Biggest changeThe following table presents a reconciliation of our non-GAAP net loss and non-GAAP net loss per share to our GAAP net loss and GAAP net loss per share, respectively, which are the most directly comparable measures as determined in accordance with GAAP, for the periods presented (in thousands, except per share data ): Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 GAAP net loss $ (919,488) $ (532,607) Add: Stock-based compensation expense 537,818 347,159 Employer tax related to employee stock transactions 19,859 50,574 Amortization of intangible assets expense 172,551 33,483 Costs incurred in connection with the formation of Unity China 6,138 — Acquisition-related costs 41,465 14,803 Restructuring charges 11,008 — Legal settlement costs 3,250 — Lease termination expense — 49,795 Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments 21,254 (6,415) Non-GAAP net loss $ (106,145) $ (43,208) GAAP net loss per share attributable to our common stockholders, basic and diluted $ (2.96) $ (1.89) Total impact on net loss per share, basic and diluted, from non-GAAP adjustments 2.62 1.73 Non-GAAP net loss per share attributable to our common stockholders, basic and diluted $ (0.34) $ (0.16) Weighted-average common shares used in GAAP net loss per share computation, basic and diluted 310,504 282,195 Weighted-average common shares used in non-GAAP net loss per share computation, basic and diluted 310,504 282,195 Free Cash Flow We define free cash flow as net cash (used in) provided by operating activities less cash used for purchases of property and equipment.
Biggest changeThe following table presents a reconciliation of our adjusted EBITDA to net loss, the most directly comparable measure as determined in accordance with GAAP, for the periods presented (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 GAAP net loss $ (826,322) $ (919,488) Stock-based compensation expense 648,696 537,818 Amortization of intangible assets expense 515,489 172,551 Depreciation expense 48,427 39,025 Acquisition-related costs 888 41,465 Restructuring and reorganization costs 70,373 17,146 Insurance reimbursement for legal settlement (3,250) 3,250 Interest expense 24,580 7,404 Interest income and other expense, net (59,529) (7,192) Income tax expense 28,477 37,063 Adjusted EBITDA $ 447,829 $ (70,958) Free Cash Flow We define free cash flow as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less cash used for purchases of property and equipment.
General and Administrative Our general and administrative expenses primarily consist of personnel-related costs for finance, legal, human resources, IT and administrative employees; professional fees for external legal, accounting and other professional services; and allocated overhead.
General and Administrative Our general and administrative expenses primarily consist of personnel-related costs for finance, legal, human resources, IT and administrative employees; allocated overhead, and professional fees for external legal, accounting and other professional services.
In addition, we may enter into additional strategic partnerships as well as agreements to acquire or invest in complementary products, teams and technologies, including intellectual property rights, which could increase our cash requirements. As a result of these and other factors, we may choose or be required to seek additional equity or debt financing sooner than we currently anticipate.
In addition, we may enter into additional strategic partnerships as well as agreements to acquire or invest in complementary offerings, teams and technologies, including intellectual property rights, which could increase our cash requirements. As a result of these and other factors, we may choose or be required to seek additional equity or debt financing sooner than we currently anticipate.
Forward-looking statements, like all statements in this report, speak only as of their date (unless another date is indicated), and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these statements in light of future developments. See the section titled “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this report.
Forward-looking statements, like all statements in this report, speak only as of their date (unless another date is indicated), and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these statements in light of future developments. See the section titled "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in this report.
The critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgements that we believe have the most significant impact on our consolidated financial statements are described below. Re venue Recognition Subscriptions to our Create Solutions provide customers with software, embedded cloud functionality, and software updates.
The critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgements that we believe have the most significant impact on our consolidated financial statements are described below. Revenue Recognition Subscriptions to our Create Solutions provide customers with software, embedded cloud functionality, and software updates.
Some of these limitations are: • it is not a substitute for net cash (used in) provided by operating activities; • other companies may calculate free cash flow or similarly titled non-GAAP measures differently or may use other measures to evaluate their performance, all of which could reduce the usefulness of free cash flow as a tool for comparison; and • the utility of free cash flow is further limited as it does not reflect our future contractual commitments and does not represent the total increase or decrease in our cash balance for any given period. 56 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc.
