What does shareholder's equity represent in its simplest form?

Shareholder's equity, in its simplest form, represents the residual interest of shareholders in the assets of a company after all liabilities have been deducted. This is calculated using the fundamental accounting equation: total assets minus total liabilities. It reflects the net worth of the company from the shareholders' perspective, indicating how much the shareholders would theoretically receive if the company were liquidated and all debts settled.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of shareholder's equity. Debt incurred by the company represents a liability, not equity. Current year earnings retained refer specifically to retained earnings, which are a component of shareholder's equity but do not encompass its entire definition. The value of physical assets pertains only to tangible assets, whereas shareholder's equity also accounts for intangible assets and other components of the equity section in the balance sheet.