17 CFR § 210.5-02 - Balance sheets. (2024)

§ 210.5-02 Balance sheets.

The purpose of this rule is to indicate the various line items and certain additional disclosures which, if applicable, and except as otherwise permitted by the Commission, should appear on the face of the balance sheets or related notes filed for the persons to whom this article pertains (see § 210.4–01(a)).

Assets and Other Debits

Current Assets, when appropriate

1. Cash and cash items. Separate disclosure shall be made of the cash and cash items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. The provisions of any restrictions shall be described in a note to the financial statements. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. In cases where compensating balance arrangements exist but are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet, describe in the notes to the financial statements these arrangements and the amount involved, if determinable, for the most recent audited balance sheet required and for any subsequent unaudited balance sheet required in the notes to the financial statements. Compensating balances that are maintained under an agreement to assure future credit availability shall be disclosed in the notes to the financial statements along with the amount and terms of such agreement.

2. Marketable securities. The accounting and disclosure requirements for current marketable equity securities are specified by generally accepted accounting principles. With respect to all other current marketable securities, state, parenthetically or otherwise, the basis of determining the aggregate amount shown in the balance sheet, along with the alternatives of the aggregate cost or the aggregate market value at the balance sheet date.

3. Accounts and notes receivable.

(a) State separately amounts receivable from (1) customers (trade); (2) related parties (see § 210.4–08(k)); (3) underwriters, promoters, and employees (other than related parties) which arose in other than the ordinary course of business; and (4) others.

(b) If the aggregate amount of notes receivable exceeds 10 percent of the aggregate amount of receivables, the above information shall be set forth separately, in the balance sheet or in a note thereto, for accounts receivable and notes receivable.

(c) If receivables include amounts due under long-term contracts (see § 210.5–02.6(d)), state separately in the balance sheet or in a note to the financial statements the following amounts:

(1) Balances billed but not paid by customers under retainage provisions in contracts.

(2) Amounts representing the recognized sales value of performance and such amounts that had not been billed and were not billable to customers at the date of the balance sheet. Include a general description of the prerequisites for billing.

(3) Billed or unbilled amounts representing claims or other similar items subject to uncertainty concerning their determination or ultimate realization. Include a description of the nature and status of the principal items comprising such amount.

(4) With respect to (1) through (3) above, also state the amounts included in each item which are expected to be collected after one year. Also state, by year, if practicable, when the amounts of retainage (see (1) above) are expected to be collected.

4. Allowances for doubtful accounts and notes receivable. The amount is to be set forth separately in the balance sheet or in a note thereto.

5. Unearned income.

6. Inventories.

(a) State separately in the balance sheet or in a note thereto, if practicable, the amounts of major classes of inventory such as: (1) Finished goods; (2) inventoried costs relating to long-term contracts or programs (see paragraph (d) of this section); (3) work in process;

(4) raw materials; and (5) supplies. If the method of calculating a LIFO inventory does not allow for the practical determination of amounts assigned to major classes of inventory, the amounts of those classes may be stated under cost flow assumptions other that LIFO with the excess of such total amount over the aggregate LIFO amount shown as a deduction to arrive at the amount of the LIFO inventory.

(b) The basis of determining the amounts shall be stated.

If cost is used to determine any portion of the inventory amounts, the description of this method shall include the nature of the cost elements included in inventory. Elements of cost include, among other items, retained costs representing the excess of manufacturing or production costs over the amounts charged to cost of sales or delivered or in-process units, initial tooling or other deferred startup costs, or general and administrative costs.

The method by which amounts are removed from inventory (e.g., average cost, first-in, first-out, last-in, first-out, estimated average cost per unit) shall be described. If the estimated average cost per unit is used as a basis to determine amounts removed from inventory under a total program or similar basis of accounting, the principal assumptions (including, where meaningful, the aggregate number of units expected to be delivered under the program, the number of units delivered to date and the number of units on order) shall be disclosed.

If any general and administrative costs are charged to inventory, state in a note to the financial statements the aggregate amount of the general and administrative costs incurred in each period and the actual or estimated amount remaining in inventory at the date of each balance sheet.

(c) If the LIFO inventory method is used, the excess of replacement or current cost over stated LIFO value shall, if material, be stated parenthetically or in a note to the financial statements.

(d) For purposes of §§ 210.502.3 and 210.5–02.6, long-term contracts or programs include (1) all contracts or programs for which gross profits are recognized on a percentage-of-completion method of accounting or any variant thereof (e.g., delivered unit, cost to cost, physical completion), and (2) any contracts or programs accounted for on a completed contract basis of accounting where, in either case, the contracts or programs have associated with them material amounts of inventories or unbilled receivables and where such contracts or programs have been or are expected to be performed over a period of more than twelve months. Contracts or programs of shorter duration may also be included, if deemed appropriate.

