NOTE 13: DEFERRED REVENUE AND REMAINING PERFORMANCE OBLIGATIONS
Deferred Revenue
Changes in our deferred revenue during 2025 and 2024 were as follows: 
(In millions) 20252024
Beginning balance of the period$896.0 $761.4 
Revenue recognized from prior year-end(775.2)(652.3)
Billings net of revenue recognized from current year and other877.9 786.9 
Ending balance of the period$998.7 $896.0 
Remaining Performance Obligations
At the end of 2025, approximately $2.0 billion of revenue was expected to be recognized from remaining performance obligations for which goods or services have not been delivered, primarily subscription, software, and software maintenance, and to a lesser extent, hardware and professional services contracts. We expect to recognize $1.4 billion, approximately 70%, of our remaining performance obligations as revenue during the next 12 months and the remainder thereafter.

Historical Timeline

Fiscal YearFiled
2026Feb 25, 2026Showing above
2025Apr 25, 2025
2023Feb 26, 2024
2022Feb 17, 2023
2021Feb 26, 2021
2020Feb 28, 2020
2018Feb 22, 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.