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Blackbaud, Inc.

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FY2015 Annual Report · Blackbaud, Inc.
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2015 Annual Report

Included in the 2015 Annual Report:
Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on
February 24, 2016

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2015

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ___________________ to ___________________.

Commission file number: 000-50600

Blackbaud, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

Delaware

11-2617163

2000 Daniel Island Drive
Charleston, South Carolina 29492
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(843) 216-6200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class

Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value

Name of Each Exchange on which Registered

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
(NASDAQ Global Select Market)

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES  

    NO  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES  

    NO  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has 
been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES  

    NO  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data 
File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 
months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES  

    NO  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 229.405 of this chapter) is not 
contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated 
by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting 
company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange 
Act.

Large accelerated filer    

Accelerated filer                      

Non-accelerated filer      

  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company    

Indicate by check mark whether registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES  

    NO  

The aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2015 (based on the closing 
sale price of $56.95 on that date) was approximately $2,047,562,190. Common stock held by each officer and director and by each person 
known to the registrant who owned 10% or more of the outstanding common stock have been excluded in that such persons may be 
deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of February 8, 2016 was 46,971,656.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders currently scheduled to be held June 15, 
2016 are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof. Such definitive Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission no later than 120 days after the conclusion of the registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

PART I.

Item 1.

Business

Item 1A. Risk factors
Item 1B. Unresolved staff comments
Item 2.

Properties

Legal proceedings

Item 3.
Item 4. Mine safety disclosure

PART II.

Item 5. Market for registrant's common equity, related stockholder matters and issuer purchases of equity 

securities

Item 6.

Selected financial data

Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations

Item 7A. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk

Item 8.

Financial statements and supplementary data

Item 9. Changes in and disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure

Item 9A. Controls and procedures

Item 9B. Other information

PART III.

Item 10. Directors, executive officers and corporate governance

Item 11. Executive compensation

Item 12. Security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters

Item 13. Certain relationships and related transactions, and director independence

Item 14. Principal accountant fees and services

PART IV.

Item 15. Exhibits and financial statement schedules

SIGNATURES

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4

4

15
27

27

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27

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28

32

33

63
63

109

109
109

110

110

110

110

110

110

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116

 
 
Blackbaud, Inc.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the documents incorporated herein by reference, contains forward-looking 
statements that anticipate results based on our estimates, assumptions and plans that are subject to uncertainty. These 
"forward-looking statements" are made subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform 
Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements consist of, among other things, trend analyses, statements regarding 
future events, future financial performance, our anticipated growth, the effect of general economic and market conditions, 
our business strategy and our plan to build and grow our business, our operating results, our ability to successfully integrate 
acquired businesses and technologies, the effect of foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations on our 
financial results, the impact of expensing stock-based compensation, the sufficiency of our capital resources, our ability to 
meet our ongoing debt and obligations as they become due, and potential litigation involving us, all of which are based 
on current expectations, estimates, and forecasts, and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. Words such as 
“believes,” “seeks,” “expects,” “may,” “might,” “should,” “intends,” “could,” “would,” “likely,” “will,” “targets,” 
“plans,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “projects,” “estimates,” or any variations of such words and similar expressions are also 
intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties 
and assumptions that are difficult to predict.  Accordingly, they should not be viewed as assurances of future performance, 
and actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations expressed in forward-looking 
statements include, but are not limited to, those summarized under “Item 1A. Risk factors” and elsewhere in this report 
and in our other SEC filings. Forward-looking statements represent our management's beliefs and assumptions only as of 
the  date  of  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K.  We  undertake  no  obligation  to  update  or  revise  any  forward-looking 
statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking 
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

2015 Form 10-K

3

PART I.

Item 1. Business

Blackbaud, Inc.

Description of Business

We are a leading provider of software and services for the global philanthropic community. Our customers use our cloud-
based and on-premises software solutions and related services to help increase donations, reduce fundraising costs, improve 
communications with constituents, manage their finances and optimize operations. Since our incorporation as a New York 
corporation in 1981, we have been dedicated to developing software and services that help this industry grow and operate 
more efficiently. Our solutions are designed to meet the needs of nonprofits, foundations and other charitable giving 
organizations,  and  academic  institutions  -  from  large,  multi-national  organizations  to  small,  emerging  entities.  We 
reincorporated as a South Carolina corporation in 1991 and reincorporated as a Delaware corporation in 2004. With recent 
acquisitions, we have expanded our addressable market to include institutions involved with the entire spectrum of giving 
activities, such as nonprofits, K-12 private and higher education institutions, healthcare organizations, foundations and 
other charitable giving entities and corporations. Using Blackbaud technology, these organizations raise, invest, manage 
and award more than $100 billion each year. At the end of 2015, we had approximately 35,000 active customers located 
in over 60 countries using our solutions. Our customers serve as a constant source of inspiration to us, and we are extremely 
proud to play a part in their success.

Market Overview

The philanthropic industry is significant and our addressable market is substantial and growing

There were approximately 1.7 million U.S. nonprofit organizations registered with the Internal Revenue Service in 2014, 
including approximately 1.1 million charitable 501(c)(3) organizations reported in 2014. We estimate there are over 3 million 
charities internationally outside the U.S. The nonprofit market represents the third largest workforce category in the U.S. 
behind retail and manufacturing. Nonprofit organizations receive fees for services they provide, which are estimated at 
more than $1.5 trillion annually with nonprofit expenses also amounting to more than $1.5 trillion. According to Giving 
USA 2015, donations to U.S. nonprofit organizations in 2014 were $358.4 billion, amounting to 2.1% of U.S. GDP, a 
7.1% increase from 2013. The average annual rate of change in total giving dollars over the last 40 years was 6.8%.

Our  estimated  current  total  addressable  market  ("TAM")  is  $6.3  billion.  This  includes  an  expansion  in  2015  from  our 
acquisition of Smart, LLC ("Smart Tuition") into K-12 tuition and financial aid management; a new and near adjacency 
within the education market. The total market expansion created by our recent acquisitions of Smart Tuition, WhippleHill 
Communications, Inc. (“WhippleHill”) and MicroEdge Holdings, LLC (“MicroEdge”) is estimated to be in excess of $1.5 
billion.

Traditional methods of fundraising are often costly and inefficient

Many nonprofits use manual methods or stand-alone software applications not specifically designed to manage fundraising. 
Such methods are often costly and inefficient because of the difficulties in effectively collecting, sharing, and using donation-
related information. Furthermore, general purpose software applications frequently have limited functionality and do not 
efficiently integrate multiple databases. Some nonprofit organizations have developed proprietary software, but doing so 
is expensive, requiring on-site technical personnel for development, implementation and maintenance. 

The nonprofit industry faces particular operational challenges

Nonprofit organizations must efficiently:

• 

Solicit funds and build relationships with major donors;

•  Garner small cash contributions from numerous contributors;

•  Manage and develop complex relationships with large numbers of constituents;

•  Communicate their accomplishments and the importance of their mission online and offline;

•  Comply with complex accounting, tax and reporting requirements that differ from those for traditional businesses;

• 

• 

Solicit cash and in-kind contributions from businesses to help raise money or deliver products and services;

Provide a wide array of programs and services to individual constituents; and

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2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.

• 

Improve the data collection and information sharing capabilities of their employees, volunteers and donors by 
creating and providing distributed access to centralized databases.

Because  of  these  challenges,  we  believe  nonprofit  organizations  can  benefit  from  software  applications  and  services 
specifically designed to serve their particular needs.

Corporations, grant making institutions and foundations also face unique challenges

The market segments addressed by our MicroEdge acquisition, which include corporations, grant making institutions and 
foundations, face their own unique challenges, including the need to:

•  Quantify and improve the impact of their grants; 

•  Cultivate better relationships with grantees; 

•  Achieve better internal collaboration and alignment with board members, reviewers, and other stakeholders;

• 

• 

• 

Illustrate the impact of their corporate philanthropy efforts to the communities they serve;

Engage employees in meaningful volunteering, giving and other activities; 

Ensure that their philanthropic efforts align with their business initiatives; 

•  Manage all of a foundation's activities, including fundraising and accounting;

• 

Expand the reach of their fundraising efforts; and

•  Cultivate new and existing donors.

Strategy

Our objective is to maintain and extend our position as a leading provider of software and services for the global philanthropic 
community, supporting their missions from fundraising to outcomes. Our key strategies for achieving this objective are to:

Delight our customers

We intend to make our customers' experience with us effective, efficient and satisfying from their initial interest in our 
solutions and services, through their decision to purchase, engage with customer support and utilize solution enhancements. 
We continue to focus on initiatives aimed at improving the consistency and quality of user experience across the offerings 
we provide to our customers. We continue to evolve the manner in which we package and sell our offerings to provide 
high quality and value combined with flexibility to meet the different needs of our existing and prospective customers. For 
example, we are increasing the number of our cloud-based solutions sold under a subscription pricing model, which can 
make it easier for customers to purchase our solutions. In addition, we are continuing to integrate value-adding capabilities 
such as payment processing, analytics and business intelligence into our suite of solutions to better address our customers' 
needs with comprehensive offerings. We will continue to focus on providing the highest level of solution support, enhancing 
our existing solutions and developing new solutions and services designed to help our customers to be more effective and 
achieve their missions. 

Execute on our Five Point Growth Strategy

During 2014, we introduced and began executing on a five point growth strategy. In 2015, these strategies evolved to 
account for progress to date and future outlook and are as follows:

1. 

Integrated and Open Solutions in the Cloud
We will continue to transition our business to predominantly serve customers through a subscription-based cloud 
delivery model, enabling lower cost of entry, greater scalability and lower total cost of ownership to our customers. 
There is a concerted effort underway to optimize our portfolio of solutions and integrate powerful capabilities — 
such as built in data, analytics, payment processing and tailored user-specific experiences — to bring even greater 
value and performance to our customers. In 2015, we announced the general availability of Raiser's Edge NXT™, 
Financial  Edge  NXT™,  and  we  introduced  Blackbaud  SKY™,  which  is  our  new,  innovative  cloud  technology 
architecture for the global philanthropic community.

2.  Drive Sales Effectiveness

We are making investments to increase the effectiveness of our sales organization, to expand our direct sales and 
customer success teams and to introduce indirect sales with the announcement of a value added reseller ("VAR") 
program, launching in the first quarter of 2016.

2015 Form 10-K

5

Blackbaud, Inc.

3.  Expand TAM into Near Adjacencies with Acquisitions

We will continue to evaluate compelling opportunities to acquire companies, technologies and/or services. We 
will be guided by our acquisition criteria for considering attractive assets, which expand our total addressable 
market, provide entry into new and near adjacencies, accelerate our shift to the cloud, accelerate revenue growth, 
are accretive to margins and present synergistic opportunities.

4.  Streamline Operations

We have largely completed the installations of single best-in-breed back-office solutions to standardize operations 
utilizing  scalable  tools  and  systems.  Our  focus  is  now  shifting  towards  optimizing  those  systems,  as  well  as 
operational excellence and quality initiatives focused on streamlining processes to gain efficiency and scalability.

5.  Execute our 3-Year Margin Improvement Plan

In  2014,  we  implemented  a  3-year  operating  margin  improvement  plan  designed  to  increase  our  operating 
effectiveness and efficiency and improve non-GAAP operating margins 300 to 600 basis points on a constant 
currency basis from our 2014 baseline of 17.5%, by the time we exit 2017.

Attract Top Talent and Actively Engage Employee Base

Our customer's passion is our purpose, and we have incredible customers whose missions make the world a better place 
for all of us. Driven by this purpose, our employees come to work every day knowing they can make a real difference with 
our customers, and thus the world. Collaboration, innovation and high standards are core to our culture and help enable 
the great work we do. We strive to hire the best employees and provide a workplace where their talents and potential are 
realized. Our employees' engagement is a focus of every leader at Blackbaud, and we continually work to understand what 
matters and to make our workplace better. We believe people with a passion for purpose can join our team and have a 
unique career experience. Our leaders are committed to our employees' personal and career development and continually 
work to improve the training and tools provided to their teams.    

Build our Reputation as an Industry Thought Leader 

In our nearly 35 years of experience in the philanthropic market, we have gained significant insight into the market and 
industry segments in which we operate. We produce a wide range of thought leadership materials, including blogs, monthly 
indices and white papers, which provide insights and guidance to the philanthropic community. We also participate in a 
number of industry forums where we exchange views and engage with industry and governmental leaders. Our annual 
user conference, bbcon™, is used in part as a forum to offer thought leadership to our customers, as well as other market 
specific user conferences such as our annual K-12 conference. We intend to expand these activities and further build our 
reputation as a thought leader within the industry.

Operating Structure

The markets we serve are very diverse, with organizations that range from small, local charities to large, multinational relief 
organizations.  The  needs  of  our  customers  can  vary  greatly  according  to  their  size  and  function.  To  better  serve  our 
customers' unique and wide-ranging operations, we organize our operating structure into three operating units: the General 
Markets Business Unit (the “GMBU”), the Enterprise Customer Business Unit (the “ECBU”) and the International Business 
Unit (the “IBU”).

Following is a description of each of our operating units, each of which is a reportable segment for financial accounting 
purposes:

• 

• 

• 

The GMBU is focused on marketing, sales, delivery and support to all emerging and mid-sized prospects and 
customers in North America.

The ECBU is focused on marketing, sales, delivery and support to large and/or strategic prospects and customers 
in North America.

The IBU is focused on marketing, sales, delivery and support to all prospects and customers outside of North 
America.

Each operating unit contains specialized sales, services, support, marketing and finance functions. We believe this structure 
allows us to be more responsive to the needs of fundamentally different customer segments and to focus on developing 
solutions appropriate for these unique markets while leveraging the infrastructure of our broader organization and shared 

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2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.

technology in a cost-effective manner. It also allows us to develop highly customized approaches to marketing and selling 
our solutions in the markets we serve.

During 2015, we generated revenue in three reportable segments (the GMBU, the ECBU and the IBU) and in four geographic 
regions (United States, Canada, Europe and Australia), as described in more detail in Note 16 of our consolidated financial 
statements. It is impracticable for us to identify our total assets by segment. Summarized below is our percentage of total 
revenue for each of our principal solution and service groups:

Percentage of Total Revenue

Years ended December 31,

Subscriptions

Maintenance

Services

2015

2014

2013

52.0%

24.1%

20.8%

46.7%

26.1%

22.7%

42.2%

27.5%

25.1%

Solutions and Services

We offer a full spectrum of cloud-based and on-premises solutions as well as a resource network that empowers and 
connects  organizations  of  all  sizes.  Blackbaud's  portfolio  of  software  and  services  support  nonprofit  fundraising  and 
relationship management, digital marketing, advocacy, accounting, payments and analytics, as well as grant management, 
corporate social responsibility ("CSR"), and education. We offer the global philanthropic community a complete system 
to meet any need with the market-leading constituent relationship management ("CRM") system and online engagement 
platforms, backed by our analytic services that we are leveraging to make our software "smarter." In most cases, the core 
of our solution portfolio centers around a CRM system, which seamlessly integrates with other applications to help our 
customers conduct activities vital to advancing their missions, such as managing finances, analyzing prospects and market 
data, effectively communicating with current and prospective supporters and promoting their cause online and offline. 
Our solutions can be combined with a range of consulting, training and professional services, maintenance and technical 
support as well as payment processing, analytic and business intelligence services. In addition, we offer solutions that 
stretch  across  the  spectrum  of  giving  activities,  including  CSR  programs,  grant  management,  employee  involvement, 
foundation management and other philanthropic activities.

With the acquisition of Smart Tuition in October 2015, we expanded our suite of solutions that help K-12 schools improve 
back-office  processes,  enhance  communication  with  parents  and  eliminate  inefficiencies  and  now  offer  easy  to  use, 
anywhere-accessible solutions that support tuition and financial aid management. Smart Tuition's solution suite, which 
includes Smart Tuition, Smart Aid and Smart for Dioceses, serves thousands of schools and over 300,000 families. 

We provide solutions and services in the following areas that address many of the technological and business process needs 
of our customers:

• 

Fundraising & Relationship Management;

•  Analytics & Business Intelligence;

•  Communication & Marketing;

• 

Finance & Operations;

•  K-12 Private Schools;

•  Arts and Cultural;

•  Customer Support and Maintenance;

• 

• 

• 

Payment Processing;

Professional Services;

Training; and 

•  CSR.

2015 Form 10-K

7

Blackbaud, Inc.

Fundraising and Relationship Management

Raiser's Edge NXT became generally available in July 2015 and is the leading cloud-based solution designed to manage 
a nonprofit organization's constituent relationship management and fundraising activity. Raiser's Edge NXT is the first and 
only cloud fundraising and relationship management solution that is all-inclusive, fully integrated with data, analytics, 
payment processing and tailored user-specific experiences, and is built exclusively to serve the unique needs of nonprofit 
organizations. Built on our modern Blackbaud SKY technology architecture, it is the most advanced technology available 
to help nonprofits build relationships with supporters, grow new revenue streams, and expand mission impact.

Blackbaud  CRM™,  also  known  informally  as  Enterprise  CRM,  is  a  comprehensive,  customizable  fundraising  and 
relationship management solution. It is our lead offering for enterprise-level organizations seeking a powerful, yet adaptable 
solution for fundraising, marketing, and program management across the engagement lifecycle, specializing in supporting 
sophisticated major giving, membership and high volume direct marketing programs. Blackbaud CRM helps organizations 
build deeper and more personalized relationships with constituents, build their brand through online engagement and 
multi-channel  communication  tools,  and  more  effectively  fundraise,  leveraging  campaign  management,  business 
intelligence and analytics. Blackbaud CRM can be sold as an integrated solution with our enterprise online solutions to 
enable multi-channel marketing, online engagement and event fundraising.

Luminate CRM™ is our Salesforce-based CRM offering for nonprofits and is sold as a single integrated solution with 
Luminate Online. Luminate CRM is built on the SalesForce.com cloud computing application platform and offers nonprofits 
an extensible suite via the SalesForce App Exchange for consolidating information and business processes into one system. 
The  core  components  of  Luminate  CRM  are  campaign  management,  constituent  relations,  business  intelligence  and 
analytics.  When  combined  with  Luminate  Online,  it  provides  best-in-class  functionality  to  help  nonprofits  with  online 
fundraising, peer-to-peer event fundraising, payment processing, email marketing, advocacy and website management.

eTapestry™ is a simple, cloud-based donor management and fundraising solution built specifically for smaller, developing 
nonprofits in need of a solid cloud solution to support basic fundraising needs. It offers nonprofit organizations a cost-
effective way to manage donors, process gifts, create reports, accept online donations and communicate with constituents. 
This technology provides a system that is simple to maintain, efficient to operate and is intuitively easy to learn without 
extensive training.

everydayhero™ is an innovative, cloud-based crowdfundraising solution designed to meet the peer-to-peer fundraising 
needs of nonprofits' supporters. It is a leading donor acquisition tool, and helps nonprofits connect with a younger, more 
online-focused generation of donors, a first step in helping nonprofits develop long-term relationships with their supporters. 
Founded in Australia, where it is a market leader, everydayhero is now sold throughout Europe and the U.S. With recent 
integrations with fitness applications such as Strava and MapMyFitness, everydayhero continues to enhance the fundraising 
landscape by providing millions across the globe the chance to easily integrate fitness and philanthropy.

Analytics & Business Intelligence

Our analytics offerings provide comprehensive solutions for donor acquisition, prospect research, data enrichment, and 
performance management, enabling nonprofits to define effective campaign strategies and maximize fundraising results. 
These  services  either  integrate  with  or  are  already  integrated  into  our  software  solutions  to  give  our  customers  a 
comprehensive view of their supporters and the market and provide information essential to making well-informed operating 
decisions.

Our analytics offerings include subscription solutions and services within the following areas: 

Donor Acquisition - Our donor acquisition solutions leverage unique data assets to create acquisition mailing lists and 
predictive  models  that  identify  donor  populations  that  meet  the  affinity,  value  and  response  criteria  of  our  nonprofit 
customers. Nonprofit organizations use our prospect lists to solicit gifts and other support.

Prospect Research - Our prospect research solutions include: custom data modeling that delivers critical information on 
a prospect's likelihood to make a gift to an organization; wealth screenings that deliver detailed wealth information and 
giving capacity data on prospects; and web-based prospect management software that combines public data with donor 
information from a nonprofit's database to build a complete view of prospects for targeting and securing gifts.

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Blackbaud, Inc.

Data Enrichment - Our data enrichment solutions enhance the quality of the data in our customers' databases. These 
solutions include: identifying outdated address files in the database and making corrections based on United States Postal 
Service data, as well as appending data by using known fields in an organization's constituent records to search and identify 
key demographic and contact information.

Performance  Management  -  Our  performance  management  solutions  create  relevant  and  insightful  reports  that 
benchmark performance and illustrate key industry trends based on performance attributes provided by our nonprofit 
customers. Nonprofit organizations use our performance and industry analysis reports to assess marketing and operational 
effectiveness and also to influence operational planning.

Communications & Marketing

Luminate Online™, delivered in the cloud, helps our customers better understand their online supporters, make the right 
ask  at  the  right  time,  and  raise  money  online.  It  includes  tools  to  build  online  fundraising  campaigns  as  part  of  an 
organization's  existing  website  or  as  a  stand-alone  fundraising  site.  Donation  forms,  gift  processing,  and  tools  for 
communicating through web pages and email give our customers the essentials for building sustainable donor relationships. 
Customers can also purchase additional modules including TeamRaiser, a solution within events management that allows 
nonprofits' constituents to create personal or team fundraising web pages and send email donation appeals in support of 
events such as a walks, runs and rides.

Blackbaud Online Express™ is a simple, cloud-based fundraising and marketing tool designed for smaller nonprofit 
organizations using Raiser’s Edge. It provides nonprofits with easy-to-use features and functionality such as email marketing, 
donation forms, event registrations, and dashboard metrics.

Blackbaud NetCommunity™ is an online marketing and communications tool that enables organizations that utilize 
Raiser's  Edge  software  to  build  interactive  websites  and  manage  email  marketing  campaigns.  With  Blackbaud 
NetCommunity,  organizations  can,  among  other  things,  establish  online  communities  for  social  networking  among 
constituents and also provide a platform for online giving, membership purchases and event registration. Because Blackbaud 
NetCommunity requires a Raiser's Edge database to operate, it can only be sold with Raiser's Edge or to existing Raiser's 
Edge customers.

Finance & Operations

Financial Edge NXT became generally available in September 2015 and is the first-of-its-kind cloud accounting solution 
for nonprofits that is intuitive, fully integrated, and built the way nonprofits need it on our modern Blackbaud SKY technology 
architecture. Financial Edge NXT is advanced technology with powerful reporting tools to help accounting teams drive 
transparency, stewardship, and compliance while enabling them to seamlessly manage transactions and eliminate manual 
processes. It seamlessly integrates with Raiser's Edge NXT to simplify gift entry processing and relates information from 
both systems in an informative manner to eliminate redundant tasks and manual processes. Financial Edge NXT provides 
nonprofit  organizations  with  the  means  to  help  manage  fiscal  and  fiduciary  responsibility,  enabling  them  to  be  more 
accountable to their constituents.

GIFTS Online™ is a cloud-based solution built with core functions that provide comprehensive grant making capabilities, 
but with many additional capabilities and features, such as visual dashboards. It has a modern user interface, is user friendly, 
and can be highly personalized.

FIMS™ is an on-premises, fully-integrated foundation management system that helps community foundations, faith-based 
organizations  and  education  and  scholarship  programs  manage  grants,  finances  and  donors  in  one  centralized, 
comprehensive system. It features an open, customizable framework that helps community foundations manage everything 
from donors, gifts and investments to grants, grantees, funds and financials. We also offer FIMS as a fully hosted solution.

Blackbaud Outcomes™ empowers funders and nonprofits to collaborate around their intended program outcomes and 
work together to achieve impact. The cloud-based software helps users define and measure their outcomes, allowing them 
to  track  the  effectiveness  of  their  programs,  make  informed  decisions,  better  understand  the  impact  of  their  social 
investments, and tell an impact story using ROI-focused results and a common outcomes measurement language.

2015 Form 10-K

9

Blackbaud, Inc.

K-12 Private Schools

onMessage™ is a content management system that gives schools the flexibility to build and edit webpages, with easy 
access to content types including photos, videos, downloads, text and more. It allows users to share material and contribute 
content across an entire school community.

onRecord™ makes it easy for schools to manage schedules, transcripts and GPAs. A new Student Information System 
that works directly with onCampus (LMS), onRecord simplifies the process of sharing student data and academic records 
securely.

onCampus™  is  a  learning  management  system  that  makes  it  easy  to  manage,  connect,  and  share  information  with 
students, parents, and an entire school community. Developed with direct input from our customers, onCampus gives 
teachers the tools to meet the demands of a modern private school.

onBoard™ is an enrollment management system that simplifies a school’s admissions process. onBoard helps admissions 
teams and prospective families manage and track their progress, from inquiry and application through acceptance and 
enrollment.

Smart Tuition™ benefits schools by giving administrators better access to financial data and payment services, and by 
giving parents more ways to remit tuition payments. The solution helps ease the burden for administrative staff by offering 
invoicing, payment processing, customer service, enhanced communication with parents and later payer follow-up services.

Smart Aid™ offers schools the ability to accept online, customized applications for financial aid and to make better financial 
aid decisions with a proprietary Hobbies, Interest and Lifestyles ("HIL") profile. The HIL profile provides in-depth information 
on an applicant, delivering to the school a way to make more informed decisions on how they distribute financial aid 
awards.

Arts & Cultural

Altru™ is a cloud solution that helps arts and cultural organizations consolidate admissions, membership, fundraising, 
merchandise, marketing and more, giving users a comprehensive view of their supporters. By helping general admissions 
arts  and  cultural  organizations  gain  a  clear,  360-degree  view  of  their  organization,  it  enables  them  to  operate  more 
efficiently,  engage  and  cultivate  patrons  and  supporters,  streamline  external  and  internal  communication  efforts,  and 
reduce IT costs. It contains tools for constituent and membership management, program sales, retail sales and ticketing, 
volunteer management, and events management. It also has sophisticated reporting functionality and tools to manage 
marketing, communications and fundraising.

Customer Support & Maintenance

Most of our customers that purchase our solutions also enroll in one of our support and maintenance programs. For many 
of our cloud-based subscription solutions, customer support is automatically included as part of the solution. Customers 
enrolled in the programs enjoy fast, reliable customer support, receive regular software updates, stay up-to-date with 
support  newsletters  and  have  unlimited,  around-the-clock  access  to  support  resources,  including  our  extensive 
knowledgebase and forums. Customers who enroll in upgraded support and maintenance plans receive enhanced benefits 
such as call support priority and dedicated support resources.

Payment Processing

Our solutions provide our customers payment processing capabilities that enable their donors to make donations and 
purchase goods and services using numerous payment options, including credit card and automated clearing house (“ACH”) 
checking transactions, through secure online transactions. Blackbaud Merchant Services is a value-added service integrated 
with our solutions that makes credit card processing simple and secure. Customers are charged one rate for credit card 
transactions,  with  no  extra  fees,  making  Blackbaud  Merchant  Services  a  competitive  option.  The  service  also  provides 
customers with a payment card industry (“PCI”) compliant process and streamlined bank reconciliation. As discussed above, 
we also provide our K-12 private school customers with student tuition payment processing services.

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2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.

Professional Services

Our consultants provide data conversion, implementation and customization services for each of our software solutions.  
These services include:

• 

System implementation;

•  Data conversion, business process analysis and application customization; 

•  Database merging and enrichment, and secure credit card transaction processing;

•  Database production activities; and

•  Website design services.

In addition, we apply our industry knowledge and experience, combined with expert knowledge of our solutions, to evaluate 
an organization's needs and consult on how to improve a business process.

Training

We provide a variety of onsite, instructor-led online and on-demand training services to our customers relating to the use 
of our solutions and application of best practices. Our instructors have extensive training in the use of our solutions and 
present course material that is designed to include hands-on lab exercises, as well as course materials with examples and 
problems to solve.

Corporate Social Responsibility

AngelPoints™ is an integrated CSR solution that helps corporations mobilize the collective power of their employees to 
make a positive impact on their people, their company, and the world. AngelPoints contains modules that help companies 
manage employee volunteer and giving programs.

Customers

At the end of 2015, we had approximately 35,000 active customers including nonprofits, K-12 private and higher education 
institutions, healthcare organizations, foundations and other charitable giving entities, and corporations. Our largest single 
customer accounted for approximately 1% of our 2015 consolidated revenue.

Sales and Marketing

The  majority  of  our  solutions  and  related  services  are  sold  through  our  direct  sales  force.  Our  direct  sales  force  is 
complemented by a team of account development representatives responsible for sales lead generation and qualification. 
These sales and marketing professionals are located throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia 
and New Zealand. As of December 31, 2015, we had 376 direct sales employees. We plan to continue expanding our 
direct sales force in the Americas, Europe, Australia and New Zealand as our operations grow internationally and market 
demand increases.

We generally begin a customer relationship with the sale of one of our primary solutions or services, such as Raiser's Edge 
NXT, Blackbaud CRM or Luminate, and then offer additional solutions and services to the customer as the organization's 
needs increase. As our business model evolves, we are increasingly beginning customer relationships with the sale of an 
integrated suite of cloud-based solutions. 

We conduct marketing programs to create brand recognition and market awareness for our solutions and services. Our 
marketing  efforts  include  participation  at  tradeshows,  technical  conferences  and  technology  seminars,  publication  of 
technical and educational articles in industry journals and preparation of competitive analyses. Our customers and strategic 
partners provide references and recommendations that we often feature in our advertising and promotional activities.

We believe relationships with third parties can enhance our sales and marketing efforts. We have and will continue to 
establish  additional  relationships  with  companies  that  provide  services  to  the  nonprofit  industry,  such  as  consultants, 
educators, publishers, financial service providers, complementary technology providers and data providers.  These companies 
promote or complement our nonprofit solutions and provide us access to new customers.

2015 Form 10-K

11

Blackbaud, Inc.

Corporate Philanthropy and Volunteerism

Blackbaud operates under a fundamental belief that the world would be better if good took over. The company is an active 
participant in the ecosystem of good, working to drive positive change both through what we do as a business and how 
we serve individually. We offer an array of philanthropy programs aimed at engaging our employees as agents of good, 
including  matching  gifts,  competitive  grants  that  honor  excellent  examples  of  volunteerism,  employee-led  grants 
committees, skills-based volunteerism initiatives, as well as science, technology, engineering and mathematics focused 
community programs. Blackbaud attracts people who are committed to service, with 84% saying our focus on nonprofits 
was a driver in their decision to join the company and 81% actively serving as volunteers. More than 100 nonprofits have 
Blackbaud employees on their boards.

Competition

The market for software and related services in the nonprofit sector is competitive and highly fragmented.  For certain 
areas of the market, entry barriers are low. However, we believe our experience and full spectrum of solutions makes us 
a strong competitor. We expect to continue to see new competitors as the market matures and as nonprofit organizations 
become more aware of the advantages and efficiencies attainable through the use of specialized software. 

We compete with several software developers that provide specialized products, such as on-demand software specifically 
designed for nonprofit organizations, charitable giving and educational organizations. In addition, we compete with custom-
developed solutions created either internally by nonprofit organizations or outside by custom service providers. We believe 
that we compete successfully, because building efficient, highly functional custom solutions equal to ours may require 
technical resources that might not be available within nonprofit organizations or might not be readily available to certain 
custom solution providers. In addition, the nonprofit organization's legacy database and software system may not have 
been  designed  to  support  the  increasingly  complex  and  advanced  needs  of  today's  growing  community  of  nonprofit 
organizations.

We also compete with providers of traditional, less automated fundraising service providers, including parties providing 
services in support of traditional direct mail or email campaigns, special events fundraising, peer to peer, telemarketing 
and  personal  solicitations.  We  believe  we  compete  successfully  against  these  traditional  fundraising  service  providers, 
primarily because our solutions and services are more automated, more robust, more tailored to the needs of nonprofit 
organization and more efficient.

In the independent, family and community foundation markets, we encounter competition primarily from smaller companies 
with products that range from simple grantmaking solutions to custom developed platforms. The competition we face in 
the corporate giving/grantmaking and employee volunteering markets comes primarily from three sources: providers of 
end-to-end solutions that combine grant making and CSR functionality; providers of standalone CSR software; and providers 
of grants management software. 

Larger companies that compete with us, such as Microsoft, Salesforce.com and Oracle, have greater marketing resources, 
revenue  and  market  recognition  than  we  do.  They  offer  some  products  that  are  designed  specifically  for  nonprofit 
organizations, in addition to some of their general products, which have a degree of functionality for nonprofit organizations 
that could be considered competitive. These larger companies could decide to focus more on the nonprofit sector with 
new, directly competitive products or through acquisitions of our current competitors. 

Research and Development

We have made substantial investments in research and development and expect to continue to do so as a part of our 
strategy to introduce additional innovative solutions and services. As of December 31, 2015, we had 617 employees working 
on research and development. Our research and development expenses for 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $84.6 million, 
$77.2 million and $65.6 million, respectively, and our cash outlays for software development costs for 2015, 2014 and 
2013 were $15.5 million, $8.5 million and $3.2 million, respectively. We plan to continue significantly investing in the 
innovation of our portfolio of solutions and services.  

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2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.

Technology and Architecture

Our new cloud technology, SKY, combines software defined infrastructure, leading edge development processes, and a 
micro service oriented architecture to deliver our next generation solutions, the first of which were Raiser's Edge NXT and 
Financial Edge NXT. Another component of SKY, SKY API, gives customers, partners and other application developers 
access to industry-standard, open, Representational State Transfer (or REST) APIs and a comprehensive set of resources 
that enable them to customize, integrate or extend functionality of our solutions. Additionally SKY UX, our open source 
user experience framework, increases the reach of our solutions by enabling developers to create interfaces that look and 
feel like ours by using the same user experience foundation as our engineers.

Other solutions, such as Blackbaud CRM, are built on the Microsoft.Net framework platform. These solutions are web-
delivered applications utilizing an architecture built on internet standards and protocols such as HTTP, XML and SOAP. This 
architecture is designed to support on-premises and hosted application deployment scenarios. The applications expose 
web service application programming interfaces so that functionality and business logic can be accessed programmatically 
from outside the context of an interactive user application.

Each of our Luminate solutions, including Luminate Online, Luminate CRM and TeamRaiser, are cloud-based applications 
that are open and extensible and employ a multi-tenant architecture requiring only a web browser for customer access. 
Luminate  Online  and  TeamRaiser  share  a  common  codebase  and  database,  and  are  built  on  the  Java  runtime 
environment. Luminate CRM is built on the SalesForce.com platform.

Our version 7.x generation solutions (e.g. Raiser's Edge) utilize a three-tier customer server architecture built on the Microsoft 
Component Object Model, or COM.

Regardless of solution choice, our development strategies are designed to be:

• 

Flexible. Our component-based architecture is programmable and easily customized by our customers without 
requiring modification of the source code, ensuring that the technology can be extended to accommodate changing 
demands of our customers and the market.

•  Adaptable. The architecture of our applications allows us to easily add features and functionality or to integrate 

with third-party applications in order to adapt to our customers' needs or market demands.

• 

Scalable. We combine a scalable architecture with the performance, capacity and load balancing of industry-
standard web servers and databases used by our customers to ensure that the applications can scale to the needs 
of larger organizations.

We will continue to license technologies from third parties that are integrated into certain of our solutions.

Intellectual Property and Other Proprietary Rights

To protect our intellectual property, we rely on a combination of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret laws in 
various jurisdictions, as well as employee and third-party nondisclosure agreements and confidentiality procedures. We 
have a number of registered trademarks, including “Blackbaud,” “Raiser's Edge NXT” and “Luminate.” We have applied 
for additional trademarks. We currently have two active patents on our technology, and have a total of three pending 
patent applications.

Employees

As of December 31, 2015, we had 3,095 employees, none of which are represented by unions or are covered by collective 
bargaining agreements. We are not involved in any material disputes with any of our employees, and we believe that 
relations with our employees are satisfactory.

Seasonality

For a discussion of seasonal variations in our business, see “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial conditions 
and results of operations — Seasonality” in Item 7 in this report.

Financial Information about Geographic Areas

For information about revenues by geographic region and long-lived assets by geographic region, please see Note 16 to 
our consolidated financial statements in this report. For a description of risks attendant to our non-U.S. operations, please 
see “Risk factors - If we do not successfully address the risks inherent in the expansion of our international operations, our 
business could suffer” in Item 1A in this report.

2015 Form 10-K

13

Blackbaud, Inc.

Working Capital

For a discussion of our working capital practices, see “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial conditions and 
results of operations — Liquidity and capital resources” in Item 7 in this report.

