Total assets is a term used in accounting and finance to describe the sum of all assets owned by an individual or company. The spelling of the phrase can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈtoʊtəl/ /ˈæsɛts/. The first part of the word, "total," is pronounced with stress on the first syllable and ends in a schwa sound. The second part, "assets," also has stress on the first syllable and ends in a "ts" sound, made with the tongue touching the back of the top teeth.
Total assets refers to the sum of all tangible and intangible possessions, properties, investments, and resources owned by an individual, organization, business, or entity. It is a financial metric used to determine the total value or worth of an entity at a specific point in time, usually stated on a balance sheet.
In the context of an individual or household, total assets typically include items such as cash, savings accounts, real estate, vehicles, investments, retirement accounts, and personal valuables like jewelry or artwork. For organizations and businesses, it encompasses various assets such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, property, patents, trademarks, and intangible assets like goodwill or brand value.
Total assets provide a comprehensive view of an entity's financial standing and its ability to meet its obligations. It serves as a fundamental figure to evaluate the financial health, solvency, and competitiveness of organizations. Furthermore, total assets are used in financial ratios and analysis, enabling comparisons between entities within the same industry or sector.
It is important to note that total assets alone do not provide a complete picture of an entity's financial performance, as liabilities and equity must also be taken into consideration. Nonetheless, the calculation and tracking of total assets are crucial components of financial management and reporting, allowing stakeholders and investors to assess an entity's value, growth potential, and overall financial stability.
The word "total" comes from the Old French word "total" meaning "whole" or "complete". It can be traced back to the Latin word "totus" which also means "whole" or "entire".
The word "assets" is derived from the Middle English word "asset" which means "sufficient means of living". It is believed to have originated from the Anglo-French word "assez" meaning "enough" or "sufficient". This possibly comes from the Latin word "ad satis" which means "to sufficiency" or "to satisfaction".
When combined, "total assets" refers to the complete or overall value of an individual or organization's possessions, holdings, or wealth.