May 25, 2016
SEC Issues New Guidance on Non-GAAP Financial Measures
On May 17, 2016, the Division of Corporation Finance (the “Division”) of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “SEC”) issued new and updated Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations (“C&DIs”) of the
rules and regulations on the use of non-GAAP financial measures.1 These revisions mark the Division’s most
significant changes to such C&DIs since January 2010, echoing recent public statements from senior SEC
officials and suggesting a renewed focus on the use and presentation of non-GAAP financial information by
public companies.2
While not an official rule change, the revised C&DIs provide insight to the calculus utilized by the SEC
when reviewing and commenting on public disclosures by SEC registrants with regard to the presentation of nonGAAP financial measures under Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K. The updated guidance
potentially impacts earnings press releases, investor presentations, and required SEC filings by registrants. Mark
Kronforst, chief accountant of the Division, has indicated “an uptick” soon in the number of SEC comment
letters, but that the “next quarter will be a great opportunity for companies to self-correct.”3 Accordingly, public
companies should consider revisiting and potentially revising the way in which they utilize non-GAAP financial
information in their publicly available materials. Below is a summary of the significant changes to the C&DIs,
with a comparison of the textual revisions attached hereto as Annex A.
The unmarked text of the revised
guidance can be found at the link in footnote 1 below.
Presentation of GAAP Measures with Equal or Greater Prominence
Perhaps the most practically significant revision to the C&DIs is revised Question 102.10. Item
10(e)(1)(i)(A) of Regulation S-K requires that whenever a non-GAAP financial measure is provided in an SEC
filing or an earnings release furnished under Item 2.02 of Form 8-K, the most directly comparable GAAP measure
must be presented “with equal or greater prominence.” The Division’s answer in Question 102.10 highlights eight
examples where the Division staff would consider the non-GAAP measures as more prominent than the
corresponding GAAP measure and, therefore, unacceptable practices, including:
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Omitting comparable GAAP financial measures from earnings release headlines that include
non-GAAP financial measures;
Using stylistic enhancements, such as bolded text or larger font, to emphasize non-GAAP
measures over the comparable GAAP measure;
Having a non-GAAP measure precede its most directly comparable GAAP measure
(including headlines or captions);
Utilizing qualitative descriptions for performance based on non-GAAP measures without
providing an equally prominent descriptive characterization of the comparable GAAP
measure;
Providing tables with non-GAAP financial measures only, unless preceded by equally
prominent tabular disclosure of the comparable GAAP measures (or including the
comparable GAAP measure in the same table as the non-GAAP measures);
1
SEC Division of Corporation Finance, Non-GAAP Financial Measures Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations (May
17, 2016), available at http://www.sec.gov/divisions/corpfin/guidance/nongaapinterp.htm.
2
Michael Rapoport & Dave Michaels, SEC Tightens Crackdown on ‘Adjusted’ Accounting Measures, WALL ST. J.
(May 18,
2016, 6:02 PM), http://www.wsj.com/articles/sec-tightens-crackdown-on-adjusted-accounting-measures-1463608923.
3
Id.
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. ï‚·
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Presenting forward-looking information on a non-GAAP basis only without explaining why
the same presentation was not possible utilizing the GAAP-based metric; and
Providing a discussion and/or analysis of a non-GAAP measure without including a similar
discussion and analysis of the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
A number of the practices noted as problematic above are common in the context of earnings
releases and companies should take care to evaluate whether their current formatting and presentation
runs counter to the Division’s new guidance.
Potentially Misleading Non-GAAP Measures
Rule 100(b) of Regulation G requires that the presentation of non-GAAP measures not be misleading.4 In
questions 100.01 through 100.04 of the revised C&DIs, the Division provides guidance and examples of when
certain uses of non-GAAP measures may be misleading under the confines of Regulation G:
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Adjustments excluding normal, recurring, cash operating expenses necessary to operate a
company’s business, even though such an adjustment may not be explicitly prohibited, could
be deemed misleading;
Inconsistent adjustments between periods unless the change is disclosed and explained and, if
the adjustment results in significant change from prior periods, recasting of prior measures to
conform to the current presentation;
Utilizing adjustments that exclude non-recurring charges without an accompanying
adjustment that excludes non-recurring gains; and
Presenting non-GAAP performance measures that substitute individually tailored revenue
recognition and measurement methods for those of GAAP, such as the recognition of revenue
for a subscription service when a customer is billed instead of ratable recognition over time in
accordance with GAAP.
Per Share Non-GAAP Measures
The Division also updated several C&DIs related to the presentation of non-GAAP measures on a per
share basis. Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K does not prohibit the use of per share non-GAAP financial measures
and the Division recognizes that certain non-GAAP per share performance measures may be meaningful from an
operational standpoint. However, the revised C&DIs emphasize that non-GAAP measures cannot be presented on
a per share basis when used as a liquidity measure (even if management classifies the particular non-GAAP
measure as performance-based). For example, the Division clarifies in its answer to Question 102.07 that free
cash flow is a liquidity measure that must not be presented on a per share basis.