Available Information

Our website address is www.blackbaud.com. We make available, free of charge through our website, our annual report 
on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports pursuant 
to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material 
with, or furnish it to, the SEC, but other information on our website is not incorporated into this report. The SEC maintains 
an Internet site that contains these reports at www.sec.gov. The public may read and copy any materials we file with the 
SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information 
on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

The following table sets forth information concerning our executive officers as of February 15, 2016:

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Name

Michael P. Gianoni

Anthony W. Boor
Charles T. Cumbaa

Kevin W. Mooney

Brian E. Boruff

John J. Mistretta

Age
55

53

63

57

56

60

Title

President and Chief Executive Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Executive Vice President of Corporate and Product Strategy

Executive Vice President and President, General Markets Business Unit

Executive Vice President and President, Enterprise Customer Business Unit

Executive Vice President of Human Resources

Michael P. Gianoni joined us as President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2014. Prior to joining us, he served as 
Executive Vice President and Group President, Financial Institutions at Fiserv, Inc., a global technology provider serving the 
financial services industry, from January 2010 to December 2013. He joined Fiserv as President of its Investment Services 
division in December 2007. Mr. Gianoni was Executive Vice President and General Manager of CheckFree Investment 
Services,  which  provided  investment  management  solutions  to  financial  services  organizations,  from  June  2006  until 
December 2007 when CheckFree was acquired by Fiserv. From May 1994 to November 2005, he served as Senior Vice 
President of DST Systems Inc., a global provider of technology-based service solutions. Mr. Gianoni is a member of the 
Board of Directors of Teradata Corporation, a publicly traded global big data analytics and marketing applications company. 
He holds an AS in electrical engineering from Waterbury State Technical College, a BS with a business concentration from 
Charter Oak State College, and an MBA and an honorary Doctorate, from the University of New Haven.

Anthony W. Boor joined us as Executive Vice President (which position was previously designated as Senior Vice President) 
and Chief Financial Officer in November 2011 and served as our interim President and Chief Executive Officer from August 
2013 to January 2014. Prior to joining us, he served as an executive with Brightpoint, Inc., a global provider of device 
lifecycle services to the wireless industry, beginning in 1999, most recently as its Executive Vice President, Chief Financial 
Officer  and  Treasurer.  He  also  served  as  the  interim  President  of  Europe,  Middle  East  and  Africa  during  Brightpoint's 
significant restructuring of that region. Mr. Boor served as Director of Business Operations for Brightpoint North America 
from August 1998 to July 1999. Prior to joining Brightpoint, Mr. Boor was employed in various financial positions with 
Macmillan Computer Publishing, Inc., a Viacom owned book publishing company specializing in computer hardware and 
software  related  topics,  Day  Dream  Publishing,  Inc.,  a  publishing  company  specializing  in  calendars,  posters  and  time 
management materials, Ernst & Young LLP, an accounting firm, Expo New Mexico, a state-owned fair and expo grounds 
and live pari-mutual horse racing venue, KPMG LLP, an accounting firm, and Ernst & Whinney LLP, an accounting firm. He 
holds a BS in Accounting from New Mexico State University.

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2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.

Charles T. Cumbaa has served as our Executive Vice President (which position was previously designated as Senior Vice 
President) of Corporate and Product Strategy since May 2012. He joined us in May 2001 and served as Senior Vice President 
of Products and Services until December 2009. He also served as our President, Enterprise Customer Business Unit from 
January  2010  to  April  2012.  Prior  to  joining  us,  Mr. Cumbaa  was  Executive  Vice  President  with  Intertech  Information 
Management, a provider of document management solutions, from December 1998 until October 2000. From 1992 until 
1998, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Cognitech, Inc., a software company he founded. From 1984 to 
1992 he was Executive Vice President of Sales and Services at Sales Technologies, a sales force automation company. Prior 
to that, he was employed by McKinsey & Company, a consulting firm. Mr. Cumbaa holds a BA from Mississippi State 
University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Kevin W. Mooney has served as our Executive Vice President (which position was previously designated as Senior Vice 
President)  and  President,  General  Markets  Business  Unit  since  January  2010.  He  joined  us  in  July  2008  as  our  Chief 
Commercial Officer. Before joining Blackbaud, Mr. Mooney was a senior executive at Travelport GDS from August 2007 
to May 2008. As Chief Commercial Officer of Travelport GDS, one of the world's largest providers of information services 
and transaction processing to the travel industry, Mr. Mooney was responsible for global sales, marketing, training, service 
and support activities. Prior to that he was Chief Financial Officer for Worldspan from March 2005 until it was acquired 
by Travelport in August 2007. Mr. Mooney has also held key executive positions in the telecommunications industry and 
he is a member of the Board of Directors of Level 3 Communications, Inc., a publicly traded global managed network 
services company. Mr. Mooney graduated from Seton Hall University and holds an MBA in Finance from Georgia State 
University.

Brian E. Boruff joined us as our Executive Vice President and President, Enterprise Customer Business Unit in May 2015. Prior 
to joining us, Mr. Boruff was the Vice President of Products, Platforms and Solutions at Infosys, a global provider of consulting 
technology and next-generation services, from June 2013 until April 2015. From May 2011 until June 2013 he was a 
Managing Director of Accenture, a global management consulting and technology services company. From January 2009 
until May 2011, Mr. Boruff was the Global Vice President of Cloud Computing and Emerging Technologies at CSC, a global 
provider of information technology services and solutions. Prior to that, Mr. Boruff spent 15 years at Microsoft, a platform 
and productivity company, from July 1993 until September 2008 where he held various domestic and international executive 
roles as well as client-facing software sales and services roles. Mr. Boruff holds a BA in Computer Science and Biochemistry 
from the University of Tennessee.

John  J.  Mistretta  joined  us  as  our  Executive  Vice  President  (which  position  was  previously  designated  as  Senior  Vice 
President) of Human Resources in August 2005. Prior to joining us, Mr. Mistretta was an Executive Vice President of Human 
Resources and Alternative Businesses at National Commerce Financial Corporation, a financial services company, from 
1998 to 2005. Earlier in his career, Mr. Mistretta held various senior Human Resources positions over a thirteen-year period 
at the banking firm Citicorp. He also serves as a board member for YEScarolina, a local nonprofit dedicated to teaching 
youth the principles of entrepreneurship and free enterprise. Mr. Mistretta holds a MS in Counseling and a BA in Psychology 
from the State University of New York at Oswego.

Item 1A. Risk factors

Our business operations face a number of risks.  These risks should be read and considered with other information provided 
in this report.

Our failure to compete successfully could cause our revenue or market share to decline.

Our market is fragmented, highly competitive and rapidly evolving and there are limited barriers to entry for some aspects 
of this market. We mainly face competition from four sources:

• 

Software developers offering specialized products designed to address specific needs of nonprofit organizations;

•  Custom-developed products created either internally or outsourced to custom service providers;

• 

• 

Providers of traditional, less automated fundraising services, such as services that support traditional direct mail 
or email campaigns, special events fundraising, telemarketing and personal solicitations; and

Software developers offering general products not designed to address specific needs of organizations in the 
philanthropic community.

2015 Form 10-K

15

Blackbaud, Inc.

The companies we compete with and other potential competitors may have greater financial, technical and marketing 
resources and generate greater revenue and better name recognition than we do. Also, a large diversified software enterprise 
could decide to enter the market directly, including through acquisitions. Competitive pressures can adversely impact our 
business by limiting the prices we can charge our customers and making the adoption and renewal of our solutions more 
difficult.

Our competitors might also establish or strengthen cooperative relationships with resellers and third-party consulting firms 
or  other  parties  with  whom  we  have  had  relationships,  thereby  limiting  our  ability  to  promote  our  solutions.  These 
competitive pressures could cause our revenue and market share to decline.

A substantial portion of our revenue is currently derived from Raiser's Edge, Raiser's Edge NXT, Luminate Online, 
Blackbaud CRM, Financial Edge and Financial Edge NXT, and a decline in sales or renewals of these or similar 
solutions and related services could harm our business.

We derive a substantial portion of our revenue from the sale of Raiser's Edge, Raiser's Edge NXT, Luminate Online, Blackbaud 
CRM, Financial Edge and Financial Edge NXT, and other solutions that help customers manage constituent relationships 
and related services, and we expect revenue from these solutions and related services to continue to account for a substantial 
portion of our total revenue for the foreseeable future. If renewal rates for these solutions are lower than expected for 
any reason, our operating results would be materially and adversely affected. In addition, we frequently sell these or similar 
solutions to new customers and then attempt to generate incremental revenue from the sale of additional solutions and 
services. If demand for Raiser's Edge, Raiser's Edge NXT, Luminate Online, Blackbaud CRM, Financial Edge, Financial Edge 
NXT or similar solutions declines significantly, our business would suffer.

We encounter lengthy sales cycles, which could have an adverse effect on the amount, timing and predictability 
of our revenue and sales.

Sales of our software solutions to our larger enterprise customers often require an extensive education and marketing 
effort. We could expend significant funds and management resources during the sales cycle and ultimately fail to close 
the sale. Historically, our software solution sales cycle averages approximately two months for sales to existing customers 
and from six to nine months for sales to new customers. Our sales cycle for all of our solutions and services is subject to 
significant risks and delays over which we have little or no control, including:

•  Our customers' budgetary constraints;

• 

• 

The impact of the macroeconomic environment on our customers; and

The timing and expiration of our customers' current arrangements for similar services.

We encounter long and complex implementation cycles, particularly for our largest customers, which could 
have an adverse effect on our profitability and the timing and predictability of our revenue.

The implementation of our solutions and services, particularly in our large CRM engagements, frequently involves complex 
configuration, business process reengineering and system interfaces and can extend for a year or more. Our Blackbaud 
CRM solution offerings are complex and we may experience unanticipated implementation challenges or complexities in 
these engagements. Further, these projects typically are heavily dependent on customer participation, communication and 
timely  responsiveness  throughout  the  implementation  cycle.  As  the  complexity  of  these  engagements  increases,  our 
revenues and profitability could suffer from delays in project completion and having to perform unplanned incremental 
services at rates substantially below our normal hourly rates or make investments in the form of non-billable service hours 
or other concessions. In certain arrangements, our ability to recognize revenue may be delayed until acceptance of the 
implemented solution by the customer. If we are unsuccessful in implementing our solutions or if we experience delays, 
it could have a material adverse effect on our profitability and the timing and predictability of our revenue.

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2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.

Because a significant portion of our revenue is recognized ratably over the terms of the contract, downturns 
in sales may not be immediately reflected in our revenue.

We recognize our maintenance and subscriptions revenue monthly over the term of the customer agreement. Most of our 
maintenance arrangements are for a one year term. Our subscription arrangements are typically either for a one year term 
or a three year term. As a result, much of the revenue we report in each quarter is attributable to arrangements entered 
into during previous quarters. Consequently, a decline in sales to new customers, renewals by existing customers or market 
acceptance of our solutions in any one quarter will not necessarily be fully reflected in the revenues in that quarter and 
will negatively affect our revenues and profitability in future quarters.

If our customers do not renew their annual maintenance and support arrangements or subscriptions for our 
solutions or if they do not renew them on terms that are favorable to us, our business might suffer.

Most of our maintenance arrangements are for a one-year term. Our subscription arrangements are typically either for a 
one year term or a three year term. As the end of the annual period approaches, we seek the renewal of the agreement 
with the customer. Historically, maintenance and subscriptions renewals have represented a significant portion of our total 
revenue. Because of this characteristic of our business, if our customers choose not to renew their maintenance and support 
arrangements or subscriptions with us on beneficial terms or at all, our business, operating results and financial condition 
could be harmed. Our customers' renewal rates may decline or fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including their 
level of satisfaction with our solutions and services and their ability to continue their operations and spending levels.

We might not generate increased business from our current customers, which could limit our revenue in the 
future.

Our ability to grow revenue is highly dependent on the success of our efforts to sell additional solutions and services to 
our existing customers. Many of our customers initially make a purchase of only one or a limited number of our solutions 
or only for a single department within their organization. These customers might choose not to expand their use of or 
make additional purchases of our solutions and services. If we fail to generate additional business from our current customers, 
our revenue could grow at a slower rate or even decrease. In addition, as we deploy new applications and features for our 
existing solutions or introduce new solutions and services, our current customers could choose not to purchase these new 
offerings.

The offering of our solutions on a subscription basis and demand by our customers for these offerings are 
increasing. Our failure to manage this demand could lead to lower than expected revenues and profits.

In recent years, much of our revenue growth was derived from increased cloud-based subscription offerings. This business 
model depends heavily on achieving economies of scale because the initial upfront investment is costly and the associated 
revenue is recognized on a ratable basis, such as our Raiser's Edge NXT and Financial Edge NXT solutions, which became 
generally available in 2015. If we fail to achieve appropriate economies of scale or if we fail to manage or anticipate demand 
for the subscription software pricing models, then we could encounter substantial capital expenditures, a reduction in 
profitability, a decrease in revenue growth and could become less competitive. The additional investments required to meet 
customer demand could increase our cost base, which will make it more difficult for us to offset any future revenue shortfalls 
by reducing expenses in the short term.

Defects, delays or interruptions in our cloud-based solutions and hosting services could diminish demand for 
these services and subject us to substantial liability.

We currently utilize data center hosting facilities to provide cloud-based solutions to our subscription customers and hosting 
services to our on-premises license customers. Any damage to, or failure of, our data center systems generally could result 
in interruptions in service to our customers, notwithstanding any disaster recovery agreements that may currently be in 
place  at  these  facilities.  Because  our  cloud-based  solutions  and  hosting  service  offerings  are  complex,  and  we  have 
incorporated a variety of new computer hardware and software systems at our data centers, our services might have errors 
or  defects  that  users  identify  after  they  begin  using  our  services.  This  could  result  in  unanticipated  downtime  for  our 
customers and harm to our reputation and business. Internet-based services sometimes contain undetected errors when 
first introduced or when new versions or enhancements are released. We have from time to time found defects in our 
web-based services and new errors might again be detected in the future. In addition, our customers might use our Internet-
based offerings in unanticipated ways that cause a disruption in service for other customers attempting to access their 
data.

2015 Form 10-K

17

Blackbaud, Inc.

Because our customers use these services for important aspects of their businesses, any defects, delays or disruptions in 
service or other performance problems with our services could hurt our reputation and damage our customers' businesses. 
If that occurs, customers could elect to cancel their service, delay or withhold payment to us, not purchase from us in the 
future or make claims against us, which could result in an increase in our provision for doubtful accounts, an increase in 
collection cycles for accounts receivable or the expense and risk of litigation. Any of these could harm our business and 
reputation.

Material defects or errors in the software we use to deliver our services could harm our reputation, result in 
significant costs to us and impair our ability to sell our services.

The  software  applications  underlying  our  services  are  inherently  complex  and  may  contain  material  defects  or  errors, 
particularly when first introduced or when new versions or enhancements are released. We have from time to time found 
defects in our software, and new errors in our existing software may be detected in the future.

After the release of our software, defects or errors may also be identified from time to time by our internal team and our 
customers. The costs incurred in correcting any material defects or errors in our software may be substantial and could 
harm our operating results. Furthermore, our customers may use our software together with solutions from other companies. 
As a result, when problems occur, it might be difficult to identify the source of the problem. Even when our software does 
not cause these problems, the existence of these errors might cause us to incur significant costs, divert the attention of 
our  technical  personnel  from  our  solution  development  efforts,  impact  our  reputation  and  cause  significant  customer 
relations problems.

Our failure to obtain licenses for third-party technologies could harm our business.

We expect to continue licensing technologies from third parties, including applications used in our research and development 
activities, technologies which are integrated into our solutions and solutions that we resell. We believe that the loss of any 
third-party technologies currently integrated into our solutions could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our 
inability in the future to obtain any third-party licenses on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, could delay future 
solution development until equivalent technology can be identified, licensed or developed and integrated. This inability in 
turn could harm our business and operating results. Our use of third-party technologies exposes us to increased risks 
including, but not limited to, risks associated with the integration of new technology into our solutions, the diversion of 
our resources from development of our own proprietary technology and our inability to generate revenue from licensed 
technology sufficient to offset associated acquisition and maintenance costs.

The market for software and services for nonprofit, charitable giving and educational organizations might not 
grow and these organizations might not continue to adopt our solutions and services.

Many nonprofit organizations have not traditionally used integrated and comprehensive software and services for their 
nonprofit-specific needs. We cannot be certain that the market for such solutions and services will continue to develop 
and grow or that nonprofit organizations will elect to adopt our solutions and services rather than continue to use traditional, 
less  automated  methods,  attempt  to  develop  software  internally,  rely  upon  legacy  software  systems,  or  use  software 
solutions not specifically designed for the nonprofit market. Nonprofit organizations that have already invested substantial 
resources in other fundraising methods or other non-integrated software solutions might be reluctant to adopt our solutions 
and services to supplement or replace their existing systems or methods.  In addition, the implementation of one or more 
of our core software solutions can involve significant time and capital commitments by our customers, which they may be 
unwilling or unable to make. If demand for and market acceptance of our solutions and services does not increase, we 
might not grow our business as we expect.

If we are unable, or our customers believe we are unable, to detect and prevent unauthorized use of payment 
card information and safeguard confidential donor data, we could be subject to financial liability, our reputation 
could be harmed and customers may be reluctant to use our solutions and services.

The rules of payment card associations in which we participate require that we comply with Payment Card Industry Data 
Security Standard ("PCI DSS") in order to preserve security of payment card data. Under PCI DSS, we are required to adopt 
and  implement  internal  controls  over  the  use,  storage  and  security  of  payment  card  data  to  help  prevent  card  fraud. 
Conforming our solutions and services to PCI DSS or other payment services related regulations or requirements imposed 
by payment networks or our customers or payment processing partners is expensive and time-consuming. However, failure 

18

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.

to comply may subject us to fines, penalties, damages and civil liability, may impair the security of payment card data in 
our  possession,  and  may  harm  our  reputation  and  our  business  prospects,  including  by  limiting  our  ability  to  process 
transactions. All of our solutions are currently certified as compliant with the Payment Application Data Security Standard, 
which is a subset of the requirements for PCI DSS. However, currently some of our solutions are not fully compliant with 
PCI DSS.

If the security of our software is breached, we fail to securely collect, store and transmit customer information, 
or  we  fail  to  safeguard  confidential  donor  data,  we  could  be  exposed  to  liability,  litigation,  penalties  and 
remedial costs and our reputation and business could suffer.

Fundamental to the use of our solutions is the secure collection, storage and transmission of confidential donor and end 
user data and transaction data, including in our payment processing business. Despite, the network and application security, 
internal control measures, and physical security procedures we employ to safeguard our systems, we may still be vulnerable 
to a security breach, intrusion, loss or theft of confidential donor data and transaction data, which may harm our business, 
reputation and future financial results.

Despite our efforts to combat such threats, computer hackers may attempt to penetrate or bypass our data protection and 
other security measures and gain unauthorized access to our networks, systems and data or compromise the confidential 
data of our customers and their donors. Computer hackers may be able to develop and deploy computer viruses, worms, 
and other malicious software programs that could attack our solutions and services, exploit potential security vulnerabilities 
of  our  solutions  and  services,  create  system  disruptions  and  cause  shutdowns  or  denials  of  service.  Data  may  also  be 
accessed or modified improperly as a result of employee or supplier error or malfeasance and third parties may attempt to 
fraudulently induce employees or customers into disclosing confidential and sensitive information such as user names, 
passwords or other information in order to gain access to our data, our customers’ data or our IT systems. Also, computers, 
including  those  that  use  our  software,  are  vulnerable  to  computer  viruses,  physical  or  electronic  break-ins  and  similar 
disruptions, which could lead to interruptions, delays or loss of or unauthorized access to data. These risks for us will 
increase as we continue to grow our cloud-based offerings and services, store and process increasingly large amounts of 
our customers’ confidential data, host or manage parts of our customers’ business in cloud-based IT environments and 
grow our payment processing business, especially in customer sectors involving particularly sensitive data such as health 
sciences, financial services and the government, or where personal information is transferred internationally. We also have 
an active acquisition program and have acquired a number of companies, solutions, services and technologies over the 
years. While we make significant efforts to address any IT security issues with respect to our acquisitions, we may still inherit 
such risks when we integrate these acquisitions within our business.

A compromise of our data security that results in customer or donor personal or payment card data being obtained by 
unauthorized persons could adversely affect our reputation with our customers and others, as well as our operations, 
results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and could result in litigation against us or the imposition of penalties. 
We might be required to expend significant capital and other resources to protect further against security breaches or to 
rectify problems caused by any security breach, including notification under data privacy laws and regulations and expenses 
related to remediating our information security systems. Even though we carry cyber-technology insurance policies that 
may provide insurance coverage under certain circumstances, we might suffer losses as a result of a security breach that 
exceed the coverage available under our insurance policies or for which we do not have coverage. A security breach and 
any efforts we make to address such breach could also result in a disruption of our operations, particularly our online sales 
operations.

Further, the existence of vulnerabilities, even if they do not result in a security breach, may harm client confidence and 
require substantial resources to address, and we may not be able to discover or remedy such security vulnerabilities before 
they are exploited, which may harm our business, reputation and future financial results.

Privacy and data protection concerns, including evolving government regulation in the area of consumer data 
privacy or data protection, could adversely affect our business and operating results.

The effectiveness of our software solutions relies on our customers' storage and use of data concerning their customers, 
including financial, personally identifying or other sensitive data. Our customers' collection and use of this data for donor 
profiling,  data  analytics  or  communications  outreach  might  raise  privacy  and  data  protection  concerns  and  negatively 
impact the demand for our solutions and services. For example, our custom modeling and analytical services, including 
ProspectPoint, WealthPoint and donorCentrics, rely heavily on processing and using of data we gather from customers 

2015 Form 10-K

19

Blackbaud, Inc.

and various sources. Privacy and data protection laws could restrict or add regulatory and compliance processes to our 
ability to market and profit from those services.

Governments in some jurisdictions have enacted or are considering enacting consumer data privacy or data protection 
legislation, including laws and regulations applying to the solicitation, collection, transfer, processing and use of personal 
data. This legislation could reduce the demand for our software solutions if we fail to design or enhance our solutions to 
enable our customers to comply with the privacy and data protection measures required by the legislation. Moreover, we 
may be exposed to liability under existing or new consumer privacy or data protection legislation. For example, we must 
comply with applicable provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA"), and might 
be subject to similar provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and related regulations. Even technical violations of these 
laws may result in penalties that are assessed for each non-compliant transaction.

HIPAA (including the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act and associated United States 
Department of Health and Human Services regulations) permits our customers in the healthcare industry to use certain 
limited information for fundraising purposes and to disclose that limited subset of protected health information to their 
service providers (referred to as "business associates" under HIPAA) for fundraising if certain requirements are met. Except 
as  specifically  permitted  under  HIPAA,  customers  in  the  healthcare  industry  (i)  may  not  reveal  additional  healthcare 
information for fundraising purposes unless they have specific written permission from the patient, and (ii) must provide 
their patients with the ability to opt out of fundraising activities.

Under HIPAA, business associates are required to protect the privacy and security of healthcare information received from 
a customer in the healthcare industry. We believe that we comply with those requirements where applicable. Further, we 
contractually  require  our  healthcare  industry  customers  to  comply  with  their  own  obligations  under  HIPAA  related  to 
fundraising, but we do not monitor our customers for compliance as we believe monitoring is not legally required and 
would be cost prohibitive. The regulations and enforcement environment under HIPAA are continuing to evolve and could 
require additional compliance measures requiring further investment by us.

If our customers or we were found to be subject to and in violation of any privacy or data protection laws or regulations, 
our business may be materially and adversely impacted and we and/or our customers would likely have to change our 
business practices. In addition, these laws and regulations could impose significant costs on our customers and us and 
make it more difficult for donors to make online donations.

We are in the information technology business, and our solutions and services store, retrieve, transfer, manipulate and 
manage our customers’ information and data. The effectiveness of our software solutions relies on our customers’ storage 
and use of data concerning their donors, including financial, personally identifying and other sensitive data and our business 
uses similar systems that require us to store and use data with respect to our customers and personnel. Our collection and 
our customers’ collection and use of this data might raise privacy and data protection concerns and negatively impact our 
business or the demand for our solutions and services. If a breach of data security were to occur, or other violation of 
privacy or data protection laws and regulations were to be alleged, our business may be materially and adversely impacted 
and solutions may be perceived as less desirable, which would negatively affect our business and operating results.

If we fail to respond to technological changes and successfully introduce new and improved solutions, our 
competitive position may be harmed and our business may suffer.

The introduction of solutions encompassing new technologies can render existing solutions obsolete and unmarketable. 
As a result, our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to continue to enhance existing solutions and develop 
and  introduce  in  a  timely  manner  or  acquire  new  solutions  that  keep  pace  with  technological  developments,  satisfy 
increasingly sophisticated customer requirements and achieve market acceptance. If we are unable to develop or acquire 
on a timely and cost-effective basis new software solutions or enhancements to existing solutions or if such new solutions 
or enhancements do not achieve market acceptance, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be 
materially adversely affected.

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2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.

Because competition for highly qualified personnel is intense, we might not be able to attract and retain key 
personnel needed to support our planned growth.

To meet our objectives successfully, we must attract and retain highly qualified personnel with specialized skill sets. If we 
are unable to attract suitably qualified management, there could be a material adverse impact on our business. In addition, 
to execute our continuing growth plans, we need to increase the size and maintain the quality of our sales force, software 
development staff and our professional services organization. Competition for qualified personnel can be intense, and we 
might not be successful in attracting and retaining them. The pool of qualified personnel with experience working with or 
selling to nonprofit, charitable giving and educational organizations is limited overall and specifically in Charleston, South 
Carolina, where our principal office is located. Our ability to maintain and expand our sales, solution development and 
professional services teams will depend on our ability to recruit, train and retain top quality people with advanced skills 
who understand sales to, and the specific needs of, nonprofit, charitable giving and educational organizations. If we are 
unable to hire or retain qualified personnel, or if newly hired personnel fail to develop the necessary skills or reach productivity 
slower than anticipated, it would be more difficult for us to sell our solutions and services, we could experience a shortfall 
in revenue or earnings and not achieve our planned growth.

Further, in the past, we have used equity incentive programs as part of our overall employee compensation agreements 
to both attract and retain personnel. A decline in our stock price could negatively impact the value of these equity incentive 
and related compensation programs as retention and recruiting tools. We may need to create new or additional equity 
incentive  programs  and/or  compensation  packages  to  remain  competitive,  which  could  be  dilutive  to  our  existing 
stockholders and/or adversely affect our results of operations.

If we do not successfully address the risks inherent in the expansion of our international operations, our business 
could suffer.

We currently have non-U.S. operations in Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, and we intend 
to expand further into international markets. Expansion of our international operations will require a significant amount 
of attention from our management and substantial financial resources and might require us to add qualified management 
in these markets. Our direct sales model requires us to attract, retain and manage qualified sales personnel capable of 
selling into markets outside the United States. In some cases, our costs of sales might increase if our customers require us 
to sell through local distributors.

If we are unable to grow our international operations in a cost-effective and timely manner, our business and operating 
results could be harmed. Doing business internationally involves additional risks that could harm our operating results, 
including, without limitation:

•  Differing technology standards;

• 

• 

Imposition of currency exchange controls;

Potentially adverse tax consequences;

•  Reduced protection for intellectual property rights in certain countries;

•  Compliance with multiple conflicting and changing governmental laws and regulations;

• 

Seasonal reductions in business activity specific to certain markets;

•  Restrictions on repatriation of earnings;

•  Differing labor regulations;

•  Differing accounting rules and practices;

•  Restrictive and varying privacy regulations in different countries, particularly in the European Union;

•  Restrictions on the export of technologies such as data security and encryption; and

• 

Import and export restrictions and tariffs.

We expect that an increasing portion of our international revenues will be denominated in foreign currencies, subjecting 
us to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. If we expand our international operations, exposures to gains and 
losses on foreign currency transactions may increase.

2015 Form 10-K

21

Blackbaud, Inc.

Acquisitions could prove difficult to integrate, disrupt our business, dilute stockholder value and strain our 
resources.

As part of our business strategy, we have made acquisitions in the past. The successful integration of acquired companies 
requires, among other things, coordination of various departments, including solution development, engineering, sales 
and marketing and finance, as well as integration in our system of internal controls. Acquisitions and investments involve 
numerous risks, including, without limitation:

•  Difficulties or delays in integrating operations, technologies, services, accounting and personnel;

•  Difficulties in supporting and transitioning customers of our acquired companies;

•  Diversion of financial and management resources from existing operations;

•  Risks of entering new sectors of the nonprofit, charitable giving and educational industries;

• 

• 

Potential loss of key employees; and

Inability to generate sufficient return on investment.

Acquisitions also frequently result in recording of goodwill and other intangible assets, which are subject to potential 
impairments in the future that could harm our operating results. In addition, if we finance acquisitions by issuing equity 
securities or securities convertible into equity securities, our existing stockholders would be diluted which, in turn, could 
affect the market price of our stock. Moreover, we could finance any acquisition with debt, resulting in higher leverage 
and interest costs. As a result, if we fail to evaluate and execute acquisitions or investments properly, we might not achieve 
the anticipated benefits of any such acquisition and we may incur costs in excess of what we anticipate. Furthermore, if 
we incur additional debt to fund acquisitions and are unable to service our debt obligation we may have a greater risk of 
default under our credit facility.

The success of our acquisitions will depend in part on our ability to retain their engineering, sales, marketing, development 
and other personnel. It is possible that these employees might decide to terminate their employment. If key employees 
terminate their employment, the sales, marketing or development activities of acquired companies might be adversely 
affected, our management's attention might be diverted from successfully integrating the acquired operations to hiring 
suitable replacements and, as a result, our business might suffer.

We significantly increased our leverage in connection with acquisitions.

We incurred a substantial amount of indebtedness in connection with recent acquisitions. As a result of this indebtedness, 
our interest payment obligations have increased. The degree to which we are leveraged could have adverse effects on our 
business, including the following:

•  Requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, 
thereby  reducing  the  availability  of  our  cash  flow  to  fund  working  capital,  capital  expenditures,  acquisitions, 
dividends and other general corporate purposes; 

• 

Limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in which we 
operate; 

•  Restricting us from making additional strategic acquisitions or exploiting business opportunities; 

• 

• 

Placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; 

Limiting our ability to borrow additional funds; and 

•  Decreasing  our  ability  to  compete  effectively  or  operate  successfully  under  adverse  economic  and  industry 

conditions.

If we incur additional debt, these risks may intensify. Our ability to meet our debt service obligations will depend upon our 
future performance, which will be subject to the financial, business and other factors affecting our operations, many of 
which are beyond our control.

22

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.

Our balance sheet includes significant amounts of goodwill and intangible assets. The impairment of a significant 
portion of these assets could negatively affect our operating results.

As of December 31, 2015, we had $436.4 million and $294.7 million of goodwill and intangible assets, respectively. On 
at least an annual basis, we assess whether there have been impairments in the carrying value of goodwill and intangible 
assets. If the carrying value of an asset is determined to be impaired, then it is written down to fair value by a non-cash 
charge to operating earnings. Changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying value of goodwill or intangible 
assets may not be recoverable include declines in our stock price, market capitalization, cash flows and slower growth 
rates in our industry. We cannot accurately predict the likelihood or potential amount and timing of any impairment of 
goodwill or other intangible assets. An impairment of a significant portion of goodwill or intangible assets could materially 
and negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition. 

If we are not able to manage our anticipated growth effectively, our operating costs may increase and our 
operating margins may decrease.

We will need to continue to grow our infrastructure to address our acquisitions and other potential market opportunities. 
Our growth will continue to place, to the extent that we are able to sustain such growth, a strain on our management, 
administrative, operational and financial infrastructure. If we continue to grow our operations, by way of additional business 
combinations or otherwise, we may not be effective in enlarging our physical facilities and our systems and our procedures 
or controls may not be adequate to support such expansion or our business generally. If we are unable to manage our 
growth, our operating costs may increase and our operating margins may decrease. 

Our quarterly financial results fluctuate and might be difficult to forecast and, if our future results are below 
either any guidance we might issue or the expectations of public market analysts and investors, the price of 
our common stock might decline.

Our quarterly revenue and results of operations are difficult to forecast. We have experienced, and expect to continue to 
experience, fluctuations in revenue and operating results from quarter-to-quarter. As a result, we believe that quarter-to-
quarter comparisons of our revenue and operating results are not necessarily meaningful and that such comparisons might 
not be accurate indicators of future performance. The reasons for these fluctuations include but are not limited to:

•  Changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the markets we serve;

•  Costs related to acquisitions of technologies or businesses;

• 

The growth rates of certain market segments in which we compete;

•  Market acceptance of new solutions we release or acquire;

• 

The amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures related to the operations and expansion of 
our business;

•  Budget and spending decisions by our customers;

• 

• 

• 

The size and timing of sales of our software, including the relatively long sales cycles associated with many of our 
larger software sales;

The degree of judgment required to estimate large consulting service engagements;

Scheduling considerations by our customers as they impact the delivery of purchased services;

•  Varying accounting treatments based upon the facts and circumstances of each arrangement;

•  Utilization of our professional services personnel;

•  Changes in our pricing policies and terms of contracts, whether initiated by us or as a result of competition;

• 

• 

The rate of expansion and productivity of our sales force and the impact of reorganizations of our sales force; 

Technical difficulties or interruptions in our service;

•  Changes in foreign currency exchange rates;

2015 Form 10-K

23

Blackbaud, Inc.

•  Changes in the effective tax rates due to changes in the mix of earnings and losses in countries with differing 
statutory tax rates, certain non-deductible expenses, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities 
and our ability to utilize them, changes in federal, state or international tax laws and accounting principles, changes 
in judgment from the evaluation of new information that results in a recognition, derecognition or change in 
measurement of a tax position taken in a prior period, results of tax examinations by local and foreign taxing 
authorities;

• 

Expenses related to significant, unusual or discrete events which are recorded in the period in which the events 
occur;

•  Regulatory compliance costs; and

• 

Extraordinary expenses such as litigation or other dispute-related settlement payments.

Many of these factors are outside of our control, and the occurrence of one or more of them might cause our operating 
results to vary widely. As such, we believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our revenues, operating results, changes 
in our deferred revenue and unbilled deferred revenue balances and cash flows may not be meaningful and should not 
be relied upon as an indication of future performance.

Our operating expenses, which include sales and marketing, research and development and general and administrative 
expenses, are based on our expectations of future revenue and are, to a large extent, fixed in the short term. If revenue 
falls below our expectations in a quarter and we are not able to quickly reduce our operating expenses in response, our 
operating results for that quarter could be adversely affected. It is possible that in some future quarter our operating results 
may be below either any guidance we might issue or the expectations of public market analysts and investors and, as a 
result, the price of our common stock might fall.

Restrictions in our credit facility may limit our activities, including dividend payments, share repurchases and 
acquisitions.

Our credit facility contains restrictions, including covenants limiting our ability to incur additional debt, grant liens, make 
acquisitions and other investments, prepay specified debt, consolidate, merge or acquire other businesses, sell assets, pay 
dividends and other distributions, repurchase stock and enter into transactions with affiliates. There can be no assurance 
that we will be able to remain in compliance with the covenants to which we are subject in the future and, if we fail to 
do so, that we will be able to obtain waivers from our lenders or amend the covenants.

In the event of a default under our credit facility, we could be required to immediately repay all outstanding borrowings, 
which we might not be able to do. In addition, certain of our material domestic subsidiaries will be required to guarantee 
amounts borrowed under the credit facility, and we have pledged the shares of certain of our subsidiaries as collateral for 
our obligations under the credit facility. Any such default could have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate, 
including allowing lenders under the credit facility to enforce guarantees of our subsidiaries, if any, or exercise their rights 
with respect to the shares pledged as collateral.

Our business and financial performance could be negatively impacted by changes in tax laws or regulations.

Our customers and we are subject to a wide variety of tax laws and regulations in jurisdictions around the world. New or 
revised income, sales, use or other tax laws, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances could be enacted at any time. Further, 
existing tax laws, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances could be interpreted, changed, modified or applied adversely 
to  our  customers  or  us.  Any  changes  to  these  existing  tax  laws  could  adversely  affect  our  domestic  and  international 
business  operations,  and  our  business  and  financial  performance.  Additionally,  these  events  could  require  us  or  our 
customers to pay additional tax amounts on a prospective or retroactive basis, as well as require our customers or us to 
pay fines and/or penalties and interest for past amounts deemed to be due. Additionally, new, changed, modified or newly 
interpreted or applied tax laws could increase our customers' and our compliance, operating and other costs, as well as 
the costs of our solutions. Any or all of these events could adversely impact our business and financial performance.

24

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.

We have recorded significant deferred tax assets, and we might never realize their full value, which would 
result in a charge against our earnings.

As of December 31, 2015, we had deferred tax assets of $55.4 million. Realization of our deferred tax assets is dependent 
upon our generating sufficient taxable income in future years to realize the tax benefit from those assets. Deferred tax 
assets are reviewed at least annually for realizability. A charge against our earnings would result if, based on the available 
evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. This could be caused 
by, among other things, deterioration in performance, loss of key contracts, adverse market conditions, adverse changes 
in applicable laws or regulations, including changes that restrict the activities of or affect the solutions sold by our business 
and a variety of other factors. If a deferred tax asset was determined to be not realizable in a future period, the charge to 
earnings would be recognized as an expense in our results of operations in the period the determination is made. Additionally, 
if we are unable to utilize our deferred tax assets, our cash flow available to fund operations could be adversely affected.

Depending on future circumstances, it is possible that we might never realize the full value of our deferred tax assets. Any 
future determination of impairment of a significant portion of our deferred tax assets would have an adverse effect on our 
financial condition and results of operations.

Claims that we or our technologies infringe upon the intellectual property or other proprietary rights of a third 
party may require us to incur significant costs, enter into royalty or licensing agreements or develop or license 
substitute technology.

