A Cash Flow Statement shows how cash and cash equivalents enter and leave a business over a specific period. It links the balance sheet and income statement, offering a clear picture of a company’s liquidity and financial health.
Three Sections of the Cash Flow Statement
1. Operating Activities
Definition: Core business operations (e.g., sales, expenses).
Includes: Changes in current assets and current liabilities.
Methods of Presentation:
Direct Method: Lists actual cash received and paid (rarely used).
Indirect Method (common):
Starts with net income
Adjusts for:
Non-cash items (e.g., depreciation)
Working capital changes (inventory, receivables, payables)
2. Investing Activities
Definition: Cash flow from buying/selling long-term assets and investments.
Examples:
Purchase/sale of property, plant & equipment (PP&E)
Investments in other companies
Capital Expenditures (CapEx): Cash spent on acquiring long-term assets.
3. Financing Activities
Definition: Transactions affecting equity and long-term liabilities.