Further, the Division’s answer to
Question 103.02 adds explicit clarification that EBIT and EBITDA must not be presented on a per share basis.
Income Tax Effects Related to Adjustments for Non-GAAP Measures
In the revised C&DI 102.11, the Division reversed its prior standing guidance that adjustments could be
presented net of tax if the effect of each reconciling item was disclosed in either a footnote or parenthetical
statement providing an explanation for the calculation of such measure. The new C&DI instructs registrants that
adjustments to arrive at a non-GAAP measure should not be presented net of tax. Rather, income taxes should be
shown as a separate adjustment with an accompanying clarifying explanation.
4
17 C.F.R.
§ 244.100(b).
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. Moving Forward
The revised C&DIs represent the SEC’s renewed focus on the practical uses of non-GAAP financial
measures by registrants, a focus which is unlikely to stop with the updated guidance released this month.5
Accordingly, companies frequently using non-GAAP financial measures would benefit from taking a fresh look at
their earnings releases, other investor presentations, and SEC filings and consider proactively implementing selfcorrective measures where appropriate so that future disclosures are not inconsistent with the Division’s revised
interpretations of the requirements of Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K.
*
*
*
If you have any questions about the issues addressed in this memorandum or if you would like a copy of
any of the materials mentioned, please do not hesitate to call or email Jon Mark at 212.701.3100 or
jmark@cahill.com; John Papachristos at 212.701.3691 or jpapachristos@cahill.com; John Schuster at
212.701.3323 or jschuster@cahill.com; or Ryan Duerring at 212.701.3734 or rduerring@cahill.com.
5
See Rapoport & Micha, supra note 2; see also, Officials: SEC to ‘Crack Down’ on Use of Non-GAAP Measures, Bloomberg
BNA (May 6, 2016), http://www.bna.com/officials-sec-crack-n57982070774/.
This memorandum is for general information purposes only and is not intended to advertise our services, solicit clients or represent our legal advice.
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. ANNEX A
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Last Update: July 8May 17, 20112016
These Compliance & Disclosure Interpretations (C&DIs) comprise the Division’s interpretations
of the rules and regulations on the use of non-GAAP financial measures. The bracketed date following each
C&DI is the latest date of publication or revision.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS OF GENERAL APPLICABILITY
Section 100. General
Question 100.01
Question: Can certain adjustments, although not explicitly prohibited, result in a non-GAAP
measure that is misleading?
Answer: Yes. Certain adjustments may violate Rule 100(b) of Regulation G because they cause
the presentation of the non-GAAP measure to be misleading.
For example, presenting a performance measure
that excludes normal, recurring, cash operating expenses necessary to operate a registrant’s business could be
misleading. [May 17, 2016]
Question 100.02
Question: Can a non-GAAP measure be misleading if it is presented inconsistently between
periods?
Answer: Yes. For example, a non-GAAP measure that adjusts a particular charge or gain in the
current period and for which other, similar charges or gains were not also adjusted in prior periods could violate
Rule 100(b) of Regulation G unless the change between periods is disclosed and the reasons for it explained.
In
addition, depending on the significance of the change, it may be necessary to recast prior measures to conform to
the current presentation and place the disclosure in the appropriate context. [May 17, 2016]
Question 100.03
Question: Can a non-GAAP measure be misleading if the measure excludes charges, but does
not exclude any gains?
Answer: Yes. For example, a non-GAAP measure that is adjusted only for non-recurring
charges when there were non-recurring gains that occurred during the same period could violate Rule 100(b) of
Regulation G.
[May 17, 2016]
Question 100.04
Question: A registrant presents a non-GAAP performance measure that is adjusted to accelerate
revenue recognized ratably over time in accordance with GAAP as though it earned revenue when customers are
billed. Can this measure be presented in documents filed or furnished with the Commission or provided
elsewhere, such as on company websites?
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. Answer: No. Non-GAAP measures that substitute individually tailored revenue recognition and
measurement methods for those of GAAP could violate Rule 100(b) of Regulation G. Other measures that use
individually tailored recognition and measurement methods for financial statement line items other than revenue
may also violate Rule 100(b) of Regulation G. [May 17, 2016]
Section 101.
Business Combination Transactions
Question 101.01
Question: Does the exemption from Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K for nonGAAP financial measures disclosed in communications relating to a business combination transaction extend to
the same non-GAAP financial measures disclosed in registration statements, proxy statements and tender offer
materials?
Answer: No. There is an exemption from Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K for
non-GAAP financial measures disclosed in communications subject to Securities Act Rule 425 and Exchange Act
Rules 14a-12 and 14d-2(b)(2); it is also intended to apply to communications subject to Exchange Act Rule 14d9(a)(2). This exemption does not extend beyond such communications.
Consequently, if the same non-GAAP
financial measure that was included in a communication filed under one of those rules is also disclosed in a
Securities Act registration statement or a proxy statement or tender offer statement, no exemption from
Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K would be available for that non-GAAP financial measure.
