How is "equity" defined in accounting?

In accounting, "equity" refers to the ownership interest in a company after all liabilities have been deducted. This means that equity represents the residual interest of the owners or shareholders in the assets of the business after all debts and obligations are settled. It can encompass various components, including common stock, retained earnings, and additional paid-in capital. Essentially, equity reflects what the owners truly own of the business once any liabilities are accounted for.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of equity. Debt represents obligations to creditors and is not part of ownership interest. Total net income reflects a company's profitability over a certain period but does not directly pertain to ownership interests. Cash available for operations is focused on liquidity and does not necessarily indicate ownership in the company. Thus, the definition of equity as the ownership interest after liabilities is a fundamental concept in accounting that distinguishes it from other financial metrics.