Balance Sheet with Examples
A balance sheet is a type of financial statement that shows the assets, liabilities, and shareholder equity of a business at a certain point in time. The balance sheet serves as the basis for determining investor rates of return and evaluating a company’s financial structure. In a nutshell, the balance sheet is a financial statement that displays the assets and liabilities of a business together with the amount of money spent by shareholders. Balance sheets can be used in conjunction with other important financial documents for financial ratio computations and fundamental analysis.
Key Takeaways:
- A balance sheet is a type of financial statement that shows an organization’s assets, liabilities, and shareholder equity.
- It offers a quick glance into the assets and liabilities of a business as of the publishing date.
- The assets on the balance sheet are equal to the sum of the liabilities and shareholder equity.
- Financial ratios are computed by fundamental analysts using balance sheets.
Example of a Balance Sheet
XYZ Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
|
September 30, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
|
|
Assets |
||
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Current Assets: |
200 |
100 |
|
Total Current Assets |
1,400 |
600 |
|
Non Current Assets: |
100 |
100 |
|
Total Non Current Assets |
500 |
400 |
|
Total Assets |
1900 |
1000 |
|---|---|---|
|
Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity |
||
|
Current Liabilities: |
100 |
100 |
|
Total Current Liabilities |
450 |
500 |
|
Non Current Liabilities: |
150 |
100 |
|
Total Non-Current Liabilities |
400 |
300 |
|
Total Liabilities |
850 |
800 |
|
Shareholders Equity |
550 |
100 |
|
Total Shareholders’ Equity |
1050 |
300 |
|
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity |
1900 |
1100 |
Conclusion
The total balance that results from summing all of the debits and credits is known as the footing in accounting. An essential financial tool, a balance sheet computes a company’s assets together with its liabilities and equity. Although the data on a balance sheet is typically not as useful as that on an income statement, a corporation can nevertheless utilize it to make internal choices. A business may use its balance sheet to assess risk, confirm that it has adequate cash on hand, and choose whether to borrow additional funds (either through debt or stock).
Balance Sheet – FAQ
Who uses the data from the balance sheet?
Executives, investors, analysts, and regulators utilize the balance sheet as a crucial tool to comprehend the present financial health of a company.
Which other particulars are shared along with the balance sheet?
The income statement and the cash flow statement are the two other forms of financial statements that are typically used in conjunction with it.
What does the balance sheet contain?
The assets and liabilities of a corporation are detailed on the balance sheet. This might comprise long-term assets like property, plant, and equipment (PP&E) or short-term assets like cash and accounts receivable, depending on the business. Similarly, its liabilities might be long-term debts like bank loans or short-term commitments like accounts payable and salaries payable.
Who makes the balance sheet?
The balance sheet may be prepared by several people, depending on the firm. A company bookkeeper or the owner may compile the balance statement for small, privately owned companies. They may be created internally for mid-sized private companies and then reviewed by an outside accountant. In contrast, public firms are obligated to have their records maintained to a far higher standard and to undergo external audits by public accountants.
Is there a standard format for creating balance sheets?
These businesses are required to compile their balance sheets and other financial statements in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and submit them to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on a regular basis.