Some of these limitations are: • it is not a substitute for net cash (used in) provided by operating activities; • other companies may calculate free cash flow or similarly titled non-GAAP measures differently or may use other measures to evaluate their performance, all of which could reduce the usefulness of free cash flow as a tool for comparison; and • the utility of free cash flow is further limited as it does not reflect our future contractual commitments and does not represent the total increase or decrease in our cash balance for any given period.
In particular, we encourage you to review the risks and uncertainties described in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this report. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements contained in this report or implied by past results and trends.
In particular, we encourage you to review the risks and uncertainties described in "Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors" included elsewhere in this report. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements contained in this report or implied by past results and trends.
Our cash flows fluctuate from period to period due to revenue seasonality, timi ng of billings, collections, and publisher payments. Historical cash flows are not necessarily indicative of our results in any future period.
Our cash flows fluctuate from period to period due to revenue seasonality, timing of billings, collections, and publisher payments. Historical cash flows are not necessarily indicative of our results in any future period.
As of December 31, 2022 2021 2020 Dollar-based net expansion rate 116 % 140 % 138 % Our dollar-based net expansion rate as of December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 was driven primarily by the sales of additional subscriptions and services to our existing Create Solutions customers and cross-selling our solutions to all of our customers.
As of December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Dollar-based net expansion rate 104 % 116 % 140 % Our dollar-based net expansion rate as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 was driven primarily by the sales of additional subscriptions and services to our existing Create Solutions customers and cross-selling our solutions to all of our customers.
This section of this Form 10-K generally discusses 2022 and 2021 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2022 and 2021.
This section of this Form 10-K generally discusses 2023 and 2022 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2023 and 2022.
We consider the embedded cloud functionality to be a separate performance obligation, however, its pattern of performance aligns with the software and software updates, which enables us to treat the subscription agreements as one performance obligation that is recognized ratably over the term of the agreement.
We consider the embedded cloud functionality to be a separate performance obligation, however, its pattern of performance aligns with the software and software updates, which enables us to treat the subscription agreements as one performance obligation that is recognized ratably over the term of the agreement. 52 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc.
To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made, and could have a material impact on our financial condition and operating results.
To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in 53 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc. which such determination is made and could have a material impact on our financial condition and operating results.
In connection with the ironSource Merger in November 2022, we issued $1.0 billion in aggregate amount of 2.0% convertible notes due 2027 (the "2027 Notes"), the proceeds of which were used to fund repurchases under our share repurchase program.
In connection with the ironSource Merger in November 2022, we issued $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of 2.0% convertible senior notes due 2027, the proceeds of which were used to fund repurchases under our share repurchase program. We previously issued $1.7 billion in aggregate principal amount of 0% convertible senior notes due 2026 in November 2021.
If we are unable to raise additional capital when required, or if we cannot expand our operations or otherwise capitalize on our business opportunities because we lack sufficient capital, our business, results of operations, and financial condition would be adversely affected.
If we are unable to raise additional capital when required, or if we cannot expand our operations or otherwise capitalize on our business opportunities because we lack sufficient capital, our business, results of operations, and financial condition would be adversely affected. 51 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc.
Supersonic provides game developers with the infrastructure and expertise to launch their mobile games and manage their growth; this is achieved through marketability testing tools, live games management tools and game design support, and optimizing the implementation of the customer's commercial model.
Our game publishing services provide game developers with the infrastructure and expertise to launch their mobile games and manage their growth; this is achieved through marketability testing tools, live games management tools and game design support, and optimizing the implementation of the customer's commercial model.
We focus on the number of customers that generated more than $100,000 of revenue in the trailing 12 months, as this segment of our customer base represents the majority of our revenue and revenue growth. We expect that trend to continue. We define a customer as an individual or entity that generated revenue during the measurement period.
Customers Contributing More Than $100,000 of Revenue We focus on the number of customers that generated more than $100,000 of revenue in the trailing 12 months, as this segment of our customer base represents the majority of our revenue. We define a customer as an individual or entity that generated revenue during the measurement period.
Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur which may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results. 59 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc. Income Taxes We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions.
Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur which may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results. Income Taxes We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions.
Non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP loss from operations have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.
Adjusted gross profit and adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.
Sales and Marketing Our sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of personnel-related costs; advertising and marketing programs, including digital account-based marketing, user events such as developer-centric conferences and our annual Unite user conferences; and allocated overhead.
