Fixed assets result from investments made by the company to operate its business in the long term, as opposed to current assets whose life cycle in the balance sheet is limited by nature (inventories, accounts receivable, etc). Fixed asset are net of amortization and depreciation.

Fixed assets = Net intangible assets + Net tangible assets + Net financial assets.

Fixed assets are made of:
- intangible assets, such as trademarks and patents
- tangible assets, such as buildings and machinery
- financial assets (long-term interests of the company in other companies)