Black Knight, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2021 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q


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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2021


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

Commission File Number 001-37394

Black Knight, Inc.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware		81-5265638
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
601 Riverside Avenue, Jacksoville, Florida		32204
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(904) 854-5100

___________________________________________________________________

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of each class	Trading Symbol	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value	BKI	New York Stock Exchange

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No ☐

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



Large accelerated filer	☑	Accelerated filer	☐	Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐
						Emerging growth company	☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑

There were 155,310,115 shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock as of November 5, 2021.

Table of Contents

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT

Quarter Ended September 30, 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS


	Page
Part I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
A. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020	1
B. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings (Unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020	2
C. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020	3
D. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020	5
E. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	6
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	27
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk	37
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	38
Part II: OTHER INFORMATION	39
Item 1. Legal Proceedings	39
Item 1A. Risk Factors	39
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	39
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities	39
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures	39
Item 5. Other Information	39
Item 6. Exhibits	40

Table of Contents

Part I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

BLACK KNIGHT, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In millions)

(Unaudited)


	September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	78.1	$	34.7
Trade receivables, net		186.2		182.2
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		88.6		70.4
Total current assets		352.9		287.3
Property and equipment, net		153.9		163.1
Computer software, net		512.3		498.3
Other intangible assets, net		652.8		692.3
Goodwill		3,815.7		3,613.4
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates		475.2		470.5
Deferred contract costs, net		183.7		172.3
Other non-current assets		220.6		193.3
Total assets	$	6,367.1	$	6,090.5
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	$	79.9	$	88.1
Accrued compensation and benefits		92.8		79.3
Current portion of debt		26.2		73.0
Deferred revenues		62.3		50.9
Total current liabilities		261.2		291.3
Deferred revenues		79.1		92.7
Deferred income taxes		290.7		284.0
Long-term debt, net of current portion		2,449.8		2,121.9
Other non-current liabilities		86.2		94.9
Total liabilities		3,167.0		2,884.8
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		947.1		578.0
Equity:
Common stock; $0.0001 par value; 550,000,000 shares authorized; 160,040,598 shares issued and 155,298,522 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2021, and 160,085,413 shares issued and 157,014,712 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2020		—		—
Preferred stock; $0.0001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding, none as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020		—		—
Additional paid-in capital		1,653.2		2,053.7
Retained earnings		906.6		757.4
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(31.7)		(38.8)
Treasury stock, at cost, 4,742,076 shares as of September 30, 2021 and 3,070,701 shares as of December 31, 2020		(275.1)		(144.6)
Total shareholders’ equity		2,253.0		2,627.7
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity	$	6,367.1	$	6,090.5

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

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BLACK KNIGHT, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings

(In millions, except per share data)

(Unaudited)


	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Revenues	$	378.0	$	312.6	$	1,089.0	$	896.4
Expenses:
Operating expenses		203.0		167.2		586.2		485.1
Depreciation and amortization		93.6		64.0		271.8		180.3
Transition and integration costs		(1.3)		21.9		10.9		26.8
Total expenses		295.3		253.1		868.9		692.2
Operating income		82.7		59.5		220.1		204.2
Other income and expense:
Interest expense, net		(21.6)		(14.7)		(62.8)		(42.4)
Other (expense) income, net		(1.1)		(0.9)		(5.3)		17.1
Total other expense, net		(22.7)		(15.6)		(68.1)		(25.3)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		60.0		43.9		152.0		178.9
Income tax expense		15.3		15.9		31.0		41.3
Earnings before equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		44.7		28.0		121.0		137.6
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax		1.6		86.6		3.0		66.2
Net earnings		46.3		114.6		124.0		203.8
Net losses attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests		7.1		13.2		23.2		13.2
Net earnings attributable to Black Knight	$	53.4	$	127.8	$	147.2	$	217.0
Other comprehensive earnings (loss):
Unrealized holding (losses) gains, net of tax⁽¹⁾		(0.2)		0.1		0.1		(24.1)
Reclassification adjustments for losses included in net earnings, net of tax⁽²⁾		4.0		3.9		11.9		8.3
Total unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net of tax		3.8		4.0		12.0		(15.8)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax ⁽³⁾		—		0.1		(0.4)		(0.1)
Unrealized (losses) gains on investments in unconsolidated affiliates⁽⁴⁾		(2.9)		4.7		(4.5)		3.0
Other comprehensive earnings (loss)		0.9		8.8		7.1		(12.9)
Comprehensive earnings		47.2		123.4		131.1		190.9
Net losses attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests		7.1		13.2		23.2		13.2
Comprehensive earnings attributable to Black Knight	$	54.3	$	136.6	$	154.3	$	204.1
Net earnings per share attributable to Black Knight common shareholders:
Basic	$	0.34	$	0.82	$	0.95	$	1.44
Diluted	$	0.34	$	0.82	$	0.94	$	1.43
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (see Note 5):
Basic		155.2		155.4		155.4		150.9
Diluted		156.2		156.3		155.9		151.7

(1)

Net of income tax benefit of $0.1 million and income tax expense of less than $0.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, and income tax expense of less than $0.1 million and income tax benefit of $8.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively.

(2)

Amounts reclassified to net earnings relate to losses on interest rate swaps and are included in Interest expense, net above. Amounts are net of income tax benefit of $1.3 million and $4.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, and $1.3 million and $2.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively.

(3)	Net of income tax benefit of less than $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and income tax expense of less than $0.1 million and income tax benefit of less than $0.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively.

(4)	Net of income tax benefit of $1.0 million and $1.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, and income tax expense of $1.6 million and $1.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively.

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

Table of Contents

BLACK KNIGHT, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity

(In millions)

(Unaudited)


	Three months ended September 30, 2021
								Accumulated
				Additional				other					Total		Redeemable
	Common stock			paid-in		Retained		comprehensive		Treasury stock			shareholders’		noncontrolling
	Shares	$		capital		earnings		loss		Shares	$		equity		interests
Balance, June 30, 2021	160.0	$	—	$	2,021.0	$	852.4	$	(32.6)	3.4	$	(176.6)	$	2,664.2	$	578.0
Fair value adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interests in Optimal Blue Holdco, LLC	—		—		(376.2)		—		—	—		—		(376.2)		376.2
Grant of restricted shares of common stock	—		—		(2.6)		—		—	(0.1)		2.6		—		—
Forfeitures of restricted shares of common stock	—		—		1.1		—		—	—		(1.1)		—		—
Equity-based compensation expense	—		—		9.9		—		—	—		—		9.9		—
Net earnings (losses)	—		—		—		53.4		—	—		—		53.4		(7.1)
Equity-based compensation expense of unconsolidated affiliates	—		—		—		0.8		—	—		—		0.8		—
Purchases of treasury stock	—		—		—		—		—	1.4		(100.0)		(100.0)		—
Unrealized gains on interest rate swaps, net	—		—		—		—		3.8	—		—		3.8		—
Other comprehensive loss on investments in unconsolidated affiliates	—		—		—		—		(2.9)	—		—		(2.9)		—
Balance, September 30, 2021	160.0	$	—	$	1,653.2	$	906.6	$	(31.7)	4.7	$	(275.1)	$	2,253.0	$	947.1


	Three months ended September 30, 2020
								Accumulated
				Additional				other						Total	Redeemable
	Common stock			paid-in		Retained		comprehensive		Treasury stock			shareholders’		noncontrolling
	Shares	$		capital		earnings		loss		Shares	$		equity		interests
Balance June 30, 2020	160.1	$	—	$	2,055.9	$	582.3	$	(41.9)	3.0	$	(143.1)	$	2,453.2	$	—
Grant of restricted shares of common stock	—		—		(0.2)		—		—	—		0.2		—		—
Forfeitures of restricted shares of common stock	—		—		0.2		—		—	—		(0.2)		—		—
Tax withholding payments for restricted share vesting	—		—		(1.2)		—		—	—		—		(1.2)		—
Vesting of restricted shares granted from treasury stock	—		—		0.8		—		—	0.1		(0.8)		—		—
Equity-based compensation expense	—		—		9.2		—		—	—		—		9.2		—
Contributions received for redeemable noncontrolling interests in Optimal Blue Holdco, LLC	—		—		—		—		—	—		—		—		578.0
Fair value adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interests in Optimal Blue Holdco, LLC	—		—		(13.2)		—		—	—		—		(13.2)		13.2
Deferred income taxes recognized related to the contribution of Compass Analytics to Optimal Blue Holdco, LLC	—		—		(1.9)		—		—	—		—		(1.9)		—
Net earnings (losses)	—		—		—		127.8		—	—		—		127.8		(13.2)
Equity-based compensation expense of unconsolidated affiliates	—		—		—		(0.4)		—	—		—		(0.4)		—
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—		—		—		—		0.1	—		—		0.1		—
Unrealized gains on interest rate swaps, net	—		—		—		—		4.0	—		—		4.0		—
Other comprehensive gains on investments in unconsolidated affiliates	—		—		—		—		4.7	—		—		4.7		—
Balance, September 30, 2020	160.1	$	—	$	2,049.6	$	709.7	$	(33.1)	3.1	$	(143.9)	$	2,582.3	$	578.0

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

Table of Contents

BLACK KNIGHT, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Continued)

(In millions)

(Unaudited)


	Nine months ended September 30, 2021
								Accumulated
				Additional				other					Total		Redeemable
	Common stock			paid-in		Retained		comprehensive		Treasury stock			shareholders’		noncontrolling
	Shares	$		capital		earnings		loss		Shares	$		equity		interests
Balance, December 31, 2020	160.1	$	—	$	2,053.7	$	757.4	$	(38.8)	3.1	$	(144.6)	$	2,627.7	$	578.0
Fair value adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interests in Optimal Blue Holdco, LLC	—		—		(392.3)		—		—	—		—		(392.3)		392.3
Grant of restricted shares of common stock	—		—		(29.2)		—		—	(0.6)		29.2		—		—
Forfeitures of restricted shares of common stock	—		—		1.6		—		—	—		(1.6)		—		—
Tax withholding payments for restricted share vesting	(0.1)		—		(24.4)		—		—	—		—		(24.4)		—
Vesting of restricted shares granted from treasury stock	—		—		11.4		—		—	0.2		(11.4)		—		—
Equity-based compensation expense	—		—		32.4		—		—	—		—		32.4		—
Net earnings (losses)	—		—		—		147.2		—	—		—		147.2		(23.2)
Equity-based compensation expense of unconsolidated affiliates	—		—		—		2.0		—	—		—		2.0		—
Purchases of treasury stock	—		—		—		—		—	2.0		(146.7)		(146.7)		—
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—		—		—		—		(0.4)	—		—		(0.4)		—
Unrealized gains on interest rate swaps, net	—		—		—		—		12.0	—		—		12.0		—
Other comprehensive loss on investments in unconsolidated affiliates	—		—		—		—		(4.5)	—		—		(4.5)		—
Balance, September 30, 2021	160.0	$	—	$	1,653.2	$	906.6	$	(31.7)	4.7	$	(275.1)	$	2,253.0	$	947.1


