Accounting & Bookkeeping

What is Equity?

The residual interest in the assets of a business after deducting all its liabilities. Also called owner's equity, net worth, or shareholders' equity.

How It Works

Equity represents the owners' claim on the company's assets. It includes invested capital (share capital), retained earnings (accumulated profits not distributed as dividends), and reserves. Equity increases when the company earns profits or receives additional investment, and decreases with losses or dividend distributions.

Formula

Equity = Total Assets − Total Liabilities

Real-World Example

A company has total assets of ₹1,00,00,000 and total liabilities of ₹60,00,000. The equity is ₹40,00,000, representing the owners' share in the business.

Why It Matters

1

Ensures accurate financial reporting and record-keeping

2

Helps maintain regulatory and tax compliance

3

Enables better-informed business decisions

4

Improves operational efficiency and cash flow management

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between equity and net worth?

They are essentially the same concept. Equity (shareholders' equity) is the accounting term used on balance sheets. Net worth is the informal term meaning the same — assets minus liabilities.

Can equity be negative?

Yes. If a company's liabilities exceed its assets (due to accumulated losses), equity becomes negative. This is a serious warning sign of financial distress.

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