How does the net change in accounts receivable and payable from the previous year impact the calculation of owner earnings?

The net change in accounts receivable and payable from the previous year is included in the calculation of owner earnings. If accounts receivable increases, it means the company has made sales but hasn't yet collected the money, so this is subtracted from net income. Conversely, if accounts payable increases, it means the company has purchased goods or services but hasn't paid for them yet, so this is added to net income. These adjustments are necessary to reflect the cash that is actually available to the owner.

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To calculate owner earnings, add together six numbers (even though some may be negative, add them; it's an accounting thing). Net income is usually the very first line on the Cash Flow Statement. Right underneath is the entry for depreciation and amortization (a non-cash expense that takes account of the declining value of certain assets). Still in the same part of the Cash Flow Statement there will be lines citing net change in accounts receivable and accounts payable from the previous year – add those two numbers into the calculation, too. Next, add income tax paid, which can be found on the Income Statement. Finally, add maintenance capital expenditures – this number (which will be a negative one) may not be listed separately from total capital expenditures, so you'll have to estimate the average annual maintenance cost, based on what you know about the business. Add these six numbers together and multiply by ten; now you have the company's ten cap price.

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