Misconception · MIS:net-ppe-change-equals-cash-capital-expenditure

Mistaken idea “The change in net PP&E equals cash capital expenditure”

Mistaken reasoning: This mistake treats a net balance change as cash spending and ignores depreciation, disposals, unpaid or noncash additions, impairment, and other movements.

Updated Sep 10, 2026 Review due Dec 10, 2026

Why this is mistaken

Corrective approach

Reconcile gross PP&E first. Reconcile accumulated depreciation and impairment on a second schedule. Derive net PP&E only after both schedules tie. Then bridge gross additions to cash paid and supported noncash amounts. A net balance change cannot identify cash spending by itself.

Where to watch

When this mistake may appear

  • Beginning and ending net PP&E and one capital-expenditure subtotal are available.
Check your work

Your work may contain this mistake if:

  • Uses ending net PP&E less beginning net PP&E as cash capital expenditure.
  • Reconciles only net PP&E and omits gross cost and accumulated amounts.
  • Treats every gross addition as current-period cash paid.