For all long-term contracts or programs, the following information, if applicable, shall be stated in a note to the financial statements:

(i) The aggregate amount of manufacturing or production costs and any related deferred costs (e.g., initial tooling costs) which exceeds the aggregate estimated cost of all in-process and delivered units on the basis of the estimated average cost of all units expected to be produced under long-term contracts and programs not yet complete, as well as that portion of such amount which would not be absorbed in cost of sales based on existing firm orders at the latest balance sheet date. In addition, if practicable, disclose the amount of deferred costs by type of cost (e.g., initial tooling, deferred production, etc.).

(ii) The aggregate amount representing claims or other similar items subject to uncertainty concerning their determination or ultimate realization, and include a description of the nature and status of the principal items comprising such aggregate amount.

(iii) The amount of progress payments netted against inventory at the date of the balance sheet.

7. Prepaid expenses.

8. Other current assets. State separately, in the balance sheet or in a note thereto, any amounts in excess of five percent of total current assets.

9. Total current assets, when appropriate.

10. Securities of related parties. (See § 210.4–08(k).)

11. Indebtedness of related parties—not current. (See § 210.4–08(k).)

12. Other investments. The accounting and disclosure requirements for non-current marketable equity securities are specified by generally accepted accounting principles. With respect to other security investments and any other investment, state, parenthetically or otherwise, the basis of determining the aggregate amounts shown in the balance sheet, along with the alternate of the aggregate cost or aggregate market value at the balance sheet date.

13. Property, plant and equipment.

(a) State the basis of determining the amounts.

(b) Tangible and intangible utility plant of a public utility company shall be segregated so as to show separately the original cost, plant acquisition adjustments, and plant adjustments, as required by the system of accounts prescribed by the applicable regulatory authorities. This rule shall not be applicable in respect to companies which are not required to make such a classification.

14. Accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization of property, plant and equipment. The amount is to be set forth separately in the balance sheet or in a note thereto.

15. Intangible assets. State separately each class of such assets which is in excess of five percent of the total assets, along with the basis of determining the respective amounts. Any significant addition or deletion shall be explained in a note.

16. Accumulated depreciation and amortization of intangible assets. The amount is to be set forth separately in the balance sheet or in a note thereto.

17. Other assets. State separately, in the balance sheet or in a note thereto, any other item not properly classed in one of the preceding asset captions which is in excess of five percent to total assets. Any significant addition or deletion should be explained in a note. With respect to any significant deferred charge, state the policy for deferral and amortization.

18. Total assets.

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Current Liabilities, When Appropriate

19. Accounts and notes payable.

(a) State separately amounts payable to (1) banks for borrowings; (2) factors or other financial institutions for borrowings; (3) holders of commercial paper; (4) trade creditors; (5) related parties (see § 210.4–08(k)); (6) underwriters, promoters, and employees (other than related parties); and (7) others. Amounts applicable to (1), (2) and (3) may be stated separately in the balance sheet or in a note thereto.

(b) The amount and terms (including commitment fees and the conditions under which lines may be withdrawn) of unused lines of credit for short-term financing shall be disclosed, if significant, in the notes to the financial statements. The weighted average interest rate on short term borrowings outstanding as of the date of each balance sheet presented shall be furnished in a note. The amount of these lines of credit which support a commercial paper borrowing arrangement or similar arrangements shall be separately identified.

20. Other current liabilities. State separately, in the balance sheet or in a note thereto, any item in excess of 5 percent of total current liabilities. Such items may include, but are not limited to, accrued payrolls, accrued interest, taxes, indicating the current portion of deferred income taxes, and the current portion of long-term debt. Remaining items may be shown in one amount.

21. Total current liabilities, when appropriate.

Long-Term Debt

22. Bonds, mortgages and other long-term debt, including capitalized leases.

(a) State separately, in the balance sheet or in a note thereto, each issue or type of obligation and such information as will indicate:

(1) The general character of each type of debt including the rate of interest; (2) the date of maturity, or, if maturing serially, a brief indication of the serial maturities, such as “maturing serially from 1980 to 1990”; (3) if the payment of principal or interest is contingent, an appropriate indication of such contingency; (4) a brief indication of priority; and (5) if convertible, the basis. For amounts owed to related parties, see § 210.4–08(k).

(b) The amount and terms (including commitment fees and the conditions under which commitments may be withdrawn) of unused commitments for long-term financing arrangements that would be disclosed under this rule if used shall be disclosed in the notes to the financial statements if significant.

23. Indebtedness to related parties—noncurrent. Include under this caption indebtedness to related parties as required under § 210.4–08(k).

24. Other liabilities. State separately, in the balance sheet or in a note thereto, any item not properly classified in one of the preceding liability captions which is in excess of 5 percent of total liabilities.