Sales and Marketing Our sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of personnel-related costs, advertising and marketing programs, including user acquisition costs and digital account-based marketing, user events such as developer-centric conferences and our annual Unite user conferences, and amortization expenses related to intangible assets.
Discussion of 2020 and year-over-year comparisons between fiscal 2021 and 2020 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, that was filed with the SEC on February 22, 2022, and are incorporated by reference herein.
Discussion of 2021 and year-over-year comparisons between fiscal 2022 and 2021 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found under the heading "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, that was filed with the SEC on February 27, 2023, and are incorporated by reference herein. 41 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc.
If additional financing is required from outside sources, we may not be able to raise it on terms acceptable to us, or at all, including as a result of macroeconomic conditions such as rising interest rates and volatility in the capital market.
If additional financing is required from outside sources, we may not be able to raise it on terms acceptable to us, or at all, including as a result of macroeconomic conditions such as high interest rates, volatility in the capital markets and liquidity concerns at, or failures of, banks and other financial institutions.
Current period revenue is the trailing 12-month revenue from these same customers as of the current period end. Our dollar-based net expansion rate includes the effect of any customer renewals, expansion, contraction, and churn but excludes revenue from new customers in the current period.
Our dollar-based net expansion rate includes the effect of any customer renewals, expansion, contraction, and churn but excludes revenue from new customers in the current period.
We expect that our general and administrative expenses will increase in absolute dollars and may fluctuate as a percentage of revenue from period to period as we scale to support the growth of our business.
We expect that our general and administrative expenses will increase in absolute dollars in the long term, as we scale to support the growth of our business but decrease in the short term as we reset our strategic portfolio. We expect general and administrative expenses to fluctuate as a percentage of revenue from period to period.
We believe that non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP loss from operations provide our management and investors consistency and comparability with our past financial performance and facilitates period-to-period comparisons of operations, as these metrics exclude expenses that we do not consider to be indicative of our overall operating performance.
We believe that adjusted gross profit and adjusted EBITDA provide our management and investors consistency and comparability with our past financial performance and facilitates period-to-period comparisons of operations, as these metrics exclude expenses that we do not consider to be indicative of our overall operating performance. 48 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc.
As a result, our non-GAAP financial measures are presented for supplemental informational purposes only and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for our consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP. In addition, we have used the non-GAAP financial measures below through fiscal year 2022.
As a result, our non-GAAP financial measures are presented for supplemental informational purposes only and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for our consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP.
We use non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP loss from operations in conjunction with traditional GAAP measures to evaluate our financial performance.
We use adjusted gross profit and adjusted EBITDA in conjunction with traditional GAAP measures to evaluate our financial performance.
Liquidity and Capital Resources As of December 31, 2022, our principal sources of liquidity were cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $1.6 billion, which were primarily held for working capital purposes. Our cash equivalents and short-term investments are invested primarily in fixed income securities, including government and investment-grade debt securities and money market funds.
Liquidity and Capital Resources As of December 31, 2023, our principal sources of liquidity were cash and cash equivalents totaling $1.6 billion, which were primarily held for working capital purposes. Our cash equivalents are invested primarily in government money market funds.
The chart below illustrates that our dollar-based net expansion rate has been declining over the last year with a slight rebound in the fourth quarter due to the ironSource Merger. Despite this decline, we are still maintaining strong relationships with our existing customers. 47 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc.
The chart below illustrates that our dollar-based net expansion rate has been declining over the last year with a slight rebound in the fourth quarter of 2022 due to the ironSource Merger. 43 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc.
Some of these limitations are: • they exclude expense associated with our equity compensation plans, although equity compensation has been, and will continue to be, an important part of our compensation strategy; • non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP loss from operations excludes the expense of amortization of acquired intangible assets, and although these are non-cash expenses, the assets being amortized may have to be replaced in the future and non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP loss from operations does not reflect cash expenditure for such replacements; • non-GAAP loss from operations excludes costs incurred in connection with the formation of Unity China; • non-GAAP loss from operations excludes costs incurred from our acquisitions; • non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP loss from operations excludes costs incurred from restructuring activities that we initiated during the year ended December 31, 2022; • non-GAAP loss from operations excludes costs incurred from legal settlements that we anticipate recovering through insurance in a later period; • non-GAAP loss from operations excludes expense for the termination of a future lease agreement, although there is no guarantee that the company will not incur similar expenses in the future; and • the expenses and other items that we exclude in our calculation of non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP loss from operations may differ from the expenses and other items, if any, that other companies may exclude from this measure or similarly titled measures, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures. 53 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc.
