Explanation of Total Assets:

Listed on the Balance Sheet, this figure represents the total assets of the company.  Total Assets include all the Current Assets, Net Property/Plant/Equipment, and any other miscellaneous assets the company may have.

Importance of Total Assets:

Total Assets in and of themselves are important, but it is even more important to look at what makes up the Total Assets and how these figures change over time.  For example a company with a higher amounts of cash and marketable securities, but low amounts of inventory over time is one that is becoming more efficient in its asset-handling practices and is generally a good sign.