Does Stockholders’ Equity Tell the Real Story?

Last year, Shades International (a hypothetical company) invented the famous Shades Sunglasses that are widely popular around the world and especially in Japan and the Far East. Citizens of these countries love the new-age sunglasses and are buying them as fast as they can. Shades International owns the patent but contracts out to other companies to manufacture the glasses. Shades International also leases its research and development facility, the only building it occupies. Royalties from the glasses exceeded $10 million last year and are expected to increase dramatically this year. Selected data (in millions of dollars)
from Shades International’s financial statements are as follows:

In the next two months, Shades International will be offering stock for sale to the public. Your friend is encouraging you to buy some of the stock. You are leery about the negative stockholders’
equity balance. Is Shades International worth even considering as a possible investment?

Transcribed Image Text:

Patent Other assets Total liabilities Total stockholders' equity $ 0.3 0.9 4.5 (3.3)