
Let's break down the three main sections of a cash flow statement pdf. The first section is Operating Activities, which includes cash inflows and outflows from a company's core business operations. This section typically includes items such as cash received from customers and cash paid to suppliers.
A cash flow statement pdf helps you understand where your money is coming from and going to. The Operating Activities section is usually the largest part of the cash flow statement.
The second section is Investing Activities, which involves cash inflows and outflows related to a company's investments, such as purchasing or selling assets. This section may include items such as cash paid to purchase equipment or cash received from selling a building.
Cash flow statements are essential for businesses to manage their finances effectively.
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Three Main Sections
The cash flow statement is a crucial tool for any business, and understanding its three main sections is essential.

The cash flow statement typically consists of three main sections: Operating Activities, Investing Activities, and Financing Activities.
Operating Activities details the cash flows resulting from a company's core operational activities, such as revenue from sales and payments to suppliers, employees, and for operating expenses.
Investing Activities records the cash flows related to investments in assets or securities, including cash spent on purchasing or selling long-term assets like property and equipment or investments in other companies.
Financing Activities outlines cash flows related to a company's financing activities, including borrowing or repaying loans, issuing or buying back shares, and distributing dividends to shareholders.
These three sections of the statement of cash flows designate the different ways cash can enter and leave your business.
Here's a breakdown of each section:
Operating Section
The operating section of a cash flow statement is where the magic happens. It's where you get to see how much cash your business is generating from its core operations.
This section typically includes cash flows from sales, purchases, and other expenses. It's where you'll see the cash inflows and outflows from your business's main activities.
The chief financial officer (CFO) gets to choose between a direct and indirect presentation of operating cash flow. The direct method is a simple list of cash flows, but it's rarely used. The indirect method, on the other hand, is more common and presents operating cash flows as a reconciliation from profit to cash flow.
Here's a breakdown of the items you'll typically find in the operating cash flow section:
- Cash in from sales
- Cash out for operating expenses
- Non-cash items, such as depreciation and amortization
- Adjustments to reconcile profit with cash flow
Let's take a look at an example. Suppose your business earned $60,000 in October, but you only received $40,000 in cash from operating activities. This is because some of the income was still owed to you, and some of the expenses were paid in advance.
Here's a step-by-step guide to calculating net cash flow from operating activities:
1. List cash receipts: Include cash collected from customers.
2. List cash payments: Include cash paid to suppliers, employees, interest paid, and income taