If you're interested in investing, you've probably read quite a few articles that say "do your homework" before buying a stock. Reading and understanding a balance sheet is part of that homework.

Cash on a balance sheet includes currency, bank accounts and undeposited checks. It is necessary to keep some cash available in case of unforeseen expenses. Cash is reported in the "current assets" ...

Aid in the calculation of key financial ratios, such as the debt-to-equity ratio and current ratio, which influence ...

Although many industries share similar assets on their balance sheets, a manufacturer's balance sheet contains additional assets specific to the business its in and the products it sells.

A balance sheet displays what a company owns, what it owes, how it's financed, and its shareholders' equity at a particular point in time. An income statement displays the company's revenues and ...

Plant assets are long-term fixed assets used in production, such as machinery and land. These assets are recorded at cost minus depreciation, impacting balance sheet values. Depreciation affects both ...

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are pivotal events in the corporate world, presenting unique opportunities for growth, diversification and competitive advantage. The balance sheet, a fundamental ...

Charlene Rhinehart is a CPA , CFE, chair of an Illinois CPA Society committee, and has a degree in accounting and finance from DePaul University. The balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow ...

Meagan is a former Series 7 financial advisor and current writer focused on blending straightforward information with a dose of humor on topics including equity investments, insurance products, and ...