In addition, there is an exemption from Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K for nonGAAP financial measures disclosed pursuant to Item 1015 of Regulation M-A, which applies even if such nonGAAP financial measures are included in Securities Act registration statements, proxy statements and tender offer
statements. [Jan. 11, 2010]
Question 101.02
Question: If reconciliation of a non-GAAP financial measure is required and the most directly
comparable measure is a “pro forma” measure prepared and presented in accordance with Article 11 of
Regulation S-X, may companies use that measure for reconciliation purposes, in lieu of a GAAP financial
measure?
Answer: Yes.
[Jan. 11, 2010]
Section 102. Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K
Question 102.01
Question: What measure was contemplated by “funds from operations” in footnote 50 to
Exchange Act Release No.
47226, Conditions for Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, which indicates that
companies may use “funds from operations per share” in earnings releases and materials that are filed or furnished
to the Commission, subject to the requirements of Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K?
Answer: The reference to “funds from operations” in footnote 50, or “FFO,” refers to the
measure as defined and clarified, as of January 1, 2000, by the National Association of Real Estate Investment
Trusts (NAREIT). NAREIT has revised and clarified the definition since 2000. The staff accepts thisNAREIT’s
definition of FFO in effect as of May 17, 2016 as a performance measure and, as a performance measure, it may
be presented does not object to its presentation on a per share basis.
[Jan. 11May 17, 20102016]
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. Question 102.02
Question: May a registrant present “funds from operations”FFO on a basis other than as defined
and clarified, as of January 1, 2000, by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trustsby NAREIT as
of May 17, 2016?
Answer: Yes, provided that any adjustments made to “funds from operations,” as defined in
footnote 50 of Exchange Act Release No. 47226,FFO comply with Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K and the measure
does not violate Rule 100(b) of Regulation G. Any adjustments made to “funds from operations” as defined in
footnote 50FFO must comply with the requirements of Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K for a performance measure
or a liquidity measure, depending on how it is presented. If the adjusted measure is a performance measure, it
may be presentedthe nature of the adjustments, some of which may trigger the prohibition on presenting this
measure on a per share basis; if it is a liquidity measure, it may not be.
[Jan. 11, 2010. See Section 100 and
Question 102.05.
[May 17, 2016]
Question 102.03
Question: Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K prohibits adjusting a non-GAAP financial performance
measure to eliminate or smooth items identified as non-recurring, infrequent or unusual, when the nature of the
charge or gain is such that it is reasonably likely to recur within two years or there was a similar charge or gain
within the prior two years. Is this prohibition based on the description of the charge or gain, or is it based on the
nature of the charge or gain?
Answer: The prohibition is based on the description of the charge or gain that is being adjusted.
It would not be appropriate to state that a charge or gain is non-recurring, infrequent or unusual unless it meets the
specified criteria. The fact that a registrant cannot describe a charge or gain as non-recurring, infrequent or
unusual, however, does not mean that the registrant cannot adjust for that charge or gain.
Registrants can make
adjustments they believe are appropriate, subject to Regulation G and the other requirements of Item 10(e) of
Regulation S-K. [Jan. 11, 2010]See Question 100.01.
[May 17, 2016]
Question 102.04
Question: Is the registrant required to use the non-GAAP measure in managing its business or
for other purposes in order to be able to disclose it?
Answer: No. Item 10(e)(1)(i)(D) of Regulation S-K states only that, “[t]o the extent material,”
there should be a statement disclosing the additional purposes, “if any,” for which the registrant’s management
uses the non-GAAP financial measure. There is no prohibition against disclosing a non-GAAP financial measure
that is not used by management in managing its business.
[Jan. 11, 2010]
Question 102.05
Question: While Item 10(e)(1)(ii) of Regulation S-K does not prohibit the use of per share nonGAAP financial measures, the adopting release for Item 10(e), Exchange Act Release No. 47226, states that “per
share measures that are prohibited specifically under GAAP or Commission rules continue to be prohibited in
materials filed with or furnished to the Commission.” In light of Commission guidance, specifically Accounting
Series Release No.
142, Reporting Cash Flow and Other Related Data, and Accounting Standards Codification
230, are non-GAAP earnings per share numbers prohibited in documents filed or furnished with the Commission?
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. Answer: No. Item 10(e) recognizes that certain non-GAAP per share performance measures
may be meaningful from an operating standpoint. Non-GAAP per share performance measures should be
reconciled to GAAP earnings per share. On the other hand, non-GAAP liquidity measures, such as that measure
cash flow, shouldgenerated must not be presented on a per share basis in documents filed or furnished with the
Commission, consistent with Accounting Series Release No.
142. [Jan. 11, 2010]Whether per share data is
prohibited depends on whether the non-GAAP measure can be used as a liquidity measure, even if management
presents it solely as a performance measure.
