(B)/W

Variance analysis - sign conventions.

(B)/(W) is an abbreviation for (Better) / Worse.

This is a label and sign convention in financial reporting.

It is designed to aid the interpretation of differences or changes, by specifying a consistent convention.

Under the (B)/W convention, good news is denoted by a NEGATIVE (bracketed) number.

Good news is also known as a 'favourable variance'.

For example, a cost saving or an income improvement.

A common example is a better actual result, compared with an earlier forecast.

Under the (B)/W convention POSITIVE numbers are bad news, 'worse'.

Bad news is also known as an 'adverse' variance.

B/(W) convention

Sometimes the opposite convention is used.

This is the B/(W) convention.

Under the B/(W) convention - negative numbers are worse (adverse).

Under the B/(W) convention POSITIVE numbers are better and favourable.

See also

• Adverse
• Inflow/(outflow)
• Mostly positive
• Sign convention
• Variance
• Variance analysis
• YTD