8% - 3.1% Volatility 46% 45% 45% Dividend yield 0% 0% 0% Employee Stock Purchase Plan Expected term (in years) 0.5 - 2.0 0.5 - 2.0 0.5 - 2.0 Risk-free interest rate 0.1% - 0.4% 1.7% - 2.5% 2.0% - 2.8% Volatility 44% - 54% 34% - 55% 37% - 50% Dividend yield 0% 0% 0%
The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model were determined as follows:
Fair Value of Common Stock. We use the market closing price for our Class A common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange to determine the fair value of our common stock at each grant date.
Expected Term. The expected term represents the period that our share-based awards are expected to be outstanding. The expected term assumptions were determined based on the vesting terms, exercise terms and contractual lives of the options and 2015 ESPP purchase rights.
Expected Volatility. We estimate the expected volatility of the stock option grants and 2015 ESPP purchase rights based on the historical volatility of our Class A common stock over a period equivalent to the expected term of the stock option grants and 2015 ESPP purchase rights, respectively.
Risk-free Interest Rate. The risk-free rate that we use is based on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with remaining terms similar to the expected term on the options and 2015 ESPP purchase rights.
Dividend Yield. We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our Class A common stock and do not plan to pay cash dividends on our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future, and, therefore, use an expected dividend yield of zero.
Note 13. Net Loss per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Year Ended January 31,
Numerator:
Net loss
$
(41,459
)
$
(43,433
)
$
(144,348
)
Dividend on series A convertible preferred stock
(10,911
)
-
-
Accretion of series A convertible preferred stock
(1,508
)
-
-
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
$
(53,878
)
$
(43,433
)
$
(144,348
)
Denominator:
Weighted-average number of shares used to compute net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted
155,598
155,849
147,762
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted
$
(0.35
)
$
(0.28
)
$
(0.98
)
The following weighted-average outstanding shares of common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share for the periods presented because the impact of including them would have been antidilutive (in thousands):
Year Ended January 31,
Options to purchase common stock
5,189
5,225
7,598
Restricted stock units
16,173
17,029
16,478
Employee stock purchase plan
1,281
1,776
1,820
Shares related to convertible preferred stock
13,561
-
-
Shares related to the convertible senior notes
-
Total
36,351
24,688
25,896
Note 14. Income Taxes
The components of loss before provision for income taxes were as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended January 31,
United States
$
(51,497
)
$
(38,928
)
$
(104,362
)
Foreign
14,033
(3,298
)
(38,576
)
Total
$
(37,464
)
$
(42,226
)
$
(142,938
)
The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended January 31,
Current:
Federal
$
-
$
-
$
-
State
Foreign
5,660
1,351
1,485
Total
$
5,905
$
1,556
$
1,681
Deferred:
Federal
$
$
$
-
State
-
Foreign
(2,034
)
(436
)
(303
)
Total
$
(1,910
)
$
(349
)
$
(271
)
Provision for income taxes
$
3,995
$
1,207
$
1,410
The following is a reconciliation of the difference between the effective income tax rate and the federal statutory rate of 21% (in thousands):
Year Ended January 31,
Tax benefit at federal statutory rate
$
(7,867
)
$
(8,867
)
$
(30,017
)
State taxes, net of federal benefit
(2,766
)
6,798
(3,122
)
Foreign rate difference
1,213
1,676
(305
)
Nondeductible expenses
2,313
Research and development credit
(5,842
)
(6,487
)
(6,670
)
Stock-based compensation
(691
)
4,942
6,325
Change in reserve for unrecognized tax benefits
5,842
6,487
6,670
Intra-group transfer of intellectual property
1,067
-
-
Change in valuation allowance, including the effect of tax rate change
31,613
2,301
26,462
Effect of tax rate change on deferred tax assets
(19,284
)
(6,524
)
-
Other
(246
)
Total provision for income taxes
$
3,995
$
1,207
$
1,410
During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, the United Kingdom (UK) passed the Finance Act 2021, which increased the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate to 25% compared to the current rate of 19%, effective April 2023. As a result, we re-measured our UK deferred tax assets using 25% and recorded a benefit of $19.2 million, which was fully offset by a valuation allowance.
The significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
January 31,
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryover
$
262,735
$
243,820
Accruals and reserves
7,231
7,822
Stock-based compensation
15,103
11,465
Section 59(e) capitalized research and development
27,949
19,485
Depreciation and amortization
11,939
6,618
Operating lease liabilities
51,564
59,455
Tax credit carryover
4,325
4,325
Other
1,216
1,213
Total deferred tax assets
382,062
354,203
Valuation allowance
(337,929
)
(286,659
)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
44,133
67,544
Deferred tax liabilities:
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
(41,196
)
(47,949
)
Convertible debt
-
(17,322
)
Deferred commissions
(1,059
)
-
Goodwill with indefinite life amortization
(867
)
(525
)
Total deferred tax liabilities
(43,122
)
(65,796
)
Net deferred tax assets
$
1,011
$
1,748
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. As a result, we have established a full valuation allowance against our U.S. and United Kingdom deferred tax assets to the extent they are not offset by liabilities from uncertain tax positions based on our history of losses. During the years ended January 31, 2022 and 2021, the valuation allowance increased by $51.2 million and decreased by $15.1 million, respectively.
