Balance Sheet: Assets
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.
Assets are resources controlled by the company as a result of past events and from which future economic benefits are expected to flow to the entity.
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-12-31).
The financial data exhibits several notable trends over the five-year period ending December 31, 2014.
- Liquidity and Current Assets
- There is a marked increase in cash and equivalents, growing from approximately 1.99 billion USD in 2010 to over 4.91 billion USD in 2014, indicating a significant strengthening in liquidity. Short-term investments, however, peaked in 2013 at about 603 million USD before decreasing sharply to 55 million USD in 2014. Trade receivables showed a steady increase, suggesting growing sales or credit extended to customers. Inventories also rose moderately, which could indicate stockpiling or anticipation of higher sales. Prepaid expenses increased consistently, more than tripling over the period, possibly reflecting advance payments for services or goods. Overall, current assets climbed substantially, from roughly 3.99 billion USD to nearly 6.87 billion USD, underscoring enhanced short-term financial strength.
- Non-Current Assets
- Property, plant, and equipment showed steady growth, rising from approximately 801 million USD to over 1 billion USD, which may indicate ongoing capital expenditures. Goodwill increased from 2.04 billion USD to 2.39 billion USD, reflecting acquisitions or asset revaluations. Intangibles grew substantially, particularly in 2013 and 2014, implying significant investments in intangibles such as patents or trademarks. Total non-current assets expanded from about 4.31 billion USD to 5.54 billion USD, signaling overall asset growth on the longer-term side.
- Investments and Other Assets
- Equity investments rose considerably, especially by 2014, reaching 47.2 million USD, more than a sixfold increase from 2010. Deferred executive compensation investments showed steady, moderate growth, possibly indicating rising liabilities or asset adjustments relating to executive remuneration. Deferred tax assets fluctuated, peaking in 2012 but declining sharply thereafter, which might suggest changes in tax planning or assets recoverability assessments.
- Liabilities and Other Considerations
- While specific liabilities are not detailed here, the increase in deferred taxes and the presence of debt issuance costs suggest ongoing debt-related activity. Debt issuance costs varied over the years but did not show a clear trend. The growing magnitude of prepaid pensions could imply either additional funding or changes in pension obligations.
- Overall Asset Growth
- Total assets increased notably, from approximately 8.31 billion USD in 2010 to over 12.42 billion USD in 2014, reflecting overall expansion and possible acquisitions or capital investments. This growth was supported by both current and non-current assets, with current assets experiencing a particularly strong rise.