We may in the future be subject to claims that our technologies in our solutions and services infringe upon the intellectual 
property or other proprietary rights of a third party. In addition, the vendors providing us with technology that we use in 
our own technology could become subject to similar infringement claims. Although we believe that our solutions and 
services do not infringe any intellectual property or other proprietary rights, we cannot be certain that our solutions and 
services do not, or that they will not in the future, infringe intellectual property or other proprietary rights held by others. 
Any claims of infringement could cause us to incur substantial costs defending against the claim, even if the claim is without 
merit, and could distract our management from our business. Moreover, any settlement or adverse judgment resulting 
from the claim could require us to pay substantial amounts, or obtain a license to continue to use the solutions and services 
that are the subject of the claim, and/or otherwise restrict or prohibit our use of the technology. There can be no assurance 
that we would be able to obtain a license on commercially reasonable terms from the third party asserting any particular 
claim, or that we would be able to successfully develop alternative technology on a timely basis, or that we would be able 
to obtain a license from another provider of suitable alternative technology to permit us to continue offering, and our 
customers to continue using, the solutions and services. In addition, we generally provide in our customer arrangements 
for certain solutions and services that we will indemnify our customers against third-party infringement claims relating to 
technology we provide to those customers, which could obligate us to pay damages if the solutions and services were 
found to be infringing. Infringement claims asserted against us, our vendors or our customers may have a material adverse 
effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Our solutions utilize open source software, which may subject us to litigation, require us to re-engineer our 
solutions, or otherwise divert resources away from our development efforts. 

We use open source software in connection with certain of our solutions. Such open source software is generally licensed 
by its authors or other third parties under open source licenses, including, for example, the GNU General Public License, 
the GNU Lesser General Public License, “Apache-style” licenses, “BSD-style” licenses and other open source licenses.  There 
is little legal precedent governing the interpretation of many of the terms of some of these licenses, and therefore the 
potential impact of these terms on our business is currently unable to be determined and may result in unanticipated 
obligations regarding our solutions and technologies. From time to time, companies that incorporate open source software 
into their products have faced claims challenging the ownership of open source software and/or compliance with open 
source license terms. Therefore, we could be subject to litigation by parties claiming ownership of open source software 
or noncompliance with open source licensing terms. Some open source software licenses require users who distribute open 
source software as part of their own software to publicly disclose all or part of the source code to such software and/or 
make available any derivative works of the open source code on unfavorable terms or at no cost. While we monitor our 
use of open source software and try to ensure that none is used in a manner that would require us to disclose the source 
code or that would otherwise breach the terms of an open source agreement, such use could inadvertently occur and we 
may be required to release proprietary source code, pay damages for breach of contract, re-engineer our applications, 
discontinue sales in the event re-engineering cannot be accomplished on a timely basis, or take other remedial action that 
may divert resources away from our development efforts, any of which could adversely affect our business.

2015 Form 10-K

25

Blackbaud, Inc.

We rely upon trademark, copyright, patent and trade secret laws to protect our proprietary rights, which might 
not provide us with adequate protection.

Our success and ability to compete depends to a significant degree upon the protection of our proprietary technology 
rights. We might not be successful in protecting our proprietary technology and our proprietary rights might not provide 
us with a meaningful competitive advantage. To protect our core proprietary technology, we rely on a combination of 
patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws, as well as nondisclosure agreements, each of which affords only limited 
protection.  We  have  no  patent  protection  for  Raiser's  Edge,  which  is  one  of  our  core  solutions  and  responsible  for  a 
significant portion of our revenue. Any inability to protect our intellectual property rights could seriously harm our business, 
operating results and financial condition.

In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights in our solutions to the same extent 
as do the laws of the United States. Despite the measures taken by us, it may be possible for a third party to copy or 
otherwise obtain and use our proprietary technology and information without authorization. Policing unauthorized use of 
our solutions is difficult, and litigation could become necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights. 
Any litigation could be time consuming and expensive to prosecute or resolve, and could result in substantial diversion of 
management attention and resources and materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Increasing and evolving government regulation could affect our business.

We are subject to numerous laws and regulations applicable to businesses generally as well as laws and regulations directly 
applicable to electronic commerce and payment processing. State, federal and foreign governments may adopt new laws 
and regulations or modify existing laws and regulations applicable to our business. Any such new or modified legislation 
or regulation could dampen the growth and decrease the acceptance of the Internet and online commerce. If such a decline 
occurs, companies may decide in the future not to use our solutions and services. Any new or modified laws or regulations 
in the following areas, among others, could negatively affect our business:

•  User privacy;

• 

Payment processing and related interchange rates;

•  Merchant surcharge limits;

• 

Taxation of foreign earnings; and

•  Consumer protection, including the potential application of “do not call” registry requirements on our customers 

and consumer backlash in general to direct marketing efforts of our customers.

Pending and enacted legislation at the state and federal levels, including those related to fundraising activities and payment 
processing, may also restrict further our information gathering and disclosure practices, for example, by requiring us to 
comply with extensive and costly registration, reporting or disclosure requirements. Any substantial increase in government 
regulation affecting our business, or any failure to comply with existing regulations, could require substantial investments 
to achieve compliance, which could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

General  economic  factors,  both  domestically  and  internationally,  might  adversely  affect  our  financial 
performance.

General economic conditions, globally or in one or more of the markets we serve, might adversely affect our financial 
performance. Weakness in the financial and housing markets, inflation, higher levels of unemployment, unavailability of 
consumer credit, higher consumer debt levels, volatility in credit, equity and foreign exchange markets, higher tax rates 
and other changes in tax laws, overall economic slowdowns and other economic factors could adversely affect donations 
to nonprofits, reducing their revenue and, therefore, possibly their demand for the solutions and services we sell and 
lengthen our sales and payment cycles. In addition, these adverse economic conditions could reduce charitable transactions 
executed through our payments platform, which would adversely affect our revenue and net income. Higher interest rates, 
inflation, higher costs of labor, insurance and healthcare, higher tax rates and other changes in tax laws, changes in other 
laws and regulations and other economic factors in the United States could increase our cost of sales and operating, selling, 
general and administrative expenses and otherwise adversely affect our operations and operating results. These conditions 
could affect not only our operations, but also the operations of suppliers from whom we purchase or license solutions and 
services, which could result in an increase in the cost to us of our solutions and services, reducing our margins. These 

26

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.

factors also affect our customers who may reduce their purchasing of our solutions due to the adverse effects of certain 
economic factors.

Our operations might be affected by the occurrence of a natural disaster or other catastrophic event.

We depend on our principal executive offices and other facilities for the continued operation of our business. Although 
we have contingency plans in effect for natural disasters or other catastrophic events, these events, including terrorist 
attacks, computer hacker attacks and natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes, could disrupt one or more of 
these facilities and adversely affect our operations. Our principal executive offices are located in a coastal region that has 
experienced  hurricanes  in  the  past.  Even  though  we  carry  business  interruption  insurance  policies  and  typically  have 
provisions in our commercial contracts that protect us in certain events, we might suffer losses as a result of business 
interruptions that exceed the coverage available under our insurance policies or for which we do not have coverage. Any 
natural disaster or catastrophic event affecting us could have a significant negative impact on our operations.

Item 1B. Unresolved staff comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

We lease our headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina which consists of approximately 218,000 square feet. The lease 
on our Charleston headquarters expires in October 2024, and we have the option for two 5-year renewal periods. We also 
lease additional office space in Charleston, South Carolina; Austin, Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Cambridge, Massachusetts; 
Washington D.C.; San Diego and Emeryville, California; Overland Park, Kansas; Lincoln, Nebraska; Miami, Florida; Bedford, 
New Hampshire; Edina, Minnesota; New York, New York; Middlesex, New Jersey; Glasgow, Scotland; Dublin, Ireland; 
London, England; Brisbane, Australia; and Sydney, Australia. We believe that our properties are in good operating condition 
and adequately serve our current business operations for all of our business segments. We also anticipate that suitable 
additional or alternative space, including those under lease options, will be available at commercially reasonable terms for 
future expansion.

Item 3. Legal proceedings

From time to time we may become involved in litigation relating to claims arising from our ordinary course of business. 
We do not believe that there are any claims or actions pending or threatened against us, the ultimate disposition of which 
would have a material adverse effect on us.

Item 4. Mine safety disclosures

Not applicable.

2015 Form 10-K

27

Blackbaud, Inc.

PART II.

Item 5. Market for registration's common equity, related stockholder matters and issuer purchases of equity 
securities

Our common stock is trading on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “BLKB.” The following 
table sets forth, for the quarterly reporting periods indicated, the high and low market prices for shares of our common 
stock, as reported by NASDAQ, and dividend per share information.

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

Fourth quarter

Third quarter

Second quarter

First quarter

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2014

Fourth quarter

Third quarter

Second quarter

First quarter

Common Stock 
Market Prices

High

Low

Dividends
Declared

$

67.54 $

56.17 $

63.73

59.67
47.45

54.10

47.39
42.00

$

45.86 $

37.38 $

40.99

36.33

38.84

33.62

29.42

29.99

0.12

0.12

0.12
0.12

0.12

0.12

0.12

0.12

As of February 8, 2016, there were approximately 144 stockholders of record of our common stock. Because many of our 
shares of common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, this number is not representative 
of the total number of stockholders represented by these stockholders of record. On February 8, 2016, the closing price 
of our common stock was $51.50.

28

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.

Stock Performance Graph

The following performance graph shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” or incorporated by reference 
in future filings with the SEC, or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act except as shall be expressly set 
forth by specific reference in such filing. The performance graph compares the performance of our common stock to the 
NASDAQ Composite Index and the NASDAQ Computer and Data Processing Index. The graph covers the most recent five-
year period ending December 31, 2015. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common stock and 
each index was $100.00 at December 31, 2010, and that all dividends are reinvested.

December 31,
Blackbaud, Inc.

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

$ 100.00 $ 108.97 $

91.50 $ 153.20 $ 178.39 $ 274.57

NASDAQ Composite Index

NASDAQ Computer & Data Processing Index

100.00

100.00

100.53

100.83

116.92

108.27

166.19

165.81

188.78

190.41

199.95

224.42

2015 Form 10-K

29

Blackbaud, Inc.

Common Stock Acquisitions and Repurchases

The following table provides information about shares of common stock acquired or repurchased during the three months 
ended December 31, 2015. All of these acquisitions were of common stock withheld by us to satisfy minimum tax obligations 
of employees due upon exercise of stock appreciation rights and vesting of restricted stock awards and units. The level of 
acquisition activity varies from period to period based upon the timing of grants and vesting as well as employee exercise 
decisions.

Period
Beginning balance, October 1, 2015

October 1, 2015 through October 31, 2015

November 1, 2015 through November 30, 2015

December 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015

Total
number
of shares
purchased

845 $

105,920

—

Average
price
paid
per
share

64.01

62.67

—

Total number
of shares
purchased as
part of
publicly
announced
plans or
programs(1)

Approximate
dollar value
of shares
that may yet
be purchased
under the
plans or 
programs 
(in thousands)

$

—

—

—

50,000

50,000

50,000

50,000

50,000

Total

106,765 $

62.70

— $

(1) 

In August 2010, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program that authorized us to purchase up to $50.0 million of our 
outstanding shares of common stock. We have not made any repurchases under the program to date, and the program does not have an 
expiration date.

Dividend Policy

Our Board of Directors has adopted a dividend policy which reflects an intention to distribute to our stockholders a portion 
of the cash generated by our business that exceeds our operating needs and capital expenditures as regular quarterly 
dividends. This policy reflects our judgment that we can provide greater value to our stockholders by distributing to them 
a portion of the cash generated by our business.

In accordance with this dividend policy, we paid quarterly dividends at an annual rate of $0.48 per share in 2015 and 2014, 
resulting in aggregate dividend payments to stockholders of $22.5 million and $22.1 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively. 
In February 2016, our Board of Directors approved an annual dividend rate of $0.48 per share for 2016. We declared a 
first quarter dividend of $0.12 per share payable on March 15, 2016, to stockholders of record on February 26, 2016, and 
currently intend to pay quarterly dividends at an annual rate of $0.48 per share of common stock for each of the remaining 
fiscal quarters in 2016.

Dividends on our common stock will not be cumulative. Consequently, if dividends on our common stock are not declared 
and/or paid at the targeted level, our stockholders will not be entitled to receive such payments in the future. We are not 
obligated to pay dividends, and as described more fully below, our stockholders might not receive any dividends as a result 
of the following factors:

•  Our credit facility limits the amount of dividends we are permitted to pay;
•  Our Board of Directors could decide to reduce dividends or not to pay dividends at all, at any time and for any 

reason;
The amount of dividends distributed is subject to state law restrictions (as discussed below); and

• 
•  We might not have enough cash to pay dividends due to changes to our operating earnings, working capital 

requirements and anticipated cash needs.

Assumptions and Considerations

We estimate that the cash necessary to fund dividends on our common stock for 2016 at an annual rate of $0.48 per 
share is approximately $22.6 million (assuming 47.0 million shares of common stock are outstanding, net of treasury stock).

We have a stock repurchase program that authorizes us to purchase up to $50.0 million of our outstanding shares of 
common stock. The program does not have an expiration date. The shares could be purchased in a self-tender for our 
stock, from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions depending upon market conditions 
and  other  factors,  all  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  applicable  law.  Any  open  market  purchases  under  the 

30

2015 Form 10-K

 
 
Blackbaud, Inc.

repurchase program will be made in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and all other 
applicable securities regulations. We might not purchase any shares of common stock and our Board of Directors may 
decide, in its absolute discretion, at any time and for any reason, to cancel the stock repurchase program.

We believe that our cash on hand and the cash flows we expect to generate from operations will be sufficient to meet our 
liquidity  requirements  through  2016,  including  dividends  and  purchases  under  our  stock  repurchase  program.  See 
“Management’s discussion and analysis of financial conditions and results of operations — Liquidity and capital resources” 
in Item 7 in this report.

If  our  assumptions  as  to  operating  expenses,  working  capital  requirements  and  capital  expenditures  are  too  low  or  if 
unexpected cash needs arise that we are not able to fund with cash on hand or with borrowings under our credit facility, 
we would need to either reduce or eliminate dividends. If we were to use working capital or permanent borrowings to 
fund dividends, we would have less cash available for future dividends and other purposes, which could negatively impact 
our stock price, financial condition, results of operations and ability to maintain or expand our business.

We have estimated our dividend only for 2016, and we cannot assure our stockholders that during or following 2016 we 
will pay dividends at the estimated levels, or at all except with regard to dividends previously declared by the Board of 
Directors but not yet paid. We are not required to pay dividends and our Board of Directors may modify or revoke our 
dividend policy at any time. Dividend payments are within the absolute discretion of our Board of Directors and will be 
dependent upon many factors and future developments that could differ materially from our current expectations. Over 
time, our capital and other cash needs, including unexpected cash needs, will invariably change and remain subject to 
uncertainties, which could impact the level of any dividends we pay in the future.

We believe that our dividend policy could limit, but not preclude, our ability to pursue growth as we intend to retain 
sufficient cash after the distribution of dividends to permit the pursuit of growth opportunities. In order to pay dividends 
at the level currently anticipated under our dividend policy and to fund any substantial portion of our stock repurchase 
program, we could require financing or borrowings to fund any significant acquisitions or to pursue growth opportunities 
requiring capital significantly beyond our anticipated levels. Management will evaluate potential growth opportunities as 
they arise and, if our Board of Directors determines that it is in our best interest to use cash that would otherwise be 
available for distribution as dividends to pursue an acquisition opportunity, to materially increase capital spending or for 
some other purpose, the Board would be free to depart from or change our dividend policy at any time.

Restrictions on Payment of Dividends

Under Delaware law, we can only pay dividends either out of “surplus” (which is defined as total assets at fair market 
value minus total liabilities, minus statutory capital) or out of current or the immediately preceding year’s earnings. As of 
December 31,  2015,  we  had  $15.4  million  in  cash  and  cash  equivalents.  In  addition,  we  anticipate  that  we  will  have 
sufficient earnings in 2016 to pay dividends at the level described above. Although we believe we will have sufficient 
surplus and earnings to pay dividends at the anticipated levels for 2016, our Board of Directors will seek periodically to 
assure itself of this sufficiency before actually declaring any dividends. 

Under our credit facility, we also have restrictions on our ability to declare and pay dividends and our ability to repurchase 
shares of our common stock. In order to pay any cash dividends and/or repurchase shares of stock: (1) no default or event 
of default shall have occurred and be continuing under the credit facility, and (2) our pro forma net leverage ratio, as set 
forth in the credit agreement, must be 0.25 less than the net leverage ratio requirement at the time of dividend declaration 
or share repurchase. See “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial conditions and results of operations — Liquidity 
and capital resources” in Item 7 in this report.

2015 Form 10-K

31

Blackbaud, Inc.

Item 6. Selected financial data

The selected financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s discussion and analysis of 
financial condition and results of operations” in Item 7 in this report and our financial statements and the related notes 
included elsewhere in this report to fully understand factors, including our business acquisitions and dispositions as well 
as presentation of certain of our subscriptions revenues and costs on a gross basis effective October 2013, that may affect 
the comparability of the information presented below.

The following data, insofar as it relates to each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, has been derived 
from the audited annual financial statements, including the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014, 
and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders’ equity for the three years 
ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and notes thereto in Item 8 of this report. The following data, insofar as it 
relates to each of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 
2013, 2012 and 2011 are derived from audited financial statements not included in this report.

(in thousands, except per share data)

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

Year ending December 31,

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
Total revenue

Total cost of revenue

Gross profit

Total operating expenses

Income from operations

Net income

PER SHARE DATA
Basic net income

Diluted net income

Cash dividends

BALANCE SHEET DATA
Total assets

Deferred revenue, including current portion

Total debt, including current portion

Total long-term liabilities

$

637,940 $
304,631

333,309

286,597

46,712

25,649

564,421 $

503,817 $

447,419 $

370,868

273,438

290,983

244,619

46,364

28,290

232,663

271,154

219,612

51,542

30,472

202,460

244,959

225,524

19,435

6,583

157,194

213,674

162,746

50,928

33,220

$

0.56 $
0.55

0.48

0.63 $

0.68 $

0.15 $

0.62

0.48

0.67

0.48

0.15

0.48

0.76

0.75

0.48

$ 1,223,853 $
237,335

408,604

446,967

943,183 $

706,610 $

705,747 $

392,590

221,274

280,571

336,263

190,574

152,908

188,384

185,018

215,500

246,368

163,437

—

12,547

32

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in 
conjunction with Item 1A Risk factors and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included 
elsewhere  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K.  The  following  discussion  and  analysis  presents  financial 
information denominated in millions of dollars which can lead to differences from rounding when compared 
to similar information contained in the consolidated financial statements and related notes which are primarily 
denominated in thousands of dollars. This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of 
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 
as  amended.  These  forward-looking  statements  reflect  our  current  view  with  respect  to  future  events  and 
financial performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those set forth under “Item 1A. Risk 
factors”  and  elsewhere  in  this  report,  that  could  cause  actual  results  to  differ  materially  from  historical  or 
anticipated results. Except as required by law, we do not intend, and undertake no obligation to revise or update 
these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those 
anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

Executive summary

We are a leading provider of software and services for the global philanthropic community. We offer a full spectrum of 
cloud-based and on-premises software solutions, as well as a resource network that empowers and connects organizations 
of all sizes. Our portfolio of software and services support nonprofit fundraising and relationship management, digital 
marketing, advocacy, accounting, payments and analytics, as well as grant management, corporate social responsibility, 
and  education.  As  of  December 31,  2015,  we  had  approximately  35,000  active  customers  including  nonprofits,  K-12 
private and higher education institutions, healthcare organizations, foundations and other charitable giving entities, and 
corporations.

We derive revenue from charging subscription fees for the use of our cloud-based solutions, selling perpetual software 
licenses and providing a broad offering of services, including consulting, training, installation and implementation services, 
as well as ongoing customer support and maintenance. Furthermore, we derive revenue from providing hosting services, 
providing transaction and payment processing services and from providing analytic services including performing donor 
prospect research engagements, benchmarking studies, data modeling services and selling lists of potential donors. We 
have experienced growth in our payment processing services from the continued shift to online giving, further integration 
of these services to our existing solution portfolio and the sale of these services to new and existing customers.

During 2014, we introduced and began executing on a five point growth strategy. In 2015, these strategies evolved to 
account for progress to date and future outlook and are as follows:

1. 

Integrated and Open Solutions in the Cloud
We will continue to transition our business to predominantly serve customers through a subscription-based cloud 
delivery model, enabling lower cost of entry, greater scalability and lower total cost of ownership to our customers. 
There is a concerted effort underway to optimize our portfolio of solutions and integrate powerful capabilities — 
such as built in data, analytics, payment processing and tailored user-specific experiences — to bring even greater 
value and performance to our customers. In 2015, we announced the general availability of Raiser's Edge NXT, 
Financial Edge NXT, and we introduced Blackbaud SKY, which is our new, innovative cloud technology architecture 
for the global philanthropic community.

2.  Drive Sales Effectiveness

We are making investments to increase the effectiveness of our sales organization, to expand our direct sales and 
customer success teams and to introduce indirect sales with the announcement of a value added reseller ("VAR") 
program, launching in 2016.

3.  Expand TAM into Near Adjacencies with Acquisitions

We will continue to evaluate compelling opportunities to acquire companies, technologies and/or services. We 
will be guided by our acquisition criteria for considering attractive assets, which expand our total addressable 
market, provide entry into new and near adjacencies, accelerate our shift to the cloud, accelerate revenue growth, 
are accretive to margins and present synergistic opportunities.

4.  Streamline Operations

We have largely completed the installations of single best-in-breed back-office solutions to standardize operations 
utilizing scalable tools and systems. Our focus is now shifting towards operational excellence and quality initiatives 
focused on streamlining processes to gain efficiency and scalability.

2015 Form 10-K

33

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

5.  Execute our 3-Year Margin Improvement Plan

In  2014,  we  implemented  a  3-year  operating  margin  improvement  plan  designed  to  increase  our  operating 
effectiveness and efficiency and improve non-GAAP operating margins 300 to 600 basis points on a constant 
currency basis from our 2014 baseline of 17.5%, by the time we exit 2017.

We plan to continue making investments in our solution portfolio and go-to-market organization to ensure we are well 
positioned to benefit from shifts in the market, including demand for our cloud-based subscription offerings, which we 
expect will drive higher long-term revenue growth. We plan to continue making investments in the infrastructure that 
supports these offerings as well as certain other solution development initiatives including further expansion of our payment 
processing and analytics services. As we execute on our five key growth initiatives to strengthen our market leadership 
position, we also plan to focus on achieving scalability of our operations, while attaining our targeted level of profitability. 

We completed our acquisition of Smart Tuition in October 2015 for $187.8 million in cash, net of closing adjustments. 
Smart Tuition is a leading provider of payment software and services for private schools and parents. The acquisition of 
Smart Tuition further expanded our offerings in the K-12 technology sector. We drew down a $186.0 million revolving 
credit loan under the 2014 Credit Facility to finance the acquisition of Smart Tuition. Additionally, we completed our 
acquisitions of WhippleHill and MicroEdge in June 2014 and October 2014, respectively. We have included the results of 
operations of acquired companies in our consolidated results of operations from the date of their respective acquisition, 
which impacts the comparability of our results of operations when comparing 2015, 2014 and 2013. We have noted in 
the discussion below, to the extent meaningful, the impact on the comparability of our consolidated results of operations 
to prior year results due to the inclusion of acquired companies.

In May 2015, we completed the sale of Customer Technology B.V. ("RLC"), a formerly wholly-owned entity based in the 
Netherlands, as discussed in Note 18 of our consolidated financial statements in this report. The sale resulted in a loss of 
$2.0 million, which negatively impacted net income for 2015. We continue to sell and support many of our offerings to 
customers in the Netherlands either directly through our other foreign subsidiaries or through the use of partnerships, 
which we view as a better approach for serving that market.

Total revenue

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in millions)

Total revenue

2015(1)

Change

2014(2)

$

637.9

13.0% $

564.4

(1) 

(2) 

Included in total revenue for 2015 was $31.9 million and $8.5 million attributable to the inclusion of MicroEdge and Smart Tuition, respectively. 
WhippleHill also positively impacted total revenue for 2015.
Included in total revenue for 2014 was $4.5 million and $5.8 million attributable to the inclusion of WhippleHill and MicroEdge, respectively.

Excluding the impact of acquisitions noted above, our revenue growth during 2015 was primarily driven by growth in 
subscriptions revenue as our business model continues to shift towards providing predominantly cloud-based subscription 
solutions. Subscriptions revenue also grew as a result of increases in the number of customers and the volume of transactions 
for which we process payments. Excluding the impact of MicroEdge, maintenance revenue, as well as license fees and 
other  revenue  declined  during  2015  from  the  continued  migration  of  our  business  model  toward  subscription-based 
solutions, including our Raiser's Edge NXT and Financial Edge NXT solutions. In the near-term, the transition to subscription-
based solutions negatively impacts total revenue growth, as time-based license revenue from subscription arrangements 
is deferred and recognized ratably over the subscription period, whereas on-premises license revenue from arrangements 
that  include  perpetual  licenses  is  recognized  up-front.  In  addition,  the  fluctuation  in  foreign  currency  exchange  rates, 
primarily  those  between  the  U.S.  dollar  and  Canadian  dollar,  negatively  impacted  our  total  revenue  during  2015  by 
approximately  $9.6  million.  Further  explanation  of  this  impact  is  included  below  under  the  caption  "Foreign  currency 
exchange rates".

34

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Income from operations

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in millions)

Income from operations

2015

Change

2014

$

46.7

0.6% $

46.4

The modest increase in income from operations during 2015 was primarily driven by growth in subscriptions revenue 
discussed above, partially offset by increases in stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets from business 
combinations of $7.9 million and $6.1 million, respectively. In 2015, we also recorded charges for employee severance of 
$3.2 million related to the elimination of certain roles within the company. In addition, the fluctuation in foreign currency 
exchange  rates,  primarily  those  between  the  U.S.  dollar  and  Canadian  dollar,  negatively  impacted  our  income  from 
operations during 2015 by approximately $3.7 million. Further explanation of this impact is included below under the 
caption "Foreign currency exchange rates".

Customer retention

Historically, we have disclosed a measure of retention for our license customers with maintenance contracts. Maintenance 
contracts are typically renewed on an annual basis. Subscription contracts are typically for a term of three years at contract 
inception with one year renewals thereafter. Over time, we anticipate a decrease in maintenance contract renewals as we 
transition  our  solution  portfolio  and  maintenance  customers  from  a  perpetual  license-based  model  to  a  cloud-based 
subscription delivery model. We also anticipate an increase in subscription contract renewals as we continue focusing on 
innovation, quality and the integration of our subscription solutions which we believe will provide value-adding capabilities 
to better address our customers' needs. Due primarily to these factors, we believe a recurring revenue customer retention 
measure that combines subscription and maintenance customer contracts provides a better representation of our customers' 
overall behavior. For 2015, approximately 94% of our customers with recurring subscription or maintenance contracts 
were retained. 

Balance sheet and cash flow

At December 31, 2015, our cash and cash equivalents were $15.4 million and outstanding borrowings under the 2014 
Credit  Facility  were  $410.2  million.  During  2015,  we  generated  $114.3  million  in  cash  flow  from  operations,  made 
repayments on outstanding borrowings of $184.5 million, returned $22.5 million to stockholders by way of dividends and 
had cash outlays of $34.1 million for purchases of property and equipment and capitalized software development costs.

2015 Form 10-K

35

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Results of operations

Comparison of 2015 to 2014 and 2014 to 2013

During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we acquired companies that provided us with strategic opportunities to expand our TAM 
and share of the philanthropic giving market through the integration of complementary solutions and services to serve the 
changing needs of our customers. The following are the companies we acquired and their respective acquisition date:

• 

Smart, LLC ("Smart Tuition") – October 2, 2015;

•  MicroEdge Holdings, LLC (“MicroEdge”) – October 1, 2014;

•  WhippleHill Communications, Inc. (“WhippleHill”) – June 16, 2014; and

•  MyCharity, Ltd. (“MyCharity”) – March 6, 2013.

We have included the results of operations of acquired companies in our consolidated results of operations from the date 
of their respective acquisition, which impacts the comparability of our results of operations when comparing 2015 to 2014
and 2014 to 2013. We have noted in the discussion below, to the extent meaningful and quantifiable, the impact on the 
comparability of our consolidated results of operations to prior year results due to the inclusion of acquired companies.

Since we have integrated certain of WhippleHill's historical offerings into our suite of K-12 solutions and also because we 
are selling certain of WhippleHill's solutions instead of our historical offerings, it is impracticable to determine the amount 
of 2015 revenue attributable solely to this acquired company. In addition, because we have integrated the operations of 
MicroEdge and WhippleHill into ours, it is impracticable to determine amounts of operating costs attributable solely to 
these acquired companies for 2015. Similarly, since we have integrated MyCharity's solutions and operations into ours, it 
is impracticable to determine the amount of revenue and operating costs attributable solely to this acquired company. See 
Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements in this report for a summary of these acquisitions with the exception of 
MyCharity which is insignificant for disclosure.

As a result of third-party contractual changes, certain of our subscriptions revenues and costs associated with our payment 
processing services are presented on a gross basis since October 2013, whereas comparable revenues and costs are presented 
on a net basis in the prior periods. As such, total revenue, total cost of revenue, subscriptions revenue and cost of subscriptions 
revenue  for  prior  periods  are  not  directly  comparable,  although  gross  profit,  operating  income  and  net  income  were 
unaffected by the prospective change. An analysis of our historical financial statements for the four quarters and year 
ended December 31, 2013 presented on a basis comparable to 2014 can be found at www.blackbaud.com/investorrelations, 
which is intended to assist with the evaluation of our performance in light of the change in presentation.

Revenue by segment

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in millions)
GMBU(1)
ECBU(2)
IBU

Other
Total revenue(4)

2015

Change

2014(3)

Change

2013

$

313.9

279.9

42.0

2.1

16.0 % $

14.2 %

(10.8)%

31.3 %

270.6

245.1

47.1

1.6

12.6% $

11.6%

11.9%

—%

240.4

219.7

42.1

1.6

$

637.9

13.0 % $

564.4

12.0% $

503.8

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

Included in GMBU revenue for 2014 was $4.5 million attributable to the inclusion of WhippleHill. WhippleHill also positively impacted GMBU revenue 
and total revenue for 2015. Included in GMBU revenue for 2015 was $8.5 million attributable to the inclusion of Smart Tuition. 
Included in ECBU revenue and total revenue for 2015 and 2014 was $31.9 million and $5.8 million, respectively, attributable to the inclusion of 
MicroEdge.
Included in ECBU, GMBU, IBU and total revenue for 2014 was $6.8 million, $13.2 million, $1.1 million and $21.1 million, respectively, attributable 
to the prospective change in presentation from net to gross for revenue and costs associated with certain payment processing services as a result 
of certain third-party arrangements that had changes in contractual terms effective October 2013. These amounts make comparability of 2014 to 
2013 less meaningful, as we accounted for these payments on a net basis prior to October 2013. The revenue for 2015 and 2014 are presented 
on a comparable basis.

(4)  The individual amounts for each year may not sum to total revenue due to rounding.

36

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

GMBU

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in millions)
GMBU revenue(1)
% of total revenue

2015

Change

$

313.9

16.0% $

49.2%

2014(2)
270.6

47.9%

Change

2013

12.6% $

240.4

47.7%

(1) 

(2) 

Included in GMBU revenue for 2014 was $4.5 million attributable to the inclusion of WhippleHill. WhippleHill also positively impacted GMBU revenue 
and total revenue for 2015. Included in GMBU revenue for 2015 was $8.5 million attributable to the inclusion of Smart Tuition.
Included in GMBU revenue for 2014 was $13.2 million attributable to the prospective change in presentation from net to gross for revenue and 
costs associated with certain payment processing services as a result of certain third-party arrangements that had changes in contractual terms 
effective October 2013. These amounts make comparability of 2014 to 2013 less meaningful, as we accounted for these payments on a net basis 
prior to October 2013. The revenue for 2015 and 2014 are presented on a comparable basis.

2015 vs. 2014

After removing the impact attributable to Smart Tuition as discussed above, the remaining $34.8 million increase in GMBU 
revenue during 2015 when compared to 2014 was primarily attributable to growth in subscriptions revenue, partially offset 
by declines in license fee and other revenue and maintenance revenue. The growth in subscriptions revenue was primarily 
due to increases in demand across our portfolio of cloud-based solutions. GMBU subscriptions revenue also benefited from 
increases in the number of customers and the volume of transactions for which we process payments. The contribution 
of revenue from WhippleHill added to GMBU's subscription revenue growth during 2015. Also contributing to overall 
growth in GMBU revenue during 2015 were modest increases in consulting services revenue as well as training services 
revenue. The growth in subscriptions and services revenue were partially offset by decreases in license fee and other revenue 
and maintenance revenue during 2015 from the continued migration of our business to subscription-based solutions.

2014 vs. 2013 

After removing the impact attributable to the change in revenue presentation and acquisition of WhippleHill noted above, 
the remaining $12.5 million increase in revenue for GMBU during 2014 when compared to 2013 was primarily attributable 
to growth in subscriptions revenue. The growth in subscriptions resulted from an increase in demand for our cloud-based 
and hosted fundraising offerings, increases in the number of customers and the volume of transactions for which we 
process payments, and an increase in usage-based transaction revenue. Also contributing to the growth in GMBU revenue 
was an increase in maintenance revenue primarily from new customer license arrangements and increases in contracts 
with existing customers.

2015 Form 10-K

37

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

ECBU

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in millions)
ECBU revenue(1)
% of total revenue

2015

Change

$

279.9

14.2% $

43.9%

2014(2)
245.1

43.4%

Change

2013

11.6% $

219.7

43.6%

(1) 
(2) 

Included in ECBU revenue for 2015 and 2014 was $31.9 million and $5.8 million, respectively, attributable to the inclusion of MicroEdge.
Included in ECBU revenue for 2014 was $6.8 million attributable to the prospective change in presentation from net to gross for revenue and costs 
associated with certain payment processing services as a result of certain third-party arrangements that had changes in contractual terms effective 
October 2013. These amounts make comparability of 2014 to 2013 less meaningful, as we accounted for these payments on a net basis prior to 
October 2013. The revenue for 2015 and 2014 are presented on a comparable basis.

2015 vs. 2014

After removing the impacts attributable to MicroEdge as discussed above, the remaining $8.7 million increase in ECBU 
revenue during 2015, when compared to 2014, was primarily attributable to growth in subscriptions revenue, partially 
offset by decreases in consulting services revenue and revenue from license fees. The growth in subscriptions resulted 
primarily from an increase in the number of customers and the volume of transactions for which we process payments, as 
well as increases in demand for our hosting services associated with our Blackbaud CRM solution and our subscription-
based analytic services. Also contributing to the overall growth in ECBU revenue was an increase in maintenance revenue 
related to new Blackbaud CRM customers. As discussed above, consulting services revenue and license fees and other 
revenue decreased as a result of the continuing shift in our go-to-market strategy towards cloud-based solutions, which 
in general, require less implementation services.

2014 vs. 2013 

After removing the impact attributable to the change in revenue presentation and acquisition of MicroEdge noted above, 
the remaining $12.8 million increase in revenue for ECBU during 2014 when compared to 2013 was primarily attributable 
to growth in subscriptions revenue. The growth in subscriptions resulted from an increase in demand for our cloud-based 
and hosted fundraising offerings, increases in the number of customers and the volume of transactions for which we 
process payments, and an increase in usage-based transaction revenue. Also contributing to the growth in ECBU revenue 
was an increase in maintenance revenue primarily related to new Blackbaud CRM customers.

38

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

IBU

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in millions)

IBU revenue

% of total revenue

2015

Change

2014(1)

Change

2013

$

42.0

(10.8)% $

47.1

11.9% $

42.1

6.6%

8.3%

8.4%

(1) 

Included in IBU revenue for 2014 was $1.1 million attributable to the prospective change in presentation from net to gross for revenue and costs 
associated with certain payment processing services as a result of certain third-party arrangements that had changes in contractual terms effective 
October 2013. These amounts make comparability of 2014 to 2013 less meaningful, as we accounted for these payments on a net basis prior to 
October 2013. The revenue for 2015 and 2014 are presented on a comparable basis.

2015 vs. 2014

The decrease in IBU revenue during 2015, when compared to 2014, was primarily related to a reduction in perpetual 
license sales of our Raiser's Edge solution, which also caused IBU consulting services revenue and maintenance revenue to 
decrease. In the near term, we expect a continued reduction in IBU revenue related to Raiser's Edge license fees, consulting 
services and maintenance as our customers transition to our Raiser's Edge NXT solution. Also contributing to the decrease 
in  IBU  revenue  during  2015  was  the  sale  of  RLC  in  May  2015  as  well  as  changes  in  exchange  rates  between  foreign 
currencies  and  the  U.S.  dollar  which  affect  the  translation  of  its  revenues  into  U.S.  dollars  for  purposes  of  reporting 
consolidated financial results.

2014 vs. 2013 

After removing the impact attributable to the change in revenue presentation noted above, the remaining $3.9 million 
increase in revenue for IBU during 2014 when compared to 2013 was primarily attributable to growth in subscriptions 
revenue. The growth in subscriptions resulted from an increase in usage-based transaction revenue, increases in the number 
of customers and the volume of transactions for which we process payments, and an increase in demand for our cloud-
based and hosted fundraising offerings. Also contributing to the growth in IBU revenue was an increase in maintenance 
revenue primarily from new customer license arrangements and increases in contracts with existing customers.