Some of these limitations are: • they exclude expense associated with our equity compensation plans, although equity compensation has been, and will continue to be, an important part of our compensation strategy; • adjusted gross profit and adjusted EBITDA excludes the expense of amortization of acquired intangible assets and depreciation of property and equipment, and although these are non-cash expenses, the assets being amortized may have to be replaced in the future and adjusted gross profit and adjusted EBITDA does not reflect cash expenditure for such replacements; • adjusted EBITDA excludes costs incurred from our acquisitions, and in connection with the formation of Unity China; • adjusted gross profit and adjusted EBITDA excludes costs incurred from restructuring activities; • adjusted EBITDA excludes costs incurred from legal settlements that we anticipate recovering through insurance, and subsequent recoveries of those amounts; • the expenses and other items that we exclude in our calculation of adjusted gross profit and adjusted EBITDA may differ from the expenses and other items, if any, that other companies may exclude from this measure or similarly titled measures, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures.
For additional details, refer to the section titled "Risk Factors." Key Metrics We monitor the following key metrics to help us evaluate the health of our business, identify trends affecting our growth, formulate goals and objectives, and make strategic decisions. Customers Contributing More Than $100,000 of Revenue We have a history of strong growth in our customer base.
For additional details, refer to the section titled "Risk Factors." Key Metrics We monitor the following key metrics to help us evaluate the health of our business, identify trends affecting our growth, formulate goals and objectives, and make strategic decisions.
We also experienced an increase of these customers as a result of the acquisition of ironSource. While these customers represented the substantial majority of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, no one customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenue for any of those years.
While these customers represented the substantial majority of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, no one customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenue for any of those years.
We track our performance by measuring our dollar-based net expansion rate, which compares our Create and Grow Solutions revenue from the same set of customers across comparable periods, calculated on a trailing 12-month basis. 46 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc.
We track our performance by measuring our dollar-based net expansion rate, which compares our Create and Grow Solutions revenue, excluding Strategic Partnerships and, starting in the first quarter of 2023, Supersonic, from the same set of customers across comparable periods, calculated on a trailing 12-month basis.
Create Solutions We generate Create Solutions revenue primarily through our suite of Create Solutions subscriptions, enterprise support, professional services and cloud and hosting services. Our subscriptions provide customers access to technologies that allow them to edit, run, and iterate interactive, RT3D and 2D experiences that can be created once and deployed to a variety of platforms.
Our subscriptions provide customers access to technologies that allow them to edit, run, and iterate interactive, RT3D and 2D experiences that can be created once and deployed to a variety of platforms. Enhanced support services are provided to our enterprise customers and are sold separately from the Create Solutions subscriptions.
We expect our gross profit to increase in absolute dollars in the long term, but we expect our gross profit as a percentage of revenue, or gross margin, to fluctuate from period to period.
We expect our gross profit to increase in absolute dollars in the long term but decrease in the short term as we reset our product portfolio to focus on the Unity Engine and Monetization solutions. We expect our gross profit as a percentage of revenue, or gross margin, to fluctuate from period to period.
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased, compared to the comparable prior year period, due to our debt issuance costs amortization and interest accrued on our interest-bearing convertible debt issued in 2022.
Interest Expense Interest expense consists primarily of interest expense associated with our convertible debt and amortization of debt issuance costs. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased, compared to the comparable prior year period, due to accrued interest on our 2027 Notes and amortization of debt issuance costs.
Our dollar-based net expansion rate as of a period end is calculated as current period revenue divided by prior period revenue. Prior period revenue is the trailing 12-month revenue measured as of such prior period end and includes revenue from all customers that contributed revenue during such trailing 12-month period.
Prior period revenue is the trailing 12-month revenue measured as of such prior period end and includes revenue from all customers that contributed revenue during such trailing 12-month period. Current period revenue is the trailing 12-month revenue from these same customers as of the current period end.
