The A-Z of e-commerce

Introduction: A balance sheet is a financial statement that provides a snapshot of a company's financial condition at a specific point in time. It details the company's assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity, offering insights into its liquidity, solvency, and overall financial health. This critical document is essential for investors, creditors, and internal management to make informed decisions.

Key Components:

• Assets: Listed in order of liquidity, assets are resources owned by the company that are expected to bring future economic benefits. This includes current assets like cash and inventory, as well as fixed assets such as property and equipment.
• Liabilities: Obligations the company owes to external parties, classified into current liabilities (due within a year) and long-term liabilities. These include loans, accounts payable, and mortgages.
• Shareholders' Equity: Also known as net assets, it represents the owners' claims on the company after all liabilities have been subtracted from assets. It includes stock capital and retained earnings.

Analyzing a Balance Sheet:

• Liquidity Ratios: Assess the company's ability to cover short-term obligations without raising additional capital.
• Leverage Ratios: Measure the extent of a company's financing through debt compared to its own equity.
• Efficiency Ratios: Evaluate how effectively the company utilizes its assets to generate income.