Common-Size Balance Sheet: Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
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).
- Short-term liabilities
- Short-term liabilities, expressed as a percentage of total liabilities and equity, showed a general upward trend from 15.57% in 2020 to a peak of 20.69% in 2022, then decreased to 18.15% by 2024. Notably, the share of short-term debt exhibited significant volatility, dropping sharply in 2021 to 1.43%, then rising substantially to a peak of 5.83% in 2023 before slightly declining to 5.27% in 2024. Accounts payable decreased from 4.29% in 2021 to 3.13% in 2024, suggesting some reduction in operational payables. Contract liabilities also declined notably after 2022, reflecting a possible decrease in advance payments or customer obligations. Accrued expenses increased steadily until 2022 and then tapered, while accrued taxes and payroll liabilities remained relatively stable.
- Long-term liabilities
- Long-term liabilities increased consistently over the period, from 28.23% in 2020 to 32.58% in 2024. This rise was mainly driven by growth in long-term debt (excluding current portion), which increased markedly from 13.77% to 19.14%. Conversely, pension and postretirement liabilities decreased substantially from 3.36% to 0.65%, indicating a possible reduction in future benefit obligations. Deferred income taxes and deferred credits showed minor decreases, while contingent liabilities emerged in 2022 and grew notably by 2024, suggesting increased exposure to potential obligations. Other long-term liabilities fluctuated but were generally lower in 2022 before increasing toward 2024.
- Total liabilities
- The overall proportion of total liabilities relative to liabilities and equity rose steadily across the five years, from 43.8% in 2020 to 50.73% in 2024. This reflects a gradual increase in the company's leverage or financial obligations over time, with both current and long-term liabilities contributing to this increment.
- Shareholders’ equity
- The shareholders' equity as a percentage of total liabilities and equity declined from 53.63% in 2020 to 47.53% in 2024. This decline was accompanied by a notable reduction in retained earnings, which dropped sharply after 2022 from 25.79% to 15.76%, suggesting possible distribution of profits, losses, or adjustments affecting earnings retention. Accumulated other comprehensive loss increased in absolute terms (becoming more negative), indicating greater unrealized losses or adverse changes in comprehensive income components. Treasury shares increased significantly in cost percentage in 2022 before partially reversing, reflecting changes in share buybacks or retirements. Additional paid-in capital remained relatively stable, with a slight increase peaking in 2022 and marginally declining thereafter.
- Equity and liability composition trends
- The overall composition shows a gradual shift toward higher liabilities relative to equity. Declines in pension and postretirement obligations suggest possible liability management or benefit plan changes. The increase in contingent liabilities may point to heightened risk exposure or litigations arising. The fluctuations in treasury shares and retained earnings imply active capital management and profit distribution policies. The steady portion of deferred income taxes and deferred credits suggests relative stability in deferred tax and income recognition positions.
- Other observations
- Several minor liabilities and expense categories such as interest payable, accrued expenses, and contract liabilities showed moderate variability, reflecting operational and financing activities over time. Lease liabilities (both operating and finance) remained relatively constant as a small percentage of total liabilities and equity. Unrealized losses on derivatives remained low though with a slight increase in certain years, indicating limited impact from derivative revaluation. Overall, the financial structure points to cautious leverage growth combined with managed equity adjustments and evolving contingent liabilities.