annual recurring revenue (arr) refers to the predictable and repeatable revenue expected within a yearly period from all active subscriptions or contracts.
Example: A software provider forms a partnership with a consultancy firm, offering its client management tools on a subscription basis. The consultancy firm signs a 1-year contract worth $10,000. This sum is recognized as ARR. If the software provider secures 10 similar partnerships, their ARR from these partnerships alone would be $100,000. This illustrates how ARR is calculated in a real-world B2B scenario, showcasing the financial stability and growth prospects of the company from recurring partnerships and contracts.
Understanding annual recurring revenue (arr) helps businesses gauge the success of their subscription models or contractual agreements, make informed decisions on customer acquisition and retention strategies, and plan long-term development and expansion with more certainty.