By: George M. Wilson & Carol A. Stacey
As we discussed in this post enumerating Rev Rec early adopters, Microsoft disclosed in their SAB 74 disclosures plans to early adopt both the new Rev Rec and Lease Accounting standards as of July 1, 2017, the beginning of their fiscal year 2018. As you will see in their Form 10-K for the year-ended June 30, 2017, they have executed their plan. (New Microsoft financial reporting motto: “Sleep is for the Weak”?)
As you review their disclosures you will see that Microsoft adopted the Rev Rec standard with a full retrospective approach, making this disclosure:
The standard will be effective for us beginning July 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We elected to early adopt the standard effective July 1, 2017. In preparation for adoption of the standard, we have implemented internal controls and key system functionality to enable the preparation of financial information and have reached conclusions on key accounting assessments related to the standard, including our assessment that the impact of accounting for costs incurred to obtain a contract is immaterial.
The most significant impact of the standard relates to our accounting for software license revenue. Specifically, for Windows 10, we will recognize revenue predominantly at the time of billing and delivery rather than ratably over the life of the related device. For certain multi-year commercial software subscriptions that include both distinct software licenses and Software Assurance, we will recognize license revenue at the time of contract execution rather than over the subscription period. Due to the complexity of certain of our commercial license subscription contracts, the actual revenue recognition treatment required under the standard will depend on contract-specific terms and in some instances may vary from recognition at the time of billing. Revenue recognition related to our hardware, cloud offerings such as Office 365, LinkedIn, and professional services will remain substantially unchanged.
Adoption of the standard will result in the recognition of additional revenue of $6.6 billion and $5.8 billion for fiscal year 2017 and 2016, respectively, and an increase in the provision for income taxes of $2.5 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively, primarily due to the net change in Windows 10 revenue recognition. In addition, adoption of the standard will result in an increase in accounts receivable and other current and long-term assets of $2.7 billion and $4.2 billion, as of June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, driven by unbilled receivables from upfront recognition of revenue for certain multi-year commercial software subscriptions that include both distinct software licenses and Software Assurance; a reduction of unearned revenue of $17.8 billion and $11.7 billion as of June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, driven by the upfront recognition of license revenue from Windows 10 and certain multi-year commercial software subscriptions; and an increase in deferred income taxes of $5.2 billion and $4.8 billion as of June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, driven by the upfront recognition of revenue.
One of the interesting aspects of this disclosure is the conclusion that contract acquisition costs are not material, making commissions accounting much simpler! And it is worth noting that the new revenue recognition guidance will require Microsoft to recognize some revenue earlier than the old guidance.
For the new lease standard Microsoft included this disclosure:
The standard will be effective for us beginning July 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We elected to early adopt the standard effective July 1, 2017 concurrent with our adoption of the new standard related to revenue recognition. We elected the available practical expedients on adoption. In preparation for adoption of the standard, we have implemented internal controls and key system functionality to enable the preparation of financial information.
The standard will have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets, but will not have a material impact on our consolidated income statements. The most significant impact will be the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities for operating leases, while our accounting for capital leases remains substantially unchanged.
Adoption of the standard will result in the recognition of additional ROU assets and lease liabilities for operating leases of $6.6 billion and $5.2 billion as of June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Microsoft’s discussion of new internal controls and system functionality are key issues in implementing the new lease accounting model.
Microsoft also included a tabular disclosure entitled “Expected Impacts to Reported Results” detailing the impact on selected statement of operations and balance sheet amounts from adopting both standards. You can find it on pages 61 and 62 of the Form 10-K.
When Microsoft files their Form 10-Q for their first Quarter Ended September 30, 2017, the full impact along with all required disclosures will be interesting to see!
As always, your thoughts and comments are welcome!