How to Read a Balance Sheet

Updated Nov 2018

Rede Accountants Gold Coast, Brisbane & Byron Bay

You receive your annual financials from your accountant and read the profit and loss statement and glance at the mysterious balance sheet. Most people don’t understand the significance of the Balance Sheet and yet it is just as important as the profit and loss statement.

What is a Balance Sheet?

The object of the balance sheet is to list the assets ( owned) and liabilities (owed) of the business at a specific date. The Balance Sheet changes from day to day.

The resulting difference between assets and liabilities is known as either net assets or net liabilities. The difference also represents owners equity in the business (sometimes also known as shareholders funds). The important thing is whether assets exceed liabilities or vice versa. In essence, this represents the financial strength of a business.

What is an asset?

Practically, an asset is something the company owns, including items subject to finance. They are generally listed on the balance sheet at their acquisition cost to the business.
Common examples include:

• money in the bank
• trade debtors
• real estate
• plant and equipment
• stocks and inventories
• goodwill purchased
• loans to other parties.

Assets are typically listed in 3 categories.

Current assets are usually expected to be converted into cash within 12 months. For example, trade debtors will pay their debts and stocks and inventories will be sold within the next 12 months.

Non-current assets are generally not expected to be converted into cash within the next 12 months. This does not mean this won’t happen, only that it would be unusual if it did happen. Their purpose is to derive revenue for a business over an extended period of time. Examples include plant and equipment and real estate.

Intangible Assets have no physical presence but are of value to a business and contribute to the revenue earning power. For example, purchased goodwill, trademarks or patents.

What are liabilities?

These are obligations the business has to pay other parties at the date of the balance sheet.

Common examples include:

• bank overdrafts
• trade creditors/suppliers
• bank loans
• income tax debts
• GST debts

Liabilities are typically categorized as 2 types:

• Current liabilities are liabilities expected to be paid in the next 12 months (the mirror opposite of current assets). Examples include bank overdraft and trade creditors.
• Non-Current liabilities are liabilities not expected to be paid in the next 12 months. These include longer-term bank loans.

Interpretation of the Balance Sheet

We previously noted the difference between assets and liabilities as significant.

If assets exceed liabilities, the owner has a positive net asset position. In other words, he expects to be able to meet his liabilities as and when they fall due from the assets he owns. For example, if assets total $1 million and liabilities total $800 000, net assets are $200 000.

If liabilities exceed assets, there is a net liability position and the business may struggle to meet its liabilities in a timely manner, if at all. This is an indicator of a business that may be in financial difficulty. For example, if assets total $800 000 and liabilities are $1 million, liabilities exceed assets by $200 000.

This is a basic snapshot of what a balance sheet is. It is a very important financial document that should be read carefully.
If you would like some advice on your Balance Sheets, contact Rede Accountants here. We’re more than happy to help.