2015 Form 10-K

39

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Operating results

Subscriptions

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in millions)
Subscriptions revenue(1)
Cost of subscriptions(3)
Subscriptions gross profit

Subscriptions gross margin

2015

Change

$

$

331.8

167.3

164.5

49.6%

26.0% $

25.6%

2014(2)
263.4

133.2

Change

2013

23.8% $

212.7

42.3%

93.6

26.3% $

130.2

9.3% $

119.1

49.4%

56.0%

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

Included  in  subscriptions  revenue  for  2015  was  $18.2  million  and  $8.3  million  attributable  to  the  inclusion  of  MicroEdge  and  Smart  Tuition, 
respectively. WhippleHill also positively impacted subscriptions revenue for 2015 when compared to 2014. Included in subscriptions revenue for 
2014 was $3.0 million and $2.7 million attributable to the inclusion of MicroEdge and WhippleHill, respectively.
Included in subscriptions revenue and cost of subscriptions for 2014 was $21.1 million attributable to the prospective change in presentation from 
net to gross for revenue and costs associated with certain payment processing services as a result of certain third-party arrangements that had 
changes in contractual terms effective October 2013. These amounts make comparability of 2014 to 2013 less meaningful, as we accounted for 
these payments on a net basis prior to October 2013. The revenue for 2015 and 2014 are presented on a comparable basis.
Included in cost of subscriptions for 2014 was $1.2 million attributable to the inclusion of WhippleHill. The impact on cost of subscriptions in 2014 
as a result of the inclusion of MicroEdge was not significant.

Subscriptions revenue is comprised of revenue from charging for the use of our subscription-based software solutions, 
which includes providing access to hosted applications and hosting services, access to certain data services and our online 
subscription training offerings, revenue from payment processing services as well as variable transaction revenue associated 
with the use of our solutions.

We continue to experience growth in sales of our hosted applications and hosting services as we meet the demand of our 
customers that increasingly prefer cloud-based subscription offerings, including existing customers that are migrating from 
on-premises solutions to our cloud-based solutions. In addition, we have experienced growth in our payment processing 
services from the continued shift to online giving, further integration of these services to our existing solution portfolio 
and the sale of these services to new and existing customers. Recurring subscription contracts are typically for a term of 
three years at contract inception with one year annual renewals thereafter. We intend to continue focusing on innovation, 
quality and the integration of our subscription solutions which we believe will drive subscriptions revenue growth.

Cost of subscriptions is primarily comprised of human resource costs, stock-based compensation expense, third-party royalty 
and data expenses, hosting expenses, allocated depreciation, facilities and IT support costs, amortization of intangibles 
from business combinations, amortization of software development costs, transaction-based costs related to payments 
services including remittances of amounts due to third-parties and other costs incurred in providing support and services 
to our customers.

2015 vs. 2014

Excluding  the  incremental  subscriptions  revenue  from  MicroEdge  and  Smart  Tuition  as  discussed  above,  subscriptions 
increased by $44.9 million during 2015 when compared to 2014. The increase in recurring subscriptions revenue during 
2015 when compared to 2014 was primarily due to strong demand across our solution portfolio including our cloud-based 
solutions, as well as from providing hosting services to customers who have purchased perpetual rights to certain of our 
software solutions. Subscriptions revenue also grew as a result of increases in the number of customers and the volume 
of transactions for which we process payments, as well as an increase in the volume of subscription-based analytic services 
provided. Also contributing to the increase in subscriptions revenue was the inclusion of WhippleHill for the full year in 
2015.

The increase in cost of subscriptions during 2015 when compared to 2014 was relatively consistent with the increase in 
revenue. The increase in cost of subscriptions was primarily due to an increase in transaction-based costs related to our 
payments services of $10.0 million, an increase in human resource costs of $7.0 million, an increase in amortization expense 
related to software development costs of $3.5 million, an increase in the cost of third-party technology embedded in certain 
of our subscription solutions of $3.4 million and an increase in amortization of intangible assets from business combinations 
of $2.8 million. The increase in human resource costs was primarily due to an increase in subscription customer support 
headcount directly related to our growing base of subscription customers. The inclusion of Smart Tuition, MicroEdge and 
WhippleHill also contributed to the increase in human resource costs during 2015.

40

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Subscriptions gross margin remained relatively unchanged when comparing 2015 to 2014.

2014 vs. 2013

Excluding the effects of the change in presentation associated with certain of our payment processing services and the 
incremental subscriptions revenue from WhippleHill and MicroEdge as discussed above, the remaining $23.9 million increase 
in subscriptions revenue during 2014 when compared to 2013 was primarily due an increase in demand for our cloud-
based solutions. Subscriptions revenue also grew as a result of increases in the number of customers and the volume of 
transactions for which we process payments, and an increase in usage-based transaction revenue.

Excluding the effects of the change in presentation associated with certain of our payment processing services as discussed 
above, the $18.5 million increase in cost of subscriptions during 2014 when compared to 2013 was primarily due to an 
increase  in  human  resource  costs  of  $10.5  million,  an  increase  in  amortization  of  intangible  assets  from  business 
combinations of $1.7 million and an increase in allocated depreciation, facilities and IT support costs of $3.3 million. Also 
contributing to the increase in cost of subscriptions during 2014 was an increase in transaction-based costs related to our 
payments services. The increase in human resource costs was primarily due to an increase in subscription customer support 
directly related to our growing base of subscription customers. The increase in allocated costs was primarily a result of 
investments  made  to  support  anticipated  growth  in  our  operations.  The  inclusion  of  WhippleHill  and  MicroEdge  also 
contributed to the increases in human resource costs and allocated costs.

The decrease in subscriptions gross margin during 2014 when compared to 2013 was primarily a result of the prospective 
change in presentation from net to gross revenues and costs as discussed above, which had no impact on gross profit. 
Absent this presentation change, subscriptions gross margin was 54% for 2014 compared to 56% in 2013. The remaining 
decrease in subscriptions gross margin for 2014 when compared to 2013 was primarily due to increases in human resource 
costs and allocated costs outpacing the growth in subscriptions revenue as we expand headcount to support projected 
future subscriptions growth.

2015 Form 10-K

41

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Maintenance

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in millions)
Maintenance revenue(1)
Cost of maintenance(2)
Maintenance gross profit

Maintenance gross margin

2015

Change

2014

Change

2013

$

$

153.8

27.1

126.7

82.4%

4.3% $

147.4

6.3 % $

138.7

6.7%

25.4

(1.2)%

25.7

3.9% $

122.0

8.0 % $

113.0

82.7%

81.4%

(1) 
(2) 

Included in maintenance revenue for 2015 and 2014 was $11.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively, attributable to the inclusion of MicroEdge.
Included in cost of maintenance for 2014 was $0.6 million attributable to the inclusion of MicroEdge.

Maintenance  revenue  is  comprised  of  annual  fees  derived  from  maintenance  contracts  associated  with  new  software 
licenses  and  annual  renewals  of  existing  maintenance  contracts.  These  contracts  provide  customers  with  updates, 
enhancements and certain upgrades to our software solutions and online, telephone and email support. Maintenance 
contracts are typically renewed on an annual basis. 

Cost  of  maintenance  is  primarily  comprised  of  human  resource  costs,  stock-based  compensation  expense,  third-party 
contractor  expenses,  third-party  royalty  costs,  allocated  depreciation,  facilities  and  IT  support  costs,  amortization  of 
intangibles from business combinations, amortization of software development costs and other costs incurred in providing 
support and services to our customers.

2015 vs. 2014

After removing the incremental maintenance revenue from MicroEdge as discussed above, maintenance revenue decreased 
by $2.7 million during 2015 when compared to 2014. The decrease in maintenance revenue during 2015 when compared 
to  2014  was  primarily  related  to  a  reduction  in  maintenance  contracts  associated  with  on-premises  Raiser's  Edge  as 
customers migrated to our Raiser's Edge NXT cloud-based solution, partially offset by an increase in maintenance contracts 
associated with Blackbaud CRM. The decrease was primarily comprised of (i) $11.2 million of reductions in maintenance 
from contracts that were not renewed and reductions in contracts with existing customers; partially offset by (ii) $5.7 
million of incremental maintenance from new customers associated with new license contracts and increases in contracts 
with existing customers; and (iii) $2.8 million of incremental maintenance from contractual inflationary rate adjustments. 

Cost of maintenance increased during 2015 when compared to 2014 primarily as a result of an increase in amortization 
of intangible assets from business combinations of $3.4 million. Partially offsetting the increase in cost of maintenance 
was a decrease in human resource costs primarily due to the shift in customer support headcount from maintenance 
towards subscriptions as customers migrate towards our cloud-based solution.

Maintenance gross margin remained relatively unchanged when comparing 2015 to 2014.

2014 vs. 2013 

After removing the impact of MicroEdge, as discussed above, the remaining $6.8 million increase in maintenance revenue 
during 2014 when compared to 2013 was primarily comprised of (i) $10.4 million of incremental maintenance from new 
customer license arrangements and increases in contracts with existing customers; and (ii) approximately $4.2 million of 
incremental maintenance from contractual inflationary rate adjustments; partially offset by (iii) a $7.4 million reduction in 
maintenance from contracts that were not renewed and reductions in contracts with existing customers.

When  removing  the  incremental  costs  attributable  to  MicroEdge  discussed  above,  cost  of  maintenance  during  2014 
decreased by $0.9 million when compared to 2013 primarily as a result of a decrease in human resource costs. Human 
resource costs decreased primarily due to the shift in customer support headcount from maintenance towards subscriptions 
which is directly related to our growing base of subscription customers.

Maintenance gross margin increased during 2014 when compared to 2013 primarily due to the incremental maintenance 
revenue from new customers associated with new license arrangements and increases in contracts with existing customers 
combined with the decrease in human resource costs.

42

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Services 

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in millions)
Services revenue(1)
Cost of services(2)
Services gross profit

Services gross margin

2015

Change

2014

Change

2013

$

$

133.0

102.8

30.2

22.7%

3.6%

(3.5)%

37.9%

$

$

128.4

106.5

21.9

17.0%

1.5%

2.4%

(2.7)%

$

$

126.5

104.0

22.5

17.8%

(1) 

(2) 

Included in services revenue for 2015 was $1.8 million attributable to the inclusion of MicroEdge. The impact on services revenue in 2015 as a result 
of the inclusion of Smart Tuition was not significant. Included in services revenue for 2014 was $1.6 million attributable to the inclusion of WhippleHill. 
The impact on services revenue in 2014 as a result of the inclusion of MicroEdge was not significant.
Included in cost of services for 2014 was $2.5 million and $0.8 million attributable to the inclusion of WhippleHill and MicroEdge, respectively. 

We  derive  services  revenue  from  consulting,  implementation,  education,  analytic  and  installation  services.  Consulting, 
implementation and installation services involve converting data from a customer’s existing system, system configuration, 
process re-engineering and assistance in file set up. Education services involve customer training activities. Analytic services 
are comprised of donor prospect research, sales of lists of potential donors, benchmarking studies and data modeling 
services. These analytic services involve the assessment of current and prospective donor information of the customer and 
are performed using our proprietary analytical tools. The end product is intended to enable organizations to more effectively 
target their fundraising activities.

Cost of services is primarily comprised of human resource costs, stock-based compensation expense, third-party contractor 
expenses,  classroom  rentals,  costs  incurred  in  providing  customer  training,  data  expense  incurred  to  perform  analytic 
services, allocated depreciation, facilities and IT support costs and amortization of intangibles from business combinations.

2015 vs. 2014

After the incremental services revenue from MicroEdge as discussed above, the remaining $2.8 million increase in services 
revenue during 2015 when compared to 2014 was primarily a result of an increase in consulting services revenue from 
the inclusion of WhippleHill for the full year in 2015. Also contributing to the growth in services revenue during 2015 
when compared to 2014 were increases in analytic and training services deliveries.

We expect that the continuing shift in our go-to-market strategy towards cloud-based subscription offerings, which, in 
general, require less implementation services and little to no customization services when compared our traditional on-
premises perpetual license arrangements, will negatively impact consulting services revenue growth over time.

Cost of services decreased during 2015, when compared to 2014 primarily due to a $3.2 million decrease in human resource 
costs related to a reduction in consulting services headcount.

Services gross margin increased during 2015 when compared to 2014 primarily due to improvements in the utilization of 
consulting services personnel.

2014 vs. 2013 

After removing the incremental services revenue attributable to WhippleHill discussed above, services revenue remained 
relatively unchanged when comparing 2014 to 2013. The continuing shift in our go-to-market strategy towards cloud-
based  subscription  offerings  which,  in  general,  require  less  implementation  services  than  our  traditional  on-premises 
perpetual license arrangements has negatively impacted consulting services revenue growth.

After removing the incremental cost of services related to WhippleHill and MicroEdge discussed above, cost of services 
remained relatively unchanged when comparing 2014 to 2013.

After  removing  the  impact  of  WhippleHill  and  MicroEdge  discussed  above,  services  gross  margin  remained  relatively 
unchanged when comparing 2014 to 2013.

2015 Form 10-K

43

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

License fees and other

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in millions)

License fees and other revenue

Cost of license fees and other

License fees and other gross profit

License fees and other gross margin

2015

Change

2014

Change

2013

$

$

19.4

7.4

12.0

61.8%

(23.0)% $

(10.8)%

(29.0)% $

25.2

8.3

16.9

67.2%

(2.7)% $

(10.8)%

1.8 % $

25.9

9.3

16.6

64.2%

License  fees  and  other  revenue  includes  revenue  from  the  sale  of  our  software  solutions  under  perpetual  license 
arrangements, reimbursement of travel-related expenses primarily incurred during the performance of services at customer 
locations, fees from user conferences and third-party software referral fees.

Cost  of  license  fees  and  other  is  primarily  comprised  of  third-party  software  royalties,  variable  reseller  commissions, 
amortization of software development costs, human resource costs, costs of business forms, costs of user conferences, 
reimbursable expenses relating to the performance of services at customer locations, allocated depreciation, facilities and 
IT support costs and amortization of intangibles from business combinations.

2015 vs. 2014

Revenue from license fees and other decreased during 2015 when compared to 2014 primarily as a result of the ongoing 
transition of our solution portfolio away from a perpetual license-based model toward a cloud-based subscription delivery 
model.

The decrease in cost of license fees and other during 2015 when compared to 2014 was primarily due to reductions in 
third-party software royalties and reseller commissions, driven by the ongoing transition of our solution portfolio away 
from a perpetual license-based model toward a subscription-based delivery model. In addition, cost of license fees and 
other decreased as there was less amortization of software development costs in 2015 when compared to 2014.

License fees and other gross margin decreased during 2015 when compared to 2014 primarily due to the ongoing transition 
of our solution portfolio away from a perpetual license-based model toward a subscription-based delivery model relative 
to the lesser changes in cost of license fees and other as some costs are more fixed in nature.

2014 vs. 2013 

During 2014, revenue from license fees and other decreased primarily as a result of a continued shift in our customers’ 
buying preferences away from solutions offered under perpetual license arrangements towards subscription-based hosted 
applications.

The decrease in cost of license fees and other during 2014 when compared to 2013 was primarily due to a $0.6 million 
reduction in third-party software royalties as we sold fewer solutions with third-party software. Also contributing to the 
decrease in cost of license fees was a modest reduction in reseller commissions.

The increase in license fees gross margin during 2014 when compared to 2013 was primarily due to less sales of solutions 
with third-party software royalties associated with them relative to the decrease in license fees revenue.

44

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Operating expenses

Sales and marketing

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in millions)

2015

Change

2014

Change

2013

Sales and marketing expense

$

123.6

15.1% $

107.4

10.0% $

97.6

% of total revenue

19.4%

19.0%

19.4%

Sales and marketing expense includes human resource costs, stock-based compensation expense, travel-related expenses, 
sales commissions, advertising and marketing materials, public relations costs and allocated depreciation, facilities and IT 
support costs.

2015 vs. 2014

Sales and marketing expense as a percentage of revenue remained relatively unchanged when comparing 2015 to 2014.

The increase in sales and marketing expense during 2015 when compared to 2014 was primarily due to increases in human 
resource costs and commissions expense of $5.7 million and $4.9 million, respectively. To a lesser extent, increases in 
advertising and marketing materials costs of $1.9 million and IT support costs of $1.3 million also contributed to the increase 
in sales and marketing expense during 2015. Human resource costs increased primarily due to incremental headcount to 
support the increase in sales and marketing efforts of our growing operations. The increase in commission expense was 
primarily driven by an increase in commissionable revenue during 2015 when compared to 2014. The inclusion of Smart 
Tuition, MicroEdge and WhippleHill also contributed to the increase in sales and marketing expense.

2014 vs. 2013 

Sales and marketing expense as a percentage of revenue remained relatively unchanged when comparing 2014 to 2013.

Sales and marketing expense increased during 2014 when compared to 2013 primarily due to increases in human resource 
costs, commission expense and allocated depreciation, facilities and IT support costs of $3.8 million, $2.2 million and $1.7 
million, respectively. Human resource costs increased primarily due to incremental headcount to support the increase in 
sales and marketing efforts of our growing operations. Commission expense increased driven primarily by an increase in 
commissionable  revenue  during  the  2014  when  compared  to  2013.  Allocated  costs  increased  primarily  as  a  result  of 
investments made to support anticipated growth in operations. Included in the overall increase in sales and marketing 
expense during 2014 compared to 2013 was more than $3.1 million related to our 2014 incremental operating investments 
targeted to accelerate organic revenue growth. The inclusion of WhippleHill and MicroEdge also contributed to the increases 
in human resource costs and allocated costs.

2015 Form 10-K

45

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Research and development

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in millions)

2015

Change

2014

Change

2013

Research and development expense

$

84.6

9.6% $

77.2

17.7% $

65.6

% of total revenue

13.3%

13.7%

13.0%

Research  and  development  expense  includes  human  resource  costs,  stock-based  compensation  expense,  third-party 
contractor expenses, software development tools and other expenses related to developing new solutions, upgrading and 
enhancing existing solutions, and allocated depreciation, facilities and IT support costs.

2015 vs. 2014

Research and development expense as a percentage of revenue remained relatively unchanged when comparing 2015 to 
2014.

The increase in research and development expense during 2015 when compared to 2014 was primarily due to increases 
in human resource costs of $11.1 million. We have added engineering headcount to drive our solution development efforts. 
The  inclusion  of  Smart  Tuition,  MicroEdge  and  WhippleHill  contributed  to  the  increase  in  human  resource  costs.  Also 
contributing to the increase in research and development expense during 2015 were increases in stock-based compensation 
of $1.6 million and allocated IT support costs of $1.6 million. Partially offsetting these research and development expense 
increases during 2015 was a $7.2 million increase in the amount of software development costs that were capitalized. The 
increase in the amount capitalized was a result of incurring more qualifying costs associated with development activities 
that are required to be capitalized under the internal-use software guidance such as those related to development of our 
Raiser's Edge NXT and Financial Edge NXT cloud-based solutions, as well as development costs associated with the solutions 
of acquired companies. We expect that the increase in the amount of software development costs capitalized will continue 
in the near-term as we make investments on innovation, quality and the integration of our solutions which we believe will 
drive revenue growth. Capitalized software development costs associated with our cloud-based solutions are subsequently 
amortized to cost of subscriptions revenue over the related asset's estimated useful life. 

2014 vs. 2013 

Research and development expense as a percentage of revenue increased during 2014 when compared to 2013 primarily 
due to our 2014 incremental operating investments as we made investments to optimize our portfolio of solutions including 
enhancements to existing solutions, as well as new solution innovation.

Research and development expense increased during 2014 when compared to 2013 primarily due to increases in human 
resource costs, third-party contractor costs and allocated depreciation, facilities and IT support costs of $8.6 million, $4.2 
million and $2.8 million, respectively. Partially offsetting these increases was a $5.1 million increase in the amount of 
software development costs that were capitalized from an increase in development activities that generate costs which 
qualify for capitalization as internal-use software. The inclusion of WhippleHill and MicroEdge also contributed to the 
increases in human resource costs and allocated costs. Included in the overall increase in research and development expense 
during 2014 compared to 2013 was more than $6.1 million related to our 2014 incremental operating investments as 
discussed above, which contributed to the increased third-party contractor costs.

46

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

General and administrative

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in millions)

2015

Change

2014

Change

2013

General and administrative expense

$

76.1

30.5% $

58.3

15.9% $

50.3

% of total revenue

11.9%

10.3%

10.0%

General and administrative expense consists primarily of human resource costs for general corporate functions, including 
senior management, finance, accounting, legal, human resources and corporate development, stock-based compensation 
expense, third-party professional fees, insurance, allocated depreciation, facilities and IT support costs, acquisition-related 
expense and other administrative expenses.

2015 vs. 2014

General and administrative expense increased as a percentage of revenue during 2015 when compared to 2014 primarily 
due to the inclusion of MicroEdge, which historically had higher general and administrative expenses as a percentage of 
revenue.  The  growth  in  stock-based  compensation  discussed  below  also  contributed  to  the  increase  in  general  and 
administrative expense as a percentage of revenue.

The increase in general and administrative expense during 2015 when compared to 2014 was primarily due to increases 
in human resource costs of $7.7 million, stock-based compensation expense of $5.6 million, infrastructure costs of $3.7 
million and acquisition-related expenses and integration costs of $1.9 million. Partially offsetting these increases during 
2015 was a decrease in other corporate costs of $4.9 million. Human resource costs increased primarily due to additional 
resources needed to support the growth of our business and from the inclusion of Smart Tuition, MicroEdge and WhippleHill 
personnel. The increases in infrastructure and acquisition-related expenses and integration costs were primarily due to our 
acquisitions of Smart Tuition and MicroEdge. The increase in stock-based compensation expense was primarily attributable 
to a change in timing of certain annual equity award grants, whereby annual grants that would have otherwise been made 
in 2013 were instead made during 2014, as well as the impact of new equity award grants in the current year to certain 
senior management hires. There was no change in the timing of annual equity award grants in the current year when 
compared to the prior year.

2014 vs. 2013 

General and administrative expense as a percentage of revenue remained relatively unchanged during 2014 when compared 
to 2013.

General and administrative expense increased during 2014 when compared to 2013 primarily due to increases in human 
resource and facilities costs and acquisition-related costs of $9.1 million, $4.5 million, and $1.3 million, respectively. Partially 
offsetting these increases were decreases in third-party contractor fees and other corporate costs of $1.3 million and $6.9 
million. Human resource costs increased primarily due to additional resources needed to support the growth of our business 
and the inclusion of WhippleHill and MicroEdge. The increases in facilities and acquisition-related expenses were due to 
our acquisitions of WhippleHill and MicroEdge. The decrease in third-party contractor fees was primarily attributable to 
one-time costs incurred during 2013 for the implementation of certain back-office systems as well as our CEO search. 
Included in the overall increase in general and administrative expense during 2014 compared to 2013 was more than $0.7 
million related to our 2014 incremental operating investments targeted to optimize our back-office infrastructure.

Restructuring

Restructuring costs consist primarily of severance and termination benefits associated with the realignment of our workforce 
in response to changes in the nonprofit industry and global economy, as well as the transition of most of our San Diego, 
California operations to our Austin, Texas location. We incurred $3.2 million in before-tax restructuring charges related to 
the realignment of our workforce during 2013. The amount we incurred in before-tax restructuring charges related to our 
San Diego office transition during 2013 was insignificant.

2015 Form 10-K

47

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Interest expense

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in millions)

Interest expense

% of total revenue

2015 vs. 2014

2015

Change

2014

Change

2013

$

8.1

1.3%

35.0% $

6.0

1.1%

3.4% $

5.8

1.2%

Interest expense increased during 2015 when compared to 2014 primarily due to an increase in our average daily borrowings 
related to our acquisitions of Smart Tuition in October 2015 and MicroEdge in October 2014. In the near term, we expect 
interest expense, as well as interest expense as a percentage of revenue, to increase as a result of our acquisition of Smart 
Tuition.

2014 vs. 2013

Interest expense remained relatively unchanged when comparing 2014 to 2013. Our interest expense for 2014 and 2013 
was directly related to the borrowings we incurred to fund our acquisitions of Convio, Inc. ("Convio"), WhippleHill and 
MicroEdge.

Deferred revenue

The table below compares the components of deferred revenue from our consolidated balance sheets:

December 31,
2015

Change

December 31,
2014

(dollars in millions)
Subscriptions

Maintenance

Timing of recognition

Over the period billed in advance,
generally one year

Over the period billed in advance,
generally one year

$

122.5

24.7 % $

85.9

(7.4)%

As services are delivered

Upon delivery of the solution or service

Services
License fees and other
Total deferred revenue(1)
Less: Long-term portion
Current portion(1)
(1)  The individual amounts for each year may not sum to total deferred revenue or current portion of deferred revenue due to rounding.

8.4 % $

(50.0)%

(21.1)%

(3.4)%

7.2 %

230.2

237.3

28.5

0.4

7.1

$

98.2

92.8

29.5

0.8

221.3

9.0

212.3

To the extent that our customers are billed for our solutions and services in advance of delivery, we record such amounts 
in deferred revenue. We generally invoice our maintenance and subscription customers in annual cycles 30 days prior to 
the end of the contract term. Deferred revenue attributable to subscriptions increased during 2015 when compared to 
2014 primarily as a result of the inclusion of Smart Tuition and an increase in subscription sales. The decreases in deferred 
revenue attributable to maintenance, services and license fees and other during 2015 was primarily due to the continuing 
shift in our go-to-market strategy towards cloud-based subscription offerings which do not require maintenance contracts 
and, in general, require less implementation services than our traditional on-premises license arrangements.

We have acquired businesses whose net tangible assets include deferred revenue. In accordance with GAAP reporting 
requirements, we recorded write-downs of deferred revenue from customer arrangements predating the acquisition to 
fair value, which resulted in lower recorded deferred revenue as of the acquisition date than the actual amounts paid in 
advance for solutions and services under those customer arrangements. Therefore, our deferred revenue after an acquisition 
will not reflect the full amount of deferred revenue that would have been reported if the acquired deferred revenue was 
not written down to fair value.

48

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Income tax provision

Our effective income tax rates, including the effects of period-specific events, were:

Years ended December 31,

Effective tax rate

2015

2014

2013

30.6%

27.9%

32.8%

Our effective income tax rate may fluctuate quarterly as a result of factors, including transactions entered into, changes 
in the geographic distribution of our earnings or losses, our assessment of certain tax contingencies, valuation allowances, 
and changes in tax law in jurisdictions where we conduct business.

We have deferred tax assets for federal, state, and international net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits. The federal 
and state net operating loss carryforwards are subject to various Internal Revenue Code limitations and applicable state 
tax laws. A portion of the foreign and state net operating loss carryforwards and a portion of state tax credits have a 
valuation reserve due to the uncertainty of realizing such carryforwards and credits in the future.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. for federal and various state jurisdictions as well as in foreign jurisdictions including 
Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland. We are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax examination for 
calendar tax years ending 2012 through 2015, as well as state and foreign income tax examinations for various years 
depending on statute of limitations of those jurisdictions.

We have taken federal and state tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized 
tax benefits may decrease within the next twelve months. The possible decrease could result from the expiration of statutes 
of limitations. The reasonably possible decrease at December 31, 2015 was insignificant.

The U.S. federal research and development credits, which had previously expired on December 31, 2011, were reinstated 
as part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 enacted in January 2013. This legislation retroactively reinstated and 
extended the credits from the previous expiration date through December 31, 2013. The 2014 research and development 
credits were reinstated in December 2014 as part of the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014. The 2015 federal research 
& development credit was reinstated in December 2015 as part of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015.

We recognize accrued interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax 
expense.

2015 vs. 2014

The increase in our effective income tax rate during 2015 when compared to 2014 was primarily due to a $0.8 million
charge to expense from an increase in the state effective tax rate applied to deferred balances as a result of changes in 
state apportionment rules and a $0.7 million charge to expense as a result of the loss on the sale of RLC. This increase in 
our effective tax rate was partially offset by an increase in the benefit of the domestic production activities deduction and 
a reduction in the loss of a foreign subsidiary for which we have determined that a valuation allowance is appropriate.

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefit that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate, was 
$2.3 million and $2.8 million at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. 

2014 vs. 2013 

The decrease in our effective tax rate during 2014 when compared to 2013 was primarily due to a benefit of $1.6 million
from statute of limitations expiration and a benefit of $0.7 million from a reduction in the state income tax effective rate 
in the U.S. The decrease was partially offset by a discrete tax benefit for 2012 research and development tax credits recorded 
in 2013 of $1.9 million.

2015 Form 10-K

49

 
Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Non-GAAP financial measures

The operating results analyzed below are presented on a non-GAAP basis. We use non-GAAP revenue, non-GAAP income 
from operations and non-GAAP operating margin internally in analyzing our operational performance. Accordingly, we 
believe these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors, as a supplement to GAAP measures, in evaluating our ongoing 
operational performance. While we believe these non-GAAP measures provide useful supplemental information, non-
GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared 
in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be completely comparable to similarly 
titled measures of other companies due to potential differences in the exact method of calculation between companies. 

We have acquired businesses whose net tangible assets include deferred revenue. In accordance with GAAP reporting 
requirements, we recorded write-downs of deferred revenue under arrangements predating the acquisition to fair value, 
which resulted in lower recognized revenue than the contributed purchase price until the related obligations to provide 
services under such arrangements are fulfilled. Therefore, our GAAP revenues after the acquisitions will not reflect the full 
amount of revenue that would have been reported if the acquired deferred revenue was not written down to fair value. 
The non-GAAP measures described below reverse the acquisition-related deferred revenue write-downs so that the full 
amount of revenue booked by the acquired companies is included, which we believe provides a more accurate representation 
of a revenue run-rate in a given period and, therefore, will provide more meaningful comparative results in future periods.

The non-GAAP financial measures discussed below exclude the impact of certain transactions because we believe they are 
not directly related to our operating performance in any particular period, but are for our long-term benefit over multiple 
periods. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures reflect our ongoing business in a manner that allows for 
meaningful period-to-period comparisons and analysis of trends in our business.

Calculations of these non-GAAP financial measures, as well as reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to their 
most directly comparable GAAP measures, are as follows:

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in millions)
GAAP Revenue

Non-GAAP adjustments:

2015

Change

2014

Change

2013

$

637.9

13.0 % $

564.4

12.0 % $

503.8

 Add: Acquisition-related deferred revenue
write-down
Non-GAAP revenue(1)

GAAP gross profit

GAAP gross margin

Non-GAAP adjustments:

Add: Acquisition-related deferred revenue
write-down

Add: Stock-based compensation expense

Add: Amortization of intangibles from
business combinations

Add: Employee severance

Add: Acquisition-related integration costs

Subtotal(1)

Non-GAAP gross profit(1)

Non-GAAP gross margin

$

$

$

9.4

647.3

51.6 %

6.2

463.6 %

1.1

13.4 % $

570.7

13.0 % $

504.9

333.3

14.5 % $

291.0

7.3 % $

271.2

52.2%

51.6%

53.8%

9.4

3.5

30.0

1.5

—

44.3

377.7

58.3%

51.6 %

(2.8)%

23.5 %

100.0 %

— %

29.5 %

16.1 % $

6.2

3.6

24.3

—

463.6 %

(10.0)%

10.0 %

— %

— (100.0)%

34.2

325.2

57.0%

22.1 %

8.7 % $

1.1

4.0

22.1

—

0.8

28.0

299.1

59.3%

(1)  The individual amounts for each year may not sum to non-GAAP revenue, subtotal or non-GAAP gross profit due to rounding.

50

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
GAAP income from operations

GAAP operating margin

Non-GAAP adjustments:

Add: Acquisition-related deferred revenue
write-down

Add: Stock-based compensation expense

Add: Amortization of intangibles from
business combinations

Add: Employee severance

Add: Impairment of capitalized software
development costs

Add: Acquisition-related integration costs

Add: Acquisition-related expenses

Add: CEO transition costs

Add: Restructuring costs

Subtotal(1)

Non-GAAP income from operations(1)

Non-GAAP operating margin

GAAP net income

Shares used in computing GAAP diluted
earnings per share

2015

Change

2014

Change

2013

$

46.7

0.6 % $

46.4

(9.9)% $

7.3%

8.2%

51.5

10.2%

9.4

25.2

32.2

3.2

0.2

1.1

3.9

51.6 %

45.7 %

23.4 %

100.0 %

(87.5)%

37.5 %

69.6 %

— (100.0)%

—

75.2

122.0

18.8%

— %

36.0 %

20.0 % $

6.2

17.3

26.1

463.6 %

2.4 %

6.1 %

— (100.0)%

1.6

0.8

2.3

0.9

100.0 %

(55.6)%

100.0 %

(30.8)%

— (100.0)%

1.1

16.9

24.6

0.6

—

1.8

—

1.3

3.5

55.3

101.7

17.8%

11.3 %

0.4 % $

49.7

101.3

20.1%

25.6

(9.5)% $

28.3

(7.2)% $

30.5

$

$

46,498,704

1.5 % 45,799,874

0.8 % 45,421,140

GAAP diluted earnings per share

$

0.55

(11.3)% $

0.62

(7.5)% $

0.67

Non-GAAP adjustments:

Add: Total Non-GAAP adjustments affecting
loss from operations

Add: Loss on sale of business

Add: Loss on debt extinguishment and
termination of derivative instruments

Less: Tax impact related to Non-GAAP
adjustments
Non-GAAP net income(1)

Shares used in computing Non-GAAP diluted
earnings per share

75.2

2.0

36.0 %

100.0 %

55.3

—

11.3 %

— %

— (100.0)%

1.0

100.0 %

49.7

—

—

(33.2)

69.6

26.2 %

19.4 % $

(26.3)

58.3

18.5 %

0.5 % $

(22.2)

58.0

$

46,498,704

1.5 % 45,799,874

0.8 % 45,421,140

Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share

$

1.50

18.1 % $

1.27

(0.8)% $

1.28

(1)  The individual amounts for each year may not sum to subtotal, non-GAAP income from operations or non-GAAP net income due to rounding.

2015 Form 10-K

51

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

As announced at our 2015 Investor Day, beginning in 2016, we intend to update the non-GAAP tax rate we apply to the 
aggregate  of  the  non-GAAP  adjustments  discussed  above,  which  will  impact  the  tax  impact  related  to  non-GAAP 
adjustments, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share measures in future periods. Historically, for 
the purposes of determining non-GAAP net income, we have utilized a non-GAAP tax rate of 39.0% in our calculation of 
the tax impact related to non-GAAP adjustments. At Investor Day, we previously communicated that we would be adjusting 
this rate to 36.0% to better reflect our periodic effective tax rate calculated in accordance with GAAP and our then current 
expectations related to tax rate impacting legislation such as the domestic production activities deduction and certain 
credits  which  are  recurring  in  nature.  Subsequent  to  that  Investor  Day  communication,  the  business  research  and 
development tax credit was permanently extended. As a result, for the purposes of determining non-GAAP net income in 
2016, we now intend to utilize a 32.0% non-GAAP tax rate in our calculation of the tax impact related to non-GAAP 
adjustments. The non-GAAP tax rate utilized in future periods will be reviewed annually to determine whether it remains 
appropriate in consideration of our financial results including our periodic effective tax rate calculated in accordance with 
GAAP, our operating environment and related tax legislation in effect and other factors deemed necessary. All measures 
of the tax impact related to non-GAAP adjustments, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share 
included above are calculated under our historical methodology.

2015 vs. 2014

The increases in non-GAAP income from operations and non-GAAP operating margins during 2015 when compared to 
2014 were primarily due to the growth in subscriptions revenue and the incremental revenue from acquired companies 
as discussed above, partially offset by increases in human resource costs, transaction-based costs related to payments 
services and IT infrastructure costs. Also contributing to the increases in non-GAAP income from operations and non-GAAP 
operating margins were the realization of benefits from certain incremental investments made during 2014 that were 
targeted to drive the success of our five growth strategies including gains in efficiency and scalability. While we continue 
to invest in these strategies, the amount of certain investments has decreased in 2015 when compared to 2014.

2014 vs. 2013 

The modest increase in non-GAAP income from operations and the decrease in non-GAAP operating margin during 2014 
when compared to 2013 were primarily due to the 2014 incremental operating investments targeted to drive the success 
of our then current five growth strategies. Also contributing to the decrease in non-GAAP operating margin during 2014 
was a prospective change from net to gross presentation for revenue and costs associated with our payment processing 
services as a result of certain third-party arrangements that had changes in contractual terms effective October 2013. While 
this change in presentation affected our non-GAAP operating margin by approximately 1.0% during 2014, the dollar 
amount of non-GAAP income from operations was unaffected.

Non-GAAP organic revenue growth

In addition, we discuss non-GAAP organic revenue growth and non-GAAP organic revenue growth on a constant currency 
basis. We use these measures internally in analyzing our operational performance because we believe they provide useful 
information for evaluating the periodic growth of our business on a consistent basis. Non-GAAP organic revenue growth 
excludes incremental acquisition-related revenue attributable to companies acquired in the current fiscal year. For companies 
acquired in the immediately preceding fiscal year, non-GAAP organic revenue growth reflects presentation of full year 
incremental non-GAAP revenue derived from such companies as if they were combined throughout the prior period, and 
it includes the current period non-GAAP revenue attributable to those companies, as if there were no acquisition-related 
write-downs of acquired deferred revenue to fair value as required by GAAP. In addition, non-GAAP organic revenue 
growth excludes prior period revenue associated with divested businesses in the current fiscal year. The exclusion of the 
prior period revenue is to present the results of the divested businesses within the results of the combined company for 
the same period of time in both the prior and current periods. We believe this presentation provides a more comparable 
representation of its current business’ organic revenue growth and revenue run-rate.