	Nine months ended September 30, 2020
								Accumulated
				Additional				other						Total	Redeemable
	Common stock			paid-in		Retained		comprehensive		Treasury stock			shareholders’		noncontrolling
	Shares	$		capital		earnings		loss		Shares	$		equity		interests
Balance December 31, 2019	153.1	$	—	$	1,586.8	$	490.6	$	(20.2)	3.4	$	(158.7)	$	1,898.5	$	—
Effect of CECL adoption	—		—		—		(1.1)		—	—		—		(1.1)		—
Adjusted balance at January 1, 2020	153.1		—		1,586.8		489.5		(20.2)	3.4		(158.7)		1,897.4		—
Issuance of common stock, net of underwriters' discount and issuance costs	7.1		—		484.2		—		—	—		—		484.2		—
Grant of restricted shares of common stock	—		—		(24.8)		—		—	(0.5)		24.8		—		—
Forfeitures of restricted shares of common stock	—		—		0.5		—		—	—		(0.5)		—		—
Tax withholding payments for restricted share vesting	(0.1)		—		(20.9)		—		—	—		—		(20.9)		—
Vesting of restricted shares granted from treasury stock	—		—		9.5		—		—	0.2		(9.5)		—		—
Equity-based compensation expense	—		—		29.4		—		—	—		—		29.4		—
Contributions received for redeemable noncontrolling interests in Optimal Blue Holdco, LLC	—		—		—		—		—	—		—		—		578.0
Fair value adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interests in Optimal Blue Holdco, LLC	—		—		(13.2)		—		—	—		—		(13.2)		13.2
Deferred income taxes recognized related to the contribution of Compass Analytics to Optimal Blue Holdco, LLC	—		—		(1.9)		—		—	—		—		(1.9)		—
Net earnings (losses)	—		—		—		217.0		—	—		—		217.0		(13.2)
Equity-based compensation expense of unconsolidated affiliates	—		—		—		3.2		—	—		—		3.2		—
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—		—		—		—		(0.1)	—		—		(0.1)		—
Unrealized losses on interest rate swaps, net	—		—		—		—		(15.8)	—		—		(15.8)		—
Other comprehensive gains on investments in unconsolidated affiliates	—		—		—		—		3.0	—		—		3.0		—
Balance, September 30, 2020	160.1	$	—	$	2,049.6	$	709.7	$	(33.1)	3.1	$	(143.9)	$	2,582.3	$	578.0

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

Table of Contents

BLACK KNIGHT, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In millions)

(Unaudited)


	Nine months ended September 30,
	2021		2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$	124.0	$	203.8
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		271.8		180.3
Amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount		2.9		2.4
Loss on extinguishment of debt		2.5		—
Deferred income taxes, net		(6.0)		(0.9)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax		(3.0)		(66.2)
Equity-based compensation		32.4		29.4
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquired assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables, including receivables from related parties		—		(5.2)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(43.4)		(12.5)
Deferred contract costs		(36.6)		(36.9)
Deferred revenues		(6.5)		(17.0)
Trade accounts payable and other liabilities		(6.7)		(11.3)
Net cash provided by operating activities		331.4		265.9
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment		(17.8)		(19.5)
Additions to computer software		(65.9)		(63.2)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(302.5)		(1,869.2)
Investment in Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc. ("DNB")		—		(100.0)
Asset acquisitions		(10.0)		(15.0)
Other investing activities		(1.2)		8.4
Net cash used in investing activities		(397.4)		(2,058.5)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock, before offering expenses		—		484.6
Costs directly associated with issuance of common stock		—		(0.4)
Issuance of senior unsecured notes, net of original issue discount		—		990.0
Revolver borrowings		613.9		574.6
Revolver payments		(324.6)		(746.6)
Term loan borrowings		1.6		—
Term loan payments		—		(39.1)
Contributions received for redeemable noncontrolling interests		—		578.0
Purchases of treasury stock		(146.7)		—
Tax withholding payments for restricted share vesting		(24.4)		(20.9)
Finance lease payments		(2.8)		(9.4)
Debt issuance costs paid		(7.6)		(2.4)
Net cash provided by financing activities		109.4		1,808.4
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		43.4		15.8
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		34.7		15.4
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	78.1	$	31.2
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid, net	$	(69.7)	$	(36.4)
Income taxes paid, net	$	(42.6)	$	(48.1)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

Table of Contents

BLACK KNIGHT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(1)Basis of Presentation and Overview

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) of Black Knight, Inc. (“BKI”) and its subsidiaries ("Black Knight," the "Company," "we," "us" or "our") were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), and all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The preparation of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 26, 2021 and other filings with the SEC.

Description of Business

We are a leading provider of integrated software, data and analytics solutions to the mortgage and consumer loan, real estate and capital markets verticals. Our solutions facilitate and automate many of the mission-critical business processes across the homeownership lifecycle. We are committed to being a premier business partner that clients rely on to achieve their strategic goals, realize greater success and better serve their customers by delivering best-in-class software, services and insights with a relentless commitment to excellence, innovation, integrity and leadership.

Principles of Consolidation

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) include the accounts of BKI, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and non-wholly owned subsidiaries in which we have a controlling financial interest either through voting rights or means other than voting rights. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Where our ownership interest in a consolidated subsidiary is less than 100%, the noncontrolling interests’ share of these non-wholly owned subsidiaries is reported in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as a separate component of equity or within temporary equity. The noncontrolling interests’ share of the net earnings (loss) of these non-wholly owned subsidiaries is reported in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings (Unaudited) as an adjustment to our net earnings to arrive at Net earnings attributable to Black Knight.

We consolidate variable interest entities (“VIEs”) if we are considered the primary beneficiary because we have (a) the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

Optimal Blue Holdco, LLC (“Optimal Blue Holdco”), a non-wholly owned subsidiary, is considered a VIE. We are the primary beneficiary of Optimal Blue Holdco through our controlling interest and our rights established in the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Optimal Blue Holdco dated November 24, 2020 (the “OB Holdco LLC Agreement”). As such, we control Optimal Blue Holdco and its subsidiaries and consolidate its financial position and results of operations. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we own 60% of Optimal Blue Holdco. Redeemable noncontrolling interests represent the collective 40% equity interest in Optimal Blue Holdco owned by Cannae Holdings, LLC ("Cannae") and affiliates of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. ("THL"). As these redeemable noncontrolling interests provide for redemption features not solely within our control, they are presented outside of shareholders' equity.

Reporting Segments

We conduct our operations through two reporting segments: (1) Software Solutions and (2) Data and Analytics. See further discussion in Note 16 — Segment Information.

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Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year amounts to conform to the classifications used in 2021. Certain receivables previously included in Trade and other receivables, including receivables from related parties on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) are now included in Prepaid expenses and other assets. We also reclassified certain deferred compensation plan assets and liabilities between Prepaid expenses and other assets and Trade accounts payable and other liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited).

(2)Condensed Consolidated Financial Statement Details

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are unrestricted and include the following (in millions):


	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Cash	$	28.3	$	27.1
Cash equivalents		49.8		7.6
Cash and cash equivalents	$	78.1	$	34.7

Trade Receivables, Net

A summary of Trade receivables, net of allowance for credit losses is as follows (in millions):



	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Trade receivables — billed	$	139.9	$	136.4
Trade receivables — unbilled		49.1		47.9
Trade receivables		189.0		184.3
Allowance for credit losses		(2.8)		(2.1)
Trade receivables, net	$	186.2	$	182.2

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following (in millions):



	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Prepaid expenses	$	48.7	$	39.7
Contract assets, net		23.3		20.9
Income tax receivables		7.8		2.1
Other current assets		8.8		7.7
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	88.6	$	70.4

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)

Other Non-Current Assets

Other non-current assets consist of the following (in millions):


	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Contract assets, net	$	69.4	$	56.5
Property records database		60.6		60.5
Right-of-use assets⁽¹⁾		33.9		41.1
Deferred compensation plan related assets		24.9		19.5
Contract credits		23.1		5.0
Prepaid expenses		5.6		4.9
Other		3.1		5.8
Other non-current assets	$	220.6	$	193.3

(1)	Includes non-cash additions for right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities of $1.4 million and $4.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Trade Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities

Trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities consist of the following (in millions):


	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Income taxes payable	$	12.0	$	13.6
Lease liabilities, current		9.6		13.5
Trade accounts payable		9.2		8.9
Other taxes payable and accrued		6.2		10.7
Accrued client liabilities		4.8		6.4
Accrued interest		3.1		12.8
Other		35.0		22.2
Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	79.9	$	88.1

Deferred Revenues

During the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, revenues recognized related to the amount included in the Deferred revenues balance at the beginning of each year were $10.3 million and $11.6 million, respectively, and $40.1 million and $39.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization includes the following (in millions):


	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Other intangible assets	$	41.7	$	17.9	$	119.6	$	44.3
Computer software		33.4		27.5		96.7		79.7
Property and equipment		10.1		9.8		30.3		29.9
Deferred contract costs		8.4		8.8		25.2		26.4
Total	$	93.6	$	64.0	$	271.8	$	180.3

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)

(3)Business Acquisitions

2021 Acquisitions

On March 16, 2021, we completed the acquisition of the technology assets and business of NexSpring Financial, LLC (“NexSpring”), which is reported within our Software Solutions segment, and is expected to broaden our ability to serve mortgage brokers.

On May 17, 2021, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the equity interests in eMBS, Inc. (“eMBS”), a leading data and analytics aggregator for residential mortgage-backed securities, which is reported within our Data & Analytics segment, and is expected to solidify and further expand our market leadership in solutions and data for agency-backed securities.

On July 7, 2021, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the equity interests in TOMN Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Top of Mind”), which is reported within our Software Solutions segment. Top of Mind is the developer of Surefire^SM, a leading customer relationship management and marketing automation system for the mortgage industry.

2020 Optimal Blue Acquisition

On September 15, 2020, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the equity interests in Optimal Blue and certain affiliates, a leading provider of secondary market solutions and actionable data services, funded with cash on hand, debt financing and investments from co-investors Cannae and THL. Optimal Blue is reported within our Software Solutions segment because it enhances our robust set of software solutions and includes additional product, pricing and eligibility capabilities.

The following table summarizes the total purchase price consideration and the fair value amounts recognized for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in millions):

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	2021		2020
	Acquisitions⁽²⁾		Optimal Blue⁽³⁾
Cash paid	$	307.5	$	1,828.3
Contingent consideration⁽¹⁾		4.4		—
Less: cash acquired		(5.0)		(29.3)
Total consideration, net	$	306.9	$	1,799.0

Trade receivables	$	2.9	$	11.3
Computer software		34.8		79.7
Other intangible assets		80.1		610.8
Goodwill		210.4		1,197.9
Other current and non-current assets		1.4		13.5
Total assets acquired		329.6		1,913.2
Deferred income taxes		16.3		93.5
Current and other non-current liabilities		6.4		20.7
Total liabilities assumed		22.7		114.2
Net assets acquired	$	306.9	$	1,799.0

(1)	The estimated contingent consideration is to be paid in cash based on NexSpring revenues recognized over the three-year period subsequent to the acquisition. Refer to Note 11 – Fair Value Measurement for additional information.

(2)

Includes the NexSpring, eMBS and Top of Mind acquisitions. These estimates are preliminary and subject to adjustments as we complete our valuation process with respect to certain acquired assets, including Computer software, Other intangible assets, including client relationship assets, and Goodwill and certain assumed liabilities, including estimated liabilities for pre-acquisition tax exposure, and contingent consideration. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, we recorded a measurement period adjustment of $0.6 million for certain pre-acquisition tax assets and liabilities related to the eMBS acquisition.

(3)	During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we recorded a measurement period adjustment of $8.1 million primarily reducing deferred income taxes for certain book and tax basis differences as we completed the tax return filings for the pre-acquisition period.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, we incurred transaction costs of $2.9 million and $3.8 million, respectively, related to our 2021 acquisitions. Transaction costs are included in Transition and integration costs on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings (Unaudited).

The preliminary amounts assigned to intangible assets by type for our 2021 acquisitions are summarized in the table below (in millions):


			Weighted average
	Gross		estimated life
	carrying value		(in years)
Computer software	$	34.8	5
Other intangible assets:
Client relationships		76.3	10
Trade names		2.5	5
Non-compete agreements		1.3	3
Other intangible assets		80.1
Total gross carrying value	$	114.9

(4)Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

DNB is a global leader in commercial data and analytics that provides various services helping companies improve their operational performance. On July 6, 2020, DNB, previously a wholly-owned subsidiary of Star Parent, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Star Parent”), closed its initial public offering (the “DNB IPO”) and concurrent private placement (the “DNB Private Placement”). In connection with the DNB IPO and DNB Private Placement, our limited partner interests in Star Parent were exchanged for 54.8 million shares of DNB common stock, which represented ownership of 13.0% of DNB.

