A Riskless Transaction refers to a trade that guarantees a profit to the trader who initiates it, eliminating any potential for a financial loss. These transactions are generally achieved through methods like arbitrage.
A specially designed cargo ship that allows any cargo with wheels to be rolled on at the port of departure and then rolled off at the destination. This transportation method facilitates rapid turnaround, reduces labor requirements, and enhances ship utilization.
Robbery involves the use of the threat of violence, or actual violence, in taking property from someone else's possession. This peril is covered through homeowner's insurance, renter's insurance, or a special multiperil policy for businesses.
Robert's Rules of Order are a set of parliamentary procedures designed to facilitate the smooth functioning of meetings by ensuring proper decorum, maintaining order, and providing a clear framework for decision-making processes.
The Robinson-Patman Act is a federal law designed to prevent anticompetitive practices by producers, specifically price discrimination.
A robot is a computerized machine that can be programmed to perform certain tasks. Robots are particularly useful in performing work that is monotonous, repetitious, or dangerous.
Robotics is the interdisciplinary branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots, as well as the computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing.
The phrase 'rock the boat' refers to actions or behaviors that upset the status quo or challenge the customary sequence of procedures or events.
A rocket scientist is an individual with high intelligence who develops new techniques or products, most notably in aerospace engineering. The term is also often used idiomatically to imply that a task does not require exceptional intelligence.
A rod is a linear unit of measurement that equals 16½ feet. It is historically used in surveying, land measurement, and agriculture.
Role playing is a simulation exercise where participants act out specified roles in a dramatization of an event or situation, aiming to achieve a better understanding by experiencing a realistic simulation. It is especially useful as a training exercise.
A rolling budget, also known as a continuous budget, is a financial planning method that is regularly updated by adding a further budget period, such as a month or a quarter, while concurrently excluding the earliest month or quarter.
In the context of transportation, rolling stock refers to vehicles that move on wheels and are used for the conveyance of goods or passengers. This term is primarily associated with the railroad industry but also broadly covers commercial vehicles like trucks and tractor-trailers.
Rollover refers to replacing a loan or debt with another or changing the institution that invests one's pension plan, without recognition of taxable income.
A type of mortgage commonly used in Canada in which the amortization of the principal is based on a long term, but the interest rate is established for a much shorter term. The loan may be extended, or rolled over, at the end of the shorter term at the current market interest rate.
Rollover relief allows businesses to defer capital gains tax or corporation tax when proceeds from a disposable asset are reinvested, thus potentially increasing any gains from future asset disposals.
A clause included in a contract of sale in which the seller retains the title of goods sold until they have been paid for. Crucial for accountants, it affects stock ownership and requires assessing the commercial substance of transactions.
The top level in a hierarchical computer file system, wherein it contains all the second-level subdirectories on a specific drive, acting as the directory’s initial point of reference.
A rotating shift is a type of work schedule that continually changes the hours of work at predefined intervals. This schedule ensures that work is conducted around the clock, often involving different employees working various shifts over a certain period.
Under the Articles of Association of most UK companies, one-third of the directors must retire each year, ensuring that each director steps down every three years. This allows retiring directors the opportunity to be re-elected, fostering continuity and fresh perspectives.
An individual retirement account (IRA) created by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 that allows capital to accumulate tax-free under certain conditions.
A round file, also commonly referred to as a wastebasket, circular file, or file 13, is a colloquial term used in office environments to describe a trash bin. It symbolizes where unimportant or unwanted documents are discarded.
A round lot refers to the standard quantity of securities or commodities that are traded on an exchange. For stocks, it typically means 100 shares or any number that is easily divisible by 100, while for bonds, it is generally $1,000 or $5,000 par value.
Round tripping refers to various practices where a company engages in transactions that ultimately return to their point of origin, often with manipulative intent. This can include selling and rebuying assets or borrowing and lending money, typically for purposes like money laundering, tax evasion, or inflating financial figures.
A roundhouse is a building used for the maintenance, repair, and storage of railroad equipment, typically featuring a turntable for rotating locomotives to enter multiple stalls.
