NOTE 4. REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The majority of the Company's revenue is recognized at a point in time, concurrent with the transfer of control, which usually occurs, depending on shipping terms, upon shipment or customer receipt. See Note 19, Segment Information, for more information about disaggregated revenue by the Company's major product lines.
Certain revenue from sales of downstream products in the North America Steel Group segment is recognized over time, as discussed below. Remaining revenue from sales of downstream products in the North America Steel Group segment is recognized based on the amount the Company has a right to invoice as a practical expedient.
Each of the North America Steel Group segment's fabrication contracts represents a single performance obligation. Revenue from certain fabrication contracts for which the Company provides downstream products and installation services is recognized over time using an input measure. This revenue represented 8% of net sales in the North America Steel Group segment in 2025, 2024 and 2023. Revenue from fabrication contracts for which the Company does not provide installation services is recognized over time using an output measure, and represented 10% of net sales in the North America Steel Group in both 2025 and 2024, compared to 12% in 2023.
The following table provides information about assets and liabilities from contracts with customers: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in thousands) | | August 31, 2025 | | August 31, 2024 |
| Contract assets (included in accounts receivable) | | $ | 108,570 | | | $ | 57,007 | |
| Contract liabilities (included in other accrued expenses and payables) | | 21,631 | | | 35,356 |
The entire contract liability as of August 31, 2024 was recognized in net sales during 2025.
Remaining Performance Obligations
As of August 31, 2025, revenue totaling $867.4 million was allocated to remaining performance obligations in the North America Steel Group segment related to contracts for which revenue is recognized using input or output measures. The Company estimates that approximately 75% of the remaining performance obligations will be recognized during 2026 and the remainder will be recognized during 2027. The duration of all other contracts in the North America Steel Group, Emerging Businesses Group and Europe Steel Group segments is typically less than one year.
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.