Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)

The analyzed financial data indicates several notable trends in the company's asset structure over a six-year period. Total assets show a general increase, rising from approximately $324 billion to about $359 billion, reflecting overall growth with a slight dip in the final year.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

This category exhibits volatility, starting at $38 billion, declining to a low of around $23.6 billion, then recovering to nearly $36 billion by the end of the period. The fluctuations suggest active cash management strategies responding to operational needs or investment activities.

Current Marketable Securities

Current marketable securities demonstrate a decreasing trend from $53 billion to approximately $18.7 billion, with some interim growth. This decline could indicate a strategic shift away from short-term investments or the reallocation of assets into other areas.

Accounts Receivable, Net

Accounts receivable have steadily increased from $16.1 billion to $39.8 billion, nearly doubling over the period. This trend may reflect growing sales or changes in credit policies, impacting liquidity considerations.

Vendor Non-Trade Receivables

These receivables rise moderately, from $21.3 billion to about $33.2 billion, indicating higher amounts owed from vendors or related parties, which may affect working capital dynamics.

Inventories

Inventory levels fluctuate, increasing from $4.1 billion to a peak of $7.3 billion before settling at $5.7 billion. This variability suggests adjustments in production or inventory strategy, possibly influenced by market demand or supply chain factors.

Other Current Assets

Other current assets show growth and volatility, rising from $11.3 billion to nearly $14.6 billion with a peak above $21 billion. These changes imply shifting compositions or reclassification within current assets.

Current Assets

Aggregated current assets remain relatively stable overall, averaging around $144 billion to $153 billion, reflecting balance maintenance in liquid and short-term assets.

Non-Current Marketable Securities

This component decreases notably from almost $101 billion to $77.7 billion, signaling possible liquidation or transfer of long-term investments to other asset categories.

Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net

Net property, plant, and equipment steadily increase from $36.8 billion to nearly $49.8 billion, indicating ongoing capital expenditure and asset base expansion.

Deferred Tax Assets

Deferred tax assets grow consistently from $8.2 billion to $20.8 billion, reflecting changing tax positions and temporary differences impacting future tax benefits.

Other Non-Current Assets

Two reported lines show significant increase in other non-current assets, the first rising from $34.4 billion to $62.9 billion, and the second from $42.5 billion to $83.7 billion, suggesting the accumulation of intangible assets or long-term investments.

Non-Current Assets

Overall non-current assets rise from $180.2 billion to approximately $211.3 billion, despite some year-to-year fluctuations, demonstrating consistent investment in the asset base supporting long-term operations.

Total Assets

Total assets experience steady growth from $323.9 billion to near $365 billion before a slight decline to $359.2 billion. This trend reflects a generally expanding asset base with minor recent tapering.