In connection with the adoption of ASU 2020-06, we decreased the gross deferred tax liability in the amount of $17.3 million related to the tax effect of amounts no longer separately presented in equity. The net effect of the adjustments to the deferred tax liability was offset with an adjustment to the valuation allowance.
As of January 31, 2022, we had federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $700.2 million, $571.2 million and $313.0 million, respectively, available to offset future taxable income. The federal net operating loss carryforwards generated prior to fiscal year 2019 will expire at various dates beginning in 2025, if not utilized. We have federal net operating loss carryforwards of $79.0 million, which can be carried forward indefinitely. The state net operating loss carryforwards will expire at various dates beginning in 2023, if not utilized. The foreign net operating loss carryforwards do not expire. In addition, as of January 31, 2022, we had federal and state research and development tax credit carryforwards of $44.9 million and $48.6 million, respectively. The federal research and development tax credit carryforwards will expire beginning in 2025 if not utilized. The state research and development tax credit carryforwards do not expire.
Utilization of the federal and state net operating loss may be subject to substantial annual limitation due to the ownership change limitations provided by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and similar state provisions. The annual limitation may result in the expiration of net operating losses and credits before utilization. In the prior year, we completed a Section 382 ownership change analysis covering the fiscal year 2015 to fiscal year 2022 tax periods, which concluded that our net operating losses are not permanently limited. Subsequent ownership changes may further affect the limitation in future years.
We evaluate tax positions for recognition using a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, and those tax positions eligible for recognition are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon the effective settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. We believe that we have provided adequate reserves for our income tax uncertainties in all open tax years.
A reconciliation of the gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended January 31,
Unrecognized tax benefits-beginning of period
$
77,427
$
63,560
$
49,883
Reductions for tax positions related to prior year
(57
)
(10
)
Additions for tax positions related to prior year
-
-
Additions for tax positions related to current year
13,211
13,876
13,687
Unrecognized tax benefits-end of period
$
90,678
$
77,427
$
63,560
The gross unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would not materially affect the effective tax rate as of January 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. We do not expect our gross unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months.
Our policy is to classify interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions, if any, as a component of our income tax provision. Interest and penalties were not significant during the years ended January 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.
We file tax returns in the U.S. for federal, California, and other states. All tax years remain open to examination for both federal and state purposes as a result of our net operating loss and credit carryforwards. We file tax returns in the United Kingdom and other foreign jurisdictions in which we operate.
Note 15. Segments
Our chief operating decision maker reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance. As such, we have a single reporting segment and operating unit structure. Since we operate in one operating segment, all required segment information can be found in the consolidated financial statements.
Note 16. 401(k) Plan
We have a 401(k) Savings Plan (the 401(k) Plan) which qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the 401(k) Plan, participating employees may elect to contribute up to 100% of their eligible compensation, subject to certain limitations. We have not made any material matching contributions to date.
Note 17. Subsequent Events
Share Repurchase Plan
On March 14, 2022, our board of directors authorized up to an additional $150 million expansion of the Share Repurchase Plan. Under this expansion, shares may be repurchased in open market transactions until the earlier of March 14, 2023, or until $150 million of our Class A common stock has been repurchased.
Stock Options
On March 14, 2022, we issued a net amount of 1.1 million shares of our Class A common stock upon a cashless exercise of stock options granted in April 2012 to Aaron Levie, our co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, prior to their expiration in April 2022. The weighted-average exercise price was $2.91 and the aggregate intrinsic value of exercised options was $46.2 million.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. The design of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during the quarter ended January 31, 2022 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework” (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on that assessment, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of January 31, 2022. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2022 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with our 2022 annual meeting of stockholders (the Proxy Statement), which is expected to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended January 31, 2022, and is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
Our board of directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and directors, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other executive and senior financial officers. The full text of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on the Corporate Governance portion of our website at http://www.boxinvestorrelations.com/. We will post amendments to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or waivers of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for directors and executive officers on the same website.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
(1) Consolidated Financial Statements:
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are listed in the “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules:
All schedules have been omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable or is shown in the financial statements or notes herein or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule.
(3) Exhibits
The documents listed in the following Exhibit Index of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are incorporated by reference or are filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in each case as indicated therein (numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K).