Balance Sheet: Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
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.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc., consolidated balance sheet: liabilities and stockholders’ equity
US$ in thousands
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).
- Current Liabilities
- Current liabilities show a consistent upward trend over the analyzed period, rising from approximately 1.88 billion USD at the end of 2020 to about 3.56 billion USD by the end of 2024. Significant contributors to this increase include accounts payable, which more than doubled from 155 million USD to 413 million USD, and product revenue accruals, which increased from 781 million USD to 1.62 billion USD, peaking in 2023. Payroll and benefits expenses also grew steadily, reaching 352 million USD in 2024 from 169 million USD in 2020. Research, development, and commercial contract costs expanded notably, nearly doubling over the period, reflecting increased investment in these areas. Tax-related accruals fluctuated, with a notable spike in 2021 followed by a reduction and then a rise again in 2024. Other current liabilities and accrued expenses consistently contributed to the growth, with accrued expenses reaching almost 2.79 billion USD in 2024.
- Long-Term Liabilities
- Long-term liabilities increased substantially, starting at approximately 1.19 billion USD in 2020 and more than doubling to 2.56 billion USD by 2024. Tax-related liabilities, absent in early years, appeared in 2022 at 452 million USD and rose steadily to nearly 699 million USD in 2024. Long-term operating lease liabilities surged dramatically in 2024 by more than four times compared to prior years, from roughly 0.35 billion USD to 1.54 billion USD, representing a significant shift in long-term obligations. Conversely, long-term finance lease liabilities declined substantially, from about 540 million USD in 2020 to 113 million USD in 2024. Contingent consideration liabilities fell steadily over the years, indicating reduced obligations under contingent agreements. Other long-term liabilities rose markedly, from 298 million USD to 902 million USD, suggesting expansion or increased recognition of miscellaneous long-term obligations.
- Total Liabilities
- Total liabilities showed marked growth, increasing from around 3.06 billion USD in 2020 to over 6.12 billion USD in 2024. This increase reflects the combined growth in current and long-term liabilities, with notable acceleration in recent years, particularly in 2023 and 2024. The significant increase in long-term operating lease liabilities and the emergence of tax-related liabilities are key factors in this overall growth.
- Shareholders’ Equity
- Shareholders’ equity expanded strongly from approximately 8.69 billion USD in 2020 to about 16.41 billion USD in 2024, with a peak in 2023. Retained earnings were the primary driver of this growth, climbing from 859 million USD to 9.61 billion USD, reflecting cumulative profitability or retained reserves over the period. Additional paid-in capital experienced fluctuations, rising between 2021 and 2023 but declining sharply in 2024, which may indicate share repurchases, changes in equity financing, or reclassifications. Accumulated other comprehensive income displayed variability, ending with a positive balance in 2024 after a few years of negative or near-zero amounts. Common stock remained relatively stable throughout the period.
- Overall Financial Position
- The total of liabilities and shareholders’ equity nearly doubled from approximately 11.75 billion USD at the end of 2020 to around 22.53 billion USD by the end of 2024, indicating significant growth in the company's balance sheet size. The data reveal an expanding financial structure with increased debt and equity financing. The increase in liabilities, particularly lease obligations and tax-related liabilities, alongside continued equity growth, reflects a mix of external financing and internal capital accumulation. The notable rise in current liabilities and accrued expenses suggests expanding operational activities and obligations. Meanwhile, the growth in retained earnings points to sustained profitability or reinvestment of earnings during this period.