APB Opinion No. 28: Interim Financial Reporting Guidelines

What are the key directives of APB Opinion No. 28 regarding interim financial reporting?

a. Companies issuing annual reports must also issue interim financial reports.
b. The discrete view is recommended for preparing interim financial reports.
c. The three basic financial statements should be presented in each interim period.
d. The same accounting principles should be used for both annual and interim reports.

Answer:

APB Opinion No. 28 directs that companies issuing an annual report should also issue interim reports, using a discrete view for preparation and presenting all three basic financial statements. The same accounting principles should be applied for both annual and interim reports.

APB Opinion No. 28 provides important guidelines for companies when it comes to preparing and presenting interim financial reports. These guidelines ensure transparency and consistency in financial reporting practices. Let's break down the key directives mentioned in the question:

a. Companies issuing annual reports must also issue interim financial reports.

This directive emphasizes the importance of providing regular updates on a company's financial performance throughout the year, not just at the end of the fiscal year. By issuing interim reports, companies can keep investors informed about their financial health and performance trends.

b. The discrete view is recommended for preparing interim financial reports.

The discrete view approach in preparing interim financial reports involves treating each interim period as a separate financial statement. This allows for a clearer, more accurate representation of the company's financial position during specific time frames, making it easier for investors to analyze the data.

c. The three basic financial statements should be presented in each interim period.

Presenting the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement in each interim period offers a comprehensive view of the company's financial performance, liquidity, and cash flow. This holistic approach ensures that all key financial aspects are covered in the interim reports.

d. The same accounting principles should be used for both annual and interim reports.

Consistency in accounting principles between annual and interim reports is crucial for accurate financial reporting and decision-making. By using the same principles for both types of reports, companies can maintain data integrity and comparability between different reporting periods.

In conclusion, adhering to the guidelines of APB Opinion No. 28 ensures that companies provide timely and accurate interim financial reports that aid investors in making informed decisions. By following these directives, companies can enhance transparency, maintain consistency, and strengthen trust with their stakeholders.