52

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

2015

Calculations of non-GAAP organic revenue growth and non-GAAP organic revenue growth on a constant currency basis 
for the full year of 2015, as well as reconciliations of those non-GAAP measures to their most directly comparable GAAP 
measures, are as follows:

Years ended December 31,

2015

Change

$

(dollars in millions)
GAAP revenue
(Less) Add: Non-GAAP acquisition-related revenue (1)
Less: Revenue from divested businesses (2)
Total Non-GAAP adjustments
Non-GAAP revenue (3)
Foreign currency impact on Non-GAAP revenue (4)
Non-GAAP revenue on constant currency basis (4)
(1)  Non-GAAP acquisition-related revenue excludes incremental acquisition-related revenue calculated in accordance with GAAP that is attributable to 
companies acquired in the current fiscal year. For companies acquired in the immediately preceding fiscal year, non-GAAP acquisition-related revenue 
reflects presentation of full-year incremental non-GAAP revenue derived from such companies, as if they were combined throughout the prior 
period,  and  it  includes  the  current  period  non-GAAP  revenue  from  the  acquisition-related  deferred  revenue  write-down  attributable  to  those 
companies.

637.9
(0.9)
—
(0.9)
637.1
9.6
646.7

564.4
37.4
(1.3)
36.2
600.6
—
600.6

13.0% $

6.1% $

7.7% $

$

$

2014

(2)  For businesses divested in the current fiscal year, non-GAAP organic revenue growth excludes a portion of the prior year period revenue associated 
with businesses divested of in the current fiscal year. The exclusion of the prior period revenue is to present the results of the divested business with 
the results of the combined company for the same period of time in both the prior and current periods.

(3)  Non-GAAP revenue for the prior year periods presented herein will not agree to non-GAAP revenue presented in the respective prior period quarterly 

financial information solely due to the manner in which non-GAAP organic revenue growth is calculated.

(4)  To determine non-GAAP organic revenue growth on a constant currency basis, revenues from entities reporting in foreign currencies were translated 
to U.S. Dollars using the comparable prior period's quarterly weighted average foreign currency exchange rates. The primary foreign currencies 
creating the impact are the Canadian Dollar, EURO, British Pound and Australian Dollar.

Non-GAAP organic revenue growth and non-GAAP organic revenue growth on a constant currency basis during 2015 was 
primarily due to the growth in subscriptions revenue as well as contributions from our acquisitions of WhippleHill in June 
2014 and MicroEdge in October 2014, each of which were accretive to our non-GAAP organic revenue growth rate. To 
a lesser extent, growth in services revenue also contributed to non-GAAP organic revenue growth and non-GAAP organic 
revenue growth on a constant currency basis.

2014

As a result of third-party contractual changes, subscriptions revenues and costs associated with certain of our payment 
processing services are presented on a gross basis since October 2013, whereas comparable revenues and costs are presented 
on a net basis in the prior periods. Therefore, in addition to above discussion of how we calculate non-GAAP organic 
growth for 2015, to calculate non-GAAP organic revenue growth for 2014, non-GAAP revenue for the first through third 
quarters  of  fiscal  2013  reflects  presentation  of  revenue  specifically  associated  with  certain  of  our  payment  processing 
services, as if the change in presentation effective October 1, 2013 from a net basis to a gross basis, as previously reported, 
had instead occurred on January 1, 2013.

2015 Form 10-K

53

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Calculations of non-GAAP organic revenue growth for the full year of 2014, as well as reconciliations of that non-GAAP 
measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure, are as follows:

Years ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)
GAAP revenue
Less: GAAP acquisition-related revenue(1)
Add: Payments revenue from net-to-gross presentation change(2)
Total Non-GAAP adjustments
Non-GAAP revenue
(1)  The calculation excludes incremental acquisition-related revenue calculated in accordance with GAAP that is attributable to companies acquired in 

564.4
(10.4)
—
(10.4)
554.0

503.8
—
13.7
13.7
517.5

12.0% $

7.1% $

Change

2013

2014

$

$

the current fiscal year.

(2)  The calculation reflects gross presentation of revenues associated with certain payment processing services throughout 2013, as if the change in 

presentation was effective January 2013, instead of effective October 2013 as previously discussed.

Non-GAAP organic revenue growth during 2014 was primarily due to the growth in subscriptions revenue and, to a lesser 
extent, growth in maintenance revenue.

Seasonality

Our revenues normally fluctuate as a result of certain seasonal variations in our business. Our revenue from professional 
services has historically been lower in the first quarter when many of those services commence and in the fourth quarter 
due to the holiday season. In addition, our transaction revenue has historically been at its lowest in the first quarter due 
to  the  timing  of  customer  fundraising  initiatives  and  events.  Our  revenue  from  payment  processing  services  has  also 
historically increased during the fourth quarter due to year-end giving. As a result of these and other factors, our total 
revenue has historically been lower in the first quarter than in the remainder of our fiscal year, with the third and fourth 
quarters historically achieving the highest total revenues. Our expenses, however, do not vary significantly as a result of 
these factors, but do fluctuate on a quarterly basis due to varying timing of expenditures. Our cash flow from operations 
normally  fluctuates  quarterly  due  to  the  combination  of  the  timing  of  customer  contract  renewals  including  renewals 
associated with customers of acquired companies, delivery of professional services and occurrence of customer events, the 
payment of bonuses, as well as merit-based salary increases, among other factors. Historically, due to lower revenues in 
our first quarter, combined with the payment of bonuses from the prior year in our first quarter, our cash flow from 
operations has been lowest in our first quarter, and due to the timing of customer budget cycles, our cash flow from 
operations has been lower in our second quarter as compared to our third and fourth quarters. Partially offsetting these 
favorable drivers of cash flow from operations in our third and fourth quarters are merit-based salary increases, which are 
generally effective in April each year. In addition, deferred revenues can vary on a seasonal basis for the same reasons. 
These patterns may change, however, as a result of the continued shift to online giving, growth in volume of transactions 
for which we process payments, acquisitions, new market opportunities, new solution introductions or other factors.

Liquidity and capital resources

The following table presents selected financial information about our financial position:

(dollars in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents

Property and equipment, net

Software development costs, net

Total carrying value of debt
Working capital
Working capital excluding deferred revenue

December 31,
2015

Change

December 31,
2014

$

15.4

52.7

19.6

408.6

(167.2)

4.8 % $

5.6 %

108.5 %

45.6 %

25.5 %

63.0

(20.4)%

14.7

49.9

9.4

280.6

(133.2)

79.1

54

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

The following table presents selected financial information about our cash flows:

Years ended December 31,

(dollars in millions)

2015

Change

2014

Change

2013

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

114.3

11.7 % $

102.3

(4.6)% $

107.2

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

(222.7)

110.4

5.3 %

(1.4)%

(211.4)

773.6 %

112.0

(232.9)%

(24.2)

(84.3)

Our principal sources of liquidity are operating cash flow, funds available under the 2014 Credit Facility and cash on hand. 
Our  operating  cash  flow  depends  on  continued  customer  renewal  of  our  subscription,  maintenance  and  support 
arrangements and market acceptance of our solutions and services. Based on current estimates of revenue and expenses, 
we believe that the currently available sources of funds and anticipated cash flows from operations will be adequate for 
at least the next twelve months to finance our operations, fund anticipated capital expenditures, meet our debt obligations 
and pay dividends. Dividend payments are not guaranteed and our Board of Directors may decide, in its absolute discretion, 
at any time and for any reason, not to declare and pay further dividends and/or repurchase our common stock. To the 
extent  we  undertake  future  material  acquisitions,  investments  or  unanticipated  capital  expenditures,  we  may  require 
additional capital. In that context, we regularly evaluate opportunities to enhance our capital structure including through 
potential debt issuances.

At December 31, 2015, our total cash and cash equivalents balance included approximately $5.9 million of cash that was 
held by operations outside the U.S. While these funds may not be needed to fund our U.S. operations for at least the next 
twelve months, if we need these funds, we may be required to accrue and pay taxes to repatriate the funds. We currently 
do not intend nor anticipate a need to repatriate our cash held outside the U.S.

Operating cash flow

Throughout 2015, 2014 and 2013, our cash flows from operations were derived principally from: (i) our earnings from 
on-going operations prior to non-cash expenses such as depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, loss on 
sale of business, impairment of capitalized software development costs, loss on debt extinguishment and termination of 
derivative instruments, amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount and adjustments to our provision for 
sales returns and allowances; and (ii) changes in our working capital.

Working capital changes are composed of changes in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets, trade accounts 
payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities, and deferred revenue. 

2015 vs. 2014

Cash flow from operations associated with working capital decreased $5.9 million during 2015 when compared to 2014, 
primarily due to:

• 

• 

• 

• 

an increase in current year bonus payments from a prior year change in the timing of payouts for certain bonus 
plans, from quarterly to annually, partially offset by an increase in amounts accrued for current year performance 
against current year targets;

a decrease in the growth rate of deferred revenue which was primarily attributable to the fair value of acquired 
deferred revenues and billing cycles of acquired companies, partially offset by 

fluctuations in the timing of vendor payments; and

a reduction in cash taxes paid.

2015 Form 10-K

55

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

2014 vs. 2013 

Cash flow from operations associated with working capital increased $10.3 million in 2014 when compared to 2013. The 
net working capital increase was primarily due to:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

a change in the timing of payouts for certain bonus plans, from quarterly to annually; 

an increase in deferred revenue from growth in subscriptions;

increases in accrued commissions and salaries; and

fluctuations in the timing of vendor payments; which were partially offset by

an increase in prepaid taxes; and 

increases in accounts receivable from growth in subscriptions.

Investing cash flow

During 2016, we expect capital expenditures between $45.0 million and $50.0 million, which includes purchases of property 
and equipment and estimated cash outlays for capitalized software development costs. Refer to the commitments and 
contingencies subsection below for future minimum commitments related to purchase obligations.

2015 vs. 2014

Net cash used in investing activities of $222.7 million increased by $11.3 million during 2015, when compared to 2014. 

During 2015, we had cash outlays of $18.6 million and $15.5 million for purchases of property and equipment and software 
development costs, respectively, which were up $4.7 million and $6.9 million, respectively, from cash spent during 2014. 
The increase in cash outlays for property and equipment were primarily driven by investments in our information technology 
infrastructure, technology platforms and infrastructure used in the delivery of our cloud-based solutions to customers, 
various facilities upgrades at a number of our U.S. and international locations, as well as incremental property and equipment 
costs from prior year business acquisitions. The increase in cash outlays for software development costs was primarily driven 
by development activities related to our Raiser's Edge NXT and Financial Edge NXT cloud-based solutions, development 
activities for other solutions and the inclusion of software development costs related to solutions historically provided by 
companies acquired in 2014.

During 2015, we used $187.8 million of cash for the acquisition of Smart Tuition compared to $188.9 million used in 2014 
for the acquisitions of WhippleHill and MicroEdge.

2014 vs. 2013 

During 2014, we used net cash of $188.9 million for the acquisitions of WhippleHill and MicroEdge compared to $0.9 
million spent on investments in acquired companies during 2013. Aggregate cash outlays for purchases of property and 
equipment and capitalized software development costs were $22.4 million during 2014, which was relatively unchanged 
from 2013.

Financing cash flow

2015 vs. 2014

During 2015, we had a net increase in borrowings of $127.8 million, which was primarily used to finance the acquisition 
of Smart Tuition. The excess tax benefit we received from the exercise and vesting of stock-based compensation awards 
decreased by $2.0 million when comparing 2015 and 2014. Cash outlays related to deferred financing fees decreased in 
2015 as we refinanced our credit facility in 2014. Also during 2015, we paid dividends of $22.5 million, which was relatively 
consistent with the amount paid in 2014.

56

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

2014 vs. 2013

During 2014, we had a net increase in debt of $129.5 million, which was primarily used to finance the acquisition of 
MicroEdge, and we received an excess tax benefit of $7.5 million from the exercise of stock-based compensation awards. 
Cash outlays related to deferred financing costs increased $3.0 million during 2014 when compared to 2013 as a result 
of refinancing our credit facility. Also during 2014, we paid dividends of $22.1 million, which was relatively consistent with 
the amount paid in 2013.

2014 Credit Facility

We have drawn on our five-year $325.0 million credit facility (the "2014 Credit Facility") from time to time to help us meet 
financial needs, such as financing for business acquisitions. At December 31, 2015, our available borrowing capacity under 
the 2014 Credit Facility was $103.7 million. We believe the 2014 Credit Facility will provide us with sufficient flexibility to 
meet our future financial needs. The 2014 Credit Facility matures in February 2019.

At December 31, 2015, the carrying amount of our debt under the 2014 Credit Facility was $408.6 million. Our average 
daily borrowings were $303.8 million during 2015.

Following is a summary of the financial covenants under the 2014 Credit Facility:

Financial Covenant
Net Leverage Ratio

Interest Coverage Ratio

Requirement

Ratio as of December 31, 2015
2.76 to 1.00

17.11 to 1.00

Under the 2014 Credit Facility, we also have restrictions on our ability to declare and pay dividends and our ability to 
repurchase shares of our common stock. In order to pay any cash dividends and/or repurchase shares of stock: (i) no default 
or event of default shall have occurred and be continuing under the 2014 Credit Facility, and (ii) our pro forma net leverage 
ratio, as set forth in the credit agreement, must be 0.25 less than the net leverage ratio requirement at the time of dividend 
declaration or share repurchase. At December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all debt covenants under the 2014 
Credit Facility.

Financing for MicroEdge acquisition 

We  financed  the  acquisition  of  MicroEdge  through  cash  on  hand  and  borrowings  under  the  2014  Credit  Facility.  As 
previously disclosed, in February 2014, we entered into the 2014 Credit Facility in an aggregate principal amount of $325 
million,  with  an  option  to  request  increases  in  the  revolving  commitments  and/or  request  additional  term  loans  in  an 
aggregate principal amount of up to $200.0 million. On October 1, 2014, we exercised this option, and certain lenders 
agreed, to increase the revolving credit commitments by $100.0 million (the "October 2014 Additional Revolving Credit 
Commitments") such that for the period commencing October 1, 2014 through July 17, 2015, the aggregate revolving 
credit commitments that were available was $250.0 million. The October 2014 Additional Revolving Credit Commitments 
have the same terms as the existing revolving credit commitments. On October 1, 2014, we drew down $140.0 million in 
revolving credit commitments under the 2014 Credit Facility to finance the acquisition of MicroEdge.

Financing for Smart Tuition acquisition

On July 17, 2015, we again exercised this option and certain lenders agreed to increase the revolving credit commitments 
by  an  additional  $100.0  million  (the  "July  2015  Additional  Revolving  Credit  Commitments")  such  that  for  the  period 
commencing July 17, 2015, the aggregate revolving credit commitments available were $350.0 million. The July 2015 
Additional Revolving Credit Commitments have the same terms as the existing revolving credit commitments. On October 2, 
2015, we drew down a $186.0 million revolving credit loan under the 2014 Credit Facility to finance the acquisition of 
Smart Tuition.

2015 Form 10-K

57

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Entry into interest rate swap agreement

In October 2015, we entered into an additional interest rate swap agreement (the "October 2015 Swap Agreement"), 
which effectively converts portions of our variable rate debt under the 2014 Credit Facility to a fixed rate for the term of 
the October 2015 Swap Agreement. The notional value of the October 2015 Swap Agreement was $75.0 million with an 
effective  date  beginning  in  October  2015  and  maturing  in  February  2018.  We  designated  the  October  2015  Swap 
Agreement as a cash flow hedge at the inception of the contract.

Commitments and contingencies

As of December 31, 2015, we had contractual obligations with future minimum commitments as follows:

(dollars in millions)

Recorded contractual obligations:
Debt(1)
Interest payments on debt(2)

Unrecorded contractual obligations:
Operating leases(3)
Interest payments on debt(4)
Purchase obligations(5)
Total contractual obligations

Payments due by period

Total

Less than 1
year

1-3 years

3-5 years

More than
5 years

$

410.2 $

0.7

97.3

27.7

19.0

4.4 $

0.7

8.7 $

397.1 $

—

—

14.6

8.8

7.8

26.1

17.6

9.1

24.3

1.3

2.1

—

—

32.3

—

—

$

554.9 $

36.3 $

61.5 $

424.8 $

32.3

(1)  Represents principal payments only, under the following assumptions: (i) that the amounts outstanding under the 2014 Credit Facility at December 31, 
2015 will remain outstanding until maturity, with minimum payments occurring as currently scheduled, and (ii) that there are no assumed future 
borrowings on the 2014 Credit Facility for the purposes of determining minimum commitment amounts.

(2)  Represents interest payment obligations related to our interest rate swap agreements.
(3)  Our commitments related to operating leases have not been reduced by incentive payments and reimbursement of leasehold improvements.
(4)  The actual interest expense recognized in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income will depend on the amount of debt, the length 

of time the debt is outstanding and the interest rate, which could be different from our assumptions described in (1) above.

(5)  We utilize third-party technology in conjunction with our solutions and services, with contractual arrangements varying in length from one to five

years. In certain cases, these arrangements require a minimum annual purchase commitment by us.

The term loan under the 2014 Credit Facility requires periodic principal payments. The balance of the term loans and any 
amounts drawn on the revolving credit loans are due upon maturity of the 2014 Credit Facility in February 2019.

The total liability for uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, was $3.0 million and $3.6 
million, respectively. Our accrued interest and penalties related to tax positions taken on our tax returns was insignificant 
as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

In February 2016, our Board of Directors approved our annual dividend rate of $0.48 per share to be made in quarterly 
payments. Dividends at this annual rate would aggregate to $22.6 million assuming 47.0 million shares of our common 
stock  are  outstanding,  although  dividends  are  not  guaranteed  and  our  Board  of  Directors  may  decide,  in  its  absolute 
discretion, to change or suspend dividend payments at any time for any reason. Our ability to continue to declare and pay 
dividends quarterly this year and beyond might be restricted by, among other things, the terms of the 2014 Credit Facility, 
general economic conditions and our ability to generate adequate operating cash flow.

In February 2016, our Board of Directors declared a first quarter dividend of $0.12 per share payable on March 15, 2016
to stockholders of record on February 26, 2016.

Off-balance sheet arrangements

As of December 31, 2015, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation 
S-K promulgated by the SEC, that have or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on our financial condition, 
changes in our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital 
resources that is material to investors.

58

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Foreign currency exchange rates

Approximately 11% of our total revenue for 2015 was derived from operations outside the U.S. We do not have significant 
operations in countries in which the economy is considered to be highly inflationary. Our consolidated financial statements 
are denominated in U.S. dollars and, accordingly, changes in the exchange rate between foreign currencies and the U.S. 
dollar will affect the translation of our subsidiaries’ financial results into U.S. dollars for purposes of reporting our consolidated 
financial  results.  The  accumulated  currency  translation  adjustment,  recorded  within  other  comprehensive  loss  as  a 
component of stockholders’ equity, was a loss of $0.8 million and $0.9 million as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 
2014, respectively.

The vast majority of our contracts are entered into by our U.S. or U.K. entities. The contracts entered into by the U.S. entity 
are almost always denominated in U.S. dollars or Canadian dollars, and contracts entered into by our U.K., Australian and 
Irish subsidiaries are generally denominated in Pounds Sterling, Australian dollars and Euros, respectively. Historically, as 
the U.S. dollar weakened, foreign currency translation resulted in an increase in our revenues and expenses denominated 
in non-U.S. currencies. Conversely, as the U.S. dollar strengthened, foreign currency translation resulted in a decrease in 
our revenue and expenses denominated in non-U.S. currencies. During 2015, foreign translation resulted in a decrease in 
our revenues and expenses denominated in non-U.S. currencies. Though we have exposure to fluctuations in currency 
exchange rates, primarily those between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar, the impact has generally not been material 
to our consolidated results of operations or financial position. During 2015, however, the fluctuation in foreign currency 
exchange rates reduced our total revenue and income from operations by approximately $9.6 million and $3.7 million, 
respectively. We will continue monitoring such exposure and take action as appropriate. To determine the impacts on total 
revenue (or income from operations) from fluctuations in currency exchange rates, current period revenues (or income 
from operations) from entities reporting in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars using the comparable prior 
year period's weighted average foreign currency exchange rates. These impacts are non-GAAP financial information and 
are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, information prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Inflation

We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. If 
our costs were to become subject to significant inflationary pressures, we may not be able to fully offset such higher costs 
through price increases. Our inability or failure to do so could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. 
In addition, if inflationary pressures impact the rate of giving to our customers, there could be adverse impacts to our 
business, financial condition and results of operations.

Critical accounting estimates

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial 
statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 
("GAAP"). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the 
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial 
statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis, 
we reconsider and evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those that impact revenue recognition, long-lived 
and intangible assets including goodwill, income taxes, and business combinations, among others.

We  base  our  estimates  on  historical  experience,  current  trends  and  various  other  assumptions  that  we  believe  to  be 
reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values 
of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could materially differ from any of 
our estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2 of our 
consolidated financial statements in this report. We believe the accounting estimates listed below are the most critical to 
aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, and they require our most difficult, subjective or 
complex judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

2015 Form 10-K

59

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Revenue Recognition

Description

Judgments and Uncertainties

See Note 2 to our consolidated financial 
statements in this report for a complete 
discussion of our revenue recognition 
policies.

Our revenue recognition accounting methodology 
contains uncertainties because it requires 
management to make significant estimates and 
assumptions, and to apply judgment.

Effect if Actual Results Differ
 From Assumptions

If we were to change any of these judgments
or estimates, it could cause a material
increase or decrease in the amount of
revenue or deferred revenue that we report in
a particular period.

We recognize revenue when all of the 
following conditions are met:

(1)  Persuasive evidence of an arrangement 
exists;

(2) The solutions or services have been 
delivered;

(3) The fee is fixed or determinable; and

(4) Collection of the resulting receivable is 
probable.

To the extent that our customers are billed 
for our solutions and services in advance of 
meeting each of the conditions above, we 
record such amounts in deferred revenue.

For example, for arrangements that have multiple 
elements and include software licenses, we must 
exercise judgment and use estimates in order to (1) 
allocate the total price among the various elements 
we must deliver; (2) determine whether undelivered 
services are essential to the functionality of the 
delivered solutions and services; (3) determine 
whether vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE") 
of fair value exists for each undelivered element; and 
(4) determine whether and when each element has 
been delivered.

For arrangements that have multiple elements and 
do not include software licenses, we must exercise 
judgment and use estimates in order to (1) 
determine whether and when each element has 
been delivered; (2) determine the fair value of each 
element using the selling price hierarchy of VSOE of 
fair value if available, third-party evidence ("TPE") if 
VSOE is not available, and best estimate of selling 
price ("BESP") if neither VSOE nor TPE is available; 
and (3) allocate the total price among the various 
elements based on the relative selling price method.

In addition, we exercise judgment in certain 
transactions when determining whether we should 
recognize revenue based on the gross amount billed 
to a customer (as a principle) or the net amount 
retained (as an agent). These judgments are based 
on the predominant weighting of factors identified 
in accounting guidance.

Business Combinations

Description

Judgments and Uncertainties

We allocate the purchase price of an 
acquired business to its identifiable assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed at the 
acquisition date based upon their estimated 
fair values. The excess of the purchase price 
over the amount allocated to the assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed, if any, is 
recorded as goodwill.

We use available information to estimate fair 
values. We typically engage outside appraisal 
firms to assist in the fair value determination 
of long-lived and identifiable intangible 
assets, and any other significant assets or 
liabilities. We adjust the preliminary purchase 
price allocation, as necessary, up to one year 
after the acquisition closing date as we 
obtain new information about facts and 
circumstances that existed as of the closing 
date.

Our purchase price allocation methodology contains 
uncertainties because it requires management to 
make significant estimates and assumptions, and to 
apply judgment to estimate the fair value of assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed, especially with 
respect to long-lived and intangible assets.

Management estimates the fair value of assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed based on quoted 
market prices, the carrying value of the acquired 
assets and widely accepted valuation techniques, 
including discounted cash flows and market multiple 
analyses.

Critical estimates in valuing intangible assets include, 
but are not limited to, estimates about: future 
expected cash flows from customer contracts and 
relationships, proprietary technology and non-
compete agreements; the acquired company's brand 
awareness and market position, the market 
awareness of the acquired company's branded 
technology solutions and services, assumptions 
about the period of time the brands will continue to 
be valuable; as well as expected costs to develop any 
in-process research and development into 
commercially viable solutions and estimated cash 
flows from the projects when completed, and 
discount rates. Our estimates of fair value are based 
upon assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but 
which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. 
Assumptions may be incomplete or inaccurate, and 
unanticipated events and circumstances may occur.

60

2015 Form 10-K

Effect if Actual Results Differ
 From Assumptions

If actual results are materially different than 
the assumptions we used to determine fair 
value of the assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed through a business combination as 
well as the estimated useful lives of the 
acquired intangible assets, it is possible that 
adjustments to the carrying values of such 
assets and liabilities will have a material 
impact on our financial position and results of 
operations.

See Note 3 to our consolidated financial 
statements in this report for information 
regarding our significant acquisitions.

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Income Taxes

Description

Judgments and Uncertainties

We make estimates and judgments in 
accounting for income taxes. Our income tax 
returns, like those of most companies, are 
periodically audited by domestic and foreign 
tax authorities.

We measure and recognize uncertain tax 
positions. To recognize uncertain tax 
positions we must first determine if it is more 
likely than not that the position will be 
sustained upon audit. We must then 
measure the benefit as the largest amount 
that is more than 50% likely of being 
realized upon ultimate settlement.

We make estimates in determining tax assets 
and liabilities, which arise from differences in 
the timing of recognition of revenue and 
expense for tax and financial reporting 
purposes. We record valuation allowances to 
reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount 
expected to be realized.

The calculation of our income tax provision requires 
estimates due to transactions, credits and 
calculations where the ultimate tax determination is 
uncertain. Uncertainties arise as a consequence of 
the actual source of taxable income between 
domestic and foreign locations, the outcome of tax 
audits and the ultimate utilization of tax credits.

Our effective income tax rate is also affected by 
changes in the geographic distribution of our 
earnings or losses, changes in tax law in jurisdictions 
where we conduct business.

Significant judgment is required in the identification 
and measurement of uncertain tax positions. Our 
liability for unrecognized tax benefits contains 
uncertainties because management is required to 
make assumptions and to apply judgment to 
estimate the exposures associated with our various 
filing positions.

In assessing the adequacy of a recorded valuation 
allowance significant judgment is required.  We 
consider all positive and negative evidence and a 
variety of factors including the scheduled reversal of 
deferred tax liabilities, historical and projected future 
taxable income, and prudent and feasible tax 
planning strategies.

Long-lived and Intangible Assets including Goodwill

Description

Judgments and Uncertainties

We review our long-lived and identifiable 
intangible assets for impairment when events 
or changes in circumstances indicate the 
carrying amount may not be recoverable. If 
such events or changes in circumstances 
occur, we use the undiscounted cash flow 
method to determine whether the asset is 
impaired. To the extent that the carrying 
value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted 
cash flows over the estimated remaining life 
of the asset, we measure the impairment 
using discounted cash flows.

Goodwill is assigned to our three reporting 
units, which are defined as our three 
operating segments (see Note 7 to our 
consolidated financial statements in this 
report). We test goodwill for impairment 
annually during our fourth quarter, or more 
frequently if events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the asset might 
be impaired. In general, we first assess 
qualitative factors to determine whether it is 
more likely than not that the fair value of a 
reporting unit is less than its carrying 
amount. To the extent the qualitative factors 
indicate that the fair value is likely less than 
the carrying amount, we compare the fair 
value of the reporting unit with its carrying 
amount. We estimate fair value for each 
reporting unit based on projected future 
cash flows discounted using our weighted 
average cost of capital. If the carrying 
amount exceeds its fair value, impairment is 
indicated. If an impairment is indicated, the 
impairment loss is measured as the excess of 
the recorded goodwill over its fair value.

We review our long-lived and identifiable intangible 
assets for impairment when events or changes in 
circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not 
be recoverable. If such events or changes in 
circumstances occur, we use the undiscounted cash 
flow method to determine whether the asset is 
impaired. To the extent that the carrying value of the 
asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows over the 
estimated remaining life of the asset, we measure 
the impairment using discounted cash flows.

Goodwill is assigned to our three reporting units, 
which are defined as our three operating segments 
(see Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements 
in this report). We test goodwill for impairment 
annually during our fourth quarter, or more 
frequently if events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the asset might be impaired. In general, 
we first assess qualitative factors to determine 
whether it is more likely than not that the fair value 
of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. 
To the extent the qualitative factors indicate that the 
fair value is likely less than the carrying amount, we 
compare the fair value of the reporting unit with its 
carrying amount. We estimate fair value for each 
reporting unit based on projected future cash flows 
discounted using our weighted average cost of 
capital. If the carrying amount exceeds its fair value, 
impairment is indicated. If an impairment is 
indicated, the impairment loss is measured as the 
excess of the recorded goodwill over its fair value.

Effect if Actual Results Differ
 From Assumptions

Although we believe that the judgments and 
estimates discussed herein are reasonable, 
actual results could differ, and we may be 
exposed to losses or gains that could be 
material.

To the extent actual results differ from 
estimated amounts recorded, such differences 
will impact the income tax provision in the 
period in which the determination is made.

If we determine there is less than a 50% 
likelihood that we will be able to use a 
deferred tax asset in the future in excess of its 
net carrying value, then an adjustment to the 
deferred tax asset valuation allowance is 
made to increase income tax expense, thereby 
reducing net income in the period such 
determination was made.

Effect if Actual Results Differ
 From Assumptions

We have not made any material changes in 
the accounting methodology we use to assess 
impairment loss during the years ended 
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

During the year ended December 31, 2015, 
we recorded insignificant impairment charges 
against previously capitalized software 
development costs. During the year ended 
December 31, 2014, we recorded impairment 
charges of $1.6 million against certain 
previously capitalized software development 
costs. The charges reduced the carrying value 
of those costs to zero. The impairment 
charges resulted from obtaining software 
solutions through the acquisitions of Smart 
Tuition in 2015 and WhippleHill in 2014 and 
determining that it was no longer probable 
that certain computer software that was 
being developed would be placed into service.

We do not believe there is a reasonable 
likelihood that there will be a material change 
in the future estimates or assumptions we use 
to assess impairment losses. However, if 
actual results are not consistent with our 
estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed 
to an impairment charge that could materially 
adversely impact our consolidated financial 
position and results of operations.

2015 Form 10-K

61

Blackbaud, Inc.
Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (continued)

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

For a discussion of the impact that recently issued accounting pronouncements are expected to have on our financial 
position and results of operations when adopted in the future, see Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements in this 
report.

62

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.

Item 7A. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk

We have market rate sensitivity for interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. 

Interest rate risk

Our variable rate debt is our primary financial instrument with market risk exposure for changing interest rates. We manage 
our variable rate interest rate risk through a combination of short-term and long-term borrowings and the use of derivative 
instruments entered into for hedging purposes. Due to the nature of our debt, the materiality of the fair values of the 
derivative instruments and the highly liquid, short-term nature and level of our cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 
2015, we believe there is no material risk of exposure to changing interest rates for those positions. There were no significant 
changes in how we manage interest rate risk between December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2015. 

Foreign currency risk

For a discussion of our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, see “Management’s discussion and analysis 
of financial condition and results of operations — Foreign currency exchange rates” in Item 7 this report.

Item 8. Financial statements and supplementary data

BLACKBAUD, INC.

Index to consolidated financial statements

Report of independent registered public accounting firm

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 
2013

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

Notes to consolidated financial statements

Page No.

64

65

66

67

68

69

2015 Form 10-K

63

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Blackbaud, Inc.  

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive 
income, of cash flows, and of stockholders’ equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Blackbaud, 
Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each 
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in 
the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal 
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated 
Framework  (2013)  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (COSO).  The 
Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial 
reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's 
Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements 
and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits 
in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards 
require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are 
free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material 
respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and 
disclosures  in  the  financial  statements,  assessing  the  accounting  principles  used  and  significant  estimates  made  by 
management,  and  evaluating  the  overall  financial  statement  presentation.  Our  audit  of  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material 
weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed 
risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We 
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it classifies 
deferred tax assets and liabilities in 2015.

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  (i) pertain  to  the  maintenance  of  records  that,  in  reasonable  detail,  accurately  and  fairly  reflect  the 
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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  (iii) 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.

As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting in Item 9A, management has excluded 
Smart Tuition from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 because it was 
acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination during 2015. We have also excluded Smart Tuition from 
our audit of internal control over financial reporting. Smart Tuition is a wholly-owned subsidiary whose total assets and 
total revenues represent 5.5% and 1.3%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and 
for the year ended December 31, 2015.

/S/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina
February 24, 2016

64

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Consolidated balance sheets

(in thousands, except share amounts)

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash due to customers
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $4,943 and $4,539 at December
31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Deferred tax asset, current portion

Total current assets
Property and equipment, net
Software development costs, net
Goodwill
Intangible assets, net
Other assets

Total assets
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

Current liabilities:

Trade accounts payable
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Due to customers
Debt, current portion
Deferred revenue, current portion

Total current liabilities

Debt, net of current portion
Deferred tax liability
Deferred revenue, net of current portion
Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 11)
Stockholders’ equity:

December 31,
2015

December 31,
2014

$

15,362 $

255,038
80,046

48,666
—
399,112
52,651
19,551
436,449
294,672
21,418
1,223,853 $

19,208 $
57,461
255,038
4,375
230,216
566,298
404,229
27,996
7,119
7,623
1,013,265

$

$

14,735
140,709
77,523

40,392
14,423
287,782
49,896
9,420
349,008
229,307
17,770
943,183

11,436
52,201
140,709
4,375
212,283
421,004
276,196
43,639
8,991
7,437
757,267

Preferred stock; 20,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding

—

—

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 180,000,000 shares authorized,
56,873,817 and 56,048,135 shares issued at December 31, 2015 and
December 31, 2014, respectively

Additional paid-in capital
Treasury stock, at cost; 9,903,071 and 9,740,054 shares at December 31,
2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Retained earnings

Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

57
276,340

(199,861)
(825)
134,877
210,588
1,223,853 $

$

56
245,674

(190,440)
(1,032)
131,658
185,916
943,183

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

2015 Form 10-K

65

Blackbaud, Inc.
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Years ended December 31,

2015

2014

2013

Revenue

Subscriptions
Maintenance
Services
License fees and other
Total revenue

Cost of revenue

Cost of subscriptions
Cost of maintenance
Cost of services
Cost of license fees and other
Total cost of revenue

Gross profit
Operating expenses
Sales and marketing
Research and development
General and administrative
Amortization
Restructuring

Total operating expenses

Income from operations

Interest expense
Other expense, net

Income before provision for income taxes

Income tax provision

Net income
Earnings per share

Basic
Diluted

Common shares and equivalents outstanding

Basic weighted average shares
Diluted weighted average shares

Dividends per share
Other comprehensive income

Foreign currency translation adjustment
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax

Total other comprehensive income

Comprehensive income

$ 331,759 $
153,801
132,978
19,402
637,940

263,435 $
147,418
128,371
25,197
564,421

167,341
27,066
102,815
7,409
304,631
333,309

123,646
84,636
76,084
2,231
—
286,597
46,712
(8,073)
(1,687)
36,952
11,303
25,649 $

133,221
25,448
106,506
8,263
273,438
290,983

107,360
77,179
58,277
1,803
—
244,619
46,364
(6,011)
(1,119)
39,234
10,944
28,290 $

212,656
138,745
126,548
25,868
503,817

93,649
25,741
104,005
9,268
232,663
271,154

97,614
65,645
50,320
2,539
3,494
219,612
51,542
(5,818)
(395)
45,329
14,857
30,472

$

$
$

0.56 $
0.55 $

0.63 $
0.62 $

0.68
0.67

45,623,854 45,215,138 44,684,812
46,498,704 45,799,874 45,421,140
0.48
$

0.48 $

0.48 $

62
145
207
25,856 $

261
92
353
28,643 $

53
535
588
31,060

$

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

66

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Consolidated statements of cash flows

(in thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities

Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:

Depreciation and amortization
Provision for doubtful accounts and sales returns
Stock-based compensation expense
Excess tax benefits from exercise and vesting of stock-based compensation
Deferred taxes
Loss on sale of business
Impairment of capitalized software development costs
Loss on debt extinguishment and termination of derivative instruments
Amortization of deferred financing costs and discount
Other non-cash adjustments
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisition and disposal
of businesses:

Accounts receivable
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Trade accounts payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Restricted cash due to customers
Due to customers
Deferred revenue

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property and equipment
Capitalized software development costs
Purchase of net assets of acquired companies, net of cash acquired
Net cash used in sale of business

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issuance of debt
Payments on debt
Debt issuance costs
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Excess tax benefits from exercise and vesting of stock-based compensation
Dividend payments to stockholders

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

Cash (paid) received during the year for:

Interest
Taxes, net of refunds

Purchase of equipment and other assets included in accounts payable

Years ended December 31,

2015

2014

2013

$ 25,649 $ 28,290 $ 30,472

55,997
6,825
25,246
(5,466)
3,165
1,976
239
—
899
(197)

45,417
5,248
17,345
(7,455)
3,050
—
1,626
996
734
1,163

(7,593)
(10,979)
6,133
(166)
(34,279)
34,279
12,612
114,340

(5,750)
(8,464)
(948)
4,014
(33,510)
33,510
17,011
102,277

(18,633)
(15,481)
(188,072)
(521)
(222,707)

(13,911)
(8,535)
(188,918)
—
(211,364)

43,164
5,403
16,910
—
13,873
—
—
—
613
1,261

3,161
2,977
(218)
(17,055)
(39,801)
39,801
6,683
107,244

(20,086)
(3,197)
(876)
—
(24,159)

312,300
(184,475)
(429)
32
5,466
(22,508)
110,386
(1,392)
627
14,735

103,008
(165,600)
—
385
—
(22,081)
(84,288)
(399)
(1,602)
13,491
$ 15,362 $ 14,735 $ 11,889

365,100
(235,589)
(3,003)
188
7,455
(22,107)
112,044
(111)
2,846
11,889

(7,208)
(4,795)
(3,204)

(4,894)
(9,581)
(3,300)

(5,108)
4,132
(1,557)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

2015 Form 10-K

67

 
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Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements

1. Organization

We are a leading provider of software and services for the global philanthropic community. We offer a full spectrum of 
cloud-based and on-premises solutions, as well as a resource network that empowers and connects organizations of all 
sizes. Our portfolio of software and services support nonprofit fundraising and relationship management, digital marketing, 
advocacy, accounting, payments and analytics, as well as grant management, corporate social responsibility, and education. 
As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately 35,000 active customers including nonprofits, K-12 private and higher 
education institutions, healthcare organizations, foundations and other charitable giving entities, and corporations.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies 

Basis of presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in 
the United States (“GAAP”).

