What is Surplus?
Surplus, also known as excess, is the amount by which a company’s assets exceed its liabilities. It indicates that a company has more resources than it needs to cover its obligations. Surplus can offer financial flexibility and stability, allowing organizations to invest in growth opportunities or weather economic downturns.
Types of Surplus
There are two main types of surplus: operating surplus and economic surplus. Operating surplus refers to the excess funds generated by a company’s operations after deducting production costs. Economic surplus, on the other hand, is the difference between the price consumers are willing to pay for a product or service and the price they actually pay.
Importance of Surplus
Having a surplus is crucial for companies to handle unexpected expenses, make strategic investments, or seize opportunities for expansion. Surplus can also boost investor confidence and credit ratings, leading to lower borrowing costs and increased access to capital.
Examples of Surplus
- Apple Inc. reported a surplus of $25.2 billion in 2020, allowing the company to invest in research and development for new products.
- The United States government had a surplus of $127 billion in 2019, enabling it to pay down debt and fund social programs.
Case Studies
In 2008, Google’s AdWords program generated a surplus of $21 billion, fueling the company’s expansion into mobile technology and cloud services.
Statistics on Surplus
- According to the International Monetary Fund, global surplus reserves reached $12 trillion in 2021, signaling strong financial positions for many countries.
- A survey by Deloitte found that 76% of CFOs prioritize building surplus reserves to mitigate risks and seize growth opportunities.
