Balance Sheet: Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Quarterly Data
The balance sheet provides creditors, investors, and analysts with information on company resources (assets) and its sources of capital (its equity and liabilities). It normally also provides information about the future earnings capacity of a company assets as well as an indication of cash flows that may come from receivables and inventories.
Liabilities represents obligations of a company arising from past events, the settlement of which is expected to result in an outflow of economic benefits from the entity.
Microsoft Corp., consolidated balance sheet: liabilities and stockholders’ equity (quarterly data)
Over the period examined, total liabilities exhibited a generally increasing trend, though with some fluctuations. A significant rise in total liabilities occurred between March 2020 and June 2021, followed by a period of relative stabilization before another substantial increase beginning in September 2022. Stockholders’ equity also demonstrated an overall upward trajectory, with consistent growth throughout the observed timeframe, contributing to a steady increase in total liabilities and stockholders’ equity.
Current Liabilities
Current liabilities showed considerable volatility. A marked increase is visible between March 2020 and June 2020, followed by a period of fluctuation. A substantial surge occurred between June 2022 and June 2023, peaking in September 2023, before decreasing slightly. The primary driver of these fluctuations appears to be short-term unearned revenue, which exhibited similar patterns. Accounts payable also increased consistently over the period, though at a more moderate pace.
Long-Term Liabilities
Long-term liabilities remained relatively stable for the first several years of the period, with a slight downward trend between 2019 and 2020. From 2022 onwards, long-term liabilities began to increase, driven primarily by increases in other long-term liabilities. Long-term debt, excluding the current portion, showed a gradual decline until 2020, then stabilized before a slight increase towards the end of the period. Long-term income taxes remained relatively consistent throughout the period.
Stockholders’ Equity Components
Common stock and paid-in capital demonstrated consistent growth throughout the period, indicating ongoing investment and capital raising activities. Retained earnings exhibited a strong upward trend, reflecting accumulated profits. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) fluctuated, initially showing a loss, then becoming positive and remaining relatively stable before experiencing a slight decline towards the end of the period. The overall growth in stockholders’ equity was primarily driven by the increase in retained earnings.
Specific Liability Accounts
Accounts payable increased steadily, suggesting a growing volume of short-term obligations to suppliers. Short-term debt experienced a significant increase in September 2023 and December 2023, before decreasing substantially. Accrued compensation showed a general upward trend, indicating potential growth in employee-related expenses. Short-term income taxes fluctuated, with a notable increase in September 2021, potentially related to tax payment schedules or adjustments. The significant fluctuations in short-term unearned revenue suggest changes in the timing of revenue recognition.
In summary, the balance sheet reflects a company experiencing growth in both liabilities and equity. The increases in liabilities appear to be managed effectively, as evidenced by the concurrent growth in stockholders’ equity. The fluctuations in specific liability accounts warrant further investigation to understand the underlying business drivers and potential risks.