16/03/2026
HOW TO ANALYZE A BALANCE SHEET ⚖️
What is a balance sheet?
A balance sheet shows what a company owns and owes.
Think of it as a company's net worth statement.
🔢 Balance Sheet Formula:
Assets = Liabilities + Shareholders’ Equity
📸 Snapshot in Time:
A balance sheet shows the financial position at a specific point in time.
💰 Assets – What the Company Owns
Two categories:
→ Current Assets: Used or converted to cash in < 1 year
→ Non-Current Assets: Used or held for > 1 year
💳 Liabilities – What the Company Owes
Two categories:
→ Current Liabilities: Obligations due < 1 year
→ Long-Term Liabilities: Obligations due > 1 year
🤑 Shareholders’ Equity – The Company’s Net Worth
The dollar amount that would be returned to shareholders if the company were liquidated.
🔎 How to Analyze a Balance Sheet – Key Questions
1️⃣ How much cash does the company have?
2️⃣ Are there any accounts receivable?
3️⃣ Is there goodwill? How much?
4️⃣ What are the biggest liabilities?
5️⃣ Does the company have debt? What kind?
6️⃣ Is there any preferred stock?
7️⃣ Are retained earnings positive and growing?
8️⃣ Is there any treasury stock?
🇳🇺 Yellow Flags to Watch For
⚠ Cash & Cash Equivalents: Less than total debt
⚠ Accounts Receivable: Growing faster than revenue
⚠ Inventory: Rising faster than profits
⚠ Goodwill: > 50% of total assets
⚠ Intangible Assets: > 50% of total assets
⚠ Short-term & Long-term Debt: Exceeds cash
⚠ Preferred Stock: Should generally be none
⚠ Retained Earnings: Negative balance
A strong balance sheet analysis can help you spot financial health, risks, and opportunities—before making decisions.