Understanding Balance Sheet components

In the previous article of this series of basics of investing in equities , we took a look at one of the components of a balance sheet - 'Source of funds' and what its key constituents are. In the next few articles, we will take a look at the other component of the balance sheet - 'Application of Funds' and some of its key constituents. As mentioned earlier, 'Sources of Funds' indicates the total financing that a company has done. In simple terms it shows how a company has got the funds which it has used to purchase its assets.

As such, Total assets = Shareholders' equity + total liabilities

Assets are resources owned by a company that help in generating cash flows . Broadly, assets are of two types- tangible and intangible. Tangible assets are assets that have a physical form. They can be seen or touched. Such assets include fixed assets and current assets. Intangible assets on the other hand are assets that have an economic value to an organisation but do not have a physical nature. A classic example of an intangible asset would be ‘brand value’. Some other examples that can be included in this list are goodwill, software and technical know-how.

In today's article, we will focus mainly on fixed assets. In the next few articles, we will take a look at the other components of 'Application of Funds' side of the balance sheet- current assets, current liabilities, investments and miscellaneous items.

What are fixed assets?
Fixed assets are assets that help companies reap economic benefits over a period of time. Assets such as land, building, plant and machinery are all fixed assets. Fixed assets cannot be liquidated easily. This is quite apparent when compared to current assets such as cash and bank account and inventories, which can be liquated or converted into cash relatively easily. It may be noted that intangible assets can also be part of this head as they benefit companies over a long period of time. More examples include trademarks, designs and patents.

Assets overtime lose their productive capacity due to reasons such as wear and tear, obsolescence, amongst others. As a result, their values deplete. Companies need to account for this depletion in value on a yearly basis. This amount is called as a 'depreciation expense' and is shown in the profit and loss account. It may be noted that it only represents deterioration in value and is not a direct cash expense. In due course of time, assets lose their value on account of depreciation on a year on year basis. As such, these amounts are accumulated and are reduced from cost of the asset.

Let us take up an example to understand the concept better. Below is the fixed assets schedule from Nestle's annual report for CY11. We can see three columns- gross block, depreciation and net block.

Gross block is the total value of all of the assets that a company owns. The value is determined by the amount it costs to acquire these assets. Any addition made to this gross block is what companies call as 'capital expenditure' or 'capex'. Deletions and other adjustments are largely on account of sale of fixed assets. As companies buy and sell assets on a regular basis, the gross block figures change every year.