24+ Sample Asset Lists

Asset List: What Is It?

An asset list details different types of assets owned by a company or organization. Assets owned are recorded from current and fixed assets, tangible and intangible assets. It is necessary to write assets and classify them according to nature, physical characteristics, and usage. The asset list serves as a document that helps fulfill balance sheets. Every company must have a copy of an asset list in the case of checks and balances. An asset list presents a detailed description of the acquisition of the assets throughout the years of operation.

According to statistical data by Statista from 2018, non-financial organizations’ financial assets reach $28.06 trillion in the US. From 2000 to 2018, assets increased by a margin, and data shows it will continue to develop in the following years. Assets are a prominent factor for both non-financial and financial organizations in making themselves financially known. It allows them to attract more people to their business.

Information in an Asset List

Asset lists contain important information regarding the company. The details included must be accurate and precise. Different types of the list exist to serve various purposes. However, here are the most common things to look out for in an asset list.

Personal information: If it is an individual’s list, include necessary information such as the complete name, address, and contact information. For a business list, it must state the name of the business, location, and contact information. The record must include the date of creation, as well as when the list is updated. It is necessary to keep track of the dates as it is essential for fulfilling balance sheets in the future.Serial number: Most items that are purchased contain serial numbers. If applicable, record the numbers to avoid confusion and to separate it from other objects. Having the serial number also helps identify the items on the list accurately. Item description: It is essential to write the information as accurately and precisely as possible. Write if there are any damages, complications, or parts missing in the items that you have listed. The supporting details help identify the objects in need of repair or replacement.Date of acquisition: The exact date of the appropriation of items is vital information found on the list. It is sufficient to indicate an estimated date, especially if the account goes beyond years. Dates must be accurately accounted for the following years as it is a documentation of importance.Vendor: The asset list includes the vendor section. It is where the name of the stores accompanies the items listed. The place where the object is purchased must be identified in the event of returns and refunds.Unit cost: Each item on the list has its price per piece. A single purchase order of a given object determines the unit cost. It is essential to know the costs per unit to determine the total costs of similar items.Quantity: In this section of the asset list, it quantifies the number of similar items. It is necessary to note the number of units because these calculated quantities are essential to inventory auditing. The number must be accurate as it causes discrepancies in the entire costs of assets. If the tally is wrong, confusion and complications will arise in the future.Total Cost: The total cost combines the unit cost and quantity. It is relevant that the total cost tallies with the unit cost and its number to ensure accuracy of information. It is a significant part of the balance sheet when it is updated.If Date of Disposal: There are instances that the items or products are no longer functional. These disposals are recorded on the list because it helps in the accuracy of tallying objects. It is essential to take into consideration the date of disposal. It allows you to check if the information aligns with previous records.Grant number/year: The calendar year when an item or items are obtained by a company or an individual is considered the grant year. It is significant to include the grant number in the case of returns and replacements. Government agencies are the ones who give grants. It means any item listed on your asset list that requires a grant year is concerning government activities.CFDA Number: The CFDA Number is associated with the grants offered by the government. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number or CFDA number is a government-wide listing that identifies all financial and non-financial assistance projects regulated by the federal government. The purpose of the CFDA is to help users identify programs and general information about grants offered by the government and improves cooperation between state, local, and federal agencies.Location: The information in the location column indicates the place of grant. It is especially needed together with the grant year and CFDA number as it is essential information in managing your asset list.

Tips in Writing an Asset List

Writing an asset list can feel overwhelming and tedious work. However, it is significant to understand what relevance the list holds. An asset list can save time in the long run when circumstances arise. Here are some tips for writing an asset list.

Step 1: Take the Time to Identify All Assets

It is necessary to list all assets that come to mind. By doing this, you don’t leave anything out. Once you’ve recorded everything, you can start placing them in particular categories or systems to narrow it down. It is the simplest and most efficient way to identify assets.

Step 2: Importance of Assets and Inventory Intersection

Keeping a record of your assets also allows you to track and manage your equipment. It helps save time when doing inventories as the asset list contains the number of equipment available to the company.

Step 3: Managing Your Assets List Saves Money

Having an updated list of assets also shows you which materials, equipment, or product you have based on the sales made beforehand. It helps you plan ahead of time which items need to be restocked or replaced, allocating money as required.

Step 4: Attach Evidence of Ownership

Evidence of ownership are documents that represent intangible assets such as deeds, certificates, titles, financial statements, and accounts. It is also advisable to include your account name, number, and social security number. If there are individuals who have the authority to use any of the aforementioned assets, include them.

Step 5: Provide Acquisition Details As Necessary

Acquisition information is the detail about where you’ve acquired the assets. It must include the name, place, date, and the seller’s information. Include the means of acquisition, if it is a gift, inheritance, or purchase.

Classifications and Types of Assets

An asset list contains different classifications. The classification of assets is according to their convertibility, physical existence, and usage. Below lists the types of assets following their classes.

