REVENUE RECOGNITION
Deferred revenue liabilities from contracts with customers included on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets is comprised of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in millions) | | May 25, 2025 | | May 26, 2024 |
| Unearned revenues | | | | |
| Deferred gift card revenue | | $ | 628.8 | | | $ | 620.6 | |
| Deferred gift card discounts | | (30.1) | | | (29.5) | |
| Other | | 0.7 | | | 0.7 | |
| Total | | $ | 599.4 | | | $ | 591.8 | |
| | | | |
| Other liabilities | | | | |
| Deferred franchise fees - non-current | | $ | 5.3 | | | $ | 4.9 | |
The following table presents a rollforward of deferred gift card revenue:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fiscal Year Ended |
| (in millions) | | May 25, 2025 | | May 26, 2024 |
| Beginning balance | | $ | 620.6 | | | $ | 537.0 | |
| Acquired deferred gift card revenue | | 2.6 | | | 61.8 | |
| Activations | | 737.0 | | | 753.7 | |
| Redemptions and breakage | | (731.4) | | | (731.9) | |
| Ending balance | | $ | 628.8 | | | $ | 620.6 | |
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.