A rounding error is a computational discrepancy that occurs when the exact representation of a number cannot be stored accurately in a computer due to limitations in precision, leading to an approximation stored with finite digits.
A network component that intelligently joins several networks together. Often used to link an incoming DSL or cable modem connection to a home network, both wired and wireless.
Routing refers to the production method used to determine the sequence of manufacturing steps necessary to complete a product. The routing process is influenced by the type of product and its associated production process.
A Routing Transit Number (RTN) identifies financial institutions in the United States for the purpose of processing payments, such as checks and wire transfers. It is a critical component of effectively managing and routing financial transactions.
A payment made for the right to use the property of another person for gain, often involving intellectual property or natural resources.
A financial structure that primarily involves an oil or gas company spinning off ownership of an oil-producing property to shareholders, allowing for direct revenue distribution without corporate taxation.
RPG refers to two distinct concepts: a genre of games where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting, and a high-level programming language developed by IBM in the 1960s to simplify business programming applications.
A Recognized Qualifying Body (RQB) is an organization recognized by a professional accounting institute or association as having the authority to accredit, license, or certify accountants and auditors.
RSS, or Really Simple Syndication, is a family of XML file formats used by news websites and blogs to notify subscribers of updated content. It enables users to stay up-to-date on topics of interest by aggregating content updates in one place.
A Routing Transit Number (RTN) is a nine-digit numerical code used in the United States to identify a specific financial institution. These numbers are essential for various financial transactions, including fund transfers and direct deposits.
A rubber check refers to a check that cannot be processed due to insufficient funds in the account it is drawn from. The term 'rubber' signifies the check's ability to bounce back, similar to a rubber ball, indicating its return to the issuer by the bank.
The Rule Against Perpetuities is a legal doctrine that ensures no contingent interest in property is valid unless it vests not later than 21 years after the death of a specified person living when the interest was created. This rule prevents property from being indefinitely tied up within a family and limits control over future ownership.
The Rule of 72 is an approximation used to determine the number of years required to double the principal at a fixed annual rate of compound interest. By dividing 72 by the annual interest rate, one can estimate the length of time it takes for the initial investment to grow twofold.
The Rule of 78s is a method for computing unearned interest used on installment loans with add-on interest. It distributes the interest charges in a way that results in higher interest expenses earlier in the loan term.
A ruling is an authoritative decision or pronouncement made by a court or an authoritative body like the IRS, which provides a formal decision on a matter of law.
A comprehensive guide on the multifaceted usage and implications of the term 'run' across different domains such as banking and computers.
Run of Paper (ROP) advertising refers to newspaper advertisements whose placement is determined solely at the discretion of the publisher, usually at a lower rate compared to specifically placed ads.
Run of Schedule (ROS) refers to advertising time that is allocated wherever in the broadcast schedule the radio or television station sees fit, usually at a lower cost compared to fixed or peak time slots.
Refers to perpetual rights or restrictions that affect all current and future owners of a property, as opposed to personal agreements not transferred with the deed.
Runaway refers to being out of control, typically used in reference to inflation or other undesirable economic phenomena.
A rundown is a concise report or summary providing an overview of the status or key points of a specific situation, topic, or project.
The expenditure incurred in order to carry out the operations of a fixed asset. Examples are power, maintenance, and consumable materials for a machine or fuel, oil, tires, and servicing for motor vehicles.
Running yield, often referred to simply as yield, is a financial metric used to measure the annual income generated by an investment relative to its current market price.
Rural areas are regions located outside of larger and moderate-sized cities and surrounding population concentrations, generally characterized by farms, ranches, small towns, and unpopulated regions.
Rurban areas are regions on the fringe of urban development that are in the process of being developed for urban uses.
The Rust Belt is a region in the United States, predominantly including areas in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and the industrial Midwest, characterized by a high concentration of industries focused on iron and steel production. It broadly represents traditional American manufacturing sectors with largely unmodernized plants and facilities.
An S Corporation is a type of corporation that meets specific Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requirements allowing the company's income, losses, deductions, and credits to be passed through to shareholders for federal tax purposes.
