Question

Time Warner Inc. is a leading media and entertainment company with businesses in television networks, filmed entertainment, and publishing. The company's recent annual report contained the following information (dollars in millions):

Net loss $(13,402 )
Depreciation, amortization, and impairments 34,790
Decrease in receivables 1,245
Increase in inventories 5,766
Decrease in accounts payable 445
Additions to equipment 4,377

Required:
a. Based on this information, compute cash flow from operating activities using the indirect method.
b. What were the major reasons that Time Warner was able to report a net loss but positive cash flow from operations? Why are the reasons for the difference between cash flow from operations and net income important to financial analysts?

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

a. The cash flow from operating activities using the indirect method is

Net loss $(13,402 )

Add: Depreciation, amortization, and impairments $34,790

Add: Decrease in receivables $1,245

Less: Increase in inventories -$5,766

Less: Decrease in accounts payable -$445

Net cash flow from operating activities $16,442

b. The reasons for net loss but positive cash flow from operations are

Change in current assets, liabilities, depreciation

ANd, the reasons for having a difference is that the operating activities records the cash payment & cash receipt related to operating activities and the rest of things would be ignored