The Following Note Disclosure Appeared in a Recent Annual Report

question 5

Essay

The following note disclosure appeared in a recent annual report of Halliburton:

Our receivables are generally not collateralized. Included in notes and accounts receivable are notes with varying interest rates totaling $12 million at December 31. At December 31, 39% of our consolidated receivables related to our United States government contracts, primarily for projects in the Middle East

-Explain the reason that Halliburton indicates that its receivables are generally not collateralized. What significance does this have to the reader?

---

Definitions:

Valid Consideration

Something of value exchanged between parties in a contract, which is necessary for the contract to be legally enforceable.

Unilateral Contract

An agreement in which one party makes a promise in exchange for the other party's action but does not require a reciprocal promise to act.

Preexisting Duty Rule

A legal principle that states an existing duty cannot serve as consideration for a new contract, but modifications can occur if additional or new consideration is provided.

Unforeseen Circumstances

situations or events that were not predicted or expected and can significantly impact contracts or agreements.