Basis of consolidation

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  Blackbaud,  Inc.  and  its  wholly-owned  subsidiaries.  All 
significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassifications

In order to provide comparability between periods presented, "donor restricted cash" and "donations payable" have been 
renamed as "restricted cash due to customers" and "due to customers", respectively, in the previously reported consolidated 
balance sheets to conform to presentation of the current period.

In order to provide comparability between periods presented, "license fees" and "other revenue" have been combined 
within "license fees and other" in the previously reported consolidated statements of comprehensive income to conform 
to presentation of the current period. Similarly, "cost of license fees" and "cost of other revenue" have been combined 
within "cost of license fees and other" in the previously reported consolidated statements of comprehensive income to 
conform to presentation of the current period.

In order to provide comparability between periods presented, "interest income", "loss on sale of business", "loss on debt 
extinguishment and termination of derivative instruments" and "other income (expense), net" have been combined within 
"other  expense,  net"  in  the  previously  reported  consolidated  statements  of  comprehensive  income  to  conform  to 
presentation of the current period. See Note 8 to these consolidated financial statements for additional details.

In order to provide comparability between periods presented, capitalized software development costs have been presented 
separately as "software development costs, net" in the previously reported consolidated balance sheet to conform to 
presentation of the current period. Prior to separate presentation, substantially all of the net book value of capitalized 
software development costs had been recorded within "other assets".

Reclassifications were also made to prior period goodwill and segment disclosures to reflect changes in our reporting units 
and reportable segments. See Note 7 and Note 16 to these consolidated financial statements for additional discussion.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions 
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of 
the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. On an 
ongoing basis, we reconsider and evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those that impact revenue recognition, 
long-lived  and  intangible  assets  including  goodwill,  income  taxes,  business  combinations,  stock-based  compensation, 
capitalization  of  software  development  costs,  our  allowances  for  sales  returns  and  doubtful  accounts,  deferred  sales 
commissions and professional services costs, valuation of derivative instruments and loss contingencies. Changes in the 

2015 Form 10-K

69

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

facts or circumstances underlying these estimates could result in material changes and actual results could materially differ 
from these estimates.

Revenue recognition

Our revenue is primarily generated from the following sources: (i) charging for the use of our software solutions in cloud-
based  and  hosted  environments;  (ii) providing  software  maintenance  and  support  services;  (iii) providing  professional 
services including implementation, training, consulting, analytic, hosting and other services; (iv) providing transaction and 
payment processing services; and (v) selling perpetual licenses of our software solutions.

We recognize revenue when all of the following conditions are met:

• 

• 

• 

• 

Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;

The solutions or services have been delivered;

The fee is fixed or determinable; and

Collection of the resulting receivable is probable.

Determining whether and when these criteria have been met can require significant judgment and estimates. We deem 
acceptance of a contract to be evidence of an arrangement. Delivery of our services occurs when the services have been 
performed. Delivery of our solutions occurs when the solution is shipped or transmitted, and title and risk of loss have 
transferred  to  the  customers.  Our  typical  arrangements  do  not  include  customer  acceptance  provisions;  however,  if 
acceptance provisions are provided, delivery is deemed to occur upon acceptance. We consider the fee to be fixed or 
determinable  unless  the  fee  is  subject  to  refund  or  adjustment  or  is  not  payable  within  our  standard  payment  terms. 
Payment terms greater than 90 days are considered to be beyond our customary payment terms. Collection is deemed 
probable if we expect that the customer will be able to pay amounts under the arrangement as they become due. If we 
determine that collection is not probable, we defer revenue recognition until collection. Revenue is recognized net of actual 
and estimated sales returns and allowances.

We follow guidance provided in ASC 605-45, Principal Agent Considerations, which states that determining whether 
a company should recognize revenue based on the gross amount billed to a customer or the net amount retained is a 
matter of judgment that depends on the facts and circumstances of the arrangement and that certain factors should be 
considered in the evaluation. 

Subscriptions

We provide cloud-based subscription solutions to customers which are available for use in hosted application arrangements 
without licensing perpetual rights to the software (“hosted applications”). Revenue from hosted applications is recognized 
ratably beginning on the activation date over the term of the arrangement, which generally ranges from one to three years. 
Any revenue related to upfront activation or set-up fees is deferred and recognized ratably over the estimated period that 
the customer benefits from the related hosted application. Direct and incremental costs related to upfront activation or 
set-up activities for hosted applications are capitalized until the hosted application is deployed and in use, and then expensed 
ratably over the estimated period that the customer benefits from the related hosted application.

We provide hosting services to customers who have purchased perpetual rights to certain of our software solutions (“hosting 
services”). Revenue from hosting services, online training programs as well as subscription-based analytic services such as 
data enrichment and data management services, is recognized ratably beginning on the activation date over the term of 
the arrangement, which generally ranges from one to three years. Any related set-up fees are recognized ratably over the 
estimated period that the customer benefits from the related hosting service. The estimated period of benefit is evaluated 
on an annual basis using historical customer retention information by solution or service.

For arrangements that have multiple elements and do not include software licenses, we allocate arrangement consideration 
at the inception of the arrangement to those elements that qualify as separate units of accounting. The arrangement 
consideration is allocated to the separate units of accounting based on relative selling price method in accordance with 
the selling price hierarchy, which includes: (i) vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value if available; (ii) third-

70

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available; and (iii) best estimate of selling price (“BESP”) if neither VSOE nor TPE is 
available. In general, we use VSOE to allocate the selling price to subscription and service deliverables.

We offer certain payment processing services with the assistance of third-party vendors. In general, when we are the 
principal in a transaction based on the predominant weighting of factors identified in ASC 605-45, we record the revenue 
and related costs on a gross basis. Otherwise, we net the cost of revenue associated with the service against the gross 
amount billed to the customer and record the net amount as revenue.

Revenue from transaction processing services is recognized when the service is provided and the amounts are determinable. 
Revenue directly associated with processing donations for customers are included in subscriptions revenue.

Maintenance

We recognize revenue from maintenance services ratably over the term of the arrangement, generally one year at contract 
inception  with  annual  renewals  thereafter.  Maintenance  contracts  are  at  rates  that  vary  according  to  the  level  of  the 
maintenance program associated with the software solution and are generally renewable annually. Maintenance contracts 
may also include the right to unspecified solution upgrades on an if-and-when available basis. Certain incremental support 
services are sold in prepaid units of time and recognized as revenue upon their usage.

Services

We generally bill consulting, installation and implementation services based on hourly rates plus reimbursable travel-related 
expenses. Revenue is recognized for these services over the period the services are delivered.

We recognize analytic services revenue from donor prospect research engagements, the sale of lists of potential donors, 
benchmarking studies and data modeling service engagements upon delivery. In arrangements where we provide customers 
the right to updates to the lists during the contract period, revenue is recognized ratably over the contract period.

We sell fixed-rate programs, which permit customers to attend unlimited training over a specified contract period, typically 
one  year,  subject  to  certain  restrictions,  and  revenue  in  those  cases  is  recognized  ratably  over  the  contract  period. 
Additionally, we sell training at a fixed rate for each specific class at a per attendee price or at a packaged price for several 
attendees, and recognize the related revenue upon the customer attending and completing training. 

License fees

We sell perpetual software licenses with maintenance, varying levels of professional services and, in certain instances, with 
hosting services. We allocate revenue to each of the elements in these arrangements using the residual method under 
which we first allocate revenue to the undelivered elements, typically the non-software license components, based on 
VSOE of fair value of the various elements. We determine VSOE of fair value of the various elements using different methods. 
VSOE of fair value for maintenance services associated with software licenses is based upon renewal rates stated in the 
arrangements with customers, which demonstrate a consistent relationship of maintenance pricing as a percentage of the 
contractual license fee. VSOE of fair value of professional services and other solutions and services is based on the average 
selling price of these same solutions and services to other customers when sold on a stand-alone basis. Any remaining 
revenue is allocated to the delivered element, which is normally the software license in the arrangement. In general, revenue 
is recognized for software licenses upon delivery to our customers.

When a software license is sold with software customization services, generally the services are to provide the customer 
assistance in creating special reports and other enhancements that will improve operational efficiency and/or help to support 
business process improvements. These services are generally not essential to the functionality of the software and the 
related  revenues  are  recognized  either  as  the  services  are  delivered  or  upon  completion.  However,  when  software 
customization services are considered essential to the functionality of the software, we recognize revenue for both the 
software license and the services using the percentage-of-completion method.

2015 Form 10-K

71

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

Deferred revenue

To the extent that our customers are billed for the above described solutions and services in advance of delivery, we record 
such amounts in deferred revenue. For example, our subscription and maintenance customers are generally billed one year 
in advance.

Fair value measurements

We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including derivative instruments. Fair 
value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly 
transaction  between  market  participants  at  the  measurement  date.  An  active  market  is  defined  as  a  market  in  which 
transactions for the asset or liability take place with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an 
ongoing basis. We use a three-tier fair value hierarchy to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three 
broad levels as follows:

• 

• 

Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; 

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar 
assets in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant 
value drivers are observable in active markets; and

• 

Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.

Our financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety within the hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that 
is significant to fair value measurement. Changes to a financial asset's or liability's level within the fair value hierarchy are 
determined as of the end of a reporting period. All methods of assessing fair value result in a general approximation of 
value, and such value may never actually be realized.

Derivative instruments

We use derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk. We view derivative instruments as risk management tools and 
do not use them for trading or speculative purposes. Our policy requires that derivatives used for hedging purposes be 
designated and effective as a hedge of the identified risk exposure at the inception of the contract. Accordingly, changes 
in fair value of the derivative contract must be highly correlated with changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged 
item at inception of the hedge and over the life of the hedge contract.

We record all derivative instruments on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a 
cash flow hedge, the effective portions of the changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive 
income and reclassified to earnings in a manner that matches the timing of the earnings impact of the hedged transactions. 
Ineffective portions of the changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized currently in earnings. See Note 10
of these consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our derivative instruments.

Reimbursable travel expense

We  expense  reimbursable  travel  costs  as  incurred  and  include  them  in  cost  of  license  fees  and  other  revenue.  The 
reimbursement of these costs by our customers is included in license fees and other revenue.

Sales taxes

We present sales taxes and other taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis 
and, as such, exclude them from revenues.

Shipping and handling

We expense shipping and handling costs as incurred and include them in cost of license fees and other revenue. The 
reimbursement of these costs by our customers is included in license fees and other revenue.

72

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

Cash and cash equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less and cash items in transit to be 
cash equivalents.

Restricted cash due to customers; Due to customers

Restricted cash due to customers consists of monies collected by us and payable to our customers, net of the associated 
transaction fees earned. Monies associated with amounts due to customers are segregated in a separate bank account 
and used exclusively for the payment of amounts due to customers. This usage restriction is either legally or internally 
imposed and reflects our intention with regard to such deposits.

Concentration of credit risk

Financial  instruments  that  potentially  subject  us  to  concentrations  of  credit  risk  consist  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents, 
restricted cash due to customers and accounts receivable. Our cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash due to customers 
are placed with high credit-quality financial institutions. Our accounts receivable are derived from sales to customers who 
primarily operate in the nonprofit sector. With respect to accounts receivable, we perform ongoing evaluations of our 
customers and maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical experience and our expectations of future 
losses. As of and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, there were no significant concentrations with 
respect to our consolidated revenues or accounts receivable.

Property and equipment

We record property and equipment assets at cost and depreciate them over their estimated useful lives using the straight-
line method. Property and equipment subject to capital leases are depreciated over the lesser of the term of the lease or 
the estimated useful life of the asset. Upon retirement or sale, the cost of assets disposed of and the related accumulated 
depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to earnings. Repair and 
maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

Construction-in-progress represents purchases of computer software and hardware associated with new internal system 
implementation projects which had not been placed in service at the respective balance sheet dates. We transferred these 
assets to the applicable property category on the date they are placed in service. There was no capitalized interest applicable 
to construction-in-progress for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Business combinations

We are required to allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and 
liabilities  assumed  at  the  acquisition  date  based  upon  their  estimated  fair  values.  Goodwill  as  of  the  acquisition  date 
represents the excess of the purchase consideration of an acquired business over the fair value of the underlying net tangible 
and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. This allocation and valuation require management to make significant 
estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to long-lived and intangible assets.

Critical estimates in valuing intangible assets include, but are not limited to, estimates about: future expected cash flows 
from customer contracts, proprietary technology and non-compete agreements; the acquired company's brand awareness 
and market position, assumptions about the period of time the brand will continue to be valuable; as well as expected 
costs to develop any in-process research and development into commercially viable solutions and estimated cash flows 
from the projects when completed, and discount rates. Our estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions we believe 
to  be  reasonable,  but  which  are  inherently  uncertain  and  unpredictable,  and  unanticipated  events  and  changes  in 
circumstances may occur.

2015 Form 10-K

73

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the purchase price in excess of the net amount assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed by 
us in a business combination. Goodwill is allocated to reporting units and tested annually for impairment. Our reporting 
units are our three reportable segments as described in Note 16 of these consolidated financial statements. We will also 
test goodwill for impairment between annual impairment tests if indicators of potential impairment exist. The quantitative 
impairment test is a two-step process that first compares the fair values of the reporting units with their respective carrying 
amounts. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a potential impairment is indicated, and we then 
perform the second step to determine the amount of any impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of the 
affected reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of its goodwill. If the carrying amount of the affected reporting 
unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of its goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that 
excess. In 2015, we performed the quantitative impairment test which indicated that the estimated fair values of the 
reporting units significantly exceeded their respective carrying values; therefore, the second step of the impairment test 
was not required to be performed. 

In each of 2014 and 2013, we performed the optional qualitative assessment of the goodwill assigned to each of our 
reporting units. When a qualitative assessment is performed, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is 
more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Significant judgment is required 
in the assessment of qualitative factors including but not limited to an evaluation of macroeconomic conditions as they 
relate to our business, industry and market trends, as well as the overall future financial performance of our reporting units 
and future opportunities in the markets in which they operate. To the extent the qualitative factors indicate that there is 
more than 50% likelihood that the fair value is less than the carrying amount, we compare the fair value of the reporting 
unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds its fair value, impairment is indicated and we will recognize 
an impairment loss in an amount equal to the difference. As a result of our 2014 and 2013 qualitative assessments of 
goodwill assigned to each of our reporting units, we concluded it was not more likely than not that the fair value of each 
reporting unit was less than its carrying value, respectively. 

There was no impairment of goodwill during 2015, 2014 or 2013.

Intangible assets

We amortize finite-lived intangible assets over their estimated useful lives as follows.

Customer relationships

Marketing assets

Acquired software and technology

Non-compete agreements
Database

Basis of amortization
Straight-line and accelerated(1)
Straight-line
Straight-line and accelerated(2)
Straight-line
Straight-line

Amortization
period
(in years)
4-17

1-8

4-10

2-5

8

(1)  Certain of the customer relationships are amortized on an accelerated basis.
(2)  Certain of the acquired software and technology assets are amortized on an accelerated basis.

Indefinite-lived  intangible  assets  consist  of  trade  names.  We  evaluate  the  estimated  useful  lives  and  the  potential  for 
impairment of finite and indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or circumstances 
indicate revised estimates of useful lives may be appropriate or that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the 
carrying amount is no longer recoverable based upon the undiscounted cash flows of the asset, the amount of impairment 
is the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. Substantially all of our intangible assets were 
acquired in business combinations. There was no impairment of acquired intangible assets during 2015, 2014 or 2013. 

74

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

Deferred financing costs

Deferred financing costs included in other assets represent the direct costs of entering into our credit facility in February 
2014 and portions of the unamortized deferred financing costs from prior facilities. These costs are amortized over the 
term of the credit facility as interest expense using the effective interest method.

Stock-based compensation

We measure stock-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognize it as 
expense over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period. We determine the fair value of stock options and 
stock appreciation rights using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires us to use significant judgment to make 
estimates regarding the life of the award, volatility of our stock price, the risk-free interest rate and the dividend yield of 
our stock over the life of the award. We determine the fair value of awards that contain market conditions using a Monte 
Carlo simulation model. Changes to these estimates would result in different fair values of awards.

We estimate the number of awards that will be forfeited and recognize expense only for those awards that we expect will 
ultimately vest. Significant judgment is required in determining the adjustment to compensation expense for estimated 
forfeitures.  Compensation  expense  in  a  period  could  be  impacted,  favorably  or  unfavorably,  by  differences  between 
estimated and actual forfeitures. Income tax benefits resulting from the vesting and exercise of stock-based compensation 
awards are recognized in the period the unit or award is vested or option or right is exercised to the extent expense has 
been recognized. 

Income taxes

We make estimates and judgments in accounting for income taxes. The calculation of the income tax provision requires 
estimates due to transactions, credits and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Uncertainties 
arise as a consequence of the actual source of taxable income between domestic and foreign locations, the outcome of 
tax audits and the ultimate utilization of tax credits.  To the extent actual results differ from estimated amounts recorded, 
such differences will impact the income tax provision in the period in which the determination is made.

We make estimates in determining tax assets and liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of 
revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes. We record valuation allowances to reduce our deferred tax 
assets to the amount expected to be realized. In assessing the adequacy of a recorded valuation allowance significant 
judgment is required.  We consider all positive and negative evidence and a variety of factors including the scheduled 
reversal of deferred tax liabilities, historical and projected future taxable income, and prudent and feasible tax planning 
strategies. If we determine there is less than a 50% likelihood that we will be able to use a deferred tax asset in the future 
in excess of its net carrying value, then an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance is made to increase 
income tax expense, thereby reducing net income in the period such determination was made. 

We measure and recognize uncertain tax positions. To recognize such positions we must first determine if it is more likely 
than not that the position will be sustained upon audit. We must then measure the benefit as the largest amount that is 
more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Significant judgment is required in the identification and 
measurement of uncertain tax positions.

Foreign currency

Net assets recorded in a foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenue and 
expense items are translated using an average of monthly exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded 
in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions denominated in currency other than the functional currency 
are  recorded  at  the  approximate  rate  of  exchange  at  the  transaction  date  in  other  expense,  net.  For  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015, we recorded an insignificant net foreign currency gain. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 
2013, we recorded insignificant net foreign currency losses.

2015 Form 10-K

75

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

Research and development

Research  and  development  costs  are  expensed  as  incurred.  These  costs  include  human  resource  costs,  stock-based 
compensation expense, third-party contractor expenses, software development tools and certain other expenses related 
to researching and developing new solutions, and allocated depreciation, facilities and IT support costs.

Software development costs

We incur certain costs associated with the development of internal-use software, which are primarily related to activities 
performed to develop our cloud-based solutions. Internal and external costs incurred in the preliminary project stage of 
internal-use  software  development  are  expensed  as  incurred.  Once  the  software  being  developed  has  reached  the 
application development stage, qualifying internal costs including payroll and payroll-related costs of employees who are 
directly associated with and devote time to the software project as well as external direct costs of materials and services 
are capitalized. Capitalization ceases at the point at which the developed software is substantially complete and ready for 
its  intended  use,  which  is  typically  upon  completion  of  all  substantial  testing.  Qualifying  costs  capitalized  during  the 
application development stage include those related to specific upgrades and enhancements when it is probable that those 
costs incurred will result in additional functionality. Overhead costs, including general and administrative costs, as well as 
maintenance, training and all other costs associated with post-implementation stage activities are expensed as incurred. 
In addition, internal costs that cannot be reasonably separated between maintenance and relatively minor upgrades and 
enhancements are expensed as incurred. Historically, we have also incurred and capitalized costs in connection with the 
development of certain of our software solutions licensed to customers on a perpetual basis, which are accounted for as 
costs of software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed; however, costs capitalized related to those solutions were 
insignificant as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. 

Capitalized software development costs are amortized on a straight line basis over the software asset's estimated useful 
life, which is generally three years. 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. During the year 
ended  December 31,  2015,  we  recorded  insignificant  impairment  charges  against  previously  capitalized  software 
development costs. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded impairment charges of $1.6 million against 
certain previously capitalized software development costs. The charges reduced the carrying value of the certain previously 
capitalized software development costs to zero and are reflected in research and development expense. The impairment 
charges resulted from obtaining software solutions through the acquisitions of Smart Tuition in 2015 and WhippleHill in 
2014,  respectively,  and  our  determination  that  it  was  no  longer  probable  that  certain  internal-use  software  that  was 
previously  being  developed  would  be  placed  into  service.  There  were  no  impairment  charges  during  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2013. 

Sales returns and allowance for doubtful accounts

We maintain a reserve for returns and credits which is estimated based on several factors including historical experience, 
known credits yet to be issued, the aging of customer accounts and the nature of service level commitments. A considerable 
amount of judgment is required in assessing these factors. Provisions for sales returns and credits are charged against the 
related revenue items.

Accounts receivable are recorded at original invoice amounts less an allowance for doubtful accounts, an amount we 
estimate to be sufficient to provide adequate protection against losses resulting from extending credit to our customers. 
In judging the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts, we consider multiple factors including historical bad debt 
experience, the general economic environment, the need for specific customer reserves and the aging of our receivables. 
A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing these factors and if any receivables were to deteriorate, an 
additional provision for doubtful accounts could be required. Accounts are written off after all means of collection are 
exhausted and recovery is considered remote. Provisions for doubtful accounts are recorded in general and administrative 
expense.

76

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

Below is a summary of the changes in our allowance for sales returns.

Years ended December 31,
(in thousands)

2015
2014
2013

Balance at
beginning of year
$

4,185 $
5,158
7,730

Provision/
adjustment

5,834 $
4,407
4,132

Write-off

(5,588) $
(5,380)
(6,704)

Balance at 
end of year
4,431
4,185
5,158

Below is a summary of the changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts. 

Years ended December 31,
(in thousands)

2015
2014
2013

Sales commissions

Balance at
beginning of year
$

354 $
455
816

Provision/
adjustment

699 $
777
775

Write-off

(541) $
(878)
(1,136)

Balance at 
end of year
512
354
455

We pay sales commissions at the time contracts with customers are signed or shortly thereafter, depending on the size 
and duration of the sales contract. To the extent that these commissions relate to revenue not yet recognized, the amounts 
are recorded as deferred sales commission costs. Subsequently, the commissions are recognized as sales and marketing 
expense as the revenue is recognized.

Below is a summary of the changes in our deferred sales commission costs included in prepaid expenses and other current 
assets.

Years ended December 31,
(in thousands)

2015
2014
2013

Advertising costs

Balance at
beginning of year
$

22,630 $
20,088
18,142

Additions

Expense

55,934 $
24,615
20,487

(48,423) $
(22,073)
(18,541)

Balance at 
end of year
30,141
22,630
20,088

We  expense  advertising  costs  as  incurred,  which  was  $2.3  million,  $1.6  million  and  $1.1  million  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Restructuring costs

Restructuring costs include charges for the costs of exit or disposal activities. The liability for costs associated with exit or 
disposal activities is measured initially at fair value and only recognized when the liability is incurred. 

Impairment of long-lived assets

We review long-lived assets for impairment when events change or circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not 
be recoverable. Events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable include, but 
are not limited to, a significant decrease in the market value of the business or asset acquired, a significant adverse change 
in the extent or manner in which the business or asset acquired is used or significant adverse change in the business climate. 
If such events or changes in circumstances are present, the undiscounted cash flow method is used to determine whether 
the asset is impaired. No impairment of long-lived assets occurred in 2015 or 2014 except for the impairment of previously 
capitalized software development costs discussed above. No impairment of long-lived assets occurred in 2013.

2015 Form 10-K

77

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

Contingencies

We are subject to the possibility of various loss contingencies in the normal course of business. We record an accrual for 
a contingency when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably 
estimated. Often these issues are subject to substantial uncertainties and, therefore, the probability of loss and the estimation 
of damages are difficult to ascertain. These assessments can involve a series of complex judgments about future events 
and can rely heavily on estimates and assumptions that have been deemed reasonable by us. Although we believe we have 
substantial defenses in these matters, we could incur judgments or enter into settlements of claims that could have a 
material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows in any particular period.

Earnings per share

We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average 
number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income 
available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common 
shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the assumed exercise, settlement and vesting of 
all dilutive securities using the “treasury stock method” except when the effect is anti-dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities 
consist of shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights and vesting of restricted stock 
awards and units.

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") No. 
2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740)-Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (ASU 2015-17), which simplifies 
the presentation of deferred income taxes. ASU 2015-17 requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any 
related valuation allowance, be classified as non-current on the balance sheet. As a result, each jurisdiction will now only 
have one net non-current deferred tax asset or liability. The guidance does not change the existing requirement that only 
permits offsetting within a jurisdiction. ASU 2015-17 is effective for public business entities in fiscal years beginning after 
December 15, 2016; however, early adoption is permitted. The guidance may be applied either prospectively, for all deferred 
tax assets and liabilities, or retrospectively to all periods presented. We early adopted ASU 2015-17, utilizing the prospective 
application as permitted, and therefore have not retrospectively adjusted prior period information. 

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

In  September  2015,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  No.  2015-16,  Simplifying  the  Accounting  for  Measurement-Period 
Adjustments (ASU 2015-16). ASU 2015-16 requires for acquirers in business combinations to recognize adjustments to 
provisional  amounts  identified  during  measurement  periods  in  the  reporting  periods  in  which  adjusted  amounts  are 
determined. The update requires that acquirers record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings 
of changes in depreciation, amortization or other income effects, if any, resulting from changes in provisional amounts, 
calculated as if the accounting had been completed at acquisition date. The update also requires separate income statement 
presentation or note disclosure of amounts recorded in current period earnings by line item that would have been recorded 
in  previous  reporting  periods  if  the  provisional  amount  adjustments  had  been  recognized  at  the  acquisition  date 
(requirements to retrospectively account for those adjustments have been eliminated). The guidance is effective for annual 
reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. Amendments 
in this update should be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after its effective date, 
with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. We will adopt ASU 2015-16 effective 
January 1, 2016 and apply this guidance where applicable in any future business combinations. 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 
350-40) - Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (ASU 2015-05). The amendments 
in this update provide guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. 
If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the update specifies that the customer should account for 
the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. The update 
further  specifies  that  the  customer  should  account  for  a  cloud  computing  arrangement  as  a  service  contract  if  the 
arrangement does not include a software license. ASU 2015-05 will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2016. An 
entity can elect to adopt the amendments either (1) prospectively to all arrangements entered into or materially modified 

78

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

after the effective date or (2) retrospectively. We will adopt ASU 2015-05 effective January 1, 2016 on a prospective basis 
and do not expect that the implementation of this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial 
statements. 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest - Simplifying the Presentation of Debt 
Issuance Costs. ASU 2015-03 sets forth a requirement that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be 
presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt 
discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs is not affected by the amendments in this 
update. ASU 2015-03 will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2016. An entity should apply the new guidance on 
a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented is adjusted to reflect the period-specific 
effects of applying the new guidance. We are currently evaluating the impacts that implementation of this standard will 
have  upon  adoption  but  do  not  expect  that  the  implementation  of  this  standard  will  have  a  material  impact  on  our 
consolidated balance sheets. 

In  May  2014,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2014-09,  Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers  (Topic  606).  ASU  2014-09 
outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers 
and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. ASU 2014-09 was originally 
effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2016. An entity should apply 
ASU 2014-09 either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect 
of initially applying the ASU recognized as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings at the date of initial 
application. In July 2015, the FASB decided to delay the effective date of the new standard for one year. The new standard 
now requires application no later than annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim 
reporting periods therein; however, public entities are permitted to elect to early adopt the new standard as of the original 
effective date. We expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will impact our consolidated financial statements. We are currently 
evaluating implementation methods and the extent of the impact that implementation of this standard will have upon 
adoption.

3. Business combinations 

2015 Acquisitions

Smart Tuition 

On October 2, 2015, we completed our acquisition of all of the outstanding equity, including all voting equity interests, 
of Smart, LLC (“Smart Tuition”). Smart Tuition is a leading provider of payment software and services for private schools 
and parents. The acquisition of Smart Tuition further expanded our offerings in the K-12 technology sector. We acquired 
Smart Tuition for $187.8 million in cash, net of closing adjustments. As a result of the acquisition, Smart Tuition has become 
a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours. We included the operating results of Smart Tuition as well as goodwill arising from the 
acquisition  in  our  consolidated  financial  statements  within  GMBU  from  the  date  of  acquisition.  For  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015, Smart Tuition's total revenue and operating income included in our consolidated financial statements 
was $8.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we incurred acquisition-related 
expenses associated with the acquisition of Smart Tuition of $3.7 million, which were recorded in general and administrative 
expense. Due to the timing of the transaction, the initial accounting for this acquisition, including the measurement of 
assets  acquired,  liabilities  assumed  and  goodwill,  is  not  complete  and  is  pending  detailed  analyses  of  the  facts  and 
circumstances that existed as of the October 2, 2015 acquisition date.

On October 2, 2015, we drew down a $186.0 million revolving credit loan under the 2014 Credit Facility to finance the 
acquisition of Smart Tuition. Following the draw down, approximately $261.0 million was outstanding under the revolving 
credit loans with approximately $85.0 million of capacity unutilized when including issued letters of credit. Following the 
closing of the Smart Tuition transaction on October 2, 2015, the principal amount outstanding on the term loan was 
approximately  $168.0  million,  resulting  in  a  total  amount  outstanding  on  the  revolving  credit  loans  and  term  loan  of 
approximately $429.0 million after the acquisition.

2015 Form 10-K

79

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

The preliminary purchase price allocation is based upon a preliminary valuation of assets and liabilities and the estimates 
and assumptions are subject to change as we obtain additional information during the measurement period, which may 
be up to one year from the acquisition date. The assets and liabilities pending finalization include the valuation of acquired 
intangible assets, the assumed deferred revenue and deferred taxes. Differences between the preliminary and final valuation 
could have a material impact on our future results of operations and financial position. The following table summarizes 
the allocation of the purchase price based on the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:

(in thousands)
Net working capital, excluding deferred revenue

Property and equipment

Deferred revenue

Deferred tax asset

Intangible assets

Goodwill
Total purchase price(1)

$

550

2,457

(6,500)

2,637

97,800

90,558

$

187,502

(1) The purchase price differs from the net cash outlay of $187.8 million due to certain insignificant acquisition-related expenses included therein.  

The estimated fair value of accounts receivable acquired approximates the contractual value of $3.0 million. The estimated 
goodwill recognized is attributable primarily to the opportunities for expected synergies from combining operations and 
the assembled workforce of Smart Tuition, all of which was assigned to our GMBU reporting segment. Approximately 
$86.5 million of the goodwill arising in the acquisition is deductible for income tax purposes.

The Smart Tuition acquisition resulted in the identification of the following identifiable intangible assets:

Smart Tuition
Customer relationships

Marketing assets

Acquired technology

Non-compete agreements

Total intangible assets

Intangible
assets
acquired

 (in thousands)
72,300
$

Weighted
average
amortization
period
(in years)
17

1,200

22,100

2,200

97,800

$

3

7

5

14

The estimated fair values of the finite-lived intangible assets were based on variations of the income approach, which 
estimates fair value based on the present value of cash flows that the assets are expected to generate which included the 
relief-from-royalty method, incremental cash flow method including the with and without method and excess earnings 
method, depending on the intangible asset being valued. The method of amortization of identifiable finite-lived intangible 
assets is based on the expected pattern in which the estimated economic benefits of the respective assets are consumed 
or otherwise used up. Customer relationships and acquired technology are being amortized on an accelerated basis while 
marketing assets and non-compete agreements are being amortized on a straight-line basis.

80

2015 Form 10-K

 
Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined consolidated results of operations assume that the acquisition 
of  Smart  Tuition  occurred  on  January  1,  2014.  This  unaudited  pro  forma  financial  information  does  not  reflect  any 
adjustments for anticipated synergies resulting from the acquisition and should not be relied upon as being indicative of 
the historical results that would have been attained had the transaction been consummated as of January 1, 2014, or of 
the results that may occur in the future. The unaudited pro forma information reflects adjustments for amortization of 
intangibles related to the fair value adjustments of the assets acquired, write-down of acquired deferred revenue to fair 
value, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transaction and the related tax effects of the adjustments.

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenue

Net income

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

2014 Acquisitions

MicroEdge

Years ended December 31,

2015

666,131 $

26,334 $

0.58 $

0.57 $

2014

587,459

17,952

0.40

0.39

$

$

$

$

On October 1, 2014, we completed our acquisition of all of the outstanding equity, including all voting equity interests of 
MicroEdge Holdings, LLC (“MicroEdge”). MicroEdge is a provider of software solutions that enable the worldwide giving 
community to organize, simplify and measure their acts of charitable giving. The acquisition of MicroEdge expanded our 
offerings in the philanthropic giving sector with its comprehensive solutions for grant-making, corporate social responsibility 
and foundation management. We acquired MicroEdge for an aggregate purchase price of $159.8 million in cash. As a 
result of the acquisition, MicroEdge has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours. The operating results of MicroEdge 
have been included in our consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition within the ECBU. For the year 
ended December 31, 2015, MicroEdge's total revenue was $31.9 million. Because we have integrated a substantial amount 
of MicroEdge's operations into ours, it is impracticable to determine the operating costs attributable solely to the acquired 
business. We financed the acquisition of MicroEdge through cash on hand and borrowings of $140.0 million under our 
existing credit facility.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price based on the estimated fair value of the assets 
acquired and the liabilities assumed:

(in thousands)
Net working capital, excluding deferred revenue

Property and equipment

Other long-term assets

Deferred revenue

Deferred tax liability

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Total purchase price

$

9,442

1,371

992

(11,670)

(4,509)

90,200

73,960

$

159,786

The estimated fair value of accounts receivable acquired approximates the contractual value of $6.3 million. The estimated 
goodwill recognized is attributable primarily to the opportunities for expected synergies from combining operations and 
the assembled workforce of MicroEdge, all of which was assigned to our ECBU reporting segment. Approximately $37.4 
million of the goodwill arising in the acquisition is deductible for income tax purposes. We finalized the purchase price 
allocation for MicroEdge, including the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, during the third quarter of 
2015. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded a measurement period adjustment to the estimated 
fair value of the deferred tax liability following the receipt of new information. The adjustment resulted in a decrease in 

2015 Form 10-K

81

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

the deferred tax liability of $1.6 million, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. No historical financial information was 
retrospectively revised as the measurement period adjustment was not material.

The MicroEdge acquisition resulted in the identification of the following identifiable intangible assets:

MicroEdge
Customer relationships

Marketing assets

Marketing assets

Acquired technology

Non-compete agreements

Total intangible assets

Intangible
assets
acquired

 (in thousands)
61,200
$

2,500

1,600

24,300

600

90,200

$

Weighted
average
amortization
period
(in years)
13

7

Indefinite

7

3

11

The estimated fair values of the finite-lived intangible assets were based on variations of the income approach, which 
estimates fair value based on the present value of cash flows that the assets are expected to generate which included the 
relief-from-royalty method, incremental cash flow method including the with and without method and excess earnings 
method, depending on the intangible asset being valued. The method of amortization of identifiable finite-lived intangible 
assets is based on the expected pattern in which the estimated economic benefits of the respective assets are consumed 
or otherwise used up. Customer relationships and certain of the acquired technology are being amortized on an accelerated 
basis. Marketing assets, non-compete agreements and certain of the acquired technology are being amortized on a straight-
line basis.

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined consolidated results of operations assume that the acquisition 
of MicroEdge occurred on January 1, 2013. This unaudited pro forma financial information does not reflect any adjustments 
for anticipated synergies resulting from the acquisition and should not be relied upon as being indicative of the historical 
results that would have been attained had the transaction been consummated as of January 1, 2013, or of the results that 
may occur in the future. The unaudited pro forma information reflects adjustments for amortization of intangibles related 
to the fair value adjustments of the assets acquired, write-down of acquired deferred revenue to fair value, additional 
interest expense related to the financing of the transaction and the related tax effects of the adjustments.

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenue

Net income

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Years ended December 31,

2014

592,930 $

26,944 $

0.60 $

0.59 $

2013

528,095

25,300

0.57

0.56

$

$

$

$

82

2015 Form 10-K

 
Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

WhippleHill

On June 16, 2014, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of WhippleHill Communications, Inc. (“WhippleHill”), a privately 
held  company  based  in  New  Hampshire,  for  $35.0  million  in  cash.  WhippleHill  is  a  provider  of  cloud-based  solutions 
designed  exclusively  to  serve  K-12  private  schools.  The  acquisition  of  WhippleHill  expanded  our  offerings  in  the  K-12 
technology sector. The operating results of WhippleHill have been included in our consolidated financial statements from 
the  date  of  acquisition.  Because  we  have  integrated  WhippleHill's  operations  into  ours,  including  our  historical  K-12 
solutions, it is impracticable to determine the revenue and operating costs attributable solely to the acquired business.

