diff --git a/bin/README.md b/bin/README.md
index b46dd203c..c750fa71f 100644
--- a/bin/README.md
+++ b/bin/README.md
@@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ is the same command implemented as a cabal script rather than a stack script.
 ### hledger-register-max
 
 [`hledger-register-max.hs`](https://github.com/simonmichael/hledger/blob/master/bin/hledger-register-max.hs)
-runs "register -H" and prints the posting with largest historical balance.
+runs a register report and prints the posting with largest historical balance.
 
 ```cli
 $ hledger-register-max -f examples/bcexample.hledger checking
diff --git a/bin/hledger-register-max.hs b/bin/hledger-register-max.hs
index ee1af2244..ac66b5f08 100755
--- a/bin/hledger-register-max.hs
+++ b/bin/hledger-register-max.hs
@@ -38,9 +38,9 @@ main = do
     let r = postingsReport (reportspec_ opts) j
     unless (null r) $ do
       let
-        i = maximumBy (comparing fifth5) r
-        (_, _, mdesc, p, _) = i
-        d = postingDate p
+        (_, _, mdesc, p, bal) = maximumBy (comparing fifth5) r
+        d    = postingDate p
         desc = fromMaybe "" mdesc
         ptxt = T.strip $ T.unlines $ first3 $ postingAsLines False True 20 15 p
-      T.putStrLn $ T.unwords [showDate d, desc, "", ptxt, "", T.pack $ showMixedAmountOneLine $ fifth5 i]
+        baltxt  = T.pack $ showMixedAmountOneLine bal
+      T.putStrLn $ T.unwords [showDate d, desc, "", ptxt, "", baltxt]