Cost of Revenue, Gross Profit, and Gross Margin Cost of revenue consists primarily of hosting expenses, personnel costs (including salaries, benefits, and stock-based compensation) for employees associated with our product support and professional services organizations, allocated overhead (including facilities, information technology ("IT"), and security costs), third-party license fees, and credit card fees, as well as amortization of developed technology intangible assets, related capitalized software and depreciation of related property and equipment.
Cost of Revenue, Gross Profit, and Gross Margin Cost of revenue consists primarily of personnel costs (including salaries, benefits, and stock-based compensation) for employees and subcontractors associated with our product support and professional services organizations, the amortization of intangible assets, hosting expenses, and depreciation of related property and equipment.
We expect that our sales and marketing expense will increase in absolute dollars as we hire additional personnel, increase our account-based marketing, direct marketing and community outreach activities, invest in additional tools and technologies, and continue to build brand awareness. Our expenses may fluctuate as a percentage of revenue from period to period.
We expect that our sales and marketing expense will increase in absolute dollars in the long term, as we hire additional personnel, increase our account-based marketing, direct marketing and community outreach activities, invest in additional tools and technologies, and continue to build brand awareness, but decrease in the short term as we reset our strategic portfolio.
We are presenting these non-GAAP financial measures because we believe, when taken collectively, they may be helpful to investors because they provide consistency and comparability with past financial performance. In the future, we may also exclude non-recurring expenses and other expenses that do not reflect our overall operating results.
We are presenting these non-GAAP financial measures because we believe, when taken collectively, they may be helpful to investors because they provide consistency and comparability with past financial performance.
In July 2022, our board of directors approved our Share Repurchase Program, which authorized the repurchase of up to $2.5 billion of shares of our common stock in open market transactions through November 2024. As of December 31, 2022, $1.0 billion remains available for future share repurchases under this program.
See Note 9, "Borrowings," for additional discussion of the Notes. In July 2022, our board of directors approved our share repurchase program, which authorized the repurchase of up to $2.5 billion of shares of our common stock in open market transactions through November 2024 (the "Share Repurchase Program").
Enhanced support services are provided to our enterprise customers and are sold separately from the Create Solutions subscriptions. Professional services are provided to our customers and include consulting, platform integration, training, and custom application and workflow development. Cloud and hosting services are provided to our customers to simplify and enhance the way our users access and harness our solutions.
Professional services are provided to our customers and include consulting, platform integration, training, and custom application and workflow development. Cloud and hosting services are provided to our customers to simplify and enhance the way our users access and harness our solutions. Grow Solutions We generate Grow Solutions revenue primarily through our monetization solutions and game publishing services.
We believe we will meet longer-term expected future cash requirements and obligations through a combination of cash flows from operating activities, available cash balances, and potential future equity or debt transactions.
We believe our existing sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditures for at least the next 12 months. We believe we will meet longer-term expected future cash requirements and obligations through a combination of cash flows from operating activities, available cash balances, and potential future equity or debt transactions.
Our changes in cash flows were as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 2020 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ (59,431) $ (111,449) $ 19,913 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 723,228 (1,837,360) (575,190) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (226,634) 1,721,002 1,701,455 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 1,926 459 673 Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 439,089 $ (227,348) $ 1,146,851 Cash Used in Operating Activities During the year ended December 31, 2022 , net cash used in operating activities was primarily due to payment in 2022 of the corporate bonus for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, our net loss, prepayments of software licenses, and an increase in working capital as our business grows, partially offset by the receipt of the prepayment of four years of license fees connected to the acquisition of certain assets from Weta Digital.
Our changes in cash flows were as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 234,700 $ (59,431) $ (111,449) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 44,040 723,228 (1,837,360) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (174,015) (226,634) 1,721,002 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (6,146) 1,926 459 Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 98,579 $ 439,089 $ (227,348) Cash Provided by Operating Activities During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to the acquisition and inclusion of operating cash flows from ironSource, and an increase in working capital as our business grows.
The decrease in dollar-based net expansion rate, compared to the comparable prior year periods, is attributable to Grow Solutions and follows a similar trend to the revenue decrease seen from those solutions prior to the ironSource Merger due to softness in the advertising market.
