Earnings releases, calls & guidance · Core
Deferred revenue
Also called: contract liability, unearned revenue
ELI5
Customer consideration received or billed before related revenue is recognised.
Used in conversation
“Keep deferred revenue on the dashboard, but show the definition and reporting period beside it.”
Pitch context
You will see “Deferred revenue” in annual reports, earnings decks, filings and investor presentations when the discussion reaches earnings releases, calls & guidance.
Why it matters: In earnings releases, calls & guidance, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Sources & evidence · 8
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- IFRS Foundation — IFRS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Financial Accounting Standards Board — FASB Accounting Standards CodificationDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — How to Read a 10-KDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Non-GAAP Financial Measures — Compliance and Disclosure InterpretationsDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Write your business planSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Break-even pointSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — EDGAR and filing resourcesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Supporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16