Final Answer:
The given statement "U.S. standards require a classified balance sheet with liabilities classified as either current or long term." is a) True
Explanation:
In the United States, according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), a classified balance sheet is a standard practice for reporting a company's financial position. This involves classifying liabilities into current and long-term categories.
Current liabilities are obligations expected to be settled within one year or the operating cycle, whichever is longer. Long-term liabilities are obligations not expected to be settled within the operating cycle or within one year. The classification helps in providing a clearer snapshot of a company's short-term obligations versus those extending beyond a year.
The classified balance sheet structure aids investors, creditors, and stakeholders in understanding a company's financial health by presenting a clear distinction between short-term and long-term obligations.
This distinction is vital for assessing a company's liquidity, solvency, and its ability to meet its financial obligations in the short and long term. Additionally, it provides crucial information for decision-making, such as assessing a company's ability to repay short-term debts without disrupting its normal operations and evaluating its overall financial stability. Hence, the requirement for liabilities to be classified as current or long term is a standard practice in U.S. accounting and financial reporting.