We recorded $22.2 million of finite-lived intangible assets, $9.3 million of goodwill (all of which is deductible for income 
tax  purposes)  and  $3.5  million  of  net  tangible  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed  associated  with  the  WhippleHill 
acquisition based on our determination of estimated fair values. Included in net tangible assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed was $4.6 million of acquired accounts receivable, for which fair value was estimated to approximate the contractual 
value.  The  estimated  goodwill  recognized  is  attributable  primarily  to  the  opportunities  for  expected  synergies  from 
combining operations and the assembled workforce of WhippleHill, all of which was assigned to our GMBU reporting 
segment. We finalized the purchase price allocation for WhippleHill, including the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed, during the second quarter of 2015.

The WhippleHill acquisition resulted in the identification of the following identifiable finite-lived intangible assets:

WhippleHill

Customer relationships

Acquired technology

Marketing assets

Non-compete agreements

Total intangible assets

Intangible
assets
acquired

Weighted
average
amortization
period

 (in thousands)

(in years)

$

$

11,300

8,500

2,300

100

22,200

11

7

9

3

9

The estimated fair values of the finite-lived intangible assets were based on variations of the income approach which 
estimates fair value based upon the present value of cash flows that the assets are expected to generate and which included 
the relief-from-royalty method, incremental cash flow method including the with and without method and excess earnings 
method, depending on the intangible asset being valued. The method of amortization of identifiable finite-lived intangible 
assets is based on the expected pattern in which the estimated economic benefits of the respective assets are consumed 
or otherwise used up. Customer relationships are being amortized on an accelerated basis. Acquired technology, trade 
names and non-compete agreements are being amortized on a straight-line basis.

We determined that the WhippleHill acquisition was a non-material business combination. As such, pro forma disclosures 
are not required and are not presented.

2015 Form 10-K

83

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

4. Earnings per share 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Numerator:

Net income

Denominator:

Weighted average common shares

Add effect of dilutive securities:

Stock-based compensation

Weighted average common shares assuming dilution

Earnings per share:

Basic

Diluted

Years ended December 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

25,649 $

28,290 $

30,472

45,623,854 45,215,138 44,684,812

874,850

584,736

736,328

46,498,704 45,799,874 45,421,140

$

$

0.56 $

0.55 $

0.63 $

0.62 $

0.68

0.67

The following shares underlying stock-based awards were not included in diluted earnings per share because their 
inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:

Shares excluded from calculations of diluted earnings per share

Years ended December 31,

2015

18,554

2014

2013

23,159

116,438

84

2015 Form 10-K

  
  
  
Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

5. Fair value measurements 

Recurring fair value measurements

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following, as of:

(in thousands)

Fair value as of December 31, 2015

Financial assets:
Derivative instruments(1)
Total financial assets

Fair value as of December 31, 2015

Financial liabilities:
Derivative instruments(1)
Total financial liabilities

Fair value as of December 31, 2014

Financial liabilities:
Derivative instruments(1)
Total financial liabilities

Fair value measurement using

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

$

$

$

$

$

$

— $

— $

406 $

406 $

— $

— $

— $

— $

438 $

438 $

— $

— $

— $

— $

268 $

268 $

— $

— $

406

406

438

438

268

268

(1)  The fair value of our interest rate swaps was based on model-driven valuations using LIBOR rates, which are observable at commonly quoted intervals. 

Accordingly, our interest rate swaps are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

We believe the carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, donor restricted cash, accounts receivable, trade accounts 
payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities and donations payable approximate their fair values at December 31, 
2015 and December 31, 2014, due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these instruments.

We believe the carrying amount of our debt approximates its fair value at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 
as the debt bears interest rates that approximate market value. As LIBOR rates are observable at commonly quoted intervals, 
our debt is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Non-recurring fair value measurements

Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include intangible assets and goodwill which 
are recognized at fair value during the period in which an acquisition is completed, from updated estimates and assumptions 
during the measurement period, or when they are considered to be impaired. These non-recurring fair value measurements, 
primarily for intangible assets acquired, were based on Level 3 unobservable inputs. In the event of an impairment, we 
determine the fair value of the goodwill and intangible assets using a discounted cash flow approach, which contains 
significant unobservable inputs and therefore is considered a Level 3 fair value measurement. The unobservable inputs in 
the analysis generally include future cash flow projections and a discount rate.

There were no non-recurring fair value adjustments to intangible assets and goodwill during 2015, 2014 and 2013 except 
for certain fair value measurements to reassign goodwill between reportable segments (as disclosed in Note 7 to these 
consolidated financial statements) as well as for certain business combination accounting adjustments to the initial fair 
value  estimates  of  the  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed  at  the  acquisition  date  (as  disclosed  in  Note  3  to  these 
consolidated  financial  statements)  from  updated  estimates  and  assumptions  during  the  measurement  period.  The 
measurement period may be up to one year from the acquisition date. We record any measurement period adjustments 
to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill.

2015 Form 10-K

85

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

6. Property and equipment and software development costs

Property and equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following, as of: 

(in thousands)
Equipment

Computer hardware
Computer software(1)
Construction in progress

Furniture and fixtures

Leasehold improvements
Total property and equipment(1)
Less: accumulated depreciation(1)
Property and equipment, net(1)
(1) 

Estimated
useful life
(years)

December 31,

2015

3 - 5 $

3,868 $

3 - 5

3 - 5

-

5 - 7

77,668

26,457

2,337

7,146

Term of lease

17,171

2014

3,680

67,145

23,550

587

7,182

14,528

134,647

116,672

(81,996)

(66,776)

$

52,651 $

49,896

In order to provide comparability between periods presented, certain capitalized software development costs and related accumulated amortization 
that  were  recorded  in  "property  and  equipment,  net"  have  been  recorded  to  "software  development  costs,  net"  in  the  previously  reported 
consolidated balance sheet to conform to presentation of the current period.

Depreciation expense was $18.5 million, $17.3 million, and $17.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 
and 2013, respectively.

Property and equipment, net of depreciation, under capital leases at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was not significant.

Software development costs

Software development costs consisted of the following, as of: 

(in thousands)
Software development costs

Less: accumulated amortization

Software development costs, net

Estimated
useful life
(years)

December 31,

2015

2014

3 $

28,767 $

13,259

(9,216)

(3,839)

$

19,551 $

9,420

Amortization expense related to software development costs was $5.4 million, $2.0 million, and $1.0 million for the years 
ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is included in both cost of subscriptions, primarily, and to a 
lesser extent, cost of license fees.

86

2015 Form 10-K

  
 
  
 
Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

7. Goodwill and other intangible assets 

The change in goodwill for each reportable segment (as defined in Note 16) during 2015, consisted of the following:

(in thousands)

Balance at December 31, 2014
Additions related to business combinations(1)
Adjustments related to prior year business combinations(2)
Adjustments related to dispositions(3)
Effect of foreign currency translation(4)
Balance at December 31, 2015

ECBU

GMBU

IBU

Total

$ 242,075 $ 100,418 $

6,515 $ 349,008

—

90,558

(1,581)

—

—

—

—

—

239

—

(1,153)

(622)

90,797

(1,581)

(1,153)

(622)

$ 240,494 $ 190,976 $

4,979 $ 436,449

(1)  The goodwill allocated to GMBU was associated with our acquisition of Smart Tuition in October 2015 while the goodwill allocated to IBU was 

associated with an insignificant business combination.

(2)  See Note 3 to these consolidated financial statements for details of the immaterial measurement period adjustment.
(3)  See Note 18 to these consolidated financial statements for a summary of the disposition.
(4) 

Includes an insignificant reduction in goodwill related to the disposition discussed in (3) above.

As a result of the change in our reportable segments, which became effective in March 2015, $33.2 million of goodwill 
that had been attributed to the former Target Analytics segment as of December 31, 2014 was reassigned. Of that amount 
$17.3 million, $15.6 million and $0.3 million was reassigned to ECBU, GMBU and IBU, respectively, based on their relative 
fair values. The reassignment of goodwill is reflected in the goodwill balances as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 
2014. In connection with the change in reportable segments, goodwill allocated to the ECBU, GMBU and IBU reporting 
units was reviewed under the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test in accordance with the authoritative guidance. 
Under the first step of the authoritative guidance for impairment testing, the fair value of the reporting units was determined 
based on the income approach, which estimates the fair value based on the future discounted cash flows. Based on the 
first step of the analysis, we determined the fair value of each reporting unit was significantly above its respective carrying 
amount. As such, we were not required to perform step two of the analysis for the purposes of determining the amount 
of any impairment loss and no impairment charge was recorded as a result of the interim period impairment test performed 
during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

As part of our annual goodwill impairment analysis, we determined that our former Other reporting segment should no 
longer be considered a stand-alone reporting unit. As a result of the change in our reporting units effective beginning in 
October 2015, $2.1 million of goodwill that had been attributed to the Other segment as of December 31, 2014 was 
reassigned. Of that amount $1.5 million, $0.6 million and an insignificant amount was reassigned to ECBU, GMBU and 
IBU, respectively, based on their relative fair values. The reassignment of goodwill is reflected in the goodwill balances as 
of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

During the year ended December 31, 2015, we derecognized $1.4 million of goodwill as a result of a disposition of a 
business as discussed in Note 18 to these consolidated financial statements. No derecognition of goodwill occurred during 
2014 or 2013.

2015 Form 10-K

87

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

We have recorded intangible assets acquired in various business combinations based on their fair values at the date of 
acquisition. The table below sets forth the balances of each class of intangible asset and related amortization as of: 

(in thousands)

Finite-lived gross carrying amount

Customer relationships

Marketing assets

Acquired software and technology

Non-compete agreements

Database

Total finite-lived gross carrying amount

Accumulated amortization

Customer relationships

Marketing assets

Acquired software and technology

Non-compete agreements

Database

Total accumulated amortization

Indefinite-lived gross carrying amount

Marketing assets

Intangible assets, net

December 31,

2015

2014

$

247,462 $

174,239

16,187

148,615

3,402

4,378

15,158

126,650

1,158

4,275

420,044

321,480

(57,748)

(7,753)

(57,548)

(864)

(4,061)

(43,671)

(6,137)

(40,801)

(389)

(3,867)

(127,974)

(94,865)

2,602

2,692

$

294,672 $

229,307

Changes to the gross carrying amounts of intangible asset classes during 2015 were related to our business acquisitions 
as described in Note 3 of these financial statements, the disposition of a business as described in Note 18 to these consolidated 
financial statements and the effect of foreign currency translation.

Amortization expense

Amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets acquired in business combinations is allocated to cost of 
revenue  on  the  consolidated  statements  of  comprehensive  income  based  on  the  revenue  stream  to  which  the  asset 
contributes, except for marketing assets and non-compete agreements, for which the associated amortization expense is 
included in operating expenses.

The following table summarizes amortization expense of our finite-lived intangible assets:

(in thousands)
Included in cost of revenue:

Cost of subscriptions

Cost of maintenance

Cost of services

Cost of license fees and other

Total included in cost of revenue

Included in operating expenses

Years ended December 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

23,075 $

20,239 $

18,578

4,162

2,382

368

29,987

2,231

772

2,910

424

24,345

1,803

457

2,528

496

22,059

2,539

Total amortization of intangibles from business combinations

$

32,218 $

26,148 $

24,598

88

2015 Form 10-K

  
 
Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

The following table outlines the estimated future amortization expense for each of the next five years for our finite-lived 
intangible assets as of December 31, 2015:

Year ending December 31,

(in thousands)

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Total

8. Consolidated financial statement details

Prepaid expenses and other assets

(in thousands)
Deferred sales commissions

Prepaid software maintenance

Taxes, prepaid and receivable

Deferred professional services costs

Deferred tax asset

Prepaid royalties

Other assets

Total prepaid expenses and other assets

Less: Long-term portion

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

(in thousands)
Accrued bonuses

Accrued commissions and salaries

Taxes payable

Deferred rent liabilities

Lease incentive obligations

Unrecognized tax benefit

Customer credit balances

Accrued vacation costs

Accrued health care costs

Other liabilities

Total accrued expenses and other liabilities

Less: Long-term portion

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

$

Amortization

expense

42,154

41,322

39,684

36,478

27,699

$

187,337

December 31,
2015

December 31,
2014

$

30,141 $

22,630

15,308

9,121

3,603

2,869

1,767

7,275

70,084

21,418

$

48,666 $

9,480

8,991

5,753

1,761

3,192

6,355

58,162

17,770

40,392

December 31,
2015

December 31,
2014

$

24,591 $

19,480

8,391

3,923

4,070

4,734

3,147

3,515

2,446

2,356

7,911

65,084

7,623

$

57,461 $

8,712

4,285

4,200

4,099

3,791

2,573

1,847

2,707

7,944

59,638

7,437

52,201

2015 Form 10-K

89

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

Deferred revenue

(in thousands)
Subscriptions

Maintenance

Services

License fees and other

Total deferred revenue

Less: Long-term portion

Deferred revenue, current portion

Other expense, net

(in thousands)
Interest income

Loss on sale of business
Loss on debt extinguishment and termination of derivative instruments(1)
Other income (expense), net

December 31,
2015

December 31,
2014

$

122,524 $

85,901

28,517

393

237,335

7,119

98,225

92,823

29,457

769

221,274

8,991

$

230,216 $

212,283

Years ended December 31,

2014

2013

2015

155

(1,976)

—

134

59

—

(996)

(182)

67

—

—

(462)

(395)

Other expense, net

(1,687)

(1,119)

(1)  See Notes 9 and 10 to these consolidated financial statements for details of the loss on debt extinguishment and termination of derivative 

instruments.

9. Debt

The following table summarizes our debt balances and the related weighted average effective interest rates, which includes 
the effect of interest rate swap agreements.

(in thousands, except percentages)
Credit facility:
    Revolving credit loans
    Term loans
        Total debt
Less: Unamortized debt discount
Less: Debt, current portion
Debt, net of current portion

Debt balance at

December 31,
2015

December 31,
2014

Weighted average effective
interest rate at
December 31,
2014

December 31,
2015

$

$

242,900 $
167,344
410,244
1,640
4,375
404,229 $

110,700
171,719
282,419
1,848
4,375
276,196

2.15%
2.51%
2.30%

2.11%
2.30%

1.56%
2.03%
1.85%

1.39%
1.85%

We were previously party to a $325.0 million five-year credit facility entered into during February 2012. The credit facility 
included: a dollar and a designated currency revolving credit facility with sublimits for letters of credit and swingline loans 
(the “2012 Revolving Facility”) and a delayed draw term loan (the “2012 Term Loan”) together, (the “2012 Credit Facility”).

90

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

2014 refinancing

In February 2014, we entered into a five-year $325.0 million credit facility (the “2014 Credit Facility”) and drew $175.0 
million on a term loan upon closing, which was used to repay all amounts outstanding under the 2012 Credit Facility.

The 2014 Credit Facility includes the following facilities: (i) a dollar and a designated currency revolving credit facility with 
sublimits for letters of credit and swingline loans (the “2014 Revolving Facility”) and (ii) a term loan facility (the “2014 
Term Loan”).

Certain lenders of the 2012 Term Loan participated in the 2014 Term Loan and the change in the present value of our 
future cash flows to these lenders under the 2012 Term Loan and under the 2014 Term Loan was less than 10%. Accordingly, 
we accounted for the refinancing event for these lenders as a debt modification. Certain lenders of the 2012 Term Loan
did not participate in the 2014 Term Loan. Accordingly, we accounted for the refinancing event for these lenders as a debt 
extinguishment. Certain lenders of the 2012 Revolving Facility participated in the 2014 Revolving Facility and provided 
increased borrowing capacities. Accordingly, we accounted for the refinancing event for these lenders as a debt modification. 
Certain lenders of the 2012 Revolving Facility did not participate in the 2014 Revolving Facility. Accordingly, we accounted 
for the refinancing event for these lenders as a debt extinguishment.

We recorded a $0.4 million loss on debt extinguishment related to the write-off of deferred financing costs for the portions 
of  the  2012  Credit  Facility  considered  to  be  extinguished.  This  loss  was  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statements  of 
comprehensive income within loss on debt extinguishment and termination of derivative instruments.

In connection with our entry into the 2014 Credit Facility, we paid $2.5 million in financing costs, of which $1.1 million
were capitalized and, together with a portion of the unamortized deferred financing costs from the 2012 Credit Facility
and prior facilities, are being amortized into interest expense over the term of the new facility using the effective interest 
method. As of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, deferred financing costs totaling $1.4 million and $1.7 million, 
respectively, were included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet.

Summary of the 2014 Credit Facility

The 2014 Credit Facility is secured by the stock and limited liability company interests of certain of our subsidiaries and is 
guaranteed by our material domestic subsidiaries.

Amounts borrowed under the dollar tranche revolving credit loans and term loan under the 2014 Credit Facility bear interest 
at a rate per annum equal to, at our option, (a) a base rate equal to the highest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) federal funds rate 
plus 0.50% and (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1.00% (the “Base Rate”), in addition to a margin of 0.00% to 0.50%, or 
(b) LIBOR rate plus a margin of 1.00% to 1.50%.

We also pay a quarterly commitment fee on the unused portion of the 2014 Revolving Facility from 0.15% to 0.225% per 
annum, depending on our net leverage ratio. At December 31, 2015, the commitment fee was 0.225%.

The term loan under the 2014 Credit Facility requires periodic principal payments. The balance of the term loan and any 
amounts drawn on the revolving credit loans are due upon maturity of the 2014 Credit Facility in February 2019. We 
evaluate the classification of our debt as current or non-current based on the required annual maturities of the 2014 Credit 
Facility.

The 2014 Credit Facility includes financial covenants related to the net leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio, as well 
as restrictions on our ability to declare and pay dividends and our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock. At 
December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with our debt covenants under the 2014 Credit Facility.

Financing for MicroEdge acquisition

The 2014 Credit Facility includes an option to request increases in the revolving commitments and/or request additional 
term loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $200.0 million. On October 1, 2014, we exercised this option, and 
certain lenders agreed, to increase the revolving credit commitments by $100.0 million (the "October 2014 Additional 
Revolving Credit Commitments") such that for the period commencing October 1, 2014, the aggregate revolving credit 
commitments available were $250.0 million. The October 2014 Additional Revolving Credit Commitments have the same 
terms as the existing revolving credit commitments.

2015 Form 10-K

91

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

On October 1, 2014, we drew down $140.0 million in revolving credit commitments under the 2014 Credit Facility to 
finance the acquisition of MicroEdge.

Financing for Smart Tuition acquisition

On July 17, 2015, we again exercised this option and certain lenders agreed to increase the revolving credit commitments 
by  an  additional  $100.0  million  (the  "July  2015  Additional  Revolving  Credit  Commitments")  such  that  for  the  period 
commencing July 17, 2015, the aggregate revolving credit commitments available were $350.0 million. The July 2015
Additional Revolving Credit Commitments have the same terms as the existing revolving credit commitments.

On October 2, 2015, we drew down a $186.0 million revolving credit loan under the 2014 Credit Facility to finance the 
acquisition of Smart Tuition.

As of December 31, 2015, the required annual maturities related to the 2014 Credit Facility were as follows:

Year ending December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter

Total required maturities

10. Derivative instruments

Annual
maturities
4,375
$
4,375
4,375
397,119
—
—
$ 410,244

We use derivative instruments to manage our variable interest rate risk. In February 2014, in connection with the refinancing 
of our debt, we terminated the two interest rate swap agreements associated with the 2012 Credit Facility. As part of the 
settlement of our swap liabilities, we recorded a loss of $0.6 million, which was recognized in the consolidated statements 
of comprehensive income within loss on debt extinguishment and termination of derivative instruments. 

In March 2014, we entered into a new interest rate swap agreement (the "March 2014 Swap Agreement"), which effectively 
converts portions of our variable rate debt under the 2014 Credit Facility to a fixed rate for the term of the March 2014 
Swap Agreement. The initial notional value of the March 2014 Swap Agreement was $125.0 million with an effective date 
beginning in March 2014. In March 2017, the notional value of the March 2014 Swap Agreement will decrease to $75.0 
million for the remaining term through February 2018. We designated the March 2014 Swap Agreement as a cash flow 
hedge at the inception of the contract.

In October 2014, we entered into an additional interest rate swap agreement (the “October 2014 Swap Agreement”), 
which effectively converts portions of our variable rate debt under the 2014 Credit Facility to a fixed rate for the term of 
the October 2014 Swap Agreement. The initial notional value of the October 2014 Swap Agreement was $75.0 million
with an effective date beginning in October 2014. In September 2015, the notional value of the October 2014 Swap 
Agreement decreased to $50.0 million for the remaining term through June 2016. We designated the October 2014 Swap 
Agreement as a cash flow hedge at the inception of the contract.

In October 2015, we entered into an additional interest rate swap agreement (the "October 2015 Swap Agreement"), 
which effectively converts portions of our variable rate debt under the 2014 Credit Facility to a fixed rate for the term of 
the October 2015 Swap Agreement. The notional value of the October 2015 Swap Agreement was $75.0 million with an 
effective  date  beginning  in  October  2015  and  maturing  in  February  2018.  We  designated  the  October  2015  Swap 
Agreement as a cash flow hedge at the inception of the contract.

92

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

The fair values of our derivative instruments were as follows as of:

(in thousands)

Derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments:

Balance sheet
location

December 31,
2015

December 31,
2014

Interest rate swap, long-term portion

Other assets

406

Total derivative instruments designated as hedging
instruments

$

406 $

—

—

December 31,
2015

December 31,
2014

Derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments:

Interest rate swaps, current portion

Interest rate swaps, long-term portion

Total derivative instruments designated as hedging
instruments

Accrued expenses and
other current liabilities $

Other liabilities

$

2 $

436

438 $

—

268

268

The effects of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships were as follows:

Gain (loss) recognized
in accumulated other 
comprehensive 
loss as of

December 31,
2015

Location 
of gain (loss) 
reclassified from 
accumulated other 
comprehensive 
loss into income

(31)

Interest expense $

(in thousands)

Interest rate swaps $

Interest rate swaps $

(268)

Interest expense $

December 31,
2014

Interest rate swaps

Total

$

Loss on debt 
extinguishment
 and termination of 
derivative instruments

$

—

(268)

Interest rate swaps $

(427)

Interest expense $

December 31,
2013

Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated
 other comprehensive loss into income

Year ended 
 December 31,
2015

(1,569)

Year ended 
 December 31,
2014

(1,215)

(587)

(1,802)

Year ended 
 December 31,

2013

(794)

Our policy requires that derivatives used for hedging purposes be designated and effective as a hedge of the identified risk 
exposure at the inception of the contract. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains or 
losses from the change in fair value measurement of our derivative instruments each reporting period and the related 
income tax expense or benefit. Changes in the fair value measurements of the derivative instruments and the related 
income tax expense or benefit are reflected as adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until the 
actual hedged expense is incurred or until the hedge is terminated at which point the unrealized gain (loss) is reclassified 
from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to current earnings. The estimated accumulated other comprehensive 
loss as of December 31, 2015 that is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months is $0.7 million. 
There were no ineffective portions of our interest rate swap derivatives during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014
and 2013. See Note 14 to these consolidated financial statements for a summary of the changes in accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss) by component.

2015 Form 10-K

93

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

11. Commitments and contingencies 

Leases

We lease our headquarters facility under a 15-year lease agreement which was entered into in October 2008, and has two
five-year renewal options. The current annual base rent of the lease is $5.0 million, payable in equal monthly installments. 
The base rent escalates annually at a rate equal to the change in the consumer price index, as defined in the agreement, 
but not to exceed 5.5% in any year.

We have a lease for office space in Austin, Texas which terminates on September 30, 2023, and has two five-year renewal 
options. Under the terms of the lease, we will increase our leased space by approximately 20,000 square feet on July 31, 
2016. The current annual base rent of the lease is $2.3 million. The base rent escalates annually between 2% and 4%
based on the terms of the agreement. The rent expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the length of the lease 
term. At December 31, 2015, we had a standby letter of credit of $2.0 million for a security deposit for this lease.

We have provisions in our leases that entitle us to aggregate remaining leasehold improvement allowances of $4.9 million
as of December 31, 2015. These amounts are being recorded as a reduction to rent expense ratably over the terms of the 
leases. The reductions in rent expense related to these lease provisions during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014
and 2013, were $0.8 million, $0.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The leasehold improvement allowances have been 
included in the table of operating lease commitments below as a reduction in our lease commitments ratably over the then 
remaining terms of the leases. The timing of the reimbursements for the actual leasehold improvements may vary from 
the amounts reflected in the table below.

We have also received, and expect to receive through 2016, quarterly South Carolina state incentive payments as a result 
of locating our headquarters facility in Berkeley County, South Carolina. These amounts are recorded as a reduction of 
rent expense upon receipt and were $2.3 million, $2.2 million and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 
2014 and 2013, respectively.

Total rent expense was $10.3 million, $9.4 million and $9.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 
2013, respectively.

As  of  December 31,  2015,  the  future  minimum  lease  commitments  related  to  lease  agreements,  net  of  related  lease 
incentives, were as follows:

Year ending December 31,
(in thousands)
2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Thereafter

Total minimum lease payments

Other commitments

Operating
leases
13,183

$

11,711
11,465
11,882

11,162

30,886

90,289

$

As discussed in Note 9 to these consolidated financial statements, the term loans under the 2014 Credit Facility require 
periodic principal payments. The balance of the term loans and any amounts drawn on the revolving credit loans are due 
upon maturity of the 2014 Credit Facility in February 2019.

We utilize third-party technology in conjunction with our solutions and services, with contractual arrangements varying in 
length from one to five years. In certain cases, these arrangements require a minimum annual purchase commitment. As 
of  December 31,  2015,  the  remaining  aggregate  minimum  purchase  commitment  under  these  arrangements  was 
approximately $19.0 million through 2018.

94

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

Solution and service indemnifications

In the ordinary course of business, we provide certain indemnifications of varying scope to customers against claims of 
intellectual property infringement made by third parties arising from the use of our solutions or services. If we determine 
that it is probable that a loss has been incurred related to solution or service indemnifications, any such loss that could be 
reasonably estimated would be recognized. We have not identified any losses and, accordingly, we have not recorded a 
liability related to these indemnifications.

Guarantees and indemnification obligations

We enter into agreements in the ordinary course of business with, among others, customers, creditors, vendors and service 
providers. Pursuant to certain of these agreements we have agreed to indemnify the other party for certain matters, such 
as property damage, personal injury, acts or omissions of ours, or our employees, agents or representatives, or third-party 
claims alleging that the activities of its contractual partner pursuant to the contract infringe a patent, trademark or copyright 
of such third party.

Legal contingencies

We are subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. We record an accrual for a 
contingency when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably 
estimated. As of December 31, 2015, in our opinion, there was not at least a reasonable possibility that these actions 
arising in the ordinary course of business will have a material adverse effect upon our consolidated financial position, results 
of operations or cash flows and, therefore, no material loss contingencies were recorded.

12. Income taxes

We file income tax returns in the U.S. for federal and various state jurisdictions as well as in foreign jurisdictions including 
Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland. We are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax examination for 
calendar tax years 2012 through 2015 as well as state and foreign income tax examinations for various years depending 
on statutes of limitations of those jurisdictions.

The following summarizes the components of income tax expense:

(in thousands)

Current taxes:
U.S. Federal

U.S. State and local

International

Total current taxes

Deferred taxes:
U.S. Federal

U.S. State and local

International

Total deferred taxes

Total income tax provision

$

11,303 $

10,944 $

Years ended December 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

5,890 $
2,215
33

8,138

2,702

585

(122)

3,165

5,757 $
2,158
(21)

7,894

4,725

(1,329)

(346)

3,050

78
1,127
(221)

984

14,394

(694)

173

13,873

14,857

2015 Form 10-K

95

  
Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

The following summarizes the components of income before provision for income taxes:

(in thousands)
U.S.

International

Income before provision for income taxes

Years ended December 31,

2015

2014

37,523 $

39,638 $

(571)

(404)

36,952 $

39,234 $

2013

48,137

(2,808)

45,329

$

$

A reconciliation between the effect of applying the federal statutory rate and the effective income tax rate used to calculate 
our income tax provision is as follows:

Federal statutory rate

Effect of:

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

Change in state income tax rate applied to deferred tax balances

Fixed assets

Unrecognized tax benefit

State credits, net of federal benefit

Change in valuation reserve

Federal credits generated

Foreign tax rate

Acquisition costs

Section 162(m) limitation

Loss from sale of foreign subsidiary

Domestic production activities deduction

Other

Income tax provision effective rate

Years ended December 31,

2015

35.0%

2014

35.0%

2013

35.0%

5.7

2.1

(0.1)

(1.1)

6.0

(8.6)

(6.1)

(0.7)

0.1

0.1

1.9

(1.8)

(1.9)

3.2

(1.1)

(0.3)

(2.9)

(1.0)

1.3

(4.7)

(0.1)

0.6

0.4

—

(1.2)

(1.3)

5.2

(2.5)

(1.0)

0.3

(2.9)

0.7

(5.1)

0.6

—

1.8

—

—

0.7

30.6%

27.9%

32.8%

A portion of our South Carolina credit carryforward expired in 2015 and this is reflected in the rate increase for state credits, 
net of federal benefit. This increase was offset by the release of the related state credit valuation reserve and additional 
state research credits generated in 2015, which are reflected in the rate decrease for change in valuation reserve.

We recorded net excess tax benefits attributable to stock option and stock appreciation right exercises and restricted stock 
vesting of $5.5 million and $7.5 million in stockholders’ equity during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, 
respectively. No excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation were recorded during the year ended December 31, 
2013.

The U.S. federal and state research and development tax credits, which had previously expired on December 31, 2011, 
were reinstated as part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 enacted in January 2013. This legislation retroactively 
reinstated and extended the credits from the previous expiration date through December 31, 2013. The 2014 research 
and development credits were reinstated in December 2014 as part of the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014.  The 2015 
research and development credit was reinstated in December 2015 as part of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes 
(PATH) Act of 2015. The benefit of the federal and state credits that were included in tax expense were $3.0 million, $2.6 
million, and $1.6 million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The benefit of the federal and state credits for 2013 and 
2012 was included in 2013 tax expense, representing a $1.6 million and $1.8 million benefit, respectively.

96

2015 Form 10-K

  
  
  
Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

The significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

(in thousands)

Deferred tax assets relating to:

December 31,

2015

2014

Federal and state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards

$

13,913 $

Federal, state and foreign tax credits

Intangible assets

Stock-based compensation

Accrued bonuses

Deferred revenue

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Other

Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities relating to:

Intangible assets

Fixed assets

Other

Total deferred tax liabilities

Valuation allowance

Net deferred tax liability

10,464

449

7,848

9,335

6,049

780

6,593

55,431

(49,559)

(10,323)

(12,765)

(72,647)

(7,911)

$

(25,127) $

15,428

14,792

562

4,072

7,177

7,332

1,655

5,790

56,808

(54,794)

(10,715)

(7,593)

(73,102)

(11,161)

(27,455)

As of December 31, 2015, our federal, foreign and state net operating loss carryforwards for income tax purposes were 
approximately  $29.3  million,  $7.0  million  and  $42.2  million,  respectively.  The  federal  and  state  net  operating  loss 
carryforwards are subject to various Internal Revenue Code limitations and applicable state tax laws. If not utilized, the 
federal net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2028 and the state net operating loss carryforwards will 
expire over various periods beginning in 2016. Our foreign net operating loss carryforwards have an unlimited carryforward 
period. Our federal and foreign tax credit carryforwards for income tax purposes were insignificant. Our state tax credit 
carryforwards for income tax purposes were approximately $9.9 million, net of federal benefit. If not utilized, the state tax 
credit carryforwards will begin to expire in 2016. A portion of the foreign and state net operating loss carryforwards and 
state credit carryforwards have a valuation reserve due to management's uncertainty regarding the future ability to use 
such carryforwards.

The following table illustrates the change in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance: 

(in thousands)

Year ended December 31,

2015

2014

2013

Balance
at beginning
of year
11,161 $
11,042

$

10,651

Acquisition
related
change

Charges to
expense

— $

(3,250) $

—

635

119

(244)

Balance at
end of
year
7,911

11,161

11,042

2015 Form 10-K

97

  
Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

The following table sets forth the change to our unrecognized tax benefit for the years ended December 31, 2015, 
2014 and 2013:

(in thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
Increases from prior period positions
Decreases in prior year positions
Increases from current period positions
Settlements (payments)
Lapse of statute of limitations
Balance at end of year

Years ended December 31,
2013
3,846
1,254
(813)
224
—
(813)
3,698

2014
3,698 $
195
(102)
1,046
—
(1,273)
3,564 $

2015
3,564 $
129
(651)
257
(274)
(1)
3,024 $

$

$

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefit that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective tax rate was $2.3 
million  at  December 31,  2015.  Certain  prior  period  amounts  relating  to  our  2014  acquisitions  are  covered  under 
indemnification agreements and, therefore, we have recorded a corresponding indemnification asset. We recognize accrued 
interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. The total amount 
of accrued interest and penalties included in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 
2014 was insignificant. The total amount of interest and penalties included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive 
income as an increase or decrease in income tax expense for 2015, 2014 and 2013 was insignificant.

We have taken federal and state tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized 
tax benefits might decrease within the next twelve months. This possible decrease could result from the expiration of 
statutes of limitations. The reasonably possible decrease at December 31, 2015 was insignificant.

We concluded that a portion of the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, as related solely to Canada, are not 
permanently  reinvested  and  as  a  result  we  recorded  a  tax  liability  and  applicable  foreign  tax  credits  for  the  effect  of 
repatriating those foreign earnings. For the remaining undistributed earnings, which we do not consider to be significant, 
we concluded that these earnings would be permanently reinvested in the local jurisdictions and not repatriated to the 
United States. Accordingly, we have not provided for U.S. federal income taxes and foreign withholding taxes on those 
undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. It is not practicable to estimate the amount that might be payable if 
some or all of such earnings were to be remitted.

13. Stock-based compensation 

Employee stock-based compensation plans

Under the Blackbaud, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Equity Plan”), we may grant incentive stock options, non-
statutory stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, stock appreciation rights, performance stock 
awards  and  other  stock  awards  to  eligible  employees,  directors  and  consultants.  We  maintain  other  stock-based 
compensation plans including the 2004 Stock Plan, under which no additional grants may be made, and the 2009 Equity 
Compensation Plan for Employees from Acquired Companies, under which we may grant shares of common stock to 
employees pursuant to employment contracts or other arrangements entered into in connection with past and future 
acquisitions.

In connection with the acquisition of Kintera in July 2008, we maintain the Kintera, Inc. Amended and Restated 2003 
Equity  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended  (the  “Kintera  2003  Plan”),  which  we  assumed  upon  the  acquisition  of  Kintera.  In 
connection with the acquisition of Convio in May 2012, we maintain the Convio, Inc. 1999 Stock Option/Stock Issuance 
Plan, as amended (the “Convio 1999 Plan”) and Convio, Inc. 2009 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the “Convio 2009 
Plan”),  which  we  assumed  upon  the  acquisition  of  Convio.  Our  Compensation  Committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors 
administers all of these plans and the stock-based awards are granted under terms determined by them. 

The total number of authorized stock-based awards available under our plans was 3,404,365 as of December 31, 2015. 
We issue common stock from our pool of authorized stock upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights, 
vesting of restricted stock units or upon granting of restricted stock.

98

2015 Form 10-K

  
Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

Historically, we have issued four types of awards under these plans: restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock 
appreciation rights and stock options. The following table sets forth the number of awards outstanding for each award 
type as of:

Award type
Restricted stock awards

Restricted stock units

Stock appreciation rights

Stock options

Outstanding at December 31,

2015

1,096,839

396,198

757,203

4,745

2014

812,451

274,733

983,473

7,547

The majority of the stock-based awards granted under these plans have a 10-year contractual term. Stock appreciation 
rights  (“SARs”)  have  contractual  lives  of  7  years.  Awards  granted  to  our  executive  officers  and  certain  members  of 
management are subject to accelerated vesting upon a change in control as defined in the employees’ retention agreement.

Expense recognition

We recognize compensation expense associated with stock options and awards with performance or market based vesting 
conditions on an accelerated basis over the requisite service period of the individual grantees, which generally equals the 
vesting period. We recognize compensation expense associated with restricted stock awards and SARs on a straight-line 
basis over the requisite service period of the individual grantees, which generally equals the vesting period. Compensation 
expense is recognized net of estimated forfeitures such that expense is recognized only for those stock-based awards that 
are expected to vest. A forfeiture rate is estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if 
actual forfeitures differ from initial estimates.

Stock-based compensation expense is allocated to cost of revenue and operating expenses on the consolidated statements 
of  comprehensive  income  based  on  where  the  associated  employee’s compensation  is  recorded.  The  following  table 
summarizes stock-based compensation expense:

(in thousands)
Included in cost of revenue:

Cost of subscriptions
Cost of maintenance
Cost of services

Total included in cost of revenue

Included in operating expenses:

Sales and marketing
Research and development
General and administrative

Total included in operating expenses

Total stock-based compensation expense

Years ended December 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

$

1,130 $
420
1,944
3,494

2,979
4,865
13,908
21,752
25,246 $

687 $
689
2,229
3,605

2,147
3,264
8,329
13,740
17,345 $

1,032
545
2,464
4,041

2,351
3,731
6,787
12,869
16,910

The total amount of compensation cost related to unvested awards not recognized was $48.5 million at December 31, 
2015. It is expected that this amount will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.