S.A. refers to a corporate structure commonly used in Spanish-speaking and French-speaking countries. It is equivalent to a corporation (Inc.) in the United States or a public limited company (PLC) in the United Kingdom.
The S&P/Case-Shiller Index, also known as the Case-Shiller/S&P Home Price Index, is a widely respected measure of the U.S. residential housing market. It provides crucial insights into home price trends across major metropolitan regions, thereby influencing both market participants and economic policy makers.
Sabotage commonly refers to deliberate acts aimed at interrupting or destroying productive capabilities. These acts are typically carried out by individuals opposed to a company's management or hostile entities during warfare.
Terms referring to the dismissal or termination of an employee, originally implying that the employee collected their belongings (such as tools) and left the premises.
In taxation, the Safe Harbor Rule provides guidelines established by the IRS for certain transactions, indicating specific parameters a taxpayer can observe to ensure favorable tax treatment or avoid an unfavorable one. An example is a list of parameters that, if followed, will assure sale and leaseback treatment rather than a financing arrangement.
A 'safe haven' refers to an investment that is expected to retain or increase its value during times of market turbulence. These assets are often turned to in order to protect capital when risky investments begin to lose value.
Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode in Windows operating systems, designed to help troubleshoot problems with your computer. It is also available in Microsoft Office applications to help resolve issues with problematic add-ins and configurations.
A safe rate refers to an interest rate provided by relatively low-risk investments such as high-grade bonds or well-secured first mortgages.
Safekeeping refers to the storage and protection of assets, valuables, or documents to ensure their security and proper management. It ranges from using a bank safe deposit box to utilizing services from financial institutions like banks and brokerage firms.
A governmental organization dedicated to reviewing and encouraging safety practices within both public and private sector organizations, often functioning as a Safety Committee in labor and management relations.
The safety margin is the excess of actual sales over break-even sales, providing a buffer that measures how much sales can drop before incurring a loss.
Sagacity refers to the characteristics of intelligence, shrewdness, or wisdom; soundness of judgment. It emphasizes the ability to make good decisions, often with keen perception and foresight.
A range of business software packages provided by The Sage Group Ltd. As well as accounting, book-keeping, and payroll functions, these typically include applications for financial control, operations management, project costing, and customer relationship management.
The Salariat refers to the working class, encompassing those individuals who engage in employment or labor to earn a wage or salary.
Regular compensation received by an employee as a condition of employment. Salaries comprise basic wage, performance-based pay, and indirect fringe benefit compensation, typically computed on an annual basis.
A salary continuation plan is an arrangement often funded by life insurance to continue an employee's salary in the form of payments to a beneficiary for a certain period after the employee's death. The employer may act as the beneficiary, collecting the death benefit and making payments to the employee's designated beneficiary.
A salary reduction plan allows employees to have a certain percentage of their gross salary withheld and invested in options such as stocks, bonds, or money market funds.
A sale represents an exchange of goods or services for money. The concept and details of a sale vary across fields such as finance, law, marketing, and securities trading.
A sale and leaseback transaction involves the owner of an asset selling it and then immediately leasing it back from the buyer. This allows the original owner to continue using the asset while freeing up capital.
An in-depth overview of Sale and Repurchase Agreement (often referred to as repurchase agreement or repo) including definition, examples, FAQs, related terms, resources, and suggested readings.
A sale or exchange refers to the disposition of property in a value-for-value transaction, as opposed to a disposition by gift, contribution, or similar means.
Sale or return is a terms of trade in which the seller agrees to take back from the buyer any goods that have not been sold within a specified period. This strategy is commonly used in retail to reduce the risk to retailers of carrying unsold inventory.
A sales account is used to record both cash and credit sales transactions that take place as a result of the sale of goods or services.
A Sales Analyst operates within an accounting department and is responsible for tracking sales by region, product, or account. They ensure proper accounting and make recommendations to enhance profitability.
