ACCO BRANDS Corp Revenue Disclosure
17. Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers in an amount reflective of the consideration we expect to be received in exchange for those goods or services. Taxes we collect concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue. Incidental items incurred that are immaterial in the context of the contract are expensed.
At the inception of each contract, the Company assesses the products and services promised and identifies each distinct performance obligation. To identify the performance obligations, the Company considers all products and services promised regardless of whether they are explicitly stated or implied within the contract or by standard business practices.
Freight and distribution activities performed before the customer obtains control of the goods are not considered promised services under customer contracts and therefore are not distinct performance obligations. The Company has chosen to account for shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment activity, and therefore accrues the expense of freight and distribution in "Cost of products sold" when product is shipped.
As of December 31, 2024, there was $2.9 million of unearned revenue associated with outstanding service or extended maintenance agreements ("EMAs"), primarily reported in "Other current liabilities." During the year ended December 31, 2025, $2.5 million of the unearned revenue was earned and recognized. As of December 31, 2025, the amount of unearned revenue from EMAs was $2.5 million. We expect to earn and recognize approximately $2.1 million of the unearned amount in the next 12 months and $0.4 million in periods beyond the next 12 months.
The following tables present our net sales disaggregated by regional geography(1), based upon our operating segments for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, and our net sales disaggregated by the timing of revenue recognition for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023:
(in millions) |
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
||
United States |
|
$ |
647.3 |
|
|
$ |
719.7 |
|
|
$ |
796.2 |
|
Canada |
|
|
77.8 |
|
|
|
88.0 |
|
|
|
95.0 |
|
Latin America |
|
|
169.3 |
|
|
|
192.2 |
|
|
|
244.5 |
|
ACCO Brands Americas |
|
|
894.4 |
|
|
|
999.9 |
|
|
|
1,135.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
EMEA(1) |
|
|
482.0 |
|
|
|
521.8 |
|
|
|
547.2 |
|
Australia/N.Z. |
|
|
115.9 |
|
|
|
112.3 |
|
|
|
118.5 |
|
Asia |
|
|
32.4 |
|
|
|
32.2 |
|
|
|
31.4 |
|
ACCO Brands International |
|
|
630.3 |
|
|
|
666.3 |
|
|
|
697.1 |
|
Net sales(2) |
|
$ |
1,524.7 |
|
|
$ |
1,666.2 |
|
|
$ |
1,832.8 |
|
(in millions) |
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|||
Product and services transferred at a point in time |
|
$ |
1,493.5 |
|
|
$ |
1,629.7 |
|
|
$ |
1,794.1 |
|
Product and services transferred over time |
|
|
31.2 |
|
|
|
36.5 |
|
|
|
38.7 |
|
Net sales |
|
$ |
1,524.7 |
|
|
$ |
1,666.2 |
|
|
$ |
1,832.8 |
|
Historical Timeline
| Fiscal Year | Filed | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Mar 9, 2026 | Showing above |
| 2024 | Feb 21, 2025 | |
| 2023 | Feb 23, 2024 | |
| 2022 | Feb 24, 2023 | |
| 2021 | Feb 23, 2022 | |
| 2020 | Feb 26, 2021 | |
| 2019 | Feb 27, 2020 | |
| 2018 | Feb 27, 2019 | |
About Revenue Disclosures
Revenue disclosures under ASC 606 explain how a company identifies performance obligations, allocates transaction prices, and determines when revenue is recognized. This section is essential for understanding whether reported revenue reflects genuine economic activity or aggressive accounting choices. Analysts examine the mix of point-in-time versus over-time recognition, which directly affects revenue timing and comparability.
Key signals: rising contract liabilities (deferred revenue) suggest strong future revenue visibility, while declining contract assets may indicate slowing project milestones. Watch for variable consideration estimates — rebates, returns, and performance bonuses that require management judgment. Significant changes in disaggregated revenue by geography or product line can reveal shifting business mix before it appears in headline numbers. Compare revenue growth against contract liability growth to assess sustainability, and scrutinize any changes in the timing of recognition that coincide with earnings pressure.