When analyzing these questions, the staff will focus on the
substance of the non-GAAP measure and not management’s characterization of the measure. [May 17, 2016]
Question 102.06
Question: Is Item 10(e)(1)(i) of Regulation S-K, which requires the prominent presentation of,
and reconciliation to, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure or measures, intended to change the
staff’s practice of requiring the prominent presentation of amounts for the three major categories of the statement
of cash flows when a non-GAAP liquidity measure is presented?
Answer: No. The requirements in Item 10(e)(1)(i) are consistent with the staff’s practice.
The
three major categories of the statement of cash flows should be presented when a non-GAAP liquidity measure is
presented. [Jan. 11, 2010]
Question 102.07
Question: Some companies present a measure of “free cash flow,” which is typically calculated
as cash flows from operating activities as presented in the statement of cash flows under GAAP, less capital
expenditures.
Does Item 10(e)(1)(ii) of Regulation S-K prohibit this measure in documents filed with the
Commission?
Answer: No. The deduction of capital expenditures from the GAAP financial measure of cash
flows from operating activities would not violate the prohibitions in Item 10(e)(1)(ii). However, companies
should be aware that this measure does not have a uniform definition and its title does not describe how it is
calculated.
Accordingly, a clear description of how this measure is calculated, as well as the necessary
reconciliation, should accompany the measure where it is used. Companies should also avoid inappropriate or
potentially misleading inferences about its usefulness. For example, “free cash flow” should not be used in a
manner that inappropriately implies that the measure represents the residual cash flow available for discretionary
expenditures, since many companies have mandatory debt service requirements or other non-discretionary
expenditures that are not deducted from the measure.
[Jan. 11, 2010Also, free cash flow is a liquidity measure
that must not be presented on a per share basis. See Question 102.05.
[May 17, 2016]
Question 102.08
Question: Does Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K apply to filed free writing prospectuses?
Answer: Regulation S-K applies to registration statements filed under the Securities Act, as well
as registration statements, periodic and current reports and other documents filed under the Exchange Act. A free
writing prospectus is not filed as part of the issuer’s registration statement, unless the issuer files it on Form 8-K
or otherwise includes it or incorporates it by reference into the registration statement. Therefore, Item 10(e) of
Regulation S-K does not apply to a filed free writing prospectus unless the free writing prospectus is included in
or incorporated by reference into the issuer’s registration statement or included in an Exchange Act filing.
[Jan.
11, 2010]
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. Question 102.09
Question: Item 10(e)(1)(ii)(A) of Regulation S-K prohibits “excluding charges or liabilities that
required, or will require, cash settlement, or would have required cash settlement absent an ability to settle in
another manner, from non-GAAP liquidity measures, other than the measures earnings before interest and taxes
(EBIT) and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA).” A company’s credit
agreement contains a material covenant regarding the non-GAAP financial measure “Adjusted EBITDA.” If
disclosed in a filing, the non-GAAP financial measure “Adjusted EBITDA” would violate Item 10(e), as it
excludes charges that are required to be cash settled. May a company nonetheless disclose this non-GAAP
financial measure?
Answer: Yes. The prohibition in Item 10(e) notwithstanding, because MD&A requires
disclosure of material items affecting liquidity, if management believes that the credit agreement is a material
agreement, that the covenant is a material term of the credit agreement and that information about the covenant is
material to an investor’s understanding of the company’s financial condition and/or liquidity, then the company
may be required to disclose the measure as calculated by the debt covenant as part of its MD&A. In disclosing
the non-GAAP financial measure in this situation, a company should consider also disclosing the following:
the material terms of the credit agreement including the covenant;
the amount or limit required for compliance with the covenant; and
the actual or reasonably likely effects of compliance or non-compliance with the covenant on the
company’s financial condition and liquidity.
[Jan. 11, 2010]
Question 102.10
Question: Item 10(e)(1)(i)(A) of Regulation S-K requires that when a registrant presents a nonGAAP measure it must present the most directly comparable GAAP measure with equal or greater prominence.
This requirement applies to non-GAAP measures presented in documents filed with the Commission and also
earnings releases furnished under Item 2.02 of Form 8-K. Are there examples of disclosures that would cause a
non-GAAP measure to be more prominent?
Answer: Yes.
Although whether a non-GAAP measure is more prominent than the comparable
GAAP measure generally depends on the facts and circumstances in which the disclosure is made, the staff would
consider the following examples of disclosure of non-GAAP measures as more prominent:
â—
Question: Is it appropriate to presentPresenting a full income statement of non-GAAP measures or
presenting a full non-GAAP income statement for purposes ofwhen reconciling non-GAAP measures to the
most directly comparable GAAP measures?;
â—
Omitting comparable GAAP measures from an earnings release headline or caption that includes non-GAAP
measures;
â—
Presenting a non-GAAP measure using a style of presentation (e.g., bold, larger font) that emphasizes the
non-GAAP measure over the comparable GAAP measure;
â—
A non-GAAP measure that precedes the most directly comparable GAAP measure (including in an earnings
release headline or caption);
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. â—
Describing a non-GAAP measure as, for example, “record performance” or “exceptional” without at least an
equally prominent descriptive characterization of the comparable GAAP measure;
â—
Providing tabular disclosure of non-GAAP financial measures without preceding it with an equally
prominent tabular disclosure of the comparable GAAP measures or including the comparable GAAP
measures in the same table;
â—
Excluding a quantitative reconciliation with respect to a forward-looking non-GAAP measure in reliance on
the “unreasonable efforts” exception in Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) without disclosing that fact and identifying the
information that is unavailable and its probable significance in a location of equal or greater prominence; and
â—
Providing discussion and analysis of a non-GAAP measure without a similar discussion and analysis of the
comparable GAAP measure in a location with equal or greater prominence. [May 17, 2016]
Answer: Generally, no. Presenting a full non-GAAP income statement may attach undue
prominence to the non-GAAP information. [Jan.