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We hold less than 20% of the outstanding common equity of DNB, but we continue to account for our investment under the equity method because we continue to have significant influence over DNB primarily through a combination of our investment, an agreement with certain other DNB investors pursuant to which we agreed to collectively vote together on matters related to the election of DNB directors for a period of three years following the initial public offering of DNB and our shared Chief Executive Officer.

On January 8, 2021, DNB completed its acquisition of Bisnode Business Information Group AB (the “Bisnode acquisition”). In connection with the Bisnode acquisition, DNB issued 6.2 million shares of common stock, which resulted in a decrease in our ownership interest in DNB to 12.8%.

As of September 30, 2021, we have invested an aggregate of $492.6 million in DNB. As of September 30, 2021, DNB’s closing share price was $16.81, and the fair value of our investment in DNB was $922.0 million before tax.

Summarized consolidated financial information for DNB is presented below (in millions):


	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Current assets	$	649.0	$	874.4
Non-current assets		9,098.3		8,345.9
Total assets	$	9,747.3	$	9,220.3

Current liabilities, including short-term debt	$	919.6	$	828.1
Non-current liabilities		5,182.4		4,808.3
Total liabilities		6,102.0		5,636.4
Total equity		3,645.3		3,583.9
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	9,747.3	$	9,220.3


	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Revenues	$	541.9	$	444.4	$	1,567.3	$	1,258.8
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates		14.7		(24.0)		(27.5)		(227.6)
Net income (loss)		18.2		(14.3)		(55.9)		(114.7)
Net income (loss) attributable to DNB		16.6		(16.3)		(60.1)		(182.4)

Effective January 1, 2021, DNB eliminated the one-month reporting lag for its subsidiaries outside North America and aligned the year-end for all of its subsidiaries to December 31. DNB applied this change in their accounting policy retrospectively. The effect of this change in accounting policy did not have a material impact to our results of operations or financial condition and was included in our current period accounting for our investment in DNB. The summarized consolidated financial information above was derived from DNB’s most recently available unaudited consolidated financial information and includes the effect of their change in accounting policy.

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax consists of the following (in millions):


	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax	$	1.6	$	(1.6)	$	(6.9)	$	(27.0)
Non-cash gain related to DNB's issuance of common stock, net of tax		—		88.2		9.9		88.2
Sale of an equity method investment, net of tax		—		—		—		5.0
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax	$	1.6	$	86.6	$	3.0	$	66.2

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(5)Earnings Per Share

Diluted net earnings per share includes the effect of unvested restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards (“RSUs”) and Optimal Blue Holdco profits interests units (“OB PIUs”). The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net earnings per share (in millions, except per share amounts):


	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Basic:
Net earnings attributable to Black Knight	$	53.4	$	127.8	$	147.2	$	217.0
Shares used for basic net earnings per share:
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding		155.2		155.4		155.4		150.9
Basic net earnings per share	$	0.34	$	0.82	$	0.95	$	1.44

Diluted:
Net earnings attributable to Black Knight	$	53.4	$	127.8	$	147.2	$	217.0
Shares used for diluted net earnings per share:
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding		155.2		155.4		155.4		150.9
Dilutive effect of unvested restricted shares of common stock and OB PIUs		1.0		0.9		0.5		0.8
Weighted average shares of common stock, diluted		156.2		156.3		155.9		151.7
Diluted net earnings per share	$	0.34	$	0.82	$	0.94	$	1.43

(6)Related Party Transactions

We believe the amounts earned from or charged by us under each of the following arrangements are fair and reasonable. The amounts we earned or that were charged under these arrangements were not negotiated at arm's length and may not represent the terms that we might have obtained from an unrelated third party.

DNB

DNB is considered to be a related party primarily due to the combination of our investment in DNB and our shared Chief Executive Officer. Refer to Note 4 — Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates for additional details.

In June 2021, we entered into a five-year agreement with DNB to provide them with certain products and data over the term of the agreement, as well as professional services, for an aggregate fee of approximately $34 million over the term of the agreement. As of September 30, 2021, related party deferred revenues were $8.8 million and are included in Deferred revenues (current) in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, revenues from related parties of $1.6 million are included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings (Unaudited).

In June 2021, we also entered into an agreement with DNB for access to certain of their data assets for an aggregate fee of approximately $24 million over the term of the agreement. In addition, we will jointly market certain solutions and data. Related party prepaid fees were $3.4 million as of September 30, 2021, which are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, expenses from related parties of $1.1 million are included in Operating expenses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings (Unaudited).

In 2020, we entered into a services agreement with DNB. The agreement is cancellable upon mutual agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, we provide DNB certain support services in exchange for fees in an amount of our cost plus a 10% markup. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the services provided were $0.1 million.

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Trasimene

Prior to June 16, 2021, Trasimene Capital Management, LLC ("Trasimene") was considered a related party because the former Chairman of our Board of Directors (the “Board”) owns a controlling interest in Trasimene. As of June 16, 2021, our former Chairman retired from the Board, and Trasimene is no longer considered a related party. During the period January 1, 2021 through June 16, 2021, we recognized $0.5 million in fees to Trasimene for assistance with acquisitions, which are included in Transition and integration costs in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings (Unaudited).

(7)Computer Software

Computer software, net consists of the following (in millions):


	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Internally developed software	$	1,104.8	$	998.5
Purchased software		94.1		89.8
Computer software		1,198.9		1,088.3
Accumulated amortization		(686.6)		(590.0)
Computer software, net	$	512.3	$	498.3

Internally developed software and purchased software include assets acquired through business acquisitions. Refer to Note 3 – Business Acquisitions.

(8)Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets consist of the following (in millions):


	September 30, 2021						December 31, 2020
	Gross carrying		Accumulated		Net carrying		Gross carrying		Accumulated		Net carrying
	amount		amortization		amount		amount		amortization		amount
Client relationships	$	1,282.2	$	(642.3)	$	639.9	$	1,206.0	$	(525.9)	$	680.1
Other		23.0		(10.1)		12.9		19.2		(7.0)		12.2
Total intangible assets	$	1,305.2	$	(652.4)	$	652.8	$	1,225.2	$	(532.9)	$	692.3

Client relationships and other intangible assets include assets acquired through business acquisitions. Refer to Note 3 – Business Acquisitions.

(9)Goodwill

Goodwill consists of the following (in millions):


	Software		Data and
	Solutions		Analytics		Total
Balance, December 31, 2020	$	3,415.8	$	197.6	$	3,613.4
Top of Mind acquisition (Note 3)		174.9		—		174.9
NexSpring acquisition (Note 3)		18.2		—		18.2
eMBS acquisition (Note 3)		—		17.3		17.3
Optimal Blue acquisition (Note 3)		(8.1)		—		(8.1)
Balance, September 30, 2021	$	3,600.8	$	214.9	$	3,815.7

The increases in Goodwill related to our NexSpring and eMBS acquisitions and a portion of the increase related to our Top of Mind acquisition are deductible for tax purposes. The decrease in Goodwill related to a measurement period adjustment for deferred income taxes related to the acquisition of Optimal Blue. Refer to Note 3 – Business Acquisitions.

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(10)Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following (in millions):


	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Term A Loan	$	1,150.0	$	1,148.4
Revolving Credit Facility		337.0		47.7
Senior Notes		1,000.0		1,000.0
Other		9.7		17.6
Total long-term debt principal		2,496.7		2,213.7
Less: current portion of long-term debt		(26.2)		(73.0)
Long-term debt before debt issuance costs and discount		2,470.5		2,140.7
Less: debt issuance costs and discount		(20.7)		(18.8)
Long-term debt, net of current portion	$	2,449.8	$	2,121.9

As of September 30, 2021, principal maturities, including payments related to our finance leases, are as follows (in millions):


2021	$	0.8
2022		32.7
2023		33.7
2024		57.5
2025		57.5
Thereafter		2,314.5
Total	$	2,496.7

Credit Agreement

On April 30, 2018, our indirect subsidiary BKIS entered into an amended and restated credit and guaranty agreement (the “2018 Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent, the guarantors party thereto, the other agents party thereto and the lenders party thereto. The 2018 Credit Agreement provided for (i) a $1,250.0 million term loan A facility and (ii) a $750.0 million revolving credit facility.

Debt Refinancing

On March 10, 2021, BKIS entered into a second amended and restated credit and guaranty agreement (the “2021 Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, the guarantors party thereto, the other agents party thereto and the lenders party thereto.

The 2021 Credit Agreement provides for (i) a $1,150.0 million term loan A facility (the “Term A Loan”) and (ii) a $1,000.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the Term A Loan, collectively, the “Facilities”), the proceeds of which were used to repay in full the indebtedness outstanding under the 2018 Credit Agreement and to pay related fees and expenses.

The Facilities bear interest at rates based upon, at the option of BKIS, either (i) the base rate plus a margin of between 25 and 50 basis points depending on the total net leverage ratio of Black Knight Financial Services, LLC (“BKFS”), a Delaware limited liability company and the direct parent company of BKIS, and its restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis (the “Consolidated Leverage Ratio”) and (ii) the Eurodollar rate plus a margin of between 125 and 150 basis points depending on the Consolidated Leverage Ratio. In addition, BKIS pays an unused commitment fee of between 15 and 20 basis points on the undrawn commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility, also depending on the Consolidated Leverage Ratio. The above unused commitment fee and margins are consistent with the 2018 Credit Agreement. The 2021 Credit Agreement also provides us with an option to choose an alternative rate of interest on or before the cessation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) at our election.

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As of September 30, 2021, the interest rate for the Facilities was based on the Eurodollar rate plus a margin of 150 basis points and was approximately 1.6%. As of September 30, 2021, we had $663.0 million capacity on the Revolving Credit Facility, and the unused commitment fee was 20 basis points.

The Facilities are guaranteed by BKIS’s wholly-owned domestic restricted subsidiaries, as defined by the 2021 Credit Agreement, and BKFS, and are secured by associated collateral agreements that pledge a lien on the majority of BKIS’s assets and the assets of the guarantors, in each case, subject to customary exceptions.

The Term A Loan is subject to amortization of principal, payable in quarterly installments on the last day of each fiscal quarter equal to the percentage set forth below of the initial aggregate principal amount of the term loans for such fiscal quarter:


Payment Dates	Percentage
Commencing on March 31, 2022 through and including December 31, 2023	0.625	%
Commencing on March 31, 2024 through and including December 31, 2025	1.250	%

The remaining principal balance of the Term A Loan and any outstanding loans under the Revolving Credit Facility are due upon maturity on March 10, 2026.

As a result of the refinancing, we recognized $2.5 million of expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 in Other expense, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings (Unaudited).

Senior Notes

On August 26, 2020, BKIS completed the issuance and sale of $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.625% senior unsecured notes due 2028 (the "Senior Notes"). The Senior Notes have a coupon rate of 3.625% and mature on September 1, 2028. Interest is paid semi-annually in arrears on September 1 and March 1 of each year, and commenced on March 1, 2021. The obligations under the Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured basis by the same guarantors that guarantee the 2021 Credit Agreement (collectively, the “Guarantors”). The Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to any obligations that are secured, including obligations under the 2021 Credit Agreement, to the extent of the value of the assets securing those obligations. The Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to all liabilities of BKIS’ subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Senior Notes.

