American Business Press, Inc.
An organization representing trade magazines and business publications to promote best practices and uphold standards within the industry. Now known as Connectiv, the association aims to provide valuable professional resources and advocacy for its members.
Historical Cost Profits and Losses
A memorandum item in the annual accounts and report of a company giving an abbreviated restatement of the profit and loss account showing the reported profit or loss as if no revaluations had been made.
Naked Option
A naked option refers to an options contract where the buyer or seller does not hold the underlying asset associated with the option. This type of position can expose the writer to unlimited losses or substantial gains.
Naked Position
A naked position, also known as an uncovered or open position, refers to the practice of entering into a derivatives contract—such as options or futures—without holding the underlying asset involved in the contract.
Name Position Bond
A Name Position Bond, also known as a Fidelity Bond, is a type of insurance that helps protect employers if employees holding certain listed positions commit dishonest acts like stealing money.
NASDAQ
NASDAQ, an electronic market for securities that began in 1971, has grown to become the largest stock market in the USA, listing more than 3000 companies. It was the first screen-based trading system to operate without a physical trading floor.
National Advertising
National advertising refers to the promotion of products or services by companies that target a nationwide market, distinct from local or regional advertising efforts.
National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA)
A global professional association that supports the business valuation, litigation consulting, and fraud deterrence disciplines within the CPA and professional business advisory communities.
National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is a prominent advocacy group established in 1895, headquartered in Washington, D.C. It serves as the voice of the manufacturing industry, addressing national and international issues, and providing critical insights on legislation and legal matters affecting manufacturers.
National Association of Realtors (NAR)
An organization of REALTORS® dedicated to promoting professionalism in real estate activities. With over 1 million members, 50 state associations, and several affiliates, NAR members must adhere to the NAR Code of Ethics.
National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD)
The National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) was a self-regulatory organization of the securities industry responsible for the regulation and oversight of broker-dealers in the United States.
National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ)
A computerized system that provides brokers and dealers with price quotations for securities traded over the counter (OTC) as well as for many New York Stock Exchange-listed securities. NASDAQ quotes are published in the financial pages of most newspapers.
National Audit Office (NAO)
The National Audit Office (NAO) is the UK's supreme audit institution responsible for scrutinizing public spending on behalf of Parliament.
National Audit Office (NAO)
An independent body established in 1983 to audit government departments and other public bodies, ensuring the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of resource use.
National Bank
A commercial bank whose charter is approved by the U.S. Comptroller of the Currency rather than by a state banking department. National banks are required to be members of the Federal Reserve System and to belong to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
National Brand
A National Brand refers to a product that is distributed, sold, and recognized across the country, as opposed to a store brand, which is typically exclusive to the retailer selling it.
National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) is a Cambridge, Massachusetts–based private, nonprofit organization committed to undertaking and disseminating unbiased economic research among public policymakers, business professionals, and the academic community.
National Bureau of Standards
Established by an Act of Congress in 1901, the National Bureau of Standards conducts research providing groundwork for the nation's physical measurement system as well as scientific and technological services for industry and government.
National Debt
National debt refers to the total amount of money that the federal government owes to creditors due to borrowing. It consists of various debt instruments such as Treasury bills, Treasury notes, and Treasury bonds. The interest on the national debt is a significant part of the federal government's annual expenses.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) aims to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures by providing affordable insurance to property owners. Furthermore, it encourages communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations.
National Income
National Income is a comprehensive measure of the overall economic activity within a country, reflecting the total income earned by the residents of a nation during a specific period, usually a year.
National Insurance Contributions (NIC)
National Insurance Contributions (NIC) are payments made by employees and employers in the UK primarily to qualify for certain benefits and state pensions.
National Insurance Contributions (NICs)
National Insurance Contributions (NICs) are payments made by those with earned income that contribute to the National Insurance Fund, from which various benefits are disbursed including retirement pensions, jobseeker’s allowance, and more.
National Labor Relations Association (NLRA)
The National Labor Relations Association (NLRA) is a foundational piece of federal legislation in the United States that governs the labor practices of private sector employers and their relations with labor unions. Enacted in 1935, the NLRA established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and granted employees the right to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and take collective action, including strikes.
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is an independent federal agency tasked with enforcing US labor law in relation to collective bargaining and unfair labor practices.