11, 2010]
Question 102.11
Question: How should income tax effects related to adjustments to arrive at a non-GAAP
measure be calculated and presented?
Question: May a registrant present an adjustment “net of tax” when reconciling a nonGAAP
performance measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure?
Answer: A registrant should provide income tax effects on its non-GAAP measures depending
on the nature of the measures. If a measure is a liquidity measure that includes income taxes, it might be
acceptable to adjust GAAP taxes to show taxes paid in cash. If a measure is a performance measure, the registrant
should include current and deferred income tax expense commensurate with the non-GAAP measure of
profitability.
In addition, adjustments to arrive at a non-GAAP measure should not be presented “net of tax.”
Rather, income taxes should be shown as a separate adjustment and clearly explained. [May 17, 2016]
Answer: Yes, provided that the tax effect of each reconciling item is disclosed parenthetically or
in a footnote to the reconciliation. Alternatively, the company can present the tax effect in one line in the
reconciliation.
Regardless of the format of the presentation, registrants should disclose how the tax effect was
calculated. [Jan. 11, 2010]
Question 102.12
Question: A registrant discloses a financial measure or information that is not in accordance
with GAAP or calculated exclusively from amounts presented in accordance with GAAP.
In some circumstances,
this financial information may have been prepared in accordance with guidance published by a government,
governmental authority or self-regulatory organization that is applicable to the registrant, although the
information is not required disclosure by the government, governmental authority or self-regulatory organization.
Is this information considered to be a “non-GAAP financial measure” for purposes of Regulation G and Item 10
of Regulation S-K?
Answer: Yes. Unless this information is required to be disclosed by a system of regulation that
is applicable to the registrant, it is considered to be a “non-GAAP financial measure” under Regulation G and
Item 10 of Regulation S-K. Registrants that disclose such information must provide the disclosures required by
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Regulation G or Item 10 of Regulation S-K, if applicable, including the quantitative reconciliation from the nonGAAP financial measure to the most comparable measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. This
reconciliation should be in sufficient detail to allow a reader to understand the nature of the reconciling items.
[Apr. 24, 2009]
Section 103. EBIT and EBITDA
Question 103.01
Question: Exchange Act Release No.
47226 describes EBIT as “earnings before interest and
taxes” and EBITDA as “earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.” What GAAP measure is
intended by the term “earnings”? May measures other than those described in the release be characterized as
“EBIT” or “EBITDA”? Does the exception for EBIT and EBITDA from the prohibition in Item 10(e)(1)(ii)(A) of
Regulation S-K apply to these other measures?
Answer: “Earnings” means net income as presented in the statement of operations under GAAP.
Measures that are calculated differently than those described as EBIT and EBITDA in Exchange Act Release No.
47226 should not be characterized as “EBIT” or “EBITDA” and their titles should be distinguished from “EBIT”
or “EBITDA,” such as “Adjusted EBITDA.” These measures are not exempt from the prohibition in Item
10(e)(1)(ii)(A) of Regulation S-K, with the exception of measures addressed in Question 102.09. [Jan. 11, 2010]
Question 103.02
Question: If EBIT or EBITDA is presented as a performance measure, to which GAAP financial
measure should it be reconciled?
Answer: If a company presents EBIT or EBITDA as a performance measure, such measures
should be reconciled to net income as presented in the statement of operations under GAAP.
Operating income
would not be considered the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure because EBIT and EBITDA
make adjustments for items that are not included in operating income. [Jan. 11, 2010In addition, these measures
must not be presented on a per share basis.
See Question 102.05. [May 17, 2016]
Section 104. Segment Information
Question 104.01
Question: Is segment information that is presented in conformity with Accounting Standards
Codification 280, pursuant to which a company may determine segment profitability on a basis that differs from
the amounts in the consolidated financial statements determined in accordance with GAAP, considered to be a
non-GAAP financial measure under Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K?
Answer: No.
Non-GAAP financial measures do not include financial measures that are required
to be disclosed by GAAP. Exchange Act Release No. 47226 lists “measures of profit or loss and total assets for
each segment required to be disclosed in accordance with GAAP” as examples of such measures.
The measure of
segment profit or loss and segment total assets under Accounting Standards Codification 280 is the measure
reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the
segment and assessing its performance.