Other Debt

On April 1, 2018, we entered into a financing agreement for $32.9 million, with a stated interest rate of 0% and an imputed interest rate of 3.4%, primarily related to certain data processing and maintenance services. On December 31, 2019, we entered into an amendment to the financing agreement for an additional $16.3 million, with a stated interest rate of 0% and an imputed interest rate of 3.3%. Under the terms of the amendment, quarterly payments are due beginning January 2, 2020 through January 2, 2023. On July 30, 2021, we entered into a financing agreement for $2.3 milion, with a stated interest rate of 0% and an imputed interest rate of 1.6%, primarily related to certain data processing and maintenance services. Under the terms of the financing agreement, annual payments are due beginning September 1, 2021 through September 1, 2023. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, $3.1 million and $9.5 million, respectively, are included in Current portion of debt and $4.8 million and $6.4 million, respectively, are included in Long-term debt, net of current portion in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited).

Finance Leases

On December 31, 2019, we entered into one-year finance lease agreements, with a stated interest rate of 0%, an imputed interest rate of 3.3% and bargain purchase options for certain computer equipment. On March 31, 2021, we entered into one-year finance lease agreements, with a stated interest rate of 0%, an imputed interest rate of 1.6% and bargain purchase options for certain computer equipment. The leased equipment has a useful life of five years and is depreciated on a straight-line basis. The finance lease liabilities of $1.6 million and $1.2 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, are included in Current portion of debt on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited). For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, non-cash investing and financing activity was $1.6 million and $4.8 million, respectively, related to the unpaid portion of our finance lease agreements.

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Fair Value of Long-Term Debt

The fair values of our Facilities and Senior Notes are based upon established market prices for the securities using Level 2 inputs. The fair value of our Facilities approximates their carrying value at September 30, 2021. The fair value of our Senior Notes at September 30, 2021 was $1,007.6 million compared to its carrying value of $989.3 million, net of original issue discount and debt issuance costs.

Interest Rate Swaps

We enter into interest rate swap agreements to hedge forecasted monthly interest rate payments on our floating rate debt. As of September 30, 2021, we had the following interest rate swap agreements (collectively, the "Swap Agreements") (in millions):


Effective dates	Notional amount		Fixed rates
March 31, 2017 through March 31, 2022	$	200.0	2.08	%
April 30, 2018 through April 30, 2023	$	250.0	2.61	%
January 31, 2019 through January 31, 2023	$	300.0	2.65	%

Under the terms of the Swap Agreements, we receive payments based on the 1-month LIBOR (approximately 0.08% as of September 30, 2021).

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the following interest rate swap agreement expired (in millions):


Effective dates	Notional amount		Fixed rate
September 29, 2017 through September 30, 2021	$	200.0	1.69	%

We entered into the Swap Agreements to convert a portion of the interest rate exposure on our floating rate debt from variable to fixed. We designated these Swap Agreements as cash flow hedges. A portion of the amount included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss is reclassified into Interest expense, net as a yield adjustment as interest is either paid or received on the hedged debt. The fair value of our Swap Agreements is based upon Level 2 inputs. We have considered our own credit risk and the credit risk of the counterparties when determining the fair value of our Swap Agreements.

It is our policy to execute such instruments with creditworthy banks and not to enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. We believe our interest rate swap counterparties will be able to fulfill their obligations under our agreements, and we believe we will have debt outstanding through the various expiration dates of the swaps such that the occurrence of future cash flow hedges remains probable.

The estimated fair values of our Swap Agreements are as follows (in millions):


Balance sheet accounts	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Other current liabilities	$	2.0	$	2.4
Other non-current liabilities	$	19.6	$	35.2

A cumulative loss of $21.6 million ($16.1 million net of tax) and $37.6 million ($28.1 million net of tax) is reflected in Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Below is a summary of the effect of derivative instruments on amounts recognized in Other comprehensive earnings (loss) ("OCE") on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings (Unaudited) (in millions):

Three months ended September 30,

2021

2020

Amount of loss

reclassified from

Amount of gain

reclassified from

recognized

Accumulated OCE

recognized

Accumulated OCE

in OCE

into Net earnings

in OCE

into Net earnings

Swap agreements

(0.2)

4.0

0.1

3.9

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Nine months ended September 30,

2021

2020

Amount of loss

Amount of gain

reclassified from

Amount of loss

reclassified from

recognized

Accumulated OCE

recognized

Accumulated OCE

in OCE

into Net earnings

in OCE

into Net earnings

Swap agreements

0.1

11.9

(24.1)

8.3

Approximately $15.9 million ($11.9 million net of tax) of the balance in Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of September 30, 2021 is expected to be reclassified into Interest expense, net over the next 12 months.

(11)Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

Fair value represents the amount that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair values of financial assets and liabilities are determined using the following fair value hierarchy:

●

Level 1 inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that we have the ability to access.

●

Level 2 inputs to the valuation methodology include:

quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;

inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and

inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

●

Level 3 inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

Assets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. We believe our valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants. The use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

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The following table presents our fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions):


	September 30, 2021								December 31, 2020
	Carrying		Fair value						Carrying		Fair value
	amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 2)	$	78.1	$	78.1	$	—	$	—	$	34.7	$	34.7	$	—	$	—

Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps (Note 10)		21.6		—		21.6		—		37.6		—		37.6		—
Contingent consideration (Note 3)		5.5		—		—		5.5		3.1		—		—		3.1

Redeemable noncontrolling interests		947.1		—		—		947.1		578.0		—		—		578.0

The fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests and contingent consideration was primarily determined based on significant estimates and assumptions, including Level 3 inputs. The estimates and assumptions include the projected timing and amount of future cash flows and discount rates reflecting the rate inherent in the future cash flows. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests approximates its carrying amount. Refer to Note 1 — Basis of Presentation and Overview and Note 3 — Business Acquisitions for additional information.

The following table presents a summary of the change in fair value of our Level 3 fair value measurements (in millions):


Beginning balance, December 31, 2020	$	581.1
Contingent consideration adjustments related to prior year acquisition⁽¹⁾		(2.2)
Contingent consideration increase related to current year acquisition		4.6
Fair value adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interests in Optimal Blue Holdco, LLC		369.1
Ending balance, September 30, 2021	$	952.6

(1)

The adjustments to contingent consideration for prior year acquisitions are included in Transition and integration costs in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings (Unaudited). Transition and integration costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 also include the reversal of $3.9 million of estimated compensation-related payments pursuant to purchase agreements.

(12)Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was 25.5% and 36.2%, respectively, and 20.4% and 23.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income rate to our effective income tax rate for each period presented is as follows:


	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Federal statutory rate	21.0	%	21.0	%	21.0	%	21.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	4.3		4.2		4.3		4.1
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	2.5		7.6		1.8		1.9
Non-deductible executive compensation	1.4		1.5		1.5		1.0
Tax credits	(5.2)		(5.7)		(5.3)		(3.5)
Restricted share vesting	—		(1.0)		(4.5)		(3.1)
Effect of Optimal Blue acquisition and related transactions	—		9.5		—		2.3
Other	1.5		(0.9)		1.6		(0.6)
Effective tax rate	25.5	%	36.2	%	20.4	%	23.1	%

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Certain reclassifications between Tax credits and Other have been made in the table above to the prior year amounts to conform to the classifications used in 2021.

(13)Commitments and Contingencies

Legal and Regulatory Matters

In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various pending and threatened litigation and regulatory matters related to our operations, some of which include claims for punitive or exemplary damages. Our ordinary course litigation may include class action lawsuits, which make allegations related to various aspects of our business. From time to time, we also receive requests for information from various state and federal regulatory authorities, some of which take the form of civil investigative demands or subpoenas. Some of these regulatory inquiries may result in the assessment of fines for violations of regulations or settlements with such authorities requiring a variety of remedies. We believe that none of these actions depart from customary litigation or regulatory inquiries incidental to our business.

We review lawsuits and other legal and regulatory matters (collectively "legal proceedings") on an ongoing basis when making accrual and disclosure decisions. When assessing reasonably possible and probable outcomes, management bases its decision on its assessment of the ultimate outcome assuming all appeals have been exhausted. For legal proceedings where it has been determined that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable, a liability based on known facts and which represents our best estimate has been recorded. Actual losses may materially differ from the amounts recorded, and the ultimate outcome of our pending cases is generally not yet determinable. While some of these matters could be material to our operating results or cash flows for any particular period if an unfavorable outcome results, at present, we do not believe the ultimate resolution of currently pending legal proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

PennyMac Litigation

On November 5, 2019, Black Knight Servicing Technologies, LLC (“BKST”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Knight, filed a Complaint and Demand for Jury Trial (the “Black Knight Complaint”) against PennyMac Loan Services, LLC (“PennyMac”) in the Circuit Court for the Fourth Judicial Circuit in and for Duval County, Florida. The Black Knight Complaint includes causes of action for breach of contract and misappropriation of MSP^® System trade secrets in order to develop an imitation mortgage processing system intended to replace the MSP^® System. The Black Knight Complaint seeks damages for breach of contract and misappropriation of trade secrets, injunctive relief under the Florida Uniform Trade Secrets Act and declaratory judgment that BKST owns all intellectual property and software developed by or on behalf of PennyMac as a result of its wrongful use of and access to the MSP^®System and related trade secret and confidential information. PennyMac filed a motion to compel arbitration of the action, and the court granted the motion on April 6, 2020. After the court denied BKST's motion for reconsideration of the court’s order compelling arbitration, BKST filed a notice of appeal with the Florida First District Court of Appeal on May 6, 2020. On January 6, 2021, the appellate court affirmed the trial court's ruling.

On October 21, 2020, PennyMac submitted a dispute regarding a Black Knight Origination Technologies, LLC LendingSpace^® software audit request to the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") for arbitration. Black Knight moved to consolidate the LendingSpace^® arbitration with the existing trade secret/antitrust arbitrations, and on December 21, 2020, the arbitrator granted Black Knight’s motion to consolidate the arbitrations. On December 8, 2020, Black Knight and PennyMac filed motions for summary judgment concerning the LendingSpace^® audit, and responses to the competing motions for summary judgment were filed by both parties on January 7, 2021. On February 16, 2021, the arbitrator granted Black Knight’s motion for summary judgment and ordered that Black Knight may conduct an audit of PennyMac’s use of Black Knight’s LendingSpace^® software.

Shortly after the filing of the Black Knight Complaint, on November 6, 2019, PennyMac filed an Antitrust Complaint (the “PennyMac Complaint”) against Black Knight in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The PennyMac Complaint included causes of action for alleged monopolization and attempted monopolization under Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act, violation of California’s Cartwright Act, violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law and common law unfair competition under California law. The PennyMac Complaint sought equitable remedies, damages and other monetary relief, including treble and punitive damages. Generally, PennyMac alleged that Black Knight relies on various anticompetitive, unfair and discriminatory practices to maintain and to enhance its

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dominance in the mortgage servicing platform market and in an attempt to monopolize the platform software applications market. Black Knight moved to dismiss the PennyMac Complaint or have the action transferred to Florida based upon a forum selection clause in the agreement with BKST. On February 13, 2020, the judge granted Black Knight's motion to transfer the case to Florida and denied as moot the motion to dismiss. On April 17, 2020, PennyMac filed a notice of dismissal of this action without prejudice and indicated that they intended to bring the claims raised in the dismissed PennyMac Complaint as defenses, third party claims and/or counterclaims in arbitration. On April 23, 2020, the court entered an order dismissing the action without prejudice and directing that the clerk close the case. On April 28, 2020, PennyMac submitted this matter to the AAA for arbitration. On May 27, 2020, Black Knight filed its answering statement with the AAA. The arbitrator was confirmed by the AAA on July 21, 2020.

The arbitrator set Black Knight's trade secret case for a 10-day final hearing beginning on October 24, 2022 and set PennyMac's antitrust case for a 5-day final hearing beginning on November 14, 2022.

