What is Recurring Revenue?

The Short Answer

Recurring revenue is income that a business can reliably expect to receive at regular intervals, often from subscriptions or long-term contracts.

Recurring Revenue explained simply

Recurring revenue is money a business expects to get regularly. Think of it like a monthly subscription for a streaming service or a yearly contract for software. It’s predictable income, which makes a business more stable and valuable. This type of revenue is different from one-time sales because it creates a steady stream of cash flow.

Real-World Example

The Software Company Example

Imagine a software company that sells its product through a monthly subscription. Each customer pays $50 per month. If the company has 1,000 active subscribers, its recurring revenue is $50,000 per month. This predictable income allows the company to plan for future expenses and growth with more certainty.

Why this matters

Recurring revenue is important because it shows a business is stable and has a predictable future. Buyers like businesses with recurring revenue because it means less risk and a more reliable return on their investment. It also makes it easier to forecast future earnings, which can increase the business’s valuation.

LM
Luis MerchanBusiness

Businesses with strong recurring revenue models often sell for higher multiples. It’s a clear sign of customer loyalty and a predictable cash flow, which is very attractive to buyers.

Need expert guidance?

Don't navigate the buying process alone. Connect with a verified expert to help you find and close the right deal.

Find a Business Broker
What is recurring revenue?
Why is recurring revenue important for a business sale?
What are examples of recurring revenue?

About Venturu

Building a better way for business sales

We started Venturu because we believe buying or selling a local business should be simpler and more trustworthy. We're building the go-to marketplace that connects sellers, buyers, and expert brokers, providing free core tools to ensure a smoother, more successful experience for everyone involved.

Luis M.
Founder
Joel H.
Founder
Learn Our Story