National Mediation Board (NMB)
The National Mediation Board (NMB) is a three-member board established by the Railway Labor Act in 1926 to handle mediation of labor-management disputes in the railway and air transport industries.
National Quotation Bureau
The National Quotation Bureau (NQB) was the former name of the entity now known as Pink Sheets, LLC, which provides pricing and financial information for over-the-counter (OTC) securities.
National Savings
National Savings refers to a variety of savings and investment schemes specifically for personal savers, which are managed by National Savings and Investments (NSI), a governmental body initially established as the Post Office Savings Department in 1969.
National Society of Accountants (NSA)
The National Society of Accountants (NSA) is a professional association in the USA for accountants and tax practitioners, offering resources, networking opportunities, and professional development since 1945.
National Union
A National Union is a complex organizational structure consisting of workers from various sectors within a country's economy, aimed at negotiating labor conditions and advocating for the rights of its members.
National Wealth
An economic measure that represents the sum total of the value of all capital and goods held within a nation. It encompasses the net value of all assets owned by residents and businesses of a country at a particular time.
Natural Business Year
A fiscal year that aligns with the natural cycle of a given business rather than the calendar year, often ending when inventories and activities are at their lowest level.
Natural Monopoly
A natural monopoly occurs in an industry where the most efficient producer is a single entity, typically due to high fixed costs and significant economies of scale. Most natural monopolies are utilities or similar entities.
Natural Rate of Growth
The rate of growth in national income that maintains the current level of employment and wages. This rate equals the growth rate of the labor force added to the rate of productivity.
Natural Rate of Unemployment
A concept in economics representing the rate of unemployment at which the labor market is in equilibrium, and there is no inflationary pressure.
Natural Resources
Natural resources are actual and potential forms of wealth supplied by nature, including coal, oil, wood, water power, and arable land. These resources are vital for various industries and economic activities.
Navigation
Navigation involves finding one's way through a complex system of menus, files, or the World Wide Web. It encompasses methods and processes that allow users to find information or achieve tasks efficiently.
Near Money (Quasi Money)
Near money, also known as quasi money, refers to assets that are not as liquid as cash but can be quickly converted into cash and used to settle debts. Examples include bills of exchange, savings accounts, and treasury bills.
Need Satisfaction
Need satisfaction refers to the fulfillment of a motivational desire, which results in the cessation of the motivation to satisfy that specific need.
Negative Amortization
Negative amortization is an increase in the outstanding balance of a loan resulting from the failure of periodic debt service payments to cover the required interest charged on the loan.
Negative Carry
Negative carry is a financial situation where the cost of financing an investment exceeds the yield generated by that investment.
Negative Cash Flow
Negative cash flow is a crucial financial metric that indicates an excess of cash outflows over cash inflows for a company during a specific period.
Negative Consolidation Difference
A negative consolidation difference is a term used in acquisition accounting to represent a credit balance, often reflecting negative goodwill.
Negative Correlation
Negative correlation is an inverse association between two variables, where one variable increases while the other decreases. It is represented by correlation coefficients less than 0.
Negative Equity
Negative equity occurs when the value of an asset falls below the outstanding balance borrowed against it, often seen in property valuations affected by economic downturns.
Negative Goodwill on Consolidation
Negative goodwill occurs when the purchase price of an acquired company is less than the fair value of its net identifiable assets and liabilities, leading to gains in financial statements.
Negative Income Tax (NIT)
A system designed to provide financial assistance to low-income individuals by using the income tax system, ensuring an income level above a predefined minimum through direct subsidies.
Negative Income Tax (NIT)
Negative Income Tax (NIT) is a proposed system of welfare within which low-income earners receive supplemental pay from the government instead of paying taxes. The idea aims to provide a safety net for the least fortunate by ensuring a minimum level of income.
Negative Leverage
Negative leverage, also referred to as reverse leverage, occurs when the cost of borrowing exceeds the returns generated from investments. This situation creates a net loss for the investor, contrasting with positive leverage where borrowed funds generate higher returns.
Negative Net Worth
Negative Net Worth, also referred to as Deficit Net Worth, occurs when an individual's or a company's liabilities exceed their assets. This financial condition indicates that the value of obligations outweighs the owned resources.
Negative Pledge
A covenant in a loan agreement wherein the borrower commits to refrain from securing new borrowings during the loan's term or ensures equal and rateable security for any new borrowings, as specifically defined.