The list of examples in Exchange Act Release No. 47226 is not exclusive. As an additional
example, because Accounting Standards Codification 280 requires or expressly permits the footnotes to the
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company’s consolidated financial statements to include specific additional financial information for each segment,
that information also would be excluded from the definition of non-GAAP financial measures. [Jan. 11, 2010]
Question 104.02
Question: Does Item 10(e)(1)(ii) of Regulation S-K prohibit the discussion in MD&A of
segment information determined in conformity with Accounting Standards Codification 280?
Answer: No. Where a company includes in its MD&A a discussion of segment profitability
determined consistent with Accounting Standards Codification 280, which also requires that a footnote to the
company’s consolidated financial statements provide a reconciliation, the company also should include in the
segment discussion in the MD&A a complete discussion of the reconciling items that apply to the particular
segment being discussed.
In this regard, see Financial Reporting Codification Section 501.06.a, footnote 28.
[Jan. 11, 2010]
Question 104.03
Question: Is a measure of segment profit/loss or liquidity that is not in conformity with
Accounting Standards Codification 280 a non-GAAP financial measure under Regulation G and Item 10(e) of
Regulation S-K?
Answer: Yes. Segment measures that are adjusted to include amounts excluded from, or to
exclude amounts included in, the measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making
decisions about allocating resources to the segment and assessing its performance do not comply with Accounting
Standards Codification 280.
Such measures are, therefore, non-GAAP financial measures and subject to all of the
provisions of Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K. [Jan. 11, 2010]
Question 104.04
Question: In the footnote that reconciles the segment measures to the consolidated financial
statements, a company may total the profit or loss for the individual segments as part of the Accounting Standards
Codification 280 required reconciliation.
Would the presentation of the total segment profit or loss measure in
any context other than the Accounting Standards Codification 280 required reconciliation in the footnote be the
presentation of a non-GAAP financial measure?
Answer: Yes. The presentation of the total segment profit or loss measure in any context other
than the Accounting Standards Codification 280 required reconciliation in the footnote would be the presentation
of a non-GAAP financial measure because it has no authoritative meaning outside of the Accounting Standards
Codification 280 required reconciliation in the footnotes to the company’s consolidated financial statements.
[Jan. 11, 2010]
Question 104.05
Question: Company X presents a table illustrating a breakdown of revenues by certain products,
but does not sum this to the revenue amount presented on Company X’s financial statements.
Is the information
in the table considered a non-GAAP financial measure under Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K?
Answer: No, assuming the product revenue amounts are calculated in accordance with GAAP.
The presentation would be considered a non-GAAP financial measure, however, if the revenue amounts are
adjusted in any manner. [Jan. 11, 2010]
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Question 104.06
Question: Company X has operations in various foreign countries where the local currency is
used to prepare the financial statements which are translated into the reporting currency under the applicable
accounting standards. In preparing its MD&A, Company X will explain the reasons for changes in various
financial statement captions. A portion of these changes will be attributable to changes in exchange rates between
periods used for translation. Company X wants to isolate the effect of exchange rate differences and will present
financial information in a constant currency — e.g., assume a constant exchange rate between periods for
translation.
Would such a presentation be considered a non-GAAP measure under Regulation G and Item 10(e)
of Regulation S-K?
Answer: Yes. Company X may comply with the reconciliation requirements of Regulation G
and Item 10(e) by presenting the historical amounts and the amounts in constant currency and describing the
process for calculating the constant currency amounts and the basis of presentation. [Jan.
11, 2010]
Section 105. Item 2.02 of Form 8-K
Question 105.01
Question: Item 2.02 of Form 8-K contains a conditional exemption from its requirement to
furnish a Form 8-K where earnings information is presented orally, telephonically, by webcast, by broadcast or by
similar means. Among other conditions, the company must provide on its web site any financial and other
statistical information contained in the presentation, together with any information that would be required by
Regulation G.
Would an audio file of the initial webcast satisfy this condition to the exemption?
Answer: Yes, provided that: (1) the audio file contains all material financial and other statistical
information included in the presentation that was not previously disclosed, and (2) investors can access it and
replay it through the company’s web site. Alternatively, slides or a similar presentation posted on the web site at
the time of the presentation containing the required, previously undisclosed, material financial and other statistical
information would satisfy the condition. In each case, the company must provide all previously undisclosed
material financial and other statistical information, including information provided in connection with any
questions and answers.
Regulation FD also may impose disclosure requirements in these circumstances. [Jan. 11,
2010]
Question 105.02
Question: Item 2.02 of Form 8-K contains a conditional exemption from its requirement to
furnish a Form 8-K where earnings information is presented orally, telephonically, by webcast, by broadcast or by
similar means.
Among other conditions, the company must provide on its web site any material financial and
other statistical information not previously disclosed and contained in the presentation, together with any
information that would be required by Regulation G. When must all of this information appear on the company’s
web site?
