Direct Method Cash Flow Statement

Okay, so I get confused on when to add or subtract.

Here's an example:

Balance Sheet 2012 2011 Inventory $ 2000 $ 1600 Accounts Payable $ 5800 $ 4000

Income Statement COGS $13500

Cash Payments to Suppliers = COGS + Increase in Inventory - Decrease in AP = $13500 + $400 - $1800 = $12100

Both Inventory and AP increased from 2011 to 2012. So why is there a "+" for increase in inventory and "-" for decrease in AP?

Is there a Rule for when to add or subtract? I really appreciate it

Thanks Monkeys!

14 Comments
 

an increase(+) in an asset is a decrease(-) in cash. an increase in a liability(+) is an increase of cash(+). you can think about it like that and vice versa. in the cash payments to suppliers, shouldn't it be COGS - DECREASE in inventory - Decrease in AP? inventory goes from 2000 to 1600

 
FebreezeIt's a CASH flow statement: Increase in inventory = decrease in cash (if AP hasn't gone up) and decrease in AP = decrease in cash.

http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/Preparing-the-Statement-Direct-M…

Thanks for your answer, but I am still finding this hard to understand. You mentioned that if Inventory increases, then there is a decrease in cash. So why is it in my example that when Inventory increased, there was no decrease in cash? Why doesn't the same logic apply here for Inventory?

No contract means I have all the power. They want me, but they can't have me. - Don Draper
 
ky0ungan increase(+) in an asset is a decrease(-) in cash. an increase in a liability(+) is an increase of cash(+). you can think about it like that and vice versa. in the cash payments to suppliers, shouldn't it be COGS - DECREASE in inventory - Decrease in AP? inventory goes from 2000 to 1600

I agree with you that instead of adding 400, we should be subtracting. I don't get it.

Based on this video, the matrix is clear to understand. And so I am still confused as to why Inventory does not follow this logic? I just don't get it.
No contract means I have all the power. They want me, but they can't have me. - Don Draper
 

Just to clarify further:

Think about it for a second.

You would add an increase in inventory as cash paid to suppliers because that means you bought more goods than you sold.

You would add subtract a decrease in accounts payable as cash paid to suppliers because that means you paid off some outstanding bills from previously unpaid purchases.

So just think about what the term you are adding/subtracting really means, and you will have your answer. No need for a rule.

 
Best Response
Cola CocaJust to clarify further:

Think about it for a second.

You would add an increase in inventory as cash paid to suppliers because that means you bought more goods than you sold.

You would add subtract a decrease in accounts payable as cash paid to suppliers because that means you paid off some outstanding bills from previously unpaid purchases.

So just think about what the term you are adding/subtracting really means, and you will have your answer. No need for a rule.

I'm trying to think logically, but I feel that the Rule is the best way for me to understand -If an Asset goes up, then cash decreases -If an Asset goes down, then cash increases -If a Liability goes up, then cash increases -If a Liability goes down, then cash decreases

I just can't figure this out, as to why Inventory is added? It should be subtracted based on this common rule.

No contract means I have all the power. They want me, but they can't have me. - Don Draper
 
analyst1609I'm trying to think logically, but I feel that the Rule is the best way for me to understand -If an Asset goes up, then cash decreases -If an Asset goes down, then cash increases -If a Liability goes up, then cash increases -If a Liability goes down, then cash decreases

I just can't figure this out, as to why Inventory is added? It should be subtracted based on this common rule.

Since you are trying to find "cash paid to suppliers", you are looking for cash decreases.

Inventory increased, so an asset went. By the rules, cash decreased. "Cash paid to suppliers" increased and was the reason your cash decreased.

EDIT: Made an error in my first post. You add a decrease in AP; that subtract shouldn't be there.

 

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