The decrease in dollar-based net expansion rate, compared to the comparable prior year periods, is primarily attributable to Grow Solutions, due to increased competition in the advertising market.
Our total revenue is summarized as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 2020 Create Solutions $ 716,078 $ 506,920 $ 372,717 Grow Solutions 674,946 603,606 399,728 Total revenue $ 1,391,024 $ 1,110,526 $ 772,445 The increase in total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the comparable prior year period, w as primarily due to an increase in new customers, as well as growth among existing customers, within Create Solutions.
Our total revenue is summarized as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Create Solutions $ 859,174 $ 716,078 $ 506,920 Grow Solutions 1,328,143 674,946 603,606 Total revenue $ 2,187,317 $ 1,391,024 $ 1,110,526 The increase in total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the comparable prior year period, was primarily due to the acquisition and inclusion of revenue from ironSource within Grow Solutions.
Research and development expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased, compared to the comparable prior year period, primarily due to higher personnel-related expenses as headcount increased to support continued product innovation and as a result of our acquisition of ironSource. Amortization expense related to intangible assets acquired through our business acquisitions increased by approximately $64.0 million.
Sales and marketing expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased, compared to the comparable prior year period, primarily due to an increase in amortization expense related to intangible assets acquired through our business acquisitions of approximately $136 million, higher user acquisition costs and higher personnel-related expenses due to the ironSource Merger.
Interest income and other expense, net, for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased, compared to the comparable prior year period, primarily due to interest income earned on investments and time deposit accounts and amortization of premium related to investments. 51 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc.
Interest income and other expense, net, for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased, compared to the comparable prior year period, primarily due to rising interest rates increasing the interest and dividend income earned on our money market investments and time deposit accounts.
Grow Solutions We generate Grow Solutions revenue primarily through our monetization solutions, user acquisition offerings, and Supersonic, a game publishing service. Our monetization solutions allow publishers, original equipment manufacturers and mobile carriers to sell available advertising inventory on their mobile applications or hardware devices to advertisers for in-application or on-device placements.
Our monetization solutions allow publishers, original equipment manufacturers, and mobile carriers to sell available advertising inventory on their mobile applications or hardware devices to advertisers for in-application or on-device placements. Our revenue represents the amount we retain from the transaction we are facilitating through our Unified Auction and mediation platform.
Overview Unity is the world’s leading platform for creating and operating interactive, RT3D content. 45 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc. Our platform provides a comprehensive set of software solutions to create, run, and monetize interactive, real-time 2D and 3D content for mobile phones, tablets, PCs, consoles, and augmented and virtual reality devices.
Overview Unity is the world's leading platform for creating and growing interactive, real-time 3D ("RT3D") content and experiences. Our comprehensive set of software, including AI solutions, supports creators through the entire development lifecycle as they build, run, and grow immersive, real-time 2D and 3D content for mobile phones, tablets, PCs, consoles, and augmented and virtual reality devices.
Results of Operations The following table summarizes our consolidated statements of operations data for the periods indicated (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 2020 Revenue $ 1,391,024 $ 1,110,526 $ 772,445 Cost of revenue 442,500 253,630 172,347 Gross profit 948,524 856,896 600,098 Operating expenses Research and development 959,491 695,710 403,515 Sales and marketing 497,956 344,939 216,416 General and administrative 373,290 347,912 254,979 Total operating expenses 1,830,737 1,388,561 874,910 Loss from operations (882,213) (531,665) (274,812) Interest expense (7,404) (1,131) (1,520) Interest income and other expense, net 7,192 1,566 (3,885) Loss before income taxes (882,425) (531,230) (280,217) Provision for income taxes 37,063 1,377 2,091 Net loss $ (919,488) $ (532,607) $ (282,308) The following table sets forth the components of our consolidated statements of operations data as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated: Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 2020 Revenue 100 % 100 % 100 % Cost of revenue 32 23 22 Gross margin 68 77 78 Operating expenses Research and development 69 63 52 Sales and marketing 36 31 28 General and administrative 27 31 33 Total operating expenses 132 125 113 Loss from operations (63) (48) (36) Interest expense (1) — — Interest income and other expense, net 1 — (1) Loss before income taxes (63) (48) (37) Provision for income taxes 3 — — Net loss (66) % (48) % (37) % 48 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc.