On June 26, 2020, Black Knight filed a complaint against PennyMac in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida seeking a declaratory judgment that PennyMac waived its right to arbitrate federal antitrust and related state law claims against Black Knight because PennyMac previously filed and litigated those claims in a court of law (the “BKI Declaratory Action”). The parties filed cross-motions for summary judgment, and on March 22, 2021, the Court denied BKI’s motion for summary judgment and granted PennyMac’s motion as to the waiver issue, finding that PennyMac has not waived its right to arbitrate the claims raised in the Black Knight Complaint.

As these cases continue to evolve, it is not possible to reasonably estimate the probability that we will ultimately prevail on our lawsuit or be held liable for the violations alleged in the PennyMac Complaint, nor is it possible to reasonably estimate the ultimate gain or loss, if any, or range of gain or loss that could result from these cases.

Indemnifications and Warranties

We often agree to indemnify our clients against damages and costs resulting from claims of patent, copyright, trademark infringement or breaches of confidentiality associated with use of our software through software licensing agreements. Historically, we have not made any payments under such indemnifications, but continue to monitor the conditions that are subject to the indemnifications to identify whether a loss has occurred that is both probable and estimable that would require recognition. In addition, we warrant to clients that our software operates substantially in accordance with the software specifications. Historically, no costs have been incurred related to software warranties and none are expected in the future, and as such, no accruals for warranty costs have been made.

Indemnification Agreement

We are party to a cross-indemnity agreement dated December 22, 2014 with ServiceLink Holdings, LLC ("ServiceLink"). Pursuant to this agreement, ServiceLink indemnifies us from liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from the conduct of ServiceLink’s business or any action, suit or proceeding in which we or any of our subsidiaries are named by reason of being a successor to the business of Lender Processing Services, Inc. and the cause of such action, suit or proceeding relates to the business of ServiceLink. In return, we indemnify ServiceLink for liabilities relating to, arising out of, or resulting from the conduct of our business.

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(14)Revenues

Disaggregation of Revenues

The following tables summarize revenues from contracts with clients (in millions):


	Three months ended September 30, 2021
	Servicing		Origination		Software		Data and		Corporate
	Software		Software		Solutions		Analytics		and Other		Total
Software and hosting solutions	$	190.3	$	93.1	$	283.4	$	9.5	$	—	$	292.9
Professional services		20.6		12.5		33.1		0.8		—		33.9
Data solutions		—		0.5		0.5		47.5		—		48.0
Other		—		2.6		2.6		0.6		—		3.2
Revenues	$	210.9	$	108.7	$	319.6	$	58.4	$	—	$	378.0


	Three months ended September 30, 2020
	Servicing		Origination		Software		Data and		Corporate
	Software		Software		Solutions		Analytics		and Other		Total
Software and hosting solutions	$	174.4	$	48.6	$	223.0	$	8.6	$	—	$	231.6
Professional services		19.8		12.6		32.4		—		—		32.4
Data solutions		—		0.2		0.2		43.9		—		44.1
Other		—		3.9		3.9		0.6		—		4.5
Revenues	$	194.2	$	65.3	$	259.5	$	53.1	$	—	$	312.6


	Nine months ended September 30, 2021
	Servicing		Origination		Software		Data and		Corporate
	Software		Software		Solutions		Analytics		and Other		Total
Software and hosting solutions	$	561.8	$	253.5	$	815.3	$	27.5	$	—	$	842.8
Professional services		59.6		36.7		96.3		1.1		—		97.4
Data solutions		—		2.2		2.2		137.8		—		140.0
Other		—		7.0		7.0		1.8		—		8.8
Revenues	$	621.4	$	299.4	$	920.8	$	168.2	$	—	$	1,089.0


	Nine months ended September 30, 2020
	Servicing		Origination		Software		Data and		Corporate
	Software		Software		Solutions		Analytics		and Other			Total
Software and hosting solutions	$	517.9	$	129.5	$	647.4	$	25.5	$	—		$	672.9
Professional services		56.3		35.1		91.4		0.5		(0.3)	(1)		91.6
Data solutions		—		0.2		0.2		119.6		—			119.8
Other		—		10.3		10.3		1.8		—			12.1
Revenues	$	574.2	$	175.1	$	749.3	$	147.4	$	(0.3)		$	896.4

(1)	Revenues for Corporate and Other represent deferred revenue purchase accounting adjustments recorded in accordance with GAAP.

Our Software Solutions segment offers leading software and hosting solutions that facilitate and automate many of the mission-critical business processes across the homeownership lifecycle. These solutions primarily consist of processing and workflow management software applications. Our servicing software solutions primarily include our core servicing software solution that automates loan servicing, including loan setup and ongoing processing, customer service, accounting, reporting to the secondary mortgage market and investors and web-based workflow information systems. Our origination software solutions primarily include our solutions that automate and facilitate the origination of mortgage loans, offer product, pricing and eligibility capabilities and provide an interconnected network allowing the various parties and systems associated with lending transactions to exchange data quickly and efficiently. Professional services consists of pre-implementation and post-implementation support and services and are primarily billed on a time and materials basis. Professional services may also include dedicated teams provided as part of agreements with software and hosting solutions clients.

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Transaction Price Allocated to Future Performance Obligations

Our disclosure of transaction price allocated to future performance obligations excludes the following:

●

Volume-based fees in excess of contractual minimums and other usage-based fees to the extent they are part of a single performance obligation and meet certain variable allocation criteria;

●

Performance obligations that are part of a contract with an original expected duration of one year or less; and

●

Transactional fees based on a fixed fee per transaction when we have the right to invoice once we have completed the performance obligation.

As of September 30, 2021, the aggregate amount of the transaction price that is allocated to our future performance obligations was approximately $2.4 billion and is expected to be recognized as follows: 7% by December 31, 2021, 32% by December 31, 2022, 71% by December 31, 2024 and the rest thereafter.

(15)Equity

Share Repurchase Program

On February 12, 2020, our Board of Directors approved a three-year share repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase up to 10.0 million shares of our outstanding common stock through February 12, 2023, through open market purchases, negotiated transactions or other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws and other restrictions.

A summary of share repurchases under our share repurchase program during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 follows (in millions, except per share amounts):


						Shares remaining under
Period	Total number of shares repurchased	Aggregate purchase price		Average price paid per share		repurchase authorization as of period end
January 2021 - March 2021	0.6	$	46.7	$	75.19	9.4
July 2021 - September 2021	1.4		100.0	$	73.32	8.0
	2.0	$	146.7	$	73.91

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Omnibus Incentive Plan

A summary of restricted shares and RSUs granted in 2021 is as follows:


	Number of shares	Grant date fair		Vesting period
Period	granted	value per share		(in years)	Vesting criteria
First quarter⁽¹⁾	518,219	$	76.00	3.0	Service and Performance
Second quarter	34,447		74.56 - 76.51	1 - 2.7	Service
Third quarter	47,792		72.00 - 78.44	2.0 - 3.0	Service

(1)	This award was granted on March 10, 2021 and is subject to an independent performance target for each of three consecutive 12-month measurement periods. Vesting of each tranche is independent of the satisfaction of the annual performance target for other tranches.

Activity related to restricted stock and RSUs in 2021 is as follows:


		Weighted average
		grant date
	Shares	fair value
Balance, December 31, 2020	1,549,098	$	57.86
Granted	600,458	$	76.03
Forfeited	(31,811)	$	73.80
Vested	(878,442)	$	52.52
Balance, September 30, 2021	1,239,303	$	70.04

Equity-based compensation expense related to our restricted shares and RSUs was $7.6 million and $9.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $25.7 million and $29.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Equity-based compensation includes accelerated recognition of $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. There was no accelerated recognition of equity-based compensation during the three months ended September 30, 2021. These expenses are included in Operating expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings (Unaudited).

As of September 30, 2021, total unrecognized compensation cost was $54.1 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.1 years.

Profits Interests Units

The fair value of OB PIUs is measured using the Black-Scholes model. The OB PIUs vest over three years, with cliff vesting after the third year. Holders of the OB PIUs have an option to put their profit interests to us if no public offering has been consummated as of the date that is 60 days prior to the fourth and each subsequent anniversary of the acquisition date of Optimal Blue. The units may be settled in cash or Black Knight common stock or a combination of both at our election and will be settled at the current fair value at the time we receive notice of the put election. As the OB PIUs provide for redemption features not solely within our control, we classify the redemption value outside of permanent equity in redeemable noncontrolling interests. The redemption value is equal to the difference in the per unit fair value of the underlying member units and the hurdle amount, based upon the proportionate required service period rendered to date. As of September 30, 2021, we recognized an adjustment of $20.1 million related to the redemption value of the OB PIUs on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited).

Equity-based compensation expense related to the OB PIUs was $2.3 million and $6.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. As of September 30, 2021, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested OB PIUs is $19.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.2 years.

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(16)Segment Information

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 280, Segment Reporting ("ASC 280") establishes standards for reporting information about segments and requires that a public business enterprise reports financial and descriptive information about its segments. Segments are components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Our chief executive officer is identified as the CODM as defined by ASC 280. To align with the internal management of our business operations based on service offerings, our business is organized into two segments. Refer to Note 14 — Revenues for a description of our Software Solutions and Data and Analytics segments.

Separate discrete financial information is available for these two segments, and the operating results of each segment are regularly evaluated by the CODM in order to assess performance and allocate resources. We use EBITDA as the primary profitability measure for making decisions regarding ongoing operations. EBITDA is earnings before Interest expense, net, Income tax expense and Depreciation and amortization. It also excludes Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. We do not allocate Interest expense, net, Other expense, net, Income tax expense, equity-based compensation and certain other items, such as purchase accounting adjustments and acquisition-related costs to the segments, since these items are not considered in evaluating the segments’ overall operating performance.

Segment asset information is not included below because we do not use it to evaluate performance or allocate resources. Summarized financial information concerning our segments is shown in the tables below (in millions):

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	Three months ended September 30, 2021
	Software		Data and		Corporate and
	Solutions		Analytics		Other			Total
Revenues	$	319.6	$	58.4	$	—	(1)	$	378.0
Expenses:
Operating expenses		137.1		37.5		28.4	(2)		203.0
Transition and integration costs		—		—		(1.3)	(3)		(1.3)
EBITDA		182.5		20.9		(27.1)			176.3
Depreciation and amortization		32.5		3.9		57.2	(4)		93.6
Operating income (loss)		150.0		17.0		(84.3)			82.7
Interest expense, net									(21.6)
Other expense, net									(1.1)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									60.0
Income tax expense									15.3
Earnings before equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									44.7
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax									1.6
Net earnings									46.3
Net losses attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests									7.1
Net earnings attributable to Black Knight								$	53.4


	Three months ended September 30, 2020
	Software		Data and		Corporate and
	Solutions		Analytics		Other			Total
Revenues	$	259.5	$	53.1	$	—	(1)	$	312.6
Expenses:
Operating expenses		107.9		34.8		24.5	(2)		167.2
Transition and integration costs		—		—		21.9	(3)		21.9
EBITDA		151.6		18.3		(46.4)			123.5
Depreciation and amortization		30.6		3.6		29.8	(4)		64.0
Operating income (loss)		121.0		14.7		(76.2)			59.5
Interest expense, net									(14.7)
Other expense, net									(0.9)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									43.9
Income tax expense									15.9
Earnings before equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									28.0
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax									86.6
Net earnings									114.6
Net losses attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests									13.2
Net earnings attributable to Black Knight								$	127.8

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	Nine months ended September 30, 2021
	Software		Data and		Corporate and
	Solutions		Analytics		Other			Total
Revenues	$	920.8	$	168.2	$	—	(1)	$	1,089.0
Expenses:
Operating expenses		392.6		106.8		86.8	(2)		586.2
Transition and integration costs		—		—		10.9	(3)		10.9
EBITDA		528.2		61.4		(97.7)			491.9
Depreciation and amortization		96.9		11.4		163.5	(4)		271.8
Operating income (loss)		431.3		50.0		(261.2)			220.1
Interest expense, net									(62.8)
Other expense, net									(5.3)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									152.0
Income tax expense									31.0
Earnings before equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									121.0
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax									3.0
Net earnings									124.0
Net losses attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests									23.2
Net earnings attributable to Black Knight								$	147.2


	Nine months ended September 30, 2020
	Software		Data and		Corporate and
	Solutions		Analytics		Other			Total
Revenues	$	749.3	$	147.4	$	(0.3)	(1)	$	896.4
Expenses:
Operating expenses		312.1		98.4		74.6	(2)		485.1
Transition and integration costs		—		—		26.8	(3)		26.8
EBITDA		437.2		49.0		(101.7)			384.5
Depreciation and amortization		91.1		11.4		77.8	(4)		180.3
Operating income (loss)		346.1		37.6		(179.5)			204.2
Interest expense, net									(42.4)
Other income, net									17.1
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									178.9
Income tax expense									41.3
Earnings before equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates									137.6
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax									66.2
Net earnings									203.8
Net losses attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests									13.2
Net earnings attributable to Black Knight								$	217.0

(1)	Revenues for Corporate and Other represent deferred revenue purchase accounting adjustments recorded in accordance with GAAP.

