Which of the following actions are most likely to directly increase cash as shown on a firm's balance sheet? Explain and state the assumptions that underlie your answer.

1. It issues $9 million of new common stock.
2. It buys new plant and equipment at a cost of $3 million.
3. It reports a large loss for the year.
4. It increases the dividends paid on its common stock.

1. Statements (b) and (d) will increase the amount of cash on a company's balance sheet. Statement (a) will decrease cash through the sale of common stock. Selling stock provides cash through financing activities. On one hand, Statement (c) would decrease cash; however, it is also possible that Statement (c) would increase cash, if the firm receives a tax refund for taxes paid in a prior year.

2. Statements (b) and (d) will increase the amount of cash on a company's balance sheet. Statement (a) will increase cash through the sale of common stock. Selling stock provides cash through financing activities. On one hand, Statement (c) would decrease cash; however, it is also possible that Statement (c) would increase cash, if the firm receives a tax refund for taxes paid in a prior year.
3. Statements (b) and (d) will decrease the amount of cash on a company's balance sheet. Statement (a) will increase cash through the sale of common stock. Selling stock provides cash through financing activities. On one hand, Statement (c) would decrease cash; however, it is also possible that Statement (c) would increase cash, if the firm receives a tax refund for taxes paid in a prior year.
4. Statements (b) and (d) will decrease the amount of cash on a company's balance sheet. Statement (a) will decrease cash through the sale of common stock. Selling stock provides cash through financing activities. On one hand, Statement (c) would decrease cash; however, it is also possible that Statement (c) would increase cash, if the firm receives a tax refund for taxes paid in a prior year.
5. Statements (b) and (d) will decrease the amount of cash on a company's balance sheet. Statement (a) will increase cash through the sale of common stock. Selling stock provides cash through financing activities. Statement (c) would neither increase or decrease cash for taxes paid in a prior year.