Cash And Cash Equivalents - CCE

Cash is the top item on any company's balance sheet, but cash equivalents are counted in this line item as well. In addition to good ol' dollar bills and coins, cash equivalents include Treasury bills, money in checking and savings accounts, marketable securities, commercial paper, government bonds with a maturity date of three months or less, and money market accounts. These are considered to be able to convert quickly to cash.

Preferred stock can also be counted as a cash equivalent if it is not expected to fluctuate in value and is near its redemption date.