The balance sheet is one of the most important pieces of financial information issued by a company. It is a snapshot of what a company owns and owes at that point in time. The income statement, in contrast, shows the company's revenues and profits over a certain period.
Variable interest entity. Variable interest entity (VIE) is a term used by the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in FIN 46 to refer to an entity (the investee) in which the investor holds a controlling interest that is not based on the majority of voting rights. It is closely related to the concept of a special purpose entity.
interest. n. 1. the sense of curiosity about or concern with something or someone: an interest in butterflies. 2. the power of stimulating such a sense: to have great interest. 3. the quality of such stimulation. 4. something in which one is interested; a hobby or pursuit. 5. (often plural) benefit; advantage: in one's own interest.