Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied. Generally, this occurs with the transfer of control of our products or services. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. The taxes we collect concurrent with revenue-producing activities (e.g., sales tax, value added tax, and other taxes) are excluded from revenue. Incentive payments to customers that directly relate to future business are recorded as a reduction of net revenues over the periods benefited.
Shipping and handling costs and the related expenses are reported as fulfillment revenues and expenses for all customers. Therefore all shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight are accounted for as fulfillment costs and are included in cost of sales. The expected costs associated with our base warranties and field service actions continue to be recognized as expense when the products are sold (see Note 14 - Warranty Liabilities). Since payment is due at or shortly after the point of sale, the contract asset is classified as a receivable.
We do not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component when we expect, at contract inception, that the period between our transfer of a promised product or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that product or service will be one year or less. We do not typically include extended payment terms in our contracts with customers. Incidental items that are immaterial in the context of the contract are recognized as expense.
We disaggregate revenues based on geographical location. See Note 18 - Segment Information for further information on disaggregated revenue.
Deferred Revenue – We record deferred revenue when we collect pre-payments from customers for performance obligations we expect to fulfill through future performance of a service or delivery of a product. We classify our deferred revenue based on our estimate as to when we expect to satisfy the related performance obligations. Current deferred revenues are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Significant changes in the deferred revenue balances during the period are as follows:
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| | | |
(amounts in thousands) | 2018 |
Balance as of January 1 | $ | 9,970 |
|
Increases due to cash received | 74,936 |
|
Liabilities assumed due to acquisition | 2,374 |
|
Revenue recognized during the period | (76,388 | ) |
Currency translation | (1,038 | ) |
Balance at period end | $ | 9,854 |
|
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.