Results of Operations The following table summarizes our consolidated statements of operations data for the periods indicated (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Revenue $ 2,187,317 $ 1,391,024 $ 1,110,526 Cost of revenue 733,722 442,500 253,630 Gross profit 1,453,595 948,524 856,896 Operating expenses Research and development 1,053,588 959,491 695,710 Sales and marketing 834,625 497,956 344,939 General and administrative 398,176 373,290 347,912 Total operating expenses 2,286,389 1,830,737 1,388,561 Loss from operations (832,794) (882,213) (531,665) Interest expense (24,580) (7,404) (1,131) Interest income and other expense, net 59,529 7,192 1,566 Loss before income taxes (797,845) (882,425) (531,230) Provision for Income taxes 28,477 37,063 1,377 Net loss $ (826,322) $ (919,488) $ (532,607) 44 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc.
Through Supersonic, we generate revenue from in-app advertising in published games and in some cases, in app purchase revenue.
Through these publishing services, we generate revenue from in-app advertising in published games and in some cases, in app purchase revenue. 45 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc.
Cash Used in Financing Activities During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in financing activities consisted of cash used to repurchase and retire common stock, partially offset by net proceeds from the issuance of the 2027 Notes, capital contributions from non-controlling interest holders, and proceeds from the issuance of common stock under our employee equity plans. 58 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc.
Cash Used in Financing Activities During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in financing activities consisted of repurchases and retirement of common stock, offset by the proceeds from the issuance of common stock under our employee equity plans.
Since our inception, we have generated losses from our operations as reflected in our accumulated deficit of $2.2 billion as of December 31, 2022. We expect to continue to incur operating losses on a GAAP basis for the foreseeable future due to the investments we will continue to make in research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative.
We expect to continue to incur operating losses on a GAAP basis for the foreseeable future due to the investments we will continue to make in research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative. As a result, we may require additional capital to execute our strategic initiatives to grow our business.
A single organization with multiple divisions, segments, or subsidiaries is generally counted as a single customer, even though we may enter into commercial agreements with multiple parties within that organization.
A single organization with multiple divisions, segments, or subsidiaries is generally counted as a single customer, 42 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc. even though we may enter into commercial agreements with multiple parties within that organization. We had 1304, 1340, and 1052 such customers in the trailing 12 months as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
We expense research and development expenses as they are incurred. We expect our research and development expenses to increase in absolute dollars and may fluctuate as a percentage of revenue from period to period as we expand our teams to develop new products, expand features and functionality with existing products, and enter new markets.
We expect our research and development expenses to increase in absolute dollars in the long term, as we expand our teams to develop new solutions, expand features and functionality with existing solutions, and enter new markets, but decrease in the short term as we reset our strategic portfolio.
Sales and marketing expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 i ncreased, compared to the comparable prior year period, primarily due to higher personnel-related expenses as headcount increased to support the growth of our sales and marketing teams and as a result of our acquisition of ironSource.
We expect research and development expenses to fluctuate as a percentage of revenue from period to period. Research and development expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased, compared to the comparable prior year period, primarily due to higher personnel-related, and hosting expenses resulting from the ironSource Merger.
Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased, compared to the comparable prior year period, primarily due to higher personnel-related expenses associated with increased headcount, as well as an increase of $44.6 million in amortization expenses related to developed technology intangible assets acquired through our business acquisitions and an increase of $18.8 million in hosting expenses in Grow Solutions.
Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased, compared to the comparable prior year period, primarily due to an increase of approximately $197 million in amortization expenses related to intangible assets acquired through our business combinations, including $105 million of incremental expense in the fourth quarter of 2023 due to fully amortizing an intangible assets related to the Wētā FX Limited contract that was terminated, as well as higher personnel-related expenses.
General and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased, compared to the comparable prior year period, primarily due to higher personnel-related expenses as headcount increased as a result of our acquisition of ironSource, as well as an increase in acquisition-related expenses of approximately $27.0 million.
General and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased, compared to the comparable prior year period, primarily due to higher personnel-related expenses associated with the ironSource Merger, and to a lesser extent lease related expenses, partially offset by a decrease in professional fees.
Cash Provided by Investing Activities During the year ended December 31, 2022 , net cash provided by investing activities was primarily due to sales of short-term investments offset by cash used in acquisitions, non-marketable investments, and capital expenditures.