25. Commitments and contingent liabilities.

26. Deferred credits. State separately in the balance sheet amounts for (a) deferred income taxes, (b) deferred tax credits, and (c) material items of deferred income.

Redeemable Preferred Stocks

27. Preferred stocks subject to mandatory redemption requirements or whose redemption is outside the control of the issuer.

(a) Include under this caption amounts applicable to any class of stock which has any of the following characteristics: (1) it is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price on a fixed or determinable date or dates, whether by operation of a sinking fund or otherwise; (2) it is redeemable at the option of the holder; or (3) it has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer, such as stocks which must be redeemed out of future earnings. Amounts attributable to preferred stock which is not redeemable or is redeemable solely at the option of the issuer shall be included under § 210.5–02.28 unless it meets one or more of the above criteria.

(b) State on the face of the balance sheet the title of each issue, the carrying amount, and redemption amount. (If there is more than one issue, these amounts may be aggregated on the face of the balance sheet and details concerning each issue may be presented in the note required by paragraph (c) below.) Show also the dollar amount of any shares subscribed but unissued, and show the deduction of subscriptions receivable therefrom. If the carrying value is different from the redemption amount, describe the accounting treatment for such difference in the note required by paragraph (c) below. Also state in this note or on the face of the balance sheet, for each issue, the number of shares authorized and the number of shares issued or outstanding, as appropriate (See § 210.4–07).

(c) State in a separate note captioned “Redeemable Preferred Stocks” (1) a general description of each issue, including its redemption features (e.g. sinking fund, at option of holders, out of future earnings) and the rights, if any, of holders in the event of default, including the effect, if any, on junior securities in the event a required dividend, sinking fund, or other redemption payment(s) is not made; (2) the combined aggregate amount of redemption requirements for all issues each year for the five years following the date of the latest balance sheet; and (3) the changes in each issue for each period for which a statement of comprehensive income is required to be filed. (See also § 210.4–08(d).)

(d) Securities reported under this caption are not to be included under a general heading “stockholders' equity” or combined in a total with items described in captions 29, 30 or 31 which follow.

Non-Redeemable Preferred Stocks

28. Preferred stocks which are not redeemable or are redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. State on the face of the balance sheet, or if more than one issue is outstanding state in a note, the title of each issue and the dollar amount thereof. Show also the dollar amount of any shares subscribed but unissued, and show the deduction of subscriptions receivable therefrom. State on the face of the balance sheet or in a note, for each issue, the number of shares authorized and the number of shares issued or outstanding, as appropriate (see § 210.4–07). Show in a note or separate statement the changes in each class of preferred shares reported under this caption for each period for which a statement of comprehensive income is required to be filed. (See also § 210.4–08(d).)

Common Stocks

29. Common stocks. For each class of common shares state, on the face of the balance sheet, the number of shares issued or outstanding, as appropriate (see § 210.4–07), and the dollar amount thereof. If convertible, this fact should be indicated on the face of the balance sheet. For each class of common shares state, on the face of the balance sheet or in a note, the title of the issue, the number of shares authorized, and, if convertible, the basis of conversion (see also § 210.4–08(d)). Show also the dollar amount of any common shares subscribed but unissued, and show the deduction of subscriptions receivable therefrom. Show in a note or statement the changes in each class of common shares for each period for which a statement of comprehensive income is required to be filed.

Other Stockholders' Equity

30. Other stockholders' equity.

(a) Separate captions shall be shown for (1) additional paid-in capital, (2) other additional capital, (3) retained earnings, (i) appropriated and (ii) unappropriated (See § 210.4–08(e)), and (4) accumulated other comprehensive income.

Note 1 to paragraph 30.(a).

Additional paid-in capital and other additional capital may be combined with the stock caption to which it applies, if appropriate.

(b) For a period of at least 10 years subsequent to the effective date of a quasi-reorganization, any description of retained earnings shall indicate the point in time from which the new retained earnings dates and for a period of at least three years shall indicate, on the face of the balance sheet, the total amount of the deficit eliminated.

Noncontrolling Interests

31. Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries. State separately in a note the amounts represented by preferred stock and the applicable dividend requirements if the preferred stock is material in relation to the consolidated equity.

32. Total liabilities and equity.

17 CFR § 210.5-02 - Balance sheets. (2024)

FAQs

What is the 5% balance sheet rule? ›

State separately, in the balance sheet or in a note thereto, any item in excess of 5 percent of total current liabilities. Such items may include, but are not limited to, accrued payrolls, accrued interest, taxes, indicating the current portion of deferred income taxes, and the current portion of long-term debt.

What questions can the balance sheet answer? ›

The balance sheet can help users answer questions such as whether the company has a positive net worth, whether it has enough cash and short-term assets to cover its obligations, and whether the company is highly indebted relative to its peers.

