What are things of value that a business owns called?

The term for things of value that a business owns is referred to as assets. In the context of financial statements and accounting, assets are resources that are expected to provide future economic benefits to the business. They can include cash, inventory, property, equipment, and any other tangible or intangible items that have value.

Understanding assets is crucial for evaluating a company's financial health, as they represent what the business owns and can use to generate revenue. The assets of a business are typically reported on the balance sheet, which provides a snapshot of the company’s financial position at a specific point in time.

Other options like equities refer to the ownership interest in a company, representing the owner's claim after liabilities have been deducted from assets. Liabilities represent the obligations or debts of a business, while investments generally refer to financial assets bought with the expectation of generating income or appreciation. Knowing the distinction between these terms helps clarify a company's financial standing and how resources are allocated for growth and sustainability.