2015 Form 10-K

99

  
  
Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

Restricted stock awards

We have also granted shares of common stock subject to certain restrictions under the 2008 Equity Plan and the 2004 
Stock Plan. Restricted stock awards granted to employees vest in equal annual installments generally over four years from 
the grant date subject to the recipient’s continued employment with us. Restricted stock awards granted to non-employee 
directors vest after one year from the date of grant or, if earlier, immediately prior to the next annual election of directors, 
provided the non-employee director is serving as a director at that time. The fair market value of the stock at the time of 
the grant is amortized on a straight-line basis to expense over the period of vesting. Recipients of restricted stock awards 
have the right to vote such shares and receive dividends.

The following table summarizes our unvested restricted stock awards as of December 31, 2015, and changes during the 
year then ended:

Restricted stock awards
Unvested at January 1, 2015

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Unvested at December 31, 2015

Unvested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015

Restricted
stock awards

Weighted
average
grant-date
fair value

812,451 $

736,252

(339,216)

(112,648)

1,096,839 $

996,678 $

32.28

48.82

31.39

35.98

43.28

43.60

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
term
(in  years)

Aggregate
intrinsic value(1)
(in thousands)

8.2 $

8.3 $

72,238

65,641

(1)  The intrinsic value is calculated as the market value as of the end of the fiscal period.

The total fair value of restricted stock awards that vested during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was 
$10.6 million, $10.5 million and $10.4 million, respectively. The weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock 
awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $37.89 and $35.31, respectively.

Restricted stock units

We have also granted restricted stock units subject to certain restrictions under the 2008 Equity Plan and assumed restricted 
stock units in connection with the Convio acquisition. Restricted stock units granted to employees vest in equal annual 
installments generally over three years from the grant date subject to the recipient’s continued employment with us. We 
have also granted restricted stock units for which vesting is subject to meeting certain performance and/or market conditions. 
Restricted stock units granted with a market condition had a fair market value assigned at the grant date based on the 
use of a Monte Carlo simulation model. The fair market value of the stock at the time of the grant is amortized to expense 
on a straight-line basis over the period of vesting except for awards with market or performance conditions, which are 
amortized on an accelerated basis over the period of vesting.

100

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

The following table summarizes our unvested restricted stock units as of December 31, 2015, and changes during the year 
then ended: 

Restricted stock units
Unvested at January 1, 2015

Granted

Forfeited

Vested

Unvested at December 31, 2015

Unvested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015

Restricted
stock units

Weighted
average
grant-date
fair value

274,733 $

269,418

(42,079)

(105,874)

396,198 $

352,531 $

32.86

45.15

42.74

36.43

40.51

40.59

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
term
(in  years)

Aggregate
intrinsic value(1)
(in thousands)

5.7 $

5.8 $

26,094
23,218  

(1)  The intrinsic value is calculated as the market value as of the end of the fiscal period.

The total fair value of restricted stock units that vested during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was 
$3.9 million, $1.4 million, and $5.4 million, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock 
units granted for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $33.38 and $35.70, respectively. 

Stock appreciation rights

We have granted SARs under the 2008 Equity Plan and the 2004 Stock Plan to certain members of management. The SARs 
will be settled in stock at the time of exercise and vest in equal annual installments generally over four years from the date 
of grant subject to the recipient’s continued employment with us. The number of shares issued upon the exercise of the 
SARs is calculated as the difference between the share price of our stock on the date of exercise and the date of grant 
multiplied by the number of SARs divided by the share price on the exercise date.

The following table summarizes our outstanding SARs as of December 31, 2015, and changes during the year then ended: 

Stock appreciation rights
Outstanding at January 1, 2015

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding at December 31, 2015

Unvested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015

Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015

Stock
appreciation
rights

Weighted
average
exercise
price

983,473 $

(175,617)

(50,653)

757,203 $

144,972 $

594,621 $

24.33

25.09

22.59

24.27

23.14

24.55

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
term
(in  years)

Aggregate
intrinsic value(1)
(in thousands)

3.2 $

3.9 $

3.0 $

31,492

6,193

24,561

(1)  The intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market value as of the end of the fiscal period and the exercise price of the shares.

There have been no new SARs granted since 2013. The total intrinsic value of SARs exercised during the years ended 
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $5.2 million, $5.0 million, and $12.9 million, respectively. The total fair value of 
SARs that vested during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $1.9 million, $2.5 million, and $3.4 
million, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of SARs granted for the year ended December 31, 2013
was $6.59. All outstanding SARs granted had a fair market value assigned at the grant date based on the use of the Black-
Scholes option pricing model. All SARs granted with a market condition had a fair market value assigned at the grant date 
based on the use of a Monte Carlo simulation model. 

2015 Form 10-K

101

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

Significant assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for SARs granted in 2013 were as follows: 

Assumptions
Volatility

Dividend yield

Risk-free interest rate

Expected SAR life in years

2013

32% - 35%

1.7%

0.6% - 0.8%

4

The expected volatility assumption is based on the volatility derived from prices of our stock over a historical term consistent 
with the expected life of the SAR at the time of grant. The dividend yield is based on the adopted dividend policy in effect 
at the time of grant and the expectation of future dividends. The risk-free interest rate is based on a United States Treasury 
instrument with a term consistent with the expected life of the SAR at the time of grant. The expected life of the SAR 
represents the period that the award is expected to be outstanding based on historical experience. In determining the 
appropriate expected life of the SAR, we segregate our grantees into categories based upon employee levels that are 
expected to be indicative of similar award-related behavior.

Stock options

The following table summarizes the stock options outstanding under each of our stock-based compensation plans as of 
December 31, 2015. 

Plan
Kintera 2003 Plan

Convio 1999 Plan

Convio 2009 Plan

Total

Date of adoption  
July 8, 2008 (1)
May 5, 2012 (1)
May 5, 2012 (1)

Options
outstanding

Range of
exercise prices

2,314 $10.59 - $19.26

1,841

$9.10 - $12.55

590 $15.62 - $18.20

4,745  

(1) 

In connection with the acquisitions of Kintera and Convio, we assumed certain stock options issued and outstanding at the date of acquisition.

The following table summarizes our outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2015, and changes during the year 
then ended: 

Stock options
Outstanding at January 1, 2015

Exercised

Outstanding at December 31, 2015

Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015

Weighted
average
exercise
price

11.49

11.31

11.60

11.60

Stock
options

7,547 $

(2,802)

4,745 $

4,745 $

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
term
(in years)

Aggregate
intrinsic value(1)
(in thousands)

2.9 $

2.9 $

257

257

(1)  The intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market value as of the end of the fiscal period and the exercise price of the shares.

There have been no new stock option awards granted since 2005. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 
the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was insignificant. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 
the year ended December 31, 2013 was $0.8 million. The total fair value of stock options that vested during the years 
ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was insignificant. All outstanding stock options granted had a fair market 
value assigned at the grant date based on the use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

102

2015 Form 10-K

 
 
 
Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

14. Stockholders' equity 

Preferred stock

Our Board of Directors may fix the relative rights and preferences of each series of preferred stock in a resolution of the 
Board of Directors.

Dividends

Our Board of Directors has adopted a dividend policy, which provides for the distribution to stockholders a portion of cash 
generated by us that is in excess of operational needs and capital expenditures. The 2014 Credit Facility limits the amount 
of dividends payable and certain state laws restrict the amount of dividends distributed.

The following table provides information with respect to quarterly dividends paid on common stock during the year 
ended December 31, 2015.

Declaration Date

February 2015

April 2015

July 2015

October 2015

Dividend per

Share Record Date Payable Date

0.12

0.12

0.12

February 27

May 28

March 13

June 15

August 28

September 15

0.12 November 25

December 15

$

$

$

$

In February 2016, our Board of Directors declared a first quarter dividend of $0.12 per share payable on March 15, 2016
to stockholders of record on February 26, 2016.

Stock repurchase program

In August 2010, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program that authorized us to purchase up to $50.0 
million of our outstanding shares of common stock. The program does not have an expiration date. The shares can be 
purchased from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions depending upon market conditions 
and other factors. Under the 2014 Credit Facility, we also have restrictions on our ability to repurchase shares of our 
common stock.

We account for purchases of treasury stock under the cost method. The remaining amount available to purchase stock 
under the stock repurchase program was $50.0 million as of December 31, 2015.

2015 Form 10-K

103

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, consisted of the following:

(in thousands)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning of period

By component:

Gains and losses on cash flow hedges:

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income balance, beginning of
period

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax
effects of $514, $644 and $(30)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to
interest expense

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to
loss on debt extinguishment and termination of derivative instruments

Tax benefit included in provision for income taxes

Total amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss balance, end of period

Foreign currency translation adjustment:

Accumulated other comprehensive loss balance, beginning of period

Translation adjustments

Accumulated other comprehensive loss balance, end of period

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of period

Years ended December 31,

2015
(1,032) $

2014
(1,385) $

2013
(1,973)

$

$

(164) $

(256) $

(791)

(818)

(999)

1,569

1,215

—

(606)

963

145

587

(711)

1,091

92

46

794

—

(305)

489

535

$

$

$

(19) $

(164) $

(256)

(868) $

(1,129) $

(1,182)

62

(806)

261

(868)

(825) $

(1,032) $

53

(1,129)

(1,385)

15.  Defined contribution plan 

We have a defined contribution plan 401(k) (the 401K Plan) covering substantially all employees. Employees can contribute 
between 1% and 30% of their salaries in 2015, 2014 and 2013, and we match 50% of qualified employees’ contributions 
up to 6% of their salary. The 401K Plan also provides for additional employer contributions to be made at our discretion. 
Total matching contributions to the 401K Plan for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $5.3 million, 
$5.6 million and $5.1 million, respectively. There were no discretionary contributions by us to the 401K Plan in 2015, 2014
and 2013.

16. Segment information 

In March 2015, we implemented a new internal reporting structure in which Target Analytics is no longer being viewed 
as a stand-alone business unit, but rather as a suite of solutions being sold by the General Markets Business Unit (the 
“GMBU”), the Enterprise Customer Business Unit (the “ECBU”), and the International Business Unit (the “IBU”). As a result 
of the change in our internal reporting structure, which became effective in March 2015, the operating results of Target 
Analytics are no longer regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker ("CODM") to make decisions about 
resources to be allocated nor to assess performance, and, therefore, Target Analytics no longer meets the definition of an 
operating segment. In addition, Target Analytics did not meet any of the quantitative thresholds set forth in ASC 280, 
Segment  Reporting,  during  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014  and  2013  and  had  been  previously  disclosed  for 
informational purposes. The change in reportable segments had no effect on our consolidated financial position, results 
of operations or cash flows for the periods presented.

104

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

As of December 31, 2015, our reportable segments were the GMBU, the ECBU, and the IBU. Following is a description of 
each reportable segment:

• 

• 

• 

The GMBU is focused on marketing, sales, delivery and support to all emerging and mid-sized prospects and 
customers in North America;

The ECBU is focused on marketing, sales, delivery and support to all large and/or strategic prospects and customers 
in North America; and

The IBU is focused on marketing, sales, delivery and support to all prospects and customers outside of North 
America.

Our CODM is our chief executive officer ("CEO"). The CEO reviews financial information presented on an operating segment 
basis for the purposes of making certain operating decisions and assessing financial performance. The CEO uses internal 
financial reports that provide segment revenues and operating income, excluding stock-based compensation expense, 
amortization expense, depreciation expense, research and development expense and certain corporate sales, marketing, 
general and administrative expenses. Currently, the CEO believes that the exclusion of these costs allows for a better 
understanding of the operating performance of the operating units and management of other operating expenses and 
cash needs. The CEO does not review any segment balance sheet information.

We have recast our segment disclosures for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 in order to present them on a 
consistent basis with our change in reportable segments in the current year. Summarized reportable segment financial 
results, were as follows:

(in thousands)
Revenue by segment:

GMBU

ECBU

IBU
Other(1)

Total revenue

Segment operating income(2):
GMBU

ECBU

IBU
Other(1)

Less:
Corporate unallocated costs(3)
Stock based compensation costs

Amortization expense

Interest expense

Other expense, net

Years ended December 31,

2015

2014

2013

$ 313,935 $ 270,637 $ 240,413

279,897

245,119

219,695

41,997

2,111

47,068

1,597

42,148

1,561

$ 637,940 $ 564,421 $ 503,817

$ 156,876 $ 139,310 $ 137,962

137,162

121,285

111,745

5,404
(120)

4,291
1,585

8,760
1,642

299,322

266,471

260,109

(195,146)

(176,614)

(167,059)

(25,246)

(32,218)

(8,073)

(1,687)

(17,345)

(26,148)

(6,011)

(1,119)

(16,910)

(24,598)

(5,818)

(395)

Income before provision for income taxes

$

36,952 $

39,234 $

45,329

(1)  Other includes revenue and the related costs from the sale of solutions and services not directly attributable to a reportable segment.
(2)  Segment operating income includes direct, controllable costs related to the sale of solutions and services by the reportable segment.
(3)  Corporate  unallocated  costs  include  research  and  development,  depreciation  expense,  and  certain  corporate  sales,  marketing,  general  and 

administrative expenses.

2015 Form 10-K

105

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

Revenue by solution and service group for each of our reportable segments were as follows:

(in thousands)

GMBU revenue:

Subscriptions

Maintenance

Services

License fees and other

Total GMBU revenue

ECBU revenue:

Subscriptions

Maintenance

Services

License fees and other
Total ECBU revenue

IBU revenue:

Subscriptions

Maintenance

Services

License fees and other
Total IBU revenue

Other revenue:

Subscriptions

Maintenance

Services

License fees and other
Total Other revenue

Total consolidated revenue

Years ended December 31,

2015

2014

2013

167,010

125,223

83,974

56,294

6,657

86,840

48,814

9,760

96,931

85,028

47,769

10,685

$ 313,935 $ 270,637 $ 240,413

147,719

121,484

102,992

56,196

66,741

9,241

45,069

67,756

10,810

39,662

66,754

10,287

$ 279,897 $ 245,119 $ 219,695

16,885

13,631

9,943

1,538

16,703

15,509

11,801

3,055

12,747

14,055

11,994

3,352

$

41,997 $

47,068 $

42,148

145

—

—

25

—

—

1,966

1,572

$

2,111 $

1,597 $

(14)

—

31

1,544

1,561

$ 637,940 $ 564,421 $ 503,817

We derive a portion of our revenue from our foreign operations. The following table presents revenue by geographic region 
based on country of invoice origin and identifiable, long-lived assets by geographic region based on the location of the 
assets.

(in thousands)

Revenue from external customers:

2015
2014
2013

Property and equipment:
December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014

United
 States

Canada

Europe

Australia

Total
Foreign

Total

$ 570,519 $
491,731
439,887

25,958 $
26,944
23,344

23,970 $
27,411
24,107

17,493 $
18,335
16,479

67,421 $ 637,940
564,421
72,690
503,817
63,930

$

49,682 $
47,419

58 $
34

1,501 $
1,869

1,410 $
574

2,969 $
2,477

52,651
49,896

It is impracticable for us to identify our total assets by segment.

106

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

17.  Quarterly results (unaudited) 

(in thousands, except per share data)
Total revenue

Gross profit

Income from operations

Income before provision for income taxes

Net income

Earnings per share
Basic(1)
Diluted

(in thousands, except per share data)
Total revenue

Gross profit

Income from operations

Income before provision for income taxes

Net income

Earnings per share

Basic
Diluted(1)

December 31,
2015
175,877 $
90,661

$

10,271

7,255

6,411

December 31,
2014
152,813 $
75,549

$

7,589

5,450

4,816

September 30,
2015
158,811 $

June 30,
2015
156,259 $

March 31,
2015
146,993

84,638

13,968

12,344

7,911

82,829

14,461

11,314

7,042

September 30,
2014
144,598 $

June 30,
2014
139,388 $

March 31,
2014
127,622

76,450

13,502

12,276

10,380

74,692

15,996

14,906

9,280

$

$

0.14 $

0.14 $

0.17 $

0.17 $

0.15 $

0.15 $

75,181

8,012

6,039

4,285

0.09

0.09

64,292

9,277

6,602

3,814

0.08

0.08

$

$

0.11 $

0.10 $

0.23 $

0.23 $

0.21 $

0.20 $

(1)  The individual amounts for each quarter may not sum to full year totals due to rounding.

The results of operations of acquired companies are included in the consolidated results of operations from the date of 
their respective acquisition as described in Note 3 of these consolidated financial statements. In addition, we completed 
the sale of a business in 2015 as discussed in Note 18 of these consolidated financial statements.

18. Disposition of business

On May 18, 2015, we completed the sale of RLC Customer Technology B.V. ("RLC"), a formerly wholly-owned entity 
based  in  the  Netherlands,  to  a  private  software  company  by  selling  all  of  the  issued  and  outstanding  stock  of  RLC  in 
exchange for $0.4 million in gross cash proceeds. We incurred an insignificant amount of legal costs associated with the 
disposition of this business. As part of the disposition, we derecognized $1.4 million of goodwill related to RLC. As a result 
of this disposition, we also recognized an insignificant foreign currency translation loss in our consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income. Overall, this transaction, including costs associated with the disposition and the recognition of an 
insignificant foreign currency translation gain, resulted in a $2.0 million loss, which was recorded in loss on sale of business 
in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2015. The disposition of RLC 
did not qualify for reporting as a discontinued operation since the transaction did not represent a strategic shift in our 
operations.

2015 Form 10-K

107

  
Blackbaud, Inc.
Notes to consolidated financial statements (continued)

The following table presents the carrying amounts of RLC's assets and liabilities immediately preceding the disposition on 
May 18, 2015, which are excluded from our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015.

(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net of allowance

Prepaid expenses and other assets
Property and equipment, net
Deferred tax asset
Goodwill
Intangible assets, net

Total assets held-for-sale

Trade accounts payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Deferred revenue
Deferred tax liability

Total liabilities held-for-sale

19. Restructuring

$

$

$

$

952
132

38
31
6
1,374
289
2,822

82
181
490
90
843

During 2012, in an effort to consolidate our operating locations, we decided not to renew our lease for office space in 
San Diego, CA, which matured on June 30, 2013. As a result, we initiated a plan to transition most of our operations 
based in San Diego, CA to our Austin, TX location, which we substantially completed in June 2013 when the lease ended. 
The amount we incurred in before-tax restructuring charges related to our San Diego office transition during the year 
ended December 31, 2013 was insignificant.

In January 2013, we implemented a realignment of our workforce in response to changes in the nonprofit industry and 
global economy. The realignment included a reduction in workforce of approximately 135 positions. The cost associated 
with this realignment was substantially incurred during 2013. We incurred $3.2 million in before-tax restructuring charges 
related to the realignment of our workforce during the year ended December 31, 2013.

108

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.

Item 9. Changes in and disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and procedures

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) are designed only to provide 
reasonable assurance that they will meet their objectives. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried 
out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive 
Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer), of the effectiveness 
of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 
13a-15(b). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our 
disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide the reasonable assurance discussed above.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

No change in internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2015 with 
respect to our operations that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over 
financial reporting.

We have excluded Smart Tuition from our assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, 
because it was acquired on October 2, 2015. Smart Tuition assets represented 5.5% of our total assets and 1.3% of our 
total revenue as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015.

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 Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). 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 U.S. GAAP. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those 
policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect 
the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary 
to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are 
being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance 
regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a 
material effect on the financial statements.

Our  management  conducted  an  evaluation  of  the  effectiveness  of  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of 
December 31, 2015, based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework). Based on this evaluation under the Internal 
Control - Integrated Framework, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective 
as of December 31, 2015.

Attestation report of registered public accounting firm

The  effectiveness  of  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December 31,  2015,  has  been  audited  by  our 
independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their attestation report, which is included in Item 8 of this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 9B. Other information

None.

2015 Form 10-K

109

Blackbaud, Inc.

PART III.

Item 10. Directors, executive officers and corporate governance

The information required by Item 10 with respect to Directors and Executive Officers is incorporated by reference from the 
information under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Information Regarding Meetings of the Board and Committees,” 
“Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” and “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Code of 
Ethics,” contained in Blackbaud’s Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders expected to be held on 
June 15, 2016, except for the identification of executive officers of the Registrant which is set forth in Part I of this report.

Item 11. Executive compensation

The  information  required  by  Item 11  is  incorporated  by  reference  from  the  information  under  the  captions  "Director 
Compensation,"  “Executive  Compensation,”  “Compensation  Discussion  and  Analysis”  and  “Summary  Compensation 
Table” contained in Blackbaud’s Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders expected to be held on 
June 15, 2016.

Item 12. Security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters

The information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference from information under the captions “Stock Ownership” 
and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” contained in Blackbaud’s Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of 
Stockholders expected to be held on June 15, 2016.

Item 13. Certain relationships, related transactions and director independence

The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference from the information under the captions “Transactions 
with Related Persons,” and “Independence of Directors” contained in Blackbaud’s Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual 
Meeting of Stockholders expected to be held on June 15, 2016.

Item 14. Principal accountant fees and services

The information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference from the information under the caption “Audit Committee 
Report,” contained in Blackbaud’s Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders expected to be held on 
June 15, 2016.

110

2015 Form 10-K

Blackbaud, Inc.

PART IV.

Item 15. Exhibits and financial statement schedules

(a) The following documents are included as part of the Annual Report on Form 10-K:

1. 

 Financial statements

The following statements are filed as part of this report: 

Report of independent registered public accounting firm

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 
2013

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

Notes to consolidated financial statements

2.  Financial statement schedules

Page No.

64

65

66

67

68

69

Schedules not listed above have been omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable 
or is shown in the financial statements thereto.

3.  Exhibits

The exhibits listed below are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

Exhibit 
Number
2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5 *

2.6

Description of Document
Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reincorporation
dated April 6, 2004

Stock Purchase Agreement dated January 16, 2007
by and among Target Software, Inc., Target Analysis
Group, Inc., all of the stockholders of Target
Software, Inc. and Target Analysis Group, Inc.,
Charles Longfield, as stockholder representative, and
Blackbaud, Inc.

Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 29,
2008 by and among Blackbaud, Inc., Eucalyptus
Acquisition Corporation and Kintera, Inc.

Share Purchase Agreement dated as of April 29,
2009 between RLC Group B.V., as the Seller, and
Blackbaud, Inc., as the Purchaser

Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of February 1,
2011 by and among Public Interest Data, Inc., all for
the stockholders of Public Interest Data, Inc., Stephen
W. Zautke, as stockholder representative and
Blackbaud, Inc.

Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of January
16, 2012 by and among Blackbaud, Inc., Caribou
Acquisition Corporation and Convio, Inc.

Filed In

Registrant’s
Form
S-1/A

Dated
4/6/2004

Exhibit
Number
2.1

Filed
Herewith

8-K

1/18/2007

2.2

8-K

5/30/2008

2.3

10-Q

8/7/2009

10.42

10-Q

5/10/2011

2.3

8-K

1/17/2012

2.4

2015 Form 10-K

111

 
 
Blackbaud, Inc.

Description of Document

Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of October 6,
2011 by and among Everyday Hero Pty. Ltd., all of
the stockholders of Everyday Hero Pty. Ltd., Nathan
Betteridge as stockholder representative and
Blackbaud Pacific Pty. Ltd.

Purchase Agreement, dated August 30, 2014, by and
among MicroEdge Holdings, LLC, Blackbaud, Inc,
direct and indirect holders of all of the outstanding
equity interests of MicroEdge Holdings, LLC, and VFF
I AIV I, L.P., as Sellers’ Representative.

Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 10,
2015, by and between Smart Tuition Holdings, LLC
and Blackbaud, Inc.

Amendment, Consent and Waiver, Agreement dated
as of October 2, 2015, by and between Smart Tuition
Holdings, LLC and Blackbaud, Inc.

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
of Blackbaud, Inc.

  Amended and Restated Bylaws of Blackbaud, Inc.

Blackbaud, Inc. 1999 Stock Option Plan, as amended

Blackbaud, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan, as amended

Blackbaud, Inc. 2004 Stock Plan, as amended,
together with Form of Notice of Stock Option Grant
and Stock Option Agreement

Form of Notice of Restricted Stock Grant and
Restricted Stock Agreement under the Blackbaud,
Inc. 2004 Stock Plan

Form of Notice of Stock Appreciation Rights Grant
and Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement under the
Blackbaud, Inc. 2004 Stock Plan

Filed In

Registrant’s
Form
10-K

Dated
2/29/2012

Exhibit
Number
2.7

Filed
Herewith

8-K

10/2/2014

10.76

8-K

10/8/2015

10.78

8-K

10/8/2015

10.79

DEF 14A

4/30/2009

8-K

S-1/A

S-1/A

8-K

3/22/2011

4/6/2004

4/6/2004

3.4

10.6

10.8

6/20/2006

10.20

10-K

2/28/2007

10.26

10-K

2/28/2007

10.27

Blackbaud, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan

DEF 14A

4/29/2008

Form of Notice of Grant and Stock Option
Agreement under Blackbaud, Inc. 2008 Equity
Incentive Plan

Form of Notice of Grant and Restricted Stock
Agreement under Blackbaud, Inc. 2008 Equity
Incentive Plan

Form of Notice of Grant and Stock Appreciation
Rights Agreement under Blackbaud, Inc. 2008 Equity
Incentive Plan

S-8

S-8

S-8

8/4/2008

10.34

8/4/2008

10.35

8/4/2008

10.36

Exhibit
 Number  

2.7

2.8

2.9

3.0

3.4

3.5

10.6 †

10.8 †

10.20 †

10.26 †

10.27 †

10.33 †

10.34 †

10.35 †

10.36 †

10.37 †**  Kintera, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan, as amended,

10-K/A

3/26/2008

10.2

and form of Stock Option Agreement thereunder

10.38 †**  Kintera, Inc. Amended and Restated 2003 Equity

10-K/A

3/26/2008

10.3

Incentive Plan, as amended, and form of Stock
Option Agreement thereunder

10.39 †

Form of Retention Agreement

10.40

10.41 †

10.49 †

Triple Net Lease Agreement dated as of October 1,
2008 between Blackbaud, Inc. and Duck Pond Creek-
SPE, LLC

Blackbaud, Inc. 2009 Equity Compensation Plan for
Employees from Acquired Companies

Employment Agreement dated November 7, 2008
between Blackbaud, Inc. and Charlie Cumbaa

10-Q

8-K

11/10/2008

12/11/2008

10.37

10.37

S-8

7/2/2009

10.41

10-Q

11/8/2011

10.49

112

2015 Form 10-K

 
 
 
Blackbaud, Inc.

Exhibit 
Number  
10.50 †

10.55 †

Description of Document

Employment Agreement dated June 25, 2008
between Blackbaud, Inc. and Kevin Mooney

Employment Agreement dated November 14, 2011
between Blackbaud, Inc. and Anthony W. Boor

10.59 †*** Convio, Inc. 2009 Amended and Restated Stock
Incentive Plan, as amended, and forms of stock
option agreements

10.60 †*** Convio, Inc. Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option

Notice (Double Trigger)

10.61 †*** Convio, Inc. Form of Restricted Stock Unit Notice
(Double Trigger) and Agreement

10.62 †*** Convio, Inc. 1999 Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan,
as amended, and forms of stock option agreements
Blackbaud, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, as
amended

10.63 †

10.64 †

10.65 †

10.66

10.68 †

10.69 †

10.70 †

10.71 †

10.72 †

10.73

10.74

Amendment to the Blackbaud, Inc. 2008 Equity
Incentive Plan

Form of Employment Agreement between Blackbaud,
Inc. and each of Anthony W. Boor, Charles T.
Cumbaa, Jana B. Eggers, Kevin W. Mooney and
Joseph D. Moye

Lease Amendment and Remediation Agreement
entered into as of March 22, 2013, by and between
Blackbaud, Inc. and Duck Pond Creek-SPE, LLC.

Form of Management Transition Retention
Agreement between Blackbaud, Inc. and each of
Anthony W. Boor, Charles T. Cumbaa, Jana B.
Eggers, Kevin W. Mooney and Joseph D. Moye

Management Transition Retention Agreement
between Blackbaud, Inc. and Bradley J. Holman

Letter Agreement dated October 23, 2013 between
Blackbaud, Inc. and Anthony W. Boor

Offer Letter Agreement dated November 7, 2013
between Blackbaud, Inc. and Michael P. Gianoni
Employment  and Noncompetition Agreement dated
November 8, 2013 between Blackbaud, Inc. and
Michael P. Gianoni

Credit Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2014, by
and among Blackbaud, Inc., as Borrower, the lenders
referred to therein, SunTrust Bank, as Administrative
Agent, Swingline Lender and an Issuing Lender, Bank
of America, N.A., as an Issuing Lender and
Syndication Agent, and Regions Bank and Fifth Third
Bank as Co-Documentation Agents with SunTrust
Robinson Humphrey, Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce Fenner
& Smith Incorporated and Fifth Third Bank, as Joint
Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners.

Pledge Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2014, by
Blackbaud and Convio in favor of SunTrust Bank, as
Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of itself
and the secured parties referred to therein.

Filed In

Registrant’s
Form
10-Q

Dated
11/8/2011

Exhibit
Number
10.50

Filed
Herewith

10-K

2/29/2012

10.55

S-1/A

3/19/2010

10.1

8-K

8-K

S-1

8-K

8-K

2/28/2011

10.1

2/28/2011

10.2

1/22/2010

10.2

6/26/2012
6/26/2012

10.59

10.60

10-K

2/26/2013

10.65

8-K

3/28/2013

10.66

10-Q

5/7/2013

10.68

10-Q

5/7/2013

10.69

8-K

10/25/2013

10.70

10-K

2/26/2014

10.71

10-K

2/26/2014

10.72

8-K

3/3/2014

10.73

8-K

3/3/2014

10.74

2015 Form 10-K

113

 
 
 
Blackbaud, Inc.

Exhibit 
Number  
10.75

10.77

10.80 †

10.81 †

21.1

23.1

31.1   

31.2   

32.1   

32.2   

Description of Document

Guaranty Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2014,
by Convio in favor of SunTrust Bank, as
Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of itself
and the secured parties referred to therein.
Employment contract between Blackbaud, Inc. and
Bradley J. Holman

Deed of Release dated October 29, 2015 by and
between Bradley J. Holman and Blackbaud Pacific Pty
Ltd.

Amended and Restated Employment and
Noncompetition Agreement dated December 9, 2015
between Blackbaud, Inc. and Michael P. Gianoni

Subsidiaries of Blackbaud, Inc.

Consent of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm

Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant
to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant
to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant
to 18 U.S.C. 1350 as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant
to 18 U.S.C. 1350 as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS ****  XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH ****  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL ****  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

Document

101.DEF ****  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

Document

101.LAB ****  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE ****  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

Document

Filed In

Registrant’s
Form
8-K

Dated
3/3/2014

Exhibit
Number
10.75

Filed
Herewith

10-Q

8/6/2015

10.77

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

*

**

The registrant has applied for an extension of the confidential treatment it was previously granted with respect
to portions of this exhibit. Those portions have been omitted from the exhibit and filed separately with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Kintera, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan, as amended, and form of Stock Option Agreement thereunder
(“Kintera 2000 Plan Documents”) and the Kintera, Inc. Amended and Restated 2003 Equity Incentive Plan, as
amended, and form of Stock Option Agreement thereunder (“Kintera 2003 Plan Documents”) were filed by
Kintera in its Form 10-K/A on March 26, 2008 as Exhibits 10.2 and 10.3, respectively. We assumed the Kintera
2000 Plan Documents and Kintera 2003 Plan Documents when we acquired Kintera in July 2008. We filed the
Kintera 2000 Plan Documents and Kintera 2003 Plan Documents by incorporation by reference as exhibits
10.37 and 10.38, respectively, in our Form S-8 on August 4, 2008.

114

2015 Form 10-K

 
 
 
Blackbaud, Inc.

***

The Convio, Inc. 2009 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, and forms of stock option
agreements thereunder (“Convio 2009 Original Plan Documents”) and the Convio, Inc. 1999 Stock Option/
Stock Issuance Plan, as amended, and forms of stock option agreements thereunder (“Convio 1999 Plan
Documents”) were filed by Convio in its Forms S-1/A and S-1, filed March 19, 2010 and January 25, 2010 as
exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, respectively. The Convio, Inc. Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Notice (Double
Trigger) and Convio, Inc. Form of Restricted Stock Unit Notice (Double Trigger) and Agreement were filed by
Convio in its Form 8-K on February 28, 2011 as exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 (together with the Convio 2009 Original
Plan Documents, the “Convio 2009 Plan Documents”). We assumed the Convio 2009 Plan Documents and
Convio 1999 Plan Documents when we acquired Convio in May 2012. We filed the Convio 2009 Plan
Documents and Convio 1999 Plan Documents by incorporation by reference as exhibits 10.59, 10.60, 10.61
and 10.62 in our Form S-8 on May 7, 2012.

**** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Annual Report on

Form 10-K shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or
otherwise subject to liability of that Section, and shall not be part of any registration statement or other
document filed under the Securities Act of the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific
reference in such filing.

†

Indicates management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.

2015 Form 10-K

115

Blackbaud, Inc.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused 
this Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Signed: February 24, 2016

Blackbaud, Inc.

/S/    MICHAEL P. GIANONI 

President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Form 10-K has been signed below by the 
following persons on behalf of the Registrant and on the dates indicated.

/S/    MICHAEL P. GIANONI 
          Michael P. Gianoni

President, Chief Executive Officer and
Director (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: February 24, 2016

/S/    ANTHONY W. BOOR           
          Anthony W. Boor

Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer (Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer)

Date: February 24, 2016

/S/    ANDREW M. LEITCH           
          Andrew M. Leitch

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Date: February 24, 2016

/S/    TIMOTHY CHOU        
          Timothy Chou

/S/    GEORGE H. ELLIS        
          George H. Ellis

/S/    DAVID G. GOLDEN        
          David G. Golden

/S/    SARAH E. NASH        
          Sarah E. Nash

/S/    JOYCE M. NELSON     
         Joyce M. Nelson

/S/    PETER J. KIGHT
         Peter J. Kight

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

116

2015 Form 10-K

Date: February 24, 2016

Date: February 24, 2016

Date: February 24, 2016

Date: February 24, 2016

Date: February 24, 2016

Date: February 24, 2016

 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
SUBSIDIARIES OF BLACKBAUD, INC. 
As of February 24, 2016 

Blackbaud, Inc.

Subsidiaries

AngelPoints, LLC

Blackbaud Asia Limited

Blackbaud Canada, Inc.

Blackbaud Europe Ltd.

Blackbaud Global Ltd.

Blackbaud, LLC

Blackbaud Pacific Pty. Ltd.

Convio, LLC

Everyday Hero Ltd.

Everyday Hero Pty. Ltd.

Microedge Holdings, LLC

Microedge Intermediate Holdings, LLC

Microedge, LLC

MyCharity, Ltd.

NPO Account Services, LLC

Public Interest Data, LLC

Smart, LLC

VFF I AIV I Corp.

EXHIBIT 21.1 

Organized Under
Laws of:

Delaware

Delaware

Hong Kong

Canada

Scotland

England and Wales

South Carolina

Australia

Delaware

England and Wales

Australia

Delaware

Delaware

New York

Ireland

Delaware

Virginia

Delaware

Delaware

WhippleHill Communications, LLC

New Hampshire

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 

(No. 333-120690, No. 333-138448, No. 333-152749, No. 333-160423, No. 333-181210, and 333-182407) 

of Blackbaud, Inc., of our report dated February 24, 2016, relating to the financial statements and the 

effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/S/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina
February 24, 2016

Blackbaud, Inc.

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Michael P. Gianoni, certify that:

1. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Blackbaud, Inc.;

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 

material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such 
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as 
of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls 

and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial 
reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.  designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the 
period in which this report is being prepared;

b.  designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial 

reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c.  evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this 

report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of 
the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.  disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred 
during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an 
annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s 
internal control over financial reporting; and

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 

control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of 
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.  all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over 

financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, 
summarize and report financial information; and

b.  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant 

role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 24, 2016

By:

  /s/ Michael P. Gianoni
Michael P. Gianoni
  President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 
Blackbaud, Inc.

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Anthony W. Boor, certify that:

1. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Blackbaud, Inc.;

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 

material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such 
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as 
of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls 

and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial 
reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.  designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the 
period in which this report is being prepared;

b.  designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial 

reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c.  evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this 

report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of 
the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.  disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred 
during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an 
annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s 
internal control over financial reporting; and

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 

control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of 
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.  all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over 

financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, 
summarize and report financial information; and

b.  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant 

role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 24, 2016

By:

  /s/ Anthony W. Boor
Anthony W. Boor
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 
Blackbaud, Inc.

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Blackbaud, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ended 
December 31, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about the date hereof (the “Report”), 
I, Michael P. Gianoni, President and Chief Executive Officer, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted 
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

1.  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 

1934; and

2.  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and 

results of operations of the Company.

Date: February 24, 2016

By:

  /s/ Michael P. Gianoni       
Michael P. Gianoni
  President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 
Blackbaud, Inc.

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Blackbaud, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ended 
December 31, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about the date hereof (the “Report”), 
I, Anthony W. Boor, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as 
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

1.  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 

1934; and

2.  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and 

results of operations of the Company.

Date: February 24, 2016

By:

  /s/ Anthony W. Boor        
Anthony W. Boor
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 
Blackbaud, Inc.
2000 Daniel Island Drive
Charleston, South Carolina 29492
Phone: 800-443-9441
Fax: 843-216-6100
www.blackbaud.com