Negative Working Capital
Negative working capital occurs when a company's current liabilities exceed its current assets, raising concerns about its ability to meet short-term obligations and threatening its operational viability.
Negative Yield Curve
A negative yield curve, also referred to as an inverted yield curve, occurs when long-term debt instruments have a lower yield than short-term debt instruments of the same credit quality, often indicating an imminent economic recession.
Negligible Value
An asset of little or no value, often used for capital gains tax purposes. Such assets can be treated as sold and immediately reacquired at a negligible value, resulting in an allowable capital loss.
Negotiability
The ability of a document to change hands, entitling its owner to some benefit, such that legal ownership of the benefit passes by delivery or endorsement of the document.
Negotiable
The term 'negotiable' has multiple meanings in the contexts of finance, business, and law. It can refer to assets or instruments that can be transferred or sold, as well as mutual agreements or conditions that parties can discuss to reach a satisfactory resolution.
Negotiable Certificate of Deposit (NCD)
A Negotiable Certificate of Deposit (NCD) is a time deposit with a bank that can be sold in the secondary market. These large-denomination CDs are typically issued in amounts over $100,000 and pay interest either to the bearer or to the order of the depositor.
Negotiable Instrument
A negotiable instrument is a document of title that can be freely transferred from one party to another, allowing for the facilitation of trade and commerce.
Negotiable Note
A negotiable note is a record of an unsecured loan, with the term 'note' preferred over 'bond' for principal sums repayable in less than five years.
Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (NOW)
A Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (NOW) is a type of bank or savings and loan withdrawal ticket that functions as a negotiable instrument, allowing for withdrawals from interest-bearing checking accounts.
Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (NOW)
A Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (NOW) account is a type of deposit account that allows the owner to write drafts against the deposited funds, permitting the account holder to earn interest while maintaining the ability to withdraw funds on demand.
Negotiated Market Price
The negotiated market price is a price that is set by negotiation between producers and the government, usually due to wartime restrictions, unexpected shortages, or natural monopoly situations.
Negotiated Transfer Prices
Transfer prices set by negotiation between the supplying and receiving divisions of an organization, typically deemed appropriate when there is an imperfect market for the goods and services exchanged.
Negotiation
Negotiation is the process of bargaining that precedes an agreement between parties. It often results in a contract and can involve various stages and techniques to reach a mutually beneficial outcome.
Neighborhood
A neighborhood is a district or locality characterized by similar or compatible land uses. Neighborhoods are often identified by a place name and have boundaries composed of major streets, barriers, or abrupt changes in land use.
Neighborhood Store
A neighborhood store is a retail establishment designed to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding neighborhood, catering specifically to local tastes and needs.
Nellie Mae Corporation
A pioneer in providing education financing solutions for undergraduate and graduate students and their families, emerging as a part of New England's educational loan landscape in 1982 and subsequently acquired by SLM Corporation in 1999.
Neoclassical Economics
Neoclassical economics is a school of economic theory that flourished from about 1890 until the advent of Keynesian economics and asserts that market forces lead to efficient allocation of resources and full employment.
Nepotism
Nepotism refers to the practice of favoritism towards one's family, typically manifested in employment and economic transactions. This behavior often results in family members receiving preferential treatment in hiring and business operations.
NERD
A slang term used to describe a person intensely interested in computers or other scientific/engineering subjects, often to the exclusion of other human activities. The term implies a certain degree of social awkwardness but can also be used as a compliment within certain groups.
Nest Egg
A nest egg refers to assets saved or set aside for a significant purchase or a person's retirement. These assets are generally invested in conservative financial instruments to safeguard their value and ensure steady growth over time.
Net
Net denotes an amount remaining after specific deductions have been made. Net profit before taxation, for instance, is the profit made by an organization after the deduction of all business expenditure but before the deduction of the taxation charge.
Net Asset Value (NAV)
Net asset value (NAV) represents a company's or mutual fund's per-share value, calculated by dividing the total value of assets minus total liabilities by the number of shares outstanding. It's an essential metric for investors to gauge the value of an individual share relative to its underlying assets.
Net Asset Value (NAV)
Net Asset Value (NAV) is a measure used to value a mutual fund or an exchange-traded fund (ETF) and represents the market value of these investment assets minus their liabilities, typically expressed on a per-share basis.