Sales Area Marketing, Inc. (SAMI) is a specialized entity focused on region-specific marketing efforts aimed at boosting sales through targeted promotional strategies and customer engagement techniques. Their approach is rooted in understanding local market dynamics to craft campaigns that resonate with geographically distinct consumer bases.
A sales budget is a financial plan that outlines projected sales volumes and revenues for a specific budget period. It serves as a critical component of the budgetary control system and aids in strategic planning and performance evaluation.
A sales charge is a fee paid on purchasing an investment or product, typically associated with mutual funds, to compensate brokers or financial advisors for their service.
The Sales Comparison Approach is one of the three primary appraisal methodologies used to value property by comparing it to similar recently sold properties. It's also known as the Market Comparison Approach.
A sales contract is a formal agreement between a buyer and a seller, outlining the terms and conditions of a sale transaction.
A budget that determines the expenditure the sales function is allowed to incur in achieving the sales volumes and sales revenue budgets during a budget period.
A sales credit note is a document issued by the seller to a customer to cancel, or partly cancel, an invoiced charge. It serves as an acknowledgment of the adjustment and facilitates a refund or a credit towards future purchases.
A Sales Day Book, also known as a Sales Journal or Sold Day Book, is an essential accounting record used to document invoices issued to customers for goods or services provided by an organization.
A Sales Day Book is a specialized subsidiary ledger used by businesses to record all the credit sales transactions before they are posted to the general ledger. This helps businesses maintain a detailed record of their sales and enhances the accuracy of their financial reporting.
A sales discount, also known as a cash discount, is a reduction in the price of a product or service that is offered by the seller to buyers as an incentive for prompt payment.
Sales Effectiveness Test refers to methodologies and metrics used to evaluate the ability of advertising campaigns, promotions, or communication mediums to drive product sales.
A sales forecast is an estimate of future sales volumes and revenue. It is usually based on past trends and considers current and future directions, such as government regulations, economic forecasts, and industry conditions.
The sales function is the section of an organization responsible for selling its products and services. It plays a critical role in driving revenue and maintaining business growth by managing customer relationships, identifying sales opportunities, and closing deals.
A remuneration offered to a salesperson for exceeding some predetermined sales goal. Sales incentives are often provided by manufacturers as part of a promotion for the sale of their goods. The incentive may be in cash, or it may take the form of a special prize, such as a trip to an exotic or exciting vacation place.
A sales invoice is a document sent by the seller of goods or services to the buyer, detailing the amounts due, discounts available, payment dates, and such administrative details as account numbers and credit limits. It is a crucial component in business transactions and accounting.
The Sales Journal, also known as the Sales Day Book, is a specialized accounting ledger used to record credit sales transactions. It helps businesses maintain accurate and organized financial records, facilitating the tracking and analysis of accounts receivable.
The sales ledger, also known as the debtors' ledger, is an accounting record that tracks the sales transactions and amounts owed by customers.
The Sales Ledger Control Account, also known as the Debtors' Ledger Control Account, is a summary account in the general ledger that consolidates all individual debtor balances from the sales ledger.
Sales literature is written material designed to help sell a product or service. It includes brochures, catalogs, flyers, and other written content used in marketing to inform and persuade potential customers.
A sales load, also referred to as a sales charge, is a commission or fee paid to a broker or agent when an investor buys or sells shares in a mutual fund.
The Sales Margin Mix Variance (Sales Mix Profit Variance) in standard costing measures the financial impact of changes in the actual mix of sales compared to the standard or budgeted sales mix. It isolates the portion of the sales volume variance attributable to variations in the product mix.
In standard costing, the sales margin price variance arises due to the difference between actual sales revenue and the budgeted or standard selling prices for the actual sales quantities achieved. This variance can be either adverse or favorable.
Sales Margin Quantity Variance is an important concept within standard costing that measures the difference between the budgeted sales quantity and the actual sales quantity, valued at the standard profit margin per product.
Sales Margin Volume Variance, often referred to as Sales Volume Variance, in standard costing, measures the adverse or favorable variance arising from the difference between the actual number of units sold and those budgeted, valued at the standard profit margin.