(2)

Operating expenses for Corporate and Other includes equity-based compensation, including certain related payroll taxes, of $9.8 million and $9.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $33.5 million and $30.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

(3)	Transition and integration costs primarily consists of costs associated with acquisitions and expense reduction initiatives.

(4)	Depreciation and amortization for Corporate and Other primarily represents net incremental depreciation and amortization adjustments associated with the application of purchase accounting recorded in accordance with GAAP.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not purely historical are 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 (the "Exchange Act"), including statements regarding expectations, hopes, intentions or strategies regarding the future. Forward-looking statements are based on Black Knight, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Black Knight," the "Company," "we," "us" or "our") management’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, them. Because such statements are based on expectations as to future financial and operating results and are not statements of fact, actual results may differ materially from those projected. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The risks and uncertainties that forward-looking statements are subject to include, but are not limited to:

●

changes in general economic, business, regulatory and political conditions, including those resulting from pandemics such as COVID-19, particularly as they affect foreclosures and the mortgage industry;

●

the outbreak of COVID-19 and measures to reduce its spread, including the effect of governmental or voluntary actions such as business shutdowns and stay-at-home orders;

●

security breaches against our information systems or breaches involving our third-party vendors;

●

our ability to maintain and grow our relationships with our clients;

●

our ability to comply with or changes to the laws, rules and regulations that affect our and our clients’ businesses;

●

our ability to adapt our solutions to technological changes or evolving industry standards or to achieve our growth strategies;

●

our ability to protect our proprietary software and information rights;

●

the effect of any potential defects, development delays, installation difficulties or system failures on our business and reputation;

●

risks associated with the availability of data;

●

the effects of our existing leverage on our ability to make acquisitions and invest in our business;

●

our ability to successfully consummate, integrate and achieve the intended benefits of acquisitions;

●

risks associated with our investment in Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc. ("DNB") and integrating and achieving the intended benefits of the acquisition of Optimal Blue, LLC (“Optimal Blue”); and

●

other risks and uncertainties detailed in the "Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information," "Risk Factors" and other sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC on February 26, 2021 and other filings with the SEC.

Overview

We are an award-winning software, data and analytics company that drives innovation in the mortgage lending and servicing and real estate industries, as well as the capital and secondary markets. Businesses leverage our robust, integrated solutions across the entire homeownership life cycle to help retain existing clients, gain new clients, mitigate risk and operate more effectively. Our clients rely on our proven, comprehensive, scalable products and our unwavering commitment to delivering superior client support to achieve their strategic goals and better serve their customers.

We have market-leading vertical software solutions combined with comprehensive real estate data and extensive analytic capabilities. Our solutions are utilized by U.S. mortgage loan originators and servicers, as well as other financial institutions, investors and real estate professionals, to support mortgage lending and servicing operations, analyze portfolios and properties, operate more efficiently, meet regulatory compliance requirements and mitigate risk.

We believe the breadth and depth of our comprehensive end-to-end, integrated solutions and the insight we provide to our clients differentiate us from other software providers and position us particularly well for emerging opportunities. We have served the mortgage and real estate industries for over 55 years and utilize this experience to design and develop solutions that fit our clients’ ever-evolving needs. Our proprietary software solutions and data and analytics capabilities reduce manual processes, improve compliance and quality, mitigate risk and deliver significant cost savings to our clients. Our scale allows us to continually and cost-effectively invest in our business in order to meet industry requirements and maintain our position as an industry-standard platform for mortgage market participants.

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The table below summarizes active first and second lien mortgage loans on our mortgage loan servicing software solution and the related market data, reflecting our leadership in the mortgage loan servicing software solutions market (in millions):


	First lien						Second lien						Total first and second lien
	as of September 30,						as of September 30,						as of September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020			2021		2020
Active loans	32.5			32.7			3.1			3.4			35.6		36.1
Market size	52.9		(1)	53.1		(1)	12.3		(2)	12.9		(2)	65.2		66.0
Market share	61	%		62	%		25	%		26	%		55	%	55	%

Note: Percentages above may not recalculate due to rounding.

(1)	Estimates according to the Black Knight Mortgage Monitor Report as of September 30, 2021 and 2020 for U.S. first lien mortgage loans.

(2)	Estimates according to the October 2021 and August 2020 Equifax National Consumer Credit Trends Report as of September 30, 2021 and July 31, 2020 for U.S. second lien mortgage loans.

We offer our solutions to a wide range of clients across the mortgage and consumer loan, real estate and capital markets verticals. The quality and breadth of our solutions contribute to the long-standing nature of our relationships with our clients, the majority of whom enter into long-term contracts across multiple products that are embedded in their mission-critical workflow and decision processes, particularly in the Software Solutions segment. Given the contractual nature of our revenues and stickiness of our client relationships, our revenues are highly visible and recurring in nature. Due to our integrated suite of solutions and our scale, we are able to drive significant operating leverage, which we believe enables our clients to operate more efficiently while allowing us to generate strong margins and cash flows.

Our Markets

The U.S. mortgage loan market is large, and the loan lifecycle is complex and consists of several stages. The mortgage loan lifecycle includes origination, servicing and default. Mortgage loans are originated to finance home purchases or refinance existing mortgage loans. Once a mortgage loan is originated, it is serviced on a periodic basis by mortgage servicers, which may not be the lenders that originated the mortgage loan. Furthermore, if a mortgage loan goes into default, it triggers a set of multifaceted processes with an assortment of potential outcomes depending on a mix of variables.

Underlying the three major stages of the mortgage loan lifecycle are the software, data and analytics support behind each process, which have become integral to industry participants. As the industry has grown in complexity, participants have responded by outsourcing to large-scale specialty providers, automating manual processes and seeking end-to-end solutions that support the processes required to manage the entire mortgage loan lifecycle.

Business Trends and Conditions

COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 and the U.S.’s response to the pandemic are significantly affecting the mortgage and real estate industries. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"), the Federal Housing Administration ("FHA”) and the Federal Housing Finance Agency ("FHFA") announced a moratorium on mortgage loan foreclosures and evictions. The FHFA also announced mortgage loan forbearance programs for certain borrowers that allow mortgage loan payments to be suspended for up to 12 months. The federal moratoriums expired on July 31, 2021. However, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) has amended the federal mortgage servicing regulations to support the housing market’s smooth and orderly transition as federal foreclosure protections expire. The amendments establish temporary safeguards to help prevent a surge of foreclosures and ensure that borrowers have time before foreclosure to explore their options. In addition, many states have implemented additional guidance that extends their moratorium on mortgage loan foreclosures and evictions, and additional extensions of these moratoriums may be implemented in the future.

There are no comparable events that provide guidance as to the effect the COVID-19 pandemic may have, and, as a result, the ultimate effect of the pandemic is highly uncertain and subject to change. We do not yet know the full extent of the effects on the economy, the markets we serve, our business or our operations.

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Black Knight Response and the Effect on Our Business

We continue to execute on our business continuity plans to address the challenges related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 2020, substantially all of our employees have been working from home. We are following the requirements and protocols published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the WHO and country, state and local governments. Our most important priorities are the health and safety of our employees and helping the communities where we work and live. A phased return to office plan has been created, which outlines when and how we will slowly begin to lift the actions put in place as part of our business continuity plans. The plan includes a phased return to office, social distancing, travel restrictions and additional safety precautions and is being enacted at each location when the risk to re-open has been reduced to an acceptable level. We continue to monitor the effects of the pandemic on our global workforce and have contingency plans in place to mitigate business risks. We are prepared to adjust our phased return to office plan as necessary. We believe working from home has been successful and has not significantly affected our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows or control environment.

The extraordinary effects of the broad-based response to the COVID-19 pandemic have delayed the timing of certain revenues. Specifically, the mortgage loan foreclosure moratorium and forbearance plans have reduced the number of foreclosures being processed on our Bankruptcy^SM/Foreclosure^SM and Invoicing^SM software solutions for which revenue is recognized as transactions occur. Our teams are focused on supporting our clients in this shifting landscape and stand ready to deliver our solutions.

Our clients have experienced the significant changes in how their customers want to, or are able to, interact with them throughout the pandemic and have realized these changes will likely persist beyond the pandemic. In reaction to these changes, our clients are prioritizing automated technology solutions that enable them to remotely engage with their customers and provide streamlined ways of performing the core functions of their businesses, all while maintaining regulatory compliance in an environment that is rapidly changing. We believe our solutions are well-positioned to help our clients address these needs.

We partner with many of the industry’s best lenders and servicers and believe it is our duty to serve in a leadership role as we manage through this crisis and beyond. From the start of the COVID-19 crisis, we have worked to provide leadership on behalf of our clients and to provide them with actionable intelligence, including our monthly Mortgage Monitor report and our McDash Flash Forbearance Tracker. We have also published in-depth white papers, held town hall meetings with our clients and have had frequent meetings with senior executives at our clients, government agencies and industry associations. We believe the in-depth data and insights we offer are essential for both mortgage market participants and government entities as we work together to address the economic ramifications of the crisis.

Our investment and innovation in digital mortgage loan solutions have made it possible for a majority of the mortgage application, underwriting and closing processes to happen online and remotely. Our industry-leading servicing system and a mortgage loan contributory data set represents a majority of the U.S. market and is modeled to represent the entire U.S. market. Our robust analytics and seamless integration ties them all together and allows for real-time visibility into the majority of active mortgage loans and a holistic view of the homeownership lifecycle. The depth of our integrated software, data and analytics enables clients to see what the effects of the pandemic mean for their business and industry. Our clients use these robust solutions for modeling, forecasting and reserve setting, which is critical, especially in this current environment.

Market Trends

Market trends that have spurred lenders and servicers to seek software, data and analytics solutions are as follows:

Integral role of technology in the U.S. mortgage loan industry. Over the past few years, the homebuyers’ processes have become more digital, and banks and other lenders and servicers have become increasingly focused on automation and workflow management to operate more efficiently and meet their regulatory requirements as well as using technology to enhance the consumer experience during the mortgage loan origination, closing and servicing processes. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our clients have become increasingly aware that digital solutions are integral to their ability to stay connected with their customer base in times when face-to-face interactions are not possible. We believe technology providers must be able to support the complexity and dynamic nature of the market, display extensive industry knowledge and possess the financial resources to make the necessary investments in technology and software to support lenders and servicers. This includes an enhanced digital experience along with the application of artificial intelligence, robotic process automation and adaptive learning.

