The Direct Method for Cash Flows from Operating Activities

The first step in preparing the cash flow statement is to determine cash flows from operating activities, which can be presented using the direct or indirect method. Cash flows from investing activities and from financing activities are identical regardless of whether the direct or indirect method is used to present operating cash flows. Companies often…

Linkages between the Financial Statements

The primary financial statements are as follows: Relationship between Financial Statement Linkages Between Current Assets and Current Liabilities The income statement and statement of cash flows also provide key linkages between the current assets and current liabilities sections of the balance sheet. Differences between the accrual and cash accounting recognition of operating activities result in…

Goodwill

When one company acquires another, the purchase price is allocated to all of the identifiable assets (tangible and intangible) and liabilities acquired, based on fair value. If the purchase price is greater than the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, the excess amount is recognised as an asset, goodwill. The subject of…

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are identifiable non-monetary assets without physical substance. An identifiable asset can be acquired on a standalone basis (i.e., can be separated from the entity) or arises from contractual or legal rights and privileges. Common examples include patents, licenses, trademarks, and customer lists. The most common intangible that is not separately identifiable is goodwill, which arises…

Quiz – Introduction to Financial Statement Analysis

1 Which of the following is most likely found in the management commentary? A. Forward-looking disclosures B. Basis of preparation for the financial statements C. Reasonable assurance whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement Answer Feedback: A Correct because the management commentary, or MD&A, is a good starting place for understanding information…

Income Statement Ratios and Common-Size Analysis

Common-Size Analysis of the Income Statement Common-size analysis of the income statement can be performed by stating each line item on the income statement as a percentage of revenue. Common-size statements facilitate comparison across time periods (time series analysis) and across companies (cross-sectional analysis) because the standardisation of each line item removes the effect of…