Answer: The required information must appear on the company’s web site at the time the oral
presentation is made. In the case of information that is not provided in a presentation itself but, rather, is
disclosed unexpectedly in connection with the question and answer session that was part of that oral presentation,
the information must be posted on the company’s web site promptly after it is disclosed.
Any requirements of
Regulation FD also must be satisfied. A webcast of the oral presentation would be sufficient to meet this
requirement. [Jan.
11, 2010]
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. Question 105.03
Question: Does a company’s failure to furnish to the Commission the Form 8-K required by
Item 2.02 in a timely manner affect the company’s eligibility to use Form S-3?
Answer: No. Form S-3 requires the company to have filed in “a timely manner all reports
required to be filed in twelve calendar months and any portion of a month immediately preceding the filing of the
registration statement.” Because an Item 2.02 Form 8-K is furnished to the Commission, rather than filed with the
Commission, failure to furnish such a Form 8-K in a timely manner would not affect a company’s eligibility to
use Form S-3. While not affecting a company’s Form S-3 eligibility, failure to comply with Item 2.02 of Form 8K would, of course, be a violation of Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder. [Jan.
11, 2010]
Question 105.04 [withdrawn]
Question 105.05
Question: Company X files its quarterly earnings release as an exhibit to its Form 10-Q on
Wednesday morning, prior to holding its earnings conference call Wednesday afternoon. Assuming that all of the
other conditions of Item 2.02(b) are met, may the company rely on the exemption for its conference call even if it
does not also furnish the earnings release in an Item 2.02 Form 8-K?
Answer: Yes. Company X’s filing of the earnings release as an exhibit to its Form 10-Q, rather
than in an Item 2.02 Form 8-K, before the conference call takes place, would not preclude reliance on the
exemption for the conference call.
[Jan. 11, 2010]
Question 105.06
Question: Company A issues a press release announcing its results of operations for a justcompleted fiscal quarter, including its expected adjusted earnings (a non-GAAP financial measure) for the fiscal
period. Would this press release be subject to Item 2.02 of Form 8-K?
Answer: Yes, because it contains material, non-public information regarding its results of
operations for a completed fiscal period.
The adjusted earnings range presented would be subject to the
requirements of Item 2.02 applicable to non-GAAP financial measures. [Jan. 11, 2010]
Question 105.07
Question: A company issues its earnings release after the close of the market and holds a
properly noticed conference call to discuss its earnings two hours later.
That conference call contains material,
previously undisclosed, information of the type described under Item 2.02 of Form 8-K. Because of this timing,
the company is unable to furnish its earnings release on a Form 8-K before its conference call. Accordingly, the
company cannot rely on the exemption from the requirement to furnish the information in the conference call on a
Form 8-K.
What must the company file with regard to its conference call?
Answer: The company must furnish the material, previously non-public, financial and other
statistical information required to be furnished on Item 2.02 of Form 8-K as an exhibit to a Form 8-K and satisfy
the other requirements of Item 2.02 of Form 8-K. A transcript of the portion of the conference call or slides or a
similar presentation including such information will satisfy this requirement. In each case, all material,
previously undisclosed, financial and other statistical information, including that provided in connection with any
questions and answers, must be provided.
[Jan. 15, 2010]
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. Section 106. Foreign Private Issuers
Question 106.01
Question: The Note to Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K permits a foreign private issuer to include
in its filings a non-GAAP financial measure that otherwise would be prohibited by Item 10(e)(1)(ii) if, among
other things, the non-GAAP financial measure is required or expressly permitted by the standard setter that is
responsible for establishing the GAAP used in the company’s primary financial statements included in its filing
with the Commission. What does “expressly permitted” mean?
Answer: A measure is “expressly permitted” if the particular measure is clearly and specifically
identified as an acceptable measure by the standard setter that is responsible for establishing the GAAP used in
the company’s primary financial statements included in its filing with the Commission.
The concept of “expressly permitted” can be also be demonstrated with explicit acceptance of a
presentation by the primary securities regulator in the foreign private issuer’s home country jurisdiction or
market. Explicit acceptance by the regulator would include (1) published views of the regulator or members of
the regulator’s staff or (2) a letter from the regulator or its staff to the foreign private issuer indicating the
acceptance of the presentation — which would be provided to the Commission’s staff upon request.
[Jan. 11,
2010]
Question 106.02
Question: A foreign private issuer furnishes a press release on Form 6-K that includes a section
with non-GAAP financial measures. Can a foreign private issuer incorporate by reference into a Securities Act
registration statement only those portions of the furnished press release that do not include the non-GAAP
financial measures?
Answer: Yes.
Reports on Form 6-K are not incorporated by reference automatically into
Securities Act registration statements. In order to incorporate a Form 6-K into a Securities Act registration
statement, a foreign private issuer must specifically provide for such incorporation by reference in the registration
statement and in any subsequently submitted Form 6-K. See Item 6(c) of Form F-3.