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Heightened demand for enhanced transparency and analytic insight. As U.S. mortgage loan market participants work to minimize the risk in lending, servicing and capital markets, they rely on the integration of data and analytics with solutions that enhance the decision-making process. These industry participants rely on large comprehensive third-party databases coupled with enhanced analytics to achieve these goals. The pandemic is putting pressure on the U.S. economy, affecting millions of American jobs and creating a high-level of uncertainty in the volume of work that our clients are facing with possible delinquent mortgage loans. Mortgage loan market participants are eager for timely data and insights to help them plan and react to the changing environment.

Regulatory changes and oversight. Most U.S. mortgage loan market participants are subject to a high level of regulatory oversight and regulatory requirements as federal and state governments have enacted various new laws, rules and regulations. It is our experience that mortgage lenders and servicers have become more focused on minimizing the risk of non-compliance with regulatory requirements and are looking toward solutions that assist them in complying with their regulatory requirements. We expect this trend to continue as additional governmental programs and regulations have been recently enacted to address the economic concerns resulting from the pandemic, and our clients have had to adapt their systems and processes in record time to the shifting landscape. In addition, our clients and our clients’ regulators have elevated their focus on privacy and data security while many of our clients’ employees are working from home and in light of an increased level of cybersecurity incidents. We expect the industry focus on privacy and data security to continue to increase.

Our Business Segments

Our business is organized into two segments: Software Solutions and Data and Analytics.

Software Solutions

Our Software Solutions segment offers software and hosting solutions that primarily support loan servicing, loan origination, settlement services and secondary marketing activities. The following table summarizes our software solutions revenues (in millions):


	Three months ended				% of segment				Nine months ended				% of segment
	September 30,				revenues				September 30,				revenues
	2021		2020		2021		2020		2021		2020		2021		2020
Servicing software solutions	$	210.9	$	194.2	66	%	75	%	$	621.4	$	574.2	67	%	77	%
Origination software solutions		108.7		65.3	34	%	25	%		299.4		175.1	33	%	23	%
Software Solutions	$	319.6	$	259.5	100	%	100	%	$	920.8	$	749.3	100	%	100	%

Our servicing software solutions primarily include our core servicing software solution that automates loan servicing, including loan setup and ongoing processing, customer service, accounting, reporting to the secondary mortgage market and investors and web-based workflow information systems. Our servicing software solutions primarily generate revenues based on the number of active loans outstanding on our system, which has been very stable; however, we have some exposure to foreclosure and bankruptcy loan volumes, which can fluctuate based on economic cycles and other factors.

As a result of the effects of the broad-based response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen lower foreclosure-related transactional revenues due to the mortgage loan foreclosure moratorium and expect this trend to continue due to the mortgage loan forbearance plans offered as part of the CARES Act and the CFPB’s amendments to the federal mortgage servicing regulations to support the housing market’s smooth and orderly transition as federal foreclosure protections expire. As of November 2, 2021, Black Knight’s McDash Flash Forbearance Tracker estimated 1.1 million homeowners, or 2.1% of all U.S. mortgage loans, were in COVID-19 mortgage loan forbearance plans.

Our origination software solutions primarily include our solutions that automate and facilitate the origination of mortgage loans and provide an interconnected network allowing the various parties and systems associated with lending transactions to exchange data quickly and efficiently. Our exposure to origination volumes is limited as our loan origination system revenues are based on closed loan volumes subject to minimum base software fees that are contractually obligated, and our secondary marketing technologies’ revenues are primarily subscription-based. Some of our origination software solutions are exposed to variances in origination volumes, primarily related to refinance volumes due to the nature of the services provided. While we have seen elevated refinance origination volumes for a prolonged period of time, we expect to see lower refinance origination volumes during the remainder of the year due to record volumes in the prior year periods and a rising interest rate environment. We have also seen improvement in purchase origination volumes primarily due to the current interest rate environment and expect this trend to continue. Our origination software solutions that are more sensitive to origination volumes were approximately 5% of our consolidated revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2021.

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Data and Analytics

Our Data and Analytics segment offers data and analytics solutions to the mortgage, real estate and capital markets verticals. These solutions include property ownership data, lien data, servicing data, automated valuation models, collateral risk scores, behavioral models, a multiple listing service software solution and other data solutions. Our data and analytics business is predominantly based on longer-term strategic data licenses, other data licenses and subscription-based revenues. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, our data and analytics revenues were 15% of our consolidated revenues and 17% and 16% of our consolidated revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. Our data and analytics solutions that are more sensitive to fluctuations in home buying activity and origination volumes were approximately 4% of our consolidated revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and relate to services where we provide data necessary for title insurance and other settlement service activities.

Results of Operations

Key Performance Metrics

Revenues, EBITDA and EBITDA margin for the Software Solutions and Data and Analytics segments are presented in conformity with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 280, Segment Reporting. These measures are reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. For these reasons, these measures are excluded from the definition of non-GAAP financial measures under the SEC’s Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K.

Consolidated Results of Operations

The following table presents certain financial data for the periods indicated (in millions, except per share data):


	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Revenues	$	378.0		$	312.6		$	1,089.0		$	896.4
Expenses:
Operating expenses		203.0			167.2			586.2			485.1
Depreciation and amortization		93.6			64.0			271.8			180.3
Transition and integration costs		(1.3)			21.9			10.9			26.8
Total expenses		295.3			253.1			868.9			692.2
Operating income		82.7			59.5			220.1			204.2
Operating margin		21.9	%		19.0	%		20.2	%		22.8	%
Interest expense, net		(21.6)			(14.7)			(62.8)			(42.4)
Other (expense) income, net		(1.1)			(0.9)			(5.3)			17.1
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		60.0			43.9			152.0			178.9
Income tax expense		15.3			15.9			31.0			41.3
Earnings before equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		44.7			28.0			121.0			137.6
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax		1.6			86.6			3.0			66.2
Net earnings		46.3			114.6			124.0			203.8
Net losses attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests		7.1			13.2			23.2			13.2
Net earnings attributable to Black Knight	$	53.4		$	127.8		$	147.2		$	217.0

Net earnings per share attributable to Black Knight common shareholders:
Diluted	$	0.34		$	0.82		$	0.94		$	1.43
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding:
Diluted		156.2			156.3			155.9			151.7

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Segment Financial Results

Revenues

The following table sets forth revenues by segment for the periods presented (in millions):


	Three months ended								Nine months ended
	September 30,				Variance				September 30,				Variance
	2021		2020		$		%		2021		2020			$	%
Software Solutions	$	319.6	$	259.5	$	60.1	23	%	$	920.8	$	749.3	$	171.5	23	%
Data and Analytics		58.4		53.1		5.3	10	%		168.2		147.4		20.8	14	%
Corporate and Other⁽¹⁾		—		—		—	—			—		(0.3)		0.3	NM
Total	$	378.0	$	312.6	$	65.4	21	%	$	1,089.0	$	896.4	$	192.6	21	%

(1)	Revenues for Corporate and Other represent deferred revenue purchase accounting adjustments recorded in accordance with GAAP.

Software Solutions

Revenues were $319.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $259.5 million in the 2020 period, an increase of $60.1 million, or 23%. Our servicing software solutions revenues increased 9%, or $16.7 million, primarily driven by higher usage-based revenues on MSP^®, revenues from new clients and sales of new innovative solutions. Our origination software solutions revenues increased 66%, or $43.4 million, primarily driven by revenues of $38.3 million related to acquired businesses, the network effect in Optimal Blue, revenues from new clients and innovation sales, partially offset by attrition.

Revenues were $920.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $749.3 million in the 2020 period, an increase of $171.5 million, or 23%. Our servicing software solutions revenues increased 8%, or $47.2 million, primarily driven by higher usage-based revenues on MSP^®, revenues from new clients and sales of new innovative solutions, partially offset by approximately $9 million of lower foreclosure-related revenues due to the foreclosure moratorium as part of the CARES Act. Our origination software solutions revenues increased 71%, or $124.3 million, primarily driven by revenues of $112.5 million related to acquired businesses, increased revenues from new and existing clients, higher origination volumes and higher professional services, partially offset by higher software license revenues in the prior year period and attrition.

Data and Analytics

Revenues were $58.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $53.1 million in the 2020 period, an increase of $5.3 million, or 10%. The increase was primarily driven by strong sales execution across nearly all business lines and revenues of $1.3 million from an acquired business.

Revenues were $168.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $147.4 million in the 2020 period, an increase of $20.8 million, or 14%. The increase was primarily driven by strong sales execution across nearly all business lines, revenues of $4.1 million from acquired businesses and higher origination volumes, partially offset by attrition.

EBITDA and EBITDA margin

The following tables set forth EBITDA (in millions) and EBITDA margin by segment for the periods presented:


	Three months ended								Nine months ended
	September 30,				Variance				September 30,				Variance
	2021		2020		$		%		2021		2020		$		%
Software Solutions	$	182.5	$	151.6	$	30.9	20	%	$	528.2	$	437.2	$	91.0	21	%
Data and Analytics		20.9		18.3		2.6	14	%		61.4		49.0		12.4	25	%

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	Three months ended					Nine months ended
	September 30,				Variance		September 30,				Variance
	2021		2020		Basis points		2021		2020		Basis points
Software Solutions	57.1	%	58.4	%	(130)		57.4	%	58.3	%	(90)
Data and Analytics	35.8	%	34.5	%	130		36.5	%	33.2	%	330

Software Solutions

EBITDA was $182.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $151.6 million in the 2020 period, an increase of $30.9 million, or 20%, with an EBITDA margin of 57.1%, a decrease of 130 basis points from the 2020 period. The EBITDA margin decrease was primarily driven by revenue mix and increased investments in innovation and client support.

EBITDA was $528.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $437.2 million in the 2020 period, an increase of $91.0 million, or 21%, with an EBITDA margin of 57.4%, a decrease of 90 basis points from the 2020 period. The EBITDA margin decrease was driven by revenue mix and increased investments in innovation and client support.

Data and Analytics

EBITDA was $20.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $18.3 million in the 2020 period, an increase of $2.6 million, or 14%, with an EBITDA margin of 35.8%, an increase of 130 basis points from the 2020 period. The EBITDA margin increase was primarily driven by incremental margins on revenue growth.

EBITDA was $61.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $49.0 million in the 2020 period, an increase of $12.4 million, or 25%, with an EBITDA margin of 36.5%, an increase of 330 basis points from the 2020 period. The EBITDA margin increase was primarily driven by incremental margins on revenue growth.

Consolidated Financial Results

Operating Expenses

The following table sets forth operating expenses by segment for the periods presented (in millions):


	Three months ended								Nine months ended
	September 30,				Variance				September 30,				Variance
	2021		2020		$		%		2021		2020		$		%
Software Solutions	$	137.1	$	107.9	$	29.2	27	%	$	392.6	$	312.1	$	80.5	26	%
Data and Analytics		37.5		34.8		2.7	8	%		106.8		98.4		8.4	9	%
Corporate and Other⁽¹⁾		28.4		24.5		3.9	16	%		86.8		74.6		12.2	16	%
Total	$	203.0	$	167.2	$	35.8	21	%	$	586.2	$	485.1	$	101.1	21	%

(1)

Operating expenses for Corporate and Other include equity-based compensation, including certain related payroll taxes, of $9.8 million and $9.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $33.5 million and $30.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The increase in Operating expenses in the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the 2020 period was primarily driven by the effect of prior year acquisitions, higher net personnel expense, including higher medical costs, and higher incentive compensation expense, including equity-based compensation.

The increase in Operating expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the 2020 period was primarily driven by the effect of prior year acquisitions, higher net personnel expense, including higher medical costs, higher incentive compensation expense, including equity-based compensation, and software subscription and maintenance costs.

