What is Deferred Revenue in Finance?

Deferred revenue is a critical aspect of financial management. However, it often poses significant challenges in accurate financial forecasting and tracking. For businesses that offer SaaS products or subscription based services, understanding and effectively managing deferred revenue becomes incredibly important for sustainable growth and financial stability.

Explore more about deferred revenue within this article.

What is deferred revenue?

Deferred revenue is often known as ‘unearned revenue’ or ‘deferred income’. It refers to the advance payment received by a company for goods or services that have not yet been delivered. To put it simply, it represents revenue that has been received by a company but has not yet been earned. Instead, the company has an obligation to deliver goods or services in the future.

When will a business see deferred revenue?

Deferred revenue typically arises in situations where a company sells subscriptions, service contracts, or prepaid arrangements. Examples include subscription-based software, magazine subscriptions, annual maintenance contracts, and prepaid memberships. When a customer pays in advance for these goods or services, the payment is initially recorded as a liability on the balance sheet because the business has not yet fulfilled its obligation.

Over time, as the business delivers these goods or services, it will eventually recognize the deferred revenue as earned revenue on the income statement.

Deferred revenue is crucial for accurate financial reporting and is subject to accounting standards in the United States and internationally. Proper management of deferred revenue is essential for ensuring compliance with these standards and for providing transparency to investors and stakeholders about the business’ financial performance.

How does deferred revenue work for businesses?

Deferred revenue works by allowing companies to recognize income over time as they fulfill their obligations. Here’s how it typically works:

Businesses will receive receipt of advance payment and recognize it as deferred revenue: This creates a liability on the balance sheet because the business still owes the customer the goods or services paid for.

Businesses will recognize earned revenue over time: When the business fulfils its obligations via the goods or services promised, it will recognize the deferred revenue as earned revenue on the income statement.

Businesses decrease deferred revenue: Each time a business fulfils its obligations, the balance of deferred revenue on the balance sheet decreases until it is fully depleted once all obligations to customers have been fulfilled.

Businesses understand the impact on financial statements: On the balance sheet, it appears as a liability until it is recognized as revenue. On the income statement, it is gradually recognized as revenue, contributing to the company’s total revenue over time.

Businesses will ensure disclosure and compliance: Proper management and disclosure of deferred revenue are essential for compliance with accounting standards. These standards provide guidelines for recognizing revenue from customer contracts and require companies to accurately report deferred revenue on their financial statements.

Five challenges in managing deferred revenue

Managing deferred revenue poses several challenges for businesses:

Revenue recognition is complex

Determining the appropriate timing and method for recognizing deferred revenue can be complex. Different contractual terms, delivery schedules, and performance obligations will require careful assessment to ensure accurate revenue recognition.

Variations in contract terms create difficulties

Contracts with customers often contain various terms and conditions that impact the recognition of deferred revenue. Managing and tracking these contractual nuances can be challenging, particularly for businesses with a large customer base or a wide range of offerings.

Revenue forecasting can be inaccurate

Forecasting future revenue streams based on deferred revenue requires accurate data and reliable forecasting methods. Fluctuations in the market can impact revenue forecasts, making it challenging to predict future cash flows and financial performance accurately.

Spreadsheets and manual processes are error-prone

Many businesses still rely on manual processes to track and manage deferred revenue, which can be time-consuming and error-prone. Spreadsheet-based methods may lack robustness and scalability, increasing the risk of inaccuracies, data inconsistencies, and compliance issues.

Financial statements can be distorted

If deferred revenue is improperly managed, it can distort financial statements and misrepresent financial performance. Overstating or understating deferred revenue may lead to inaccuracies, which can undermine investor confidence and regulatory compliance.

Example of deferred revenue

A SaaS (software-as-a-service) business offers a subscription based service to its customers. If a customer purchased a one year subscription on January 1st for $1,200 upfront, this is how it would be recognized:

Payment recorded on initial receipt (January 1st)

The business receives $1,200 from the customer for the annual subscription.

The full amount is recorded as deferred revenue on the balance sheet.

Revenue recognized over the year (monthly)

Each month throughout the subscription period, the business will recognize 1/12th of the deferred revenue as earned revenue on the income statement.

For example, at the end of January, $100 (1/12th of $1,200) would be recognized as revenue for the month.

Business recognizes completion of subscription term (December 31st)

By the end of the subscription term on December 31st, the business has recognized the entire $1,200 of deferred revenue as earned revenue.

The balance of deferred revenue on the balance sheet is reduced to zero.

Can you use a financial forecasting tool to help with deferred revenue?

A financial forecasting tool such as Brixx can be immensely helpful in managing deferred revenue effectively. Brixx can assist in:

• Automatically recognizing revenue
• See real time visibility into deferred revenue balances
• Plan for multiple scenarios through scenario analysis and sensitivity analysis
• Integration with accounting systems for consistent data
• Creating customizable reports for analysis

Overall, Brixx empowers businesses to effectively manage deferred revenue. By leveraging Brixx’s advanced forecasting tools, businesses can optimize their revenue management processes, mitigate risks, and make informed decisions to drive sustainable growth and financial success.

Sign up to a free 7 day trial today!