What to look for on your balance sheet — and how to strengthen it
January 12, 2026
The balance sheet shows your company’s financial condition — its assets vs. liabilities — at a specific point in time. However, the balance sheet is more than a static report. It can also serve as a diagnostic tool for managers and other stakeholders to analyze historical performance and plan for future growth. Taking your balance sheet to the next level requires context, judgment and forward-looking analysis.
Look beyond what’s reported
Under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), not everything that creates value or risk for a business appears on the balance sheet. For example, internally generated intangible assets (such as brands, proprietary processes or customer relationships) are often critical to business operations. But they’re generally excluded on a GAAP-basis balance sheet unless acquired from third parties.
Likewise, accounting for potential obligations — such as pending litigation, governmental investigations and other contingent losses — depends on the circumstances. These “contingencies” may be reported on the balance sheet as an accrued liability, disclosed in the footnotes or omitted from the financial statements, depending on how they’re classified under GAAP. Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 450, Contingencies, requires companies to classify contingent losses as “probable” (likely to occur), “remote” (chances that a loss will occur are slight), or “reasonably possible” (falling somewhere between remote and probable). These determinations rely heavily on professional judgment.
Identify what matters most
Once you understand the limitations of reported numbers, the next step is determining which balance sheet items matter most to your business model. A “common-sized” balance sheet — where each line item is expressed as a percentage of total assets — can help highlight concentrations and priorities.
Items with the largest percentages often warrant the most attention, both from an operational and risk perspective. For example, inventory may dominate a retailer’s balance sheet, while accounts receivable may be more critical for professional services firms.
Use ratios to assess strength
Ratios compare line items on your company’s financial statements. They may be grouped into four categories: 1) profitability, 2) liquidity, 3) asset management and 4) leverage. While profitability ratios focus on the income statement, the others compare items on the balance sheet. Common examples include:
- The current ratio (current assets ÷ current liabilities), a short-term liquidity measure that helps assess whether your company has enough current assets to meet current obligations,
- The days-in-receivables ratio (accounts receivable ÷ annual sales × 365), which measures collection efficiency, and
- The debt-to-equity ratio (interest-bearing debt ÷ equity), which reflects the use of debt vs. equity to finance growth.
Tracking these ratios over time — and against industry benchmarks — can reveal emerging issues before they become problems.
Set goals and forecast the impact
After identifying key metrics, establish realistic targets based on your strategy and risk tolerance. For instance, you may aim to increase cash reserves, improve liquidity or reduce your debt-to-equity ratio.
Importantly, forecast how these changes will flow through the financial statements. Strengthening one area often constrains another — for example, building up cash reserves may limit debt reduction. Forecasting helps test whether goals are achievable and highlights trade-offs early in the process.
A clearer, stronger financial picture
Reinforcing your balance sheet isn’t just about increasing assets or reducing liabilities. It’s about understanding what’s missing, evaluating risk with informed judgment and proactively managing key drivers. With thoughtful analysis and planning, your balance sheet can become a powerful tool for resilience. Contact us to learn more.
© 2026