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Depreciation and Amortization

The following table sets forth depreciation and amortization by segment for the periods presented (in millions):


	Three months ended								Nine months ended
	September 30,				Variance				September 30,				Variance
	2021		2020		$		%		2021		2020		$		%
Software Solutions	$	32.5	$	30.6	$	1.9	6	%	$	96.9	$	91.1	$	5.8	6	%
Data and Analytics		3.9		3.6		0.3	8	%		11.4		11.4		—	—	%
Corporate and Other⁽¹⁾		57.2		29.8		27.4	92	%		163.5		77.8		85.7	110	%
Total	$	93.6	$	64.0	$	29.6	46	%	$	271.8	$	180.3	$	91.5	51	%

(1)	Depreciation and amortization for Corporate and Other primarily represents net incremental depreciation and amortization adjustments associated with the application of purchase accounting recorded in accordance with GAAP.

The increase in Depreciation and amortization in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the 2020 periods is primarily related to the amortization of acquired intangible assets from acquisitions.

Transition and Integration Costs

Transition and integration costs were $(1.3) million in the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $21.9 million in the 2020 period. Transition and integration costs were $10.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $26.8 million in the 2020 period. Transition and integration costs in the 2021 period primarily consisted of costs associated with acquisitions, including costs pursuant to purchase agreements. Transition and integration costs for the three months ending September 30, 2021 also include the reversal of $3.9 million of certain compensation related costs pursuant to purchase agreements and the reversal of $2.3 million of certain contingent consideration liabilities associated with prior years’ acquisitions. Transition and integration costs in the 2020 period primarily consisted of costs associated with acquisitions, including transaction costs of $14.6 million related to the acquisition of Optimal Blue, and expense reduction initiatives.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net was $21.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $14.7 million in the 2020 period, an increase of $6.9 million, or 47%. The increase was primarily driven by our higher average outstanding debt balances primarily related to the Senior Notes and our Revolving Credit Facility.

Interest expense, net was $62.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $42.4 million in the 2020 period, an increase of $20.4 million, or 48%. The increase was primarily driven by our higher average outstanding debt balances primarily related to the Senior Notes, partially offset by lower interest rates.

Other (Expense) Income, Net

Other expense, net was $1.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $0.9 million in the 2020 period. Other expense, net was $5.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to Other income, net of $17.1 million in the 2020 period. The 2021 amounts primarily related to legal fees and the debt refinancing. The 2020 amounts primarily related to a recognized gain of $18.5 million for the resolution of a legacy legal matter.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense was $15.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $15.9 million in the 2020 period. Our effective tax rate was 25.5% in 2021 compared to 36.2% in 2020. Income tax expense was $31.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $41.3 million in the 2020 period. Our effective tax rate was 20.4% in 2021 compared to 23.1% in 2020. Refer to Note 12 – Income Taxes for a reconciliation of the federal statutory income rate to our effective income tax rate for each period.

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Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates, Net of Tax

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax consists of the following (in millions):


	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax	$	1.6	$	(1.6)	$	(6.9)	$	(27.0)
Non-cash gain related to DNB's issuance of common stock, net of tax		—		88.2		9.9		88.2
Sale of an equity method investment, net of tax		—		—		—		5.0
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax	$	1.6	$	86.6	$	3.0	$	66.2

Refer to Note 4 — Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference into this Part I Item 2 for additional information.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Requirements

Our primary sources of liquidity are our existing cash balances, cash flows from operations and borrowings on our revolving credit facility. On March 10, 2021, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement that extended the maturity of the facilities until 2026 and delayed mandatory term loan payments until 2022. Refer to Note 10 — Long-Term Debt in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information. As of September 30, 2021, we had cash of $78.1 million, debt principal of $2,496.7 million and available capacity of $663.0 million on our revolving credit facility.

Our primary cash requirements include operating expenses, debt service payments (principal and interest), capital expenditures (including software development, equipment and property related expenditures) and tax-related payments and may include business acquisitions and share repurchases.

We believe that our cash flows from operations and available cash and cash equivalents are sufficient to meet our liquidity needs, including the repayment of our outstanding debt, for at least the next 12 months. We anticipate that to the extent we require additional liquidity, it will be funded through borrowings on our revolving credit facility, the incurrence of other indebtedness, equity issuance or a combination thereof. The loss of the largest lender on our revolving credit facility would reduce our borrowing capacity by $90.0 million. Additionally, our liquidity and our ability to meet our obligations and fund our capital requirements are also dependent on our future financial performance, which is subject to general economic, financial and other factors that are beyond our control. Accordingly, we cannot be assured that our business will generate sufficient cash flows from operations or that future borrowings will be available from additional indebtedness or otherwise to meet our liquidity needs. Although we have no specific current plans to do so, if we decide to pursue one or more significant acquisitions, we may incur additional debt or issue additional equity to finance such acquisitions.

The CARES Act allows us to defer payments of our share of social security taxes until December 31, 2021 and 2022. As of September 30, 2021, we have deferred $15.1 million of payments related to employer social security taxes, $7.5 million of which is due on December 31, 2021.

DNB Investment

As of September 30, 2021, we own 54.8 million shares of DNB common stock. As of September 30, 2021, DNB’s closing share price was $16.81 and the fair value of our investment in DNB was $922.0 million before tax. Assuming a statutory tax rate of 25.3%, the estimated after-tax value of our investment in DNB is $813.4 million. Refer to Note 4 — Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.

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Cash Flows

The following table provides a summary of cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the periods presented (in millions):


	Nine months ended September 30,
	2021		2020		Variance
Cash flows provided by operating activities	$	331.4	$	265.9	$	65.5
Cash flows used in investing activities		(397.4)		(2,058.5)		1,661.1
Cash flows provided by financing activities		109.4		1,808.4		(1,699.0)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	43.4	$	15.8	$	27.6

Operating Activities

The $65.5 million increase in cash provided by operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the 2020 period is primarily related to higher earnings adjusted for non-cash amortization and a non-cash gain related to our investment in DNB in the prior year period.

Investing Activities

The $1,661.1 million decrease in cash used in investing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the 2020 period is primarily related to the Optimal Blue acquisition and our investment in DNB in 2020, partially offset by our 2021 acquisitions. See Note 3 — Business Acquisitions in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference into this Part I Item 2.

Financing Activities

The $1,699.0 million decrease in cash provided by financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the 2020 period is primarily related to the issuance by our indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary Black Knight InfoServe, LLC (“BKIS”) of $1.0 billion in aggregate principal of 3.625% senior unsecured notes due 2028 and contributions from affiliates of Cannae Holdings, LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. related to their redeemable noncontrolling interests in Optimal Blue Holdco, LLC in the prior year period, partially offset by share repurchases in 2021. See Note 10 — Long-Term Debt in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference into this Part I Item 2.

Financing

For a description of our financing arrangements, see Note 10 — Long-Term Debt in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference into this Part I Item 2.

Contractual Obligations

On March 10, 2021, BKIS entered into an amended and restated credit and guarantee agreement. Refer to Note 10 — Long-Term Debt in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference into this Part I Item 2.

Our long-term contractual obligations generally include our debt and related interest payments, data processing and maintenance commitments and operating and finance lease payments for our offices, data centers, property and equipment. There were no significant changes to our contractual obligations from those disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Share Repurchase Program

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A summary of share repurchases under our share repurchase program during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 is as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):


						Shares remaining under
Period	Total number of shares repurchased	Aggregate purchase price		Average price paid per share		repurchase authorization as of period end
January 2021 - March 2021	0.6	$	46.7	$	75.19	9.4
July 2021 - September 2021	1.4		100.0	$	73.32	8.0
	2.0	$	146.7	$	73.91

Indemnifications and Warranties

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements other than interest rate swaps.

Critical Accounting Policies

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Market Risk

We regularly assess market risks and have established policies and business practices designed to protect against the adverse effects of these exposures. We are exposed to market risks primarily from changes in interest rates. We use interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk. We do not use interest rate swaps for trading purposes, to generate income or to engage in speculative activity.

Interest Rate Risk

In addition to existing cash balances and cash provided by operating activities, we use fixed and variable rate debt to finance our operations.

Our Senior Notes represent our fixed-rate long-term debt. Refer to Note 10 — Long-Term Debt in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The carrying value of our Senior Notes was $989.3 million as of September 30, 2021. The fair value of our Senior Notes was approximately $1,007.6 million as of September 30, 2021. The potential reduction in fair value of the Senior Notes from a hypothetical 10 percent increase in market interest rates would not be material to the overall fair value of the debt.

We enter into interest rate swap agreements to hedge forecasted monthly interest rate payments on our variable rate debt. We are exposed to interest rate risk on our variable rate debt obligations and related interest rate swaps. As of September 30, 2021, we had $1,487.0 million in long-term debt principal outstanding from our Facilities, all of which is variable rate debt, as described in Note 10 — Long-Term Debt in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

As of September 30, 2021, the Facilities represent our long-term debt obligations exposed to interest rate risk. We performed a sensitivity analysis on the principal amount of debt as of September 30, 2021, as well as the effect of our interest rate swaps. Further, in this

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sensitivity analysis, the change in interest rates is assumed to be applicable for an entire year. An increase of 100 basis points in the applicable interest rate would cause an increase in interest expense of $12.3 million on an annual basis ($7.1 million including the effect of our current interest rate swaps). A decrease in the applicable interest rate to 0% would cause a decrease in interest expense of $2.6 million on an annual basis ($1.4 million including the effect of our current interest rate swaps) as the 1-week and 1-month LIBOR were approximately 0.07% and 0.08%, respectively, as of September 30, 2021.

As of September 30, 2021, we have the following interest rate swap agreements (collectively, the "Swap Agreements") (in millions):


Effective dates	Notional amount		Fixed rates
March 31, 2017 through March 31, 2022	$	200.0	2.08	%
April 30, 2018 through April 30, 2023	$	250.0	2.61	%
January 31, 2019 through January 31, 2023	$	300.0	2.65	%

Under the terms of the Swap Agreements, we receive payments based on the 1-month LIBOR rate (approximately 0.08% as of September 30, 2021).

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the following interest rate swap agreement expired (in millions):


Effective dates	Notional amount		Fixed rate
September 29, 2017 through September 30, 2021	$	200.0	1.69	%

The Swap Agreements were designated as cash flow hedging instruments. A portion of the amount included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss is reclassified into Interest expense, net as a yield adjustment as interest is either paid or received on the hedged debt. The inputs used to determine the estimated fair value of our interest rate swaps are Level 2 inputs. We have considered our own credit risk and the credit risk of the counterparties when determining the fair value of our Swap Agreements.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of September 30, 2021, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), management has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that as of September 30, 2021, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit with the SEC are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rules 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2021 covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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Part II: OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See discussion of legal proceedings in Note 13 — Commitments and Contingencies in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 1 of Part II.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in our risk factors since the filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table summarizes share repurchases during the three months ended September 30, 2021:


				Total number of shares	Maximum number of shares
	Total number of	Average price		purchased as part of publicly	that may yet to be
Period	shares purchased	paid per share		announced program⁽¹⁾	purchased under the program⁽²⁾
July	-	$	-	-	9,379,000
August	34,745		75.76	34,745	9,344,255
September	1,329,000		73.26	1,329,000	8,015,255
	1,363,745	$	73.32	1,363,745

(1)

(2)	As of the last day of the applicable month.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

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Item 6. Exhibits

(a)

Exhibits


Exhibit
No.		Description
31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1		Certification by Chief Executive Officer of Periodic Financial Reports pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.2		Certification by Chief Financial Officer of Periodic Financial Reports pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
101.INS		Inline XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.PRE		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.LAB		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
104		Cover Page Interactive Data File formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101

*	The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


	BLACK KNIGHT, INC.
	(registrant)

Date: November 8, 2021	By:	/s/ Kirk T. Larsen
		Kirk T. Larsen
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer)

Date: November 8, 2021	By:	/s/ Michele M. Meyers
		Michele M. Meyers
		Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer
		(Principal Accounting Officer)