Learn how general provisions function as financial safeguards, set aside by companies to cover potential future losses, and the regulations that guide their use.

The average company writes off about 4 percent of accounts receivable as bad debt. Furthermore, about 26 percent of invoices that are not paid within three months are uncollectable. No matter your ...

Reading the financial statements of a business helps with evaluating financial strength and stability. The balance sheet shows the financial condition of the business at a specific point in time.

Peter Gratton, Ph.D., is a New Orleans-based editor and professor with over 20 years of experience in investing, economics, and public policy. Peter began covering markets at Multex (Reuters) and has ...

Accounting practices in the U.S. have improved over the years, but there are still plenty of ways that companies can manipulate their financial results. And not just in the usual ways--the balance ...

HCA Holdings Inc., fell the most in more than five months after the for-profit U.S. hospital chain increased its provision for bad debt before partially recovering in the afternoon. The shares had ...