Assets, liabilities & equity · Specialist
Off-balance-sheet
ELI5
Informal description of obligations or arrangements not recognised on the face of the balance sheet under specified rules.
Used in conversation
“Counsel wants off-balance-sheet clarified before anyone signs.”
Pitch context
You will see “Off-balance-sheet” in financial models, budgets, board packs and investor materials when the discussion reaches assets, liabilities & equity.
Why it matters: In assets, liabilities & equity, different calculation boundaries, periods or accounting treatments can change the number and the decision.
Caution
Calculation, recognition and disclosure can vary by accounting framework, company policy and reporting context.
Sources & evidence · 4
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- IFRS Foundation — IFRS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Financial Accounting Standards Board — FASB Accounting Standards CodificationDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Break-even pointSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Non-GAAP Financial Measures — Compliance and Disclosure InterpretationsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16