How to solve balance sheet problems? ›

Top 10 ways to fix an unbalanced balance sheet
  1. Make sure your Balance Sheet check is correct and clearly visible. ...
  2. Check that the correct signs are applied. ...
  3. Ensuring we have linked to the right time period. ...
  4. Check the consistency in formulae. ...
  5. Check all sums. ...
  6. The delta in Balance Sheet checks.
Jun 22, 2021

How do you answer a balance sheet? ›

How to Prepare a Basic Balance Sheet
  1. Determine the Reporting Date and Period. ...
  2. Identify Your Assets. ...
  3. Identify Your Liabilities. ...
  4. Calculate Shareholders' Equity. ...
  5. Add Total Liabilities to Total Shareholders' Equity and Compare to Assets.
Sep 10, 2019

What is the golden rule of balance sheet? ›

What are the Golden Rules of Accounting? 1) Debit what comes in - credit what goes out. 2) Credit the giver and Debit the Receiver. 3) Credit all income and debit all expenses.

What is the correct formula for balance sheet? ›

The balance sheet is based on the fundamental equation: Assets = Liabilities + Equity.

What is balance sheet answer key? ›

A balance sheet is a financial statement that contains details of a company's assets or liabilities at a specific point in time. It is one of the three core financial statements (income statement and cash flow statement being the other two) used for evaluating the performance of a business.

How to evaluate a balance sheet? ›

The strength of a company's balance sheet can be evaluated by three broad categories of investment-quality measurements: working capital, or short-term liquidity, asset performance, and capitalization structure. Capitalization structure is the amount of debt versus equity that a company has on its balance sheet.

What three questions does the heading of a balance sheet answer? ›

The correct heading for financial statements must include the 'company' name to identify the entity, the 'statement title' to clarify which financial statement is being presented (e.g., Income Statement, Balance Sheet), and the 'time period of the report' to specify the fiscal period the statement covers.

What is the main equation for balance sheet? ›

The information found in a balance sheet will most often be organized according to the following equation: Assets = Liabilities + Owners' Equity. A balance sheet should always balance. Assets must always equal liabilities plus owners' equity. Owners' equity must always equal assets minus liabilities.

How to make sure your balance sheet is correct? ›

Check all your totals on the Balance Sheet to make sure no lines are being omitted. This is quick to check and may solve the issue right away (for example, people often forget to include Current Assets in the Total Assets summation).

How to do a balance sheet step by step? ›

Follow these steps:
  1. Step 1: Pick the balance sheet date. ...
  2. Step 2: List all of your assets. ...
  3. Step 3: Add up all of your assets. ...
  4. Step 4: Determine current liabilities. ...
  5. Step 5: Calculate long-term liabilities. ...
  6. Step 6: Add up liabilities. ...
  7. Step 7: Calculate owner's equity. ...
  8. Step 8: Add up liabilities and owners' equity.
Mar 22, 2024

What question does the balance sheet answer? ›

The balance sheet gives you a clear picture of what your business owns and owes. You can use the balance sheet to determine the business's net worth to help potential investors value your business.

How to understand balance sheet? ›

The basic equation underlying the balance sheet is Assets = Liabilities + Equity. Analysts should be aware that different types of assets and liabilities may be measured differently. For example, some items are measured at historical cost or a variation thereof and others at fair value.

What is the formula for total assets? ›

Total Assets = Total Liabilities + Total Stockholder's Equity. Total Liabilities are debts that the company owes. The stockholder's equity is shares and stocks owned by the shareholders or owners of the company.

What are the 5 purposes of the balance sheet? ›

Purpose of a balance sheet
  • Determine the company's ability to pay obligations. ...
  • Gauge credit and risk management. ...
  • Identify asset value . ...
  • Evaluate the ability to pay dividends. ...
  • Calculate the company's net worth. ...
  • Develop various ratio analyses and measure liquidity and solvency. ...
  • Attract and retain talent.
Oct 17, 2023

What is the 5 materiality rule? ›

A misstatement under 5% can still be material if it significantly affects a company's financial trends or compliance requirements. Materiality plays a critical role in upholding the GAAP principles and enhancing the quality of financial reporting.

What is the 5% rule in auditing? ›

GAAP materiality is defined by a 5% rule. Auditors make decisions based upon a 5% rule. Misstatements of less than 5% have no effect on financial statement fairness. The 5% rule is widely used in practice.

What are the 5 steps in creating a balance sheet? ›

Making a balance sheet can be done in 5 simple steps.
  1. Define a Reporting Period and Reporting Date. ...
  2. Gather Your Assets. ...
  3. Gather Your Liabilities. ...
  4. Determine Shareholders' Equity. ...
  5. Add Liabilities to Shareholders' Equity, Compare to Assets.

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