Financial Statements: Fiscal Year 1999 | Teachers College Columbia University

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Financial Statements: Fiscal Year 1999

Financial statements fiscal year 1999

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with standards established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) for external financial reporting by not-for-profit organizations.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Balance Sheet

The balance sheet presents the College's financial position as of August 31, 1999. The College's largest financial asset is its investment portfolio, representing 71% of the College's total assets, with a fair market value of $162.6 million as of August 31, 1999. The investment portfolio includes $149 million relating to the College's endowment, which represent contributions to the College subject to donor-imposed restrictions that such resources be maintained permanently by the College, but permit the College to expend part or all of the income derived therefrom. The endowment is managed to achieve a prudent long-term total return (dividend and interest income and investment gains). The Trustees of the College have adopted a policy designed to preserve the value of the endowment portfolio in real terms (after inflation) and provide a predictable flow of income to support operations. In accordance with the policy, $6.7 million of investment return on the endowment portfolio was used to support operations in fiscal year 1999.

The College's second largest and oldest asset is its physical plant, consisting of land, buildings, furniture and fixtures, and equipment. During fiscal year 1999, the College invested approximately $10 million in its physical plant to fund roof repairs, construction of a new, handicapped accessible front entrance, renovations to the student lounge and various other renovations. As of August 31, 1999, the net book value of plant assets was approximately $35 million, representing 15% of the College's total assets.

The College's liabilities of $44.5 million are substantially less than its assets. As of August 31, 1999, deferred revenues represent the College's most significant liability, which represent cash received in fiscal year 1999 for fiscal 2000 activities. As such, these deferred revenues are to be recognized as revenues in fiscal year 2000.

In accordance with FASB standards, the net assets of the College are classified as either unrestricted, temporarily restricted or permanently restricted. Unrestricted net assets are not subject to donor-imposed restrictions. At August 31, 1999, the College's unrestricted net assets were $136 million. Of this amount, approximately $106 million represents endowment appreciation and funds designated for long-term investment (quasi-endowment funds) by the College's Trustees. Temporarily restricted net assets are subject to donor-imposed restrictions that will be met either by actions of the College or the passage of time. Permanently restricted net assets are subject to donor-imposed restrictions that stipulate that they be maintained permanently by the College, but permit the College to expend part or all of the income derived therefrom. The College's permanently restricted net assets consist of endowment principal gifts and pledges.

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

Statement Sheet

The statement of changes in net assets presents the financial results of the College and distinguishes between operating and non-operating activities. Non-operating activities principally include investment return in excess of the expendable amount determined by the College's endowment spending policy; unrestricted bequests; and capital campaign contributions and related expenses.

The College achieved an operating surplus for the fifth consecutive fiscal year. Overall, the College's net assets increased by $39.5 million which includes $6.7 million from operating activities, $21.8 million from unrestricted non-operating activities, and $11 million from changes in temporarily and permanently restricted net assets.

Unrestricted operating revenues totaled approximately $93 million. The College's principal sources of unrestricted operating revenues were student tuition and fees, net of student aid, representing 52% of operating revenues, and grants and contracts for research and training programs, representing 22% of operating revenues. Investment return, auxiliary activities, government appropriations, and other sources comprise the remaining 26% of operating revenues. Operating expenses totaled $87 million; program services expenses, which consist of all expenses other than institutional support, represented 88% of total expenses, at $76.6 million.

The strong results realized in fiscal year 1999 continued to strengthen the financial base of the College in support and advancement of its mission.

Published Tuesday, Sep. 18, 2001

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