The correct answer is D. $140 million . This question is solved using the basic accounting equation :
Assets = Liabilities + Owners’ Equity
The company has $100 million in liabilities and $40 million in owners’ equity. Adding these together gives:
Assets = $100 million + $40 million = $140 million
Therefore, the asset balance must be $140 million . This relationship is fundamental in accounting because every recorded transaction must keep the accounting equation in balance. Authoritative accounting materials explain that assets are financed by two main sources: liabilities, which represent creditors’ claims, and equity, which represents owners’ claims.
Option A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not satisfy the accounting equation. In financial statement analysis, this equation is the foundation of the balance sheet and helps users understand how a business finances its resources. When liabilities increase or equity increases, total assets must reflect those financing sources. Since both liabilities and owners’ equity together total $140 million , assets must also total $140 million . That makes Option D the only correct choice.