Where a foreign private
issuer wishes to incorporate by reference a portion or portions of the press release provided on a Form 6-K, the
foreign private issuer should either: (1) specify in the Form 6-K those portions of the press release to be
incorporated by reference, or (2) furnish two Form 6-K reports, one that contains the full press release and another
that contains the portions that would be incorporated by reference (and specifies that the second Form 6-K is so
incorporated). Using a separate report on Form 6-K containing the portions that would be incorporated by
reference may provide more clarity for investors in most circumstances. A company must also consider whether
its disclosure is rendered misleading if it incorporates only a portion (or portions) of a press release.
[Jan. 11,
2010]
Question 106.03
Question: A foreign private issuer publishes a non-GAAP financial measure that does not
comply with Regulation G, in reliance on Rule 100(c), and then furnishes the information in a report on Form 6K. Must the foreign private issuer comply with Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K with respect to that information if
the company chooses to incorporate that Form 6-K report into a filed Securities Act registration statement (other
than an MJDS registration statement)?
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Answer: Yes, the company must comply with all of the provisions of Item 10(e) of Regulation
S-K. [Jan. 11, 2010]
Question 106.04
Question: If a Canadian company includes a non-GAAP financial measure in an annual report
on Form 40-F, does the company need to comply with Regulation G or Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K with respect
to that information if the company files a non-MJDS Securities Act registration statement that incorporates by
reference the Form 40-F?
Answer: No. Information included in a Form 40-F is not subject to Regulation G or Item 10(e)
of Regulation S-K.
[Jan. 11, 2010]
Section 107. Voluntary Filers
Question 107.01
Question: Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act suspends automatically its application to any
company that would be subject to the filing requirements of that section where, if other conditions are met, on the
first day of the company’s fiscal year it has fewer than 300 holders of record of the class of securities that created
the Section 15(d) obligation.
This suspension, which relates to the fiscal year in which the fewer than 300 record
holders determination is made on the first day thereof, is automatic and does not require any filing with the
Commission. The Commission adopted Rule 15d-6 under the Exchange Act to require the filing of a Form 15 as
a notice of the suspension of a company’s reporting obligation under Section 15(d). Such a filing, however, is not
a condition to the suspension.
A number of companies whose Section 15(d) reporting obligation is suspended
automatically by the statute choose not to file the notice required by Rule 15d-6 and continue to file Exchange Act
reports as though they continue to be required. Must a company whose reporting obligation is suspended
automatically by Section 15(d) but continues to file periodic reports as though it were required to file periodic
reports comply with Regulation G and the requirements of Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K?
Answer: Yes. Regulation S-K relates to filings with the Commission.
Accordingly, a company
that is making filings as described in this question must comply with Regulation S-K or Form 20-F, as applicable,
in its filings.
As to other public communications, any company “that has a class of securities registered under
Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or is required to file reports under Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934” must comply with Regulation G. The application of this standard to those
companies that no longer are “required” to report under Section 15(d) but choose to continue to report presents a
difficult dilemma, as those companies technically are not subject to Regulation G but their continued filing is
intended to and does give the appearance that they are a public company whose disclosure is subject to the
Commission’s regulations. It is reasonable that this appearance would cause shareholders and other market
participants to expect and rely on a company’s required compliance with the requirements of the federal securities
laws applicable to companies reporting under Section 15(d).
Accordingly, while Regulation G technically does
not apply to a company such as the one described in this question, the failure of such a company to comply with
all requirements (including Regulation G) applicable to a Section 15(d)-reporting company can raise significant
issues regarding that company’s compliance with the anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws. [Jan. 11,
2010]
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Section 108. Compensation Discussion and Analysis/Proxy Statement
Question 108.01
Question: Instruction 5 to Item 402(b) provides that “[d]isclosure of target levels that are nonGAAP financial measures will not be subject to Regulation G and Item 10(e); however, disclosure must be
provided as to how the number is calculated from the registrant’s audited financial statements.” Does this
instruction extend to non-GAAP financial information that does not relate to the disclosure of target levels, but is
nevertheless included in Compensation Discussion & Analysis (“CD&A”) or other parts of the proxy statement for example, to explain the relationship between pay and performance?
Answer: No. Instruction 5 to Item 402(b) is limited to CD&A disclosure of target levels that are
non-GAAP financial measures. If non-GAAP financial measures are presented in CD&A or in any other part of
the proxy statement for any other purpose, such as to explain the relationship between pay and performance or to
justify certain levels or amounts of pay, then those non-GAAP financial measures are subject to the requirements
of Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K.
In these pay-related circumstances only, the staff will not object if a registrant includes the required
GAAP reconciliation and other information in an annex to the proxy statement, provided the registrant includes a
prominent cross-reference to such annex.
Or, if the non-GAAP financial measures are the same as those included
in the Form 10-K that is incorporating by reference the proxy statement’s Item 402 disclosure as part of its Part III
information, the staff will not object if the registrant complies with Regulation G and Item 10(e) by providing a
prominent cross-reference to the pages in the Form 10-K containing the required GAAP reconciliation and other
information. [July 8, 2011]
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