Question


smacken3

When looking at a company's balance sheet do the numbers in parenthesis mean they are negatives?

When looking at a company's balance sheet do the numbers in parenthesis mean they are negatives? Example: Total Cash Flows From Investing Activities728,425 /(54,186) /20,176

5 months ago - 2 answers

Best Answer

Chosen by Asker

That is probably true. Different countries will use different conventions, though. For instance, some Asian countries will use triangles next to the number to show a negative number. I have also seen a simple minus sign next to the number, and RED characters can also signify negative numbers. I have also seen italic typeface used. The best way to be sure is to look for a legend. On an official document, it would be improper to rely on convention. It should be specified carefully under GAAP rules. It should be specified for each section of the document, and might be specified for each page of data. If you cannot find any legend, then inference is the best way. If the numbers add up correctly that way, then the parentheses show negative numbers. Those are the ways to be sure, no matter what country you are in. Good luck.

by Fastermaster

5 months ago

Asker's Rating: 

Other Answers

Yes, parenthesis are usually used to show a number is negative

by longstreet- 5 months ago