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" ...

Your balance sheet lists your company's assets, liabilities and equity; it is sometimes called your statement of net worth. A classified balance sheet is merely one that has been arranged so that key ...

Will Kenton is an expert on the economy and investing laws and regulations. He previously held senior editorial roles at Investopedia and Kapitall Wire and holds a MA in Economics from The New School ...

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 ...

Tim Bennett explains what a balance sheet is for, including the type of information it contains, and how you can use it. See all of Tim's video tutorials here. Don't miss the latest investment and ...

Brian Beers is a digital editor, writer, Emmy-nominated producer, and content expert with 15+ years of experience writing about corporate finance & accounting, fundamental analysis, and investing.

"The job of a professional investor is as much about avoiding disasters as it is about picking winners," says Anthony Bolton, Fidelity's ex-fund management star, in the FT. Stocks to avoid have three ...