Cash Provided by Investing Activities During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash provided by investing activities consisted primarily of proceeds received from the maturities of short-term investments, which was partially offset by purchases of property and equipment.
As we have expanded our global operations, our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currencies has increased, and we expect this to continue.
Interest Income and Other Expense, Net Interest income and other expense, net, consists primarily of interest income earned on our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, foreign currency gains and losses. As we have expanded our global operations, our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currencies has increased, and we expect this to continue. 47 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc.
The following table presents a reconciliation of our non-GAAP gross profit to our GAAP gross profit, the most directly comparable measure as determined in accordance with GAAP, for the periods presented (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 GAAP gross profit $ 948,524 $ 856,896 Add: Stock-based compensation expense 57,271 24,811 Employer tax related to employee stock transactions 2,587 5,434 Amortization of intangible assets expense 46,942 2,274 Restructuring charges 576 — Non-GAAP gross profit $ 1,055,900 $ 889,415 GAAP gross margin 68 % 77 % Non-GAAP gross margin 76 % 80 % The year-over-year decrease in non-GAAP gross margin was primarily due to product mix of revenues, including a lower mix from Grow Solutions and an increase of personnel-related costs to support Professional Services and Weta Digital.
The following table presents a reconciliation of our adjusted gross profit to our GAAP gross profit, the most directly comparable measure as determined in accordance with GAAP, for the periods presented (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 GAAP gross profit $ 1,453,595 $ 948,524 Add: Stock-based compensation expense 80,213 57,271 Amortization of intangible assets expense 243,690 46,942 Depreciation expense 10,480 6,397 Restructuring and reorganization costs 13,510 576 Adjusted gross profit $ 1,801,488 $ 1,059,710 GAAP gross margin 66 % 68 % Adjusted gross margin 82 % 76 % 49 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc.
Non-GAAP Gross Profit and Non-GAAP Loss from Operations We define non-GAAP gross profit as gross profit excluding stock-based compensation expense, employer tax related to employee stock transactions, and amortization of acquired intangible assets expense and restructuring charges.
Adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted EBITDA We define adjusted gross profit as GAAP gross profit excluding expenses associated with stock-based compensation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, depreciation, and restructurings and reorganizations.
Although personnel-related costs contributed to the majority of the increase in expense period over period, we are slowing down our hiring efforts and focusing on containing the growth rate of other expenses in an effort to manage costs in light of a worsening macroeconomic environment Research and Development Research and development expenses primarily consist of personnel-related costs for the design and development of our platform, third-party software services, professional services, and allocated overhead.
Although personnel-related costs contributed to the increase in expense period over period primarily due to the increased headcount resulting from the ironSource Merger, we have been evaluating our headcount needs, slowing down our hiring efforts, reducing the number of managerial layers, and focusing on containing the growth rate of other expenses.
The following table presents a reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash used in operating activities, the most directly comparable measure as determined in accordance with GAAP, for the periods presented (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Net cash used in operating activities $ (59,431) $ (111,449) Less: Purchases of property and equipment (57,138) (41,938) Free cash flow $ (116,569) $ (153,387) The year-over-year improvement in free cash flow was primarily due to the receipt of four years of license fees of approximately $200.0 million from Weta FX, which was connected to the acquisition of certain assets from Weta Digital, partially offset by the payment in 2022 of the corporate bonus for the year ended December 31, 2021, our net loss, prepayments of software licenses, and an increase in working capital as our business grows.
The following table presents a reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, the most directly comparable measure as determined in accordance with GAAP, for the periods presented (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 234,700 $ (59,431) Less: Purchases of property and equipment (55,921) (57,138) Free cash flow $ 178,779 $ (116,569) Net cash provided by investing activities $ 44,040 $ 723,228 Net cash used in financing activities $ (174,015) $ (226,634) 50 Table of Contents Unity Software Inc.
We are managing costs in light of these factors and continuing to monitor their actual and potential direct and indirect impacts on us and our customers. The impact of these macroeconomic trends remains uncertain, and we cannot reasonably estimate the impact on our future results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.
Our ability to execute on these plans or execute them in a timely manner is critical to our success, and their timing and full impact on our future results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition are uncertain.