Modeling: Plus/Minus/Less and parentheses

This has been bugging me for ages. Assume CapEx is $1,000. Which version is correct?

Version 1 Tax-Adjusted EBIT.......xxx Less/Minus: CapEx....1,000

Version 2 Tax-Adjusted EBIT......xxx Less/Minus: CapEx...(1,000)

Version 3 Tax-Adjusted EBIT....xxx CapEx.......................1,000

Version 4 Tax-Adjusted EBIT....xxx CapEx.......................(1,000)

Which ones are correct? I've seen all 4 being used

9 Comments
 

Well Phanton, when i quickly glance at the bottom of a DCF and see "Less: CapEx", i assume the formula is already subtracting CapEx flowing from my depreciation schedule.

And not sure how the size of the model factors into whether or not you use a + or - sign for CapEx calc....if you are linking from your depreciation schedule straight into your CF from investing section of CF you just reference and then flow that into your DCF with a - sign in front of it....

 
The PhantomThis has been bugging me for ages. Assume CapEx is $1,000. Which version is correct?

Version 1 Tax-Adjusted EBIT.......xxx Less/Minus: CapEx....1,000

Version 2 Tax-Adjusted EBIT......xxx Less/Minus: CapEx...(1,000)

Version 3 Tax-Adjusted EBIT....xxx CapEx.......................1,000

Version 4 Tax-Adjusted EBIT....xxx CapEx.......................(1,000)

Which ones are correct? I've seen all 4 being used

I've seen everything. But i favor strongly v2 and v4. CAPEX is a cash outflow, and since this is a DCF UFCF build, you should express CF outflows as such (1,000)

 

I don't have much experience with accounting, but versions 2 and 3 looks as if you are adding CapEx: Version 2: Minus (1000) at least to me implies -(-1000) = +1000 Version 3: Capex.....1000 implies +1000

So how do you not get confused with these notations? Obviously in this case you know that you need to subtract Capex, but it doesn't make sense to me using V2 or 3.

If anyone could explain what the standard procedure is it would be great!

 
little_monkeyI don't have much experience with accounting, but versions 2 and 3 looks as if you are adding CapEx: Version 2: Minus (1000) at least to me implies -(-1000) = +1000 Version 3: Capex.....1000 implies +1000

So how do you not get confused with these notations? Obviously in this case you know that you need to subtract Capex, but it doesn't make sense to me using V2 or 3.

If anyone could explain what the standard procedure is it would be great!

Don't overthink it. If you see "Less: xyz" as a line item, and the actual number is in parenthesis, that doesn't mean you're subtracting a negative number.

 
XPJ
little_monkeyI don't have much experience with accounting, but versions 2 and 3 looks as if you are adding CapEx: Version 2: Minus (1000) at least to me implies -(-1000) = +1000 Version 3: Capex.....1000 implies +1000

So how do you not get confused with these notations? Obviously in this case you know that you need to subtract Capex, but it doesn't make sense to me using V2 or 3.

If anyone could explain what the standard procedure is it would be great!

Don't overthink it. If you see "Less: xyz" as a line item, and the actual number is in parenthesis, that doesn't mean you're subtracting a negative number.

Thanks! I just wanted to make sure what is the generally accepted rationale.

 

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