Tangible Common Equity (TCE)
Tangible common equity (TCE) represents a company's tangible assets minus its liabilities and intangible assets, such as goodwill and patents. TCE provides a more conservative measure of a company's financial health by focusing on physical assets and excluding intangibles, which may be harder to value or liquidate in the event of financial distress. Investors use TCE to assess a company’s ability to absorb losses and its financial strength.
Example
A bank calculates its tangible common equity by subtracting its liabilities and intangible assets from its total assets, providing a clearer picture of its financial stability.
Key points
• A measure of a company’s tangible assets minus liabilities and intangibles.
• Provides a conservative view of financial strength.
• Often used to assess a company’s ability to absorb losses.