A balance sheet, also known as a statement of financial position, is one of the three primary financial statements used to assess a company’s financial health at a specific point in time. It provides a snapshot of a company’s assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity. A typical balance sheet consists of the following major parts:
- Assets:
- Current Assets: These are short-term assets that are expected to be converted into cash or used up within one year. They include cash, accounts receivable, inventory, and prepaid expenses.
- Non-Current Assets (Long-Term Assets): These are long-term investments and assets that are not expected to be converted into cash or used up within one year. Examples include property, plant, equipment, intangible assets, and investments in other companies.
- Liabilities:
- Current Liabilities: These are short-term obligations that the company is expected to settle within one year. Examples include accounts payable, short-term loans, and accrued expenses.
- Non-Current Liabilities (Long-Term Liabilities): These are long-term obligations that are not expected to be settled within one year. Examples include long-term loans, bonds payable, and deferred tax liabilities.
- Shareholders’ Equity:
- Common Stock: The value of common stock issued to shareholders.
- Additional Paid-In Capital: The amount shareholders have invested in the company in excess of the par value of common stock.
- Retained Earnings: The accumulated profits or losses retained by the company since its inception, after accounting for dividends paid to shareholders.
- Treasury Stock: The amount of common stock the company has repurchased from shareholders.
The balance sheet follows the fundamental accounting equation: Assets = Liabilities + Shareholders’ Equity. This equation ensures that the assets of a company are funded either by liabilities (borrowed capital) or shareholders’ equity (ownership capital).
The balance sheet provides valuable insights into the financial position of a company at a specific point in time, allowing stakeholders to assess its liquidity, solvency, and overall financial health. It is an essential tool for investors, creditors, and management to make informed financial decisions and monitor the company’s financial stability.