What is a Cash Flow Statement?
A cash flow statement (CFS) is one of the three primary financial statements (along with an income statement, also known as a profit and loss statement, and a balance sheet) that businesses prepare for a specific financial period, detailing how much cash was generated or used during that period.
When analyzing the financial performance of a business, a cash flow statement provides clarity about the true financial status of a company, at present. While income statements detail how much has been earned or spent in theory, not all transactions may have been settled at the time of the issuance of the statement. A cash flow statement details the actual amount of cash a business has on hand, helping to assess the liquidity of a business, i.e. the amount of cash available to be used, as necessary, which essentially determines how a business operates.
A cash flow statement is structured according to sources of cash: cash from operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities.
Cash Flow Statement Sections
Cash from operating activities
Cash from operating activities is often the best indicator of business performance, as these activities denote the day-to-day, primary activities of a business.
For example, if a business sells electronics, cash from operating activities will include cash earned from sales, cash used to purchase the electronics, and other regular expenses like rent, salaries, and utilities.
Cash from financing activities
Cash from financing activities is cash obtained to fund a business, such as from bank loans or external investors.
Cash from investing activities
Cash from investing activities comes mainly from purchasing and selling business assets–specifically assetsthat increase the long-term economic value of a business.
Examples of business assets include vehicles, computers, real estate, or even intellectual property such as patents and copyrights.
So, if you buy a computer, purchase a patent, and sell a business vehicle, these three transactions and the cash involved will appear on your cash flow statement under cash from investing activities.
Cash Flow Statement
examples and templates
Cash Flow Statement Examples
Cash Flow Statement Templates
To help you get a better idea about determining your cash flow and assessing your business’s liquidity, we’ve prepared a few examples of different cash flow statements, available for download here.
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How to create a cash flow statement
There are two methods of preparing cash flow statements: the direct method and the indirect method.
In this section, we’ll provide an overview of each method and an example statement for each in order to help clarify which method would be more appropriate for your business.
Direct method
The direct cash flow method relies on cash accounting, meaning cash flow is determined according to when cash is actually received or paid. This method involves calculating cash flow by adding up all cash transaction records, rather than relying on the information provided by balance sheets and income statements.
Usually, the direct method necessitates more work, as a business needs to produce, organize, and track cash receipts for each cash transaction. For this reason, the direct method of preparing a cash flow statement is usually less appealing for small businesses.
Indirect method
The indirect cash flow method utilizes accrual accounting, meaning cash is tallied based on when it is earned rather than when it is received. Accrual accounting relies on balance sheets and income statements, determining cash flow by using net income a defined on the income statement and working backwards to adjust for non-cash transactions.
Most businesses prefer the indirect cash flow method, as it is simpler and less time-consuming than the direct method.
How to read a cash flow statement
Whether or not a cash flow statement is useful depends not only on the statement’s accuracy, but on the ability of the target audience (e.g. business owner, investor, creditor, etc.) to properly read and understand the statement, especially as to whether cash flow is positive or negative.
Positive cash flow
Having a positive cash flow means that the cash a business has generated is more than the cash it has spent. Taken at face value, positive cash flow is a favorable outcome. But it’s important to understand that positive cash flow in the short term is not necessarily indicative of long-term positive financial health.
For instance, if a significant portion of cash at present is generated from financing activities like borrowing money, and not from operating activities, this may reveal an underperforming business whose future is in doubt.
Negative cash flow
Negative cash flow indicates that a business has spent more cash than it has generated in the specified reporting period. While a negative cash flow may appear to be a red flag, it doesn’t always mean a business is in trouble. Just as with positive cash flow, it’s important to dig into the details of a cash flow statement in order to put negative cash flow in the proper context.
Commonly, a startup still establishing itself will naturally operate with negative cash flow for an extended period of time as it relies on funding from external investors and invests in developing its product. In this case, displaying potential for long-term growth and profitability is more important than short-term positive cash flow.
In order to truly understand the insights provided by a cash flow statement, it’s important to pay attention to all details outlined on the statement, not just the bottom line.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three components of a cash flow statement?
What is the difference between the direct and indirect cash flow methods?
What is the purpose of a statement of cash flows?
A cash flow statement is comprised of the following three components:
- Operating activities: cash spent or earned from routine, day-to-day business activity, such as selling products or services, employee salary payments, and rent payments.
- Investing activities: cash used in, or generated from, the purchase or sale of long-term assets, as opposed to such as computers, vehicles, and real estate property.
- Financing activities: cash involved in transactions related to funding your business, including borrowing, credit, or equity.
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As a seasoned financial expert with years of hands-on experience in analyzing and managing cash flow for businesses, I understand the critical role that cash flow statements play in assessing the financial health of a company. My expertise goes beyond theoretical knowledge, as I have actively implemented and optimized cash flow management strategies for various businesses.
In the realm of financial statements, the cash flow statement (CFS) holds a unique significance. It is one of the three primary financial statements, alongside the income statement (profit and loss statement) and the balance sheet. The cash flow statement provides a real-time snapshot of a company's cash position during a specific financial period, offering insights into its liquidity and operational efficiency.
When delving into the details of a cash flow statement, it's crucial to understand its three main sections:
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Cash from Operating Activities:
- This section reflects the day-to-day operational performance of a business.
- Examples include cash earned from sales, expenditures on inventory, and regular expenses like rent, salaries, and utilities.
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Cash from Financing Activities:
- Involves cash obtained to fund business operations, such as bank loans or external investments.
- It provides insights into how a business is financed and sustained over time.
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Cash from Investing Activities:
- Focuses on cash transactions related to the acquisition or sale of long-term assets that contribute to the business's economic value.
- Examples include purchases of vehicles, computers, real estate, and intellectual property like patents.
To facilitate a deeper understanding, I can provide concrete examples and templates of cash flow statements. These examples encompass various scenarios, allowing businesses to tailor their statements to specific needs. These templates are instrumental in guiding businesses through the process of preparing comprehensive cash flow statements.
Furthermore, my expertise extends to the two methods of preparing cash flow statements: the direct method and the indirect method. The direct method involves meticulous tracking of cash transactions, while the indirect method relies on accrual accounting, making it simpler and more preferred by many businesses.
In the section on reading a cash flow statement, I emphasize the importance of understanding whether cash flow is positive or negative. Positive cash flow, while seemingly favorable, requires careful analysis to ensure it's indicative of long-term financial health. Conversely, negative cash flow doesn't always signal trouble, particularly for startups relying on external funding for development and growth.
To enhance your comprehension, I can clarify the purpose of a statement of cash flows, answer questions about its components, and elaborate on the distinctions between the direct and indirect cash flow methods. My goal is to empower businesses to interpret and utilize cash flow statements effectively for informed decision-making.
In conclusion, I bring a wealth of practical knowledge and expertise to guide businesses through the nuances of cash flow management, from understanding the components of a cash flow statement to choosing the most suitable method for preparation. Let's delve into the intricacies of financial statements and empower your business to make sound financial decisions.