Net Asset Value (NAV)
The net asset value (NAV) represents the per-share value of a fund's assets minus its liabilities, used to measure the performance of mutual funds, ETFs, and similar investment vehicles.
Net Assets
Net Assets represent the total assets of an organization minus its liabilities and are crucial for evaluating the financial position and stability of a company.
Net Basis
The net basis is the method used to calculate a company's earnings per share (EPS), incorporating both constant and variable elements in the company's tax charge. Under International Accounting Standard 33, listed companies must display EPS on the net basis in their profit and loss statements.
Net Book Value (NBV)
Net Book Value (NBV) represents the carrying value of an asset on a company's balance sheet, calculated by subtracting accumulated depreciation or amortization from its original cost. It reflects the current value of a company's assets for accounting and investment decision purposes.
Net Book Value (NBV)
Net Book Value (NBV) represents the value at which an asset appears in the books of an organization, accounting for depreciation since purchase or revaluation.
Net Cash Flow
Net cash flow refers to the difference between the cash that enters (cash inflows) and exits (cash outflows) an organization during a specific financial period. It can either be positive, signifying a cash surplus, or negative, indicating a cash deficit.
Net Change
Net Change refers to the difference between the closing price of a stock, bond, commodity, or mutual fund from one trading day to the next. It is a crucial metric for investors to gauge the daily performance of an asset.
Net Contribution
Net Contribution refers to the excess of the selling price over variable costs per unit, signifying the residual positive effect from an action taken. It's a critical metric in assessing the profitability and efficiency of various business operations and decisions.
Net Cost
The net cost refers to the gross costs of purchasing an asset minus any income received. It provides a monetary value that represents the true cost to the buyer after accounting for rebates, subsidies, or incomes.
Net Current Assets
Net current assets, also known as working capital, refer to the excess of current assets over current liabilities and represent the capital available to run day-to-day operations within a business.
Net Dividend
Net Dividend refers to the dividend paid by a company to its shareholders after excluding the tax credit received by the shareholders.
Net Domestic Product (NDP)
Net Domestic Product (NDP) represents the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a country minus the depreciation of its capital goods, providing an indication of capital obsolescence and the investment required to sustain current economic output.
Net Earnings
Net earnings, also known as net income, represent the total profit of a company after all expenses and taxes have been deducted from total revenue. It is a crucial indicator of profitability.
Net Economic Welfare (NEW)
Net Economic Welfare (NEW) is an alternative measure of economic well-being that adjusts GDP by accounting for non-market problems like pollution and adding non-market benefits such as leisure time and household production.
Net Estate
Net Estate is the portion of a decedent's estate that is subject to estate tax after all allowable deductions such as debts, funeral expenses, and administration costs have been subtracted from the gross estate.
Net Income
Net income, also known as net earnings or net profit, is the sum remaining after all expenses have been fulfilled. It serves as a crucial metric that indicates a company's profitability.
Net Income Per Share of Common Stock (EPS)
Net Income Per Share, also known as Earnings Per Share (EPS), is the amount of profit or earnings allocated to each share of common stock after all costs, taxes, depreciation, and possible losses have been deducted.
Net Investment in a Lease
Understanding the net investment in a lease involves considering the total amount of funds that a lessor has invested in a leased asset. This includes the cost of the asset, received grants, rental payments, taxation implications, residual values, and various interest payments and receipts.
Net Investment in a Lease
Net Investment in a Lease refers to the total amount of the lessee's investment, calculated as the sum of lease receivables and any unguaranteed residual value of the leased asset, discounted to present value.
Net Investment Income
Net Investment Income refers to the excess of investment income over investment expenses. Individuals are allowed to deduct investment interest expenses for tax purposes to the extent of their net investment income.
Net Leasable Area (NLA)
In commercial real estate, Net Leasable Area (NLA) refers to the portion of a building or project that can be leased to tenants, excluding common areas and spaces dedicated to building operations.
Net Leasable Area (NLA)
Net Leasable Area (NLA) refers to the portion of a commercial building that is available for lease to tenants. It excludes common areas such as lobbies, restrooms, and utility rooms.

Accounting Terms Lexicon

Discover comprehensive accounting definitions and practical insights. Empowering students and professionals with clear and concise explanations for a better understanding of financial terms.