Current assets: These assets are readily convertible to cash and cash equivalents. It is also called liquid assets. These include cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, account receivables, inventory, and office equipment.Fixed or non-current assets: Non-current assets, in contrast, cannot be readily converted to cash or cash equivalents. It is also called long-term assets or hard assets. Examples of fixed assets are land, buildings, machinery, patents, and trademarks.Tangible assets: Tangible assets, as its name suggests, are assets with physical properties. These are assets that we can touch, see, and feel. Examples of tangible assets are buildings, types of machinery, pieces of equipment, office supplies, and cash.Intangible assets: Intangible assets, much like its counterpart, are assets that lack physical existence. It includes patents, copyrights, trademarks, intellectual property, licenses, and permits.Operating assets: Operating assets are those that help in day-to-day operations. It includes cash, equipment, stocks, buildings, and machinery.Non-operating assets: The non-operating assets pertain to assets useful in daily operations but do not generate revenue over time. Examples include short-term investments, accrued income, and marketable securities.

Classes of Assets

An asset class is a group of assets with similar characteristics, including how they function in the marketplace, purchasing methods, and government regulations. It is essential that these classes have equal bearings to protect yourself from losing most of your assets.

Equity (Stock) – Equity denotes ownership. When you purchase shares in a company, you acquire partial ownership of the company. Being part-owner means you have the right to a part of the company’s earnings, called dividends. The dividend amounts vary, and owners choose to reinvest it back to the company.Fixed income and debt (Bonds) – Upon purchasing an organization’s bonds, technically, you are lending money. These bonds represent the debts of the company. In the purchase of bonds, the company must return the money along with interest. It is in the form of periodical payments. Bondholders acquire the interest payments throughout the bond duration and return the principal amount borrowed by the end of the maturity date.Money market and cash – Money of any currency is known as cash. It includes physical representations like bills and coins, including the money stored in the banks. Cash equivalents are marketable properties readily converted into cash. Cash equivalents must have a defined price that does not shift, unlike bonds or stocks.Real estate and tangible assets – Tangible assets, earlier defined, refer to objects you can touch, see, and feel. The most common examples of tangible assets are buildings, houses, real estate. It also includes commodities such as livestock or pieces of jewelry.

FAQs

What is the importance of assets in a business?

According to the Forbes Global 2000 list in 2020, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China ranks first in the world has an asset of more than $4.3 trillion. Assets generate value for the company in terms of intellectual property and customer connections. It is necessary to have assets because they produce income, increase business worth, and facilitate operations. The larger your assets are, the more prominent your business will be. The company’s capacity to maintain and develop its assets, including selling and leasing its current assets, has a significant effect on the overall value of the company’s cash flow and profitability.

What is asset management, and why is it important?

Asset management is a service offered by a firm or institution to manage a company or a client’s investments on their behalf. It is best suited for affluent entities or individuals that handle numerous assets. Each asset management firm has its specializations. Generalists tailor their financial services to what investors want and need. Some firms focus on specifics, concentrating on a single area and working with long-term clients. Other firms focus on wealthier clients in terms of private accounts, otherwise known as hedge funds. Some firms specialize in retirement planning, like pension plans, and even manage money for non-profit institutions.

Albeit the many specializations, the importance of it stays the same. The importance of asset management lies in providing a structured plan. The plan covers investment planning that delivers the most cost-effective solutions in producing quality service with minimal risk to existing assets. Having an asset management plan also results in better decision-making. It also presents better day-to-day management of the condition of assets, preventing costly repairs, failures, even lawsuits and problems in customer relation.

How do you protect your assets?

In a survey conducted by the National Retailers Federation, losses amounted to about $50.6 billion in 2018. Assets play a significant role in a company’s identity and growth. The bigger your assets are, it is most likely to be desired by other companies or gain unnecessary attention. One way to protect it is to understand the risks. Another way is for you to secure a business attorney. The attorney can help with questions regarding the protection of assets and licensing issues. It is also vital that business assets have insurance. Purchasing insurance to protect the business and its assets ensures it is running for years to come. Separating multiples entities is also beneficial for the company.

Starting your own business is a risky task, but there are safeguards to guarantee the company is continually running and growing. A starting point you need to have is to create your asset list. It is also convenient to keep the list updated annually as it helps with checks and balances, as well as record keeping. In creating it, remember to write down every asset of the company and consider the evidence of ownership and acquisition details. Also, keep in mind that having equity in all your assets guarantees its stability.

Remember the importance of possessing assets in your business, managing your assets well, and how you can safeguard them. Any help, especially by professionals and attorneys, is always essential in making decisions. As the late Steve Jobs once said, “If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time.” Remember that there is no quick path to success; we need to take risks along the way. However, whenever possible, planning is the best way to reduce facing risks. Start an asset list for your company today and save worrying in the future!