RE: Deferred revenue and IFM's performanceYou have to remember that IFM's revenue is now in excess of 80% recurring based on transactional activity. This may not show up on the balance sheet because the customer pays as they go but there is an underlying contract that commits the customer for a long time. If you look at the e route contract the commitment is for ten years. These other companies are not paid by transaction in many cases so then you see the contractual commitiment in the form of deferred revenue.
The meaningful number that I have seen improve in the case of IFM is EBITDA which they are forcasting to be in excess of 20% of sales and has exceeded 15% last quarter.
My sources say watch out come September when there is an audience to receive releases as there will be lots of action with IFM.
Cheers