A balance sheet shows a company's assets, liabilities, and shareholder equity at that point in time. Learn how they work, how to read one, and why they're important.

A balance sheet is a financial statement that provides a snapshot of a company’s financial position at a given time. It shows the company’s assets, liabilities and equity.

You can also use a balance sheet to quickly determine several key financial measurements: The current ratio , the current assets divided by current liabilities, illustrates a company's ability to ...

Ratio analysis. A balance sheet contains key data that can be used to calculate specific ratios that help with financial analysis. For example, ...

How to Analyze Apple's Balance Sheet Current Ratio . Another way to understand Apple’s financial position is to look at certain ratios that give an idea of how the company manages its business.

Inflating assets and understating liabilities on the balance sheet can also improve key performance ratios. A company’s balance sheet ratios can be improved by manipulating the balance sheet.

As of Apr. 30, 2025, the company's asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness was 668%, and its coverage ratio for preferred shares was 506%.

As of Dec. 31, 2024, the company's asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness was 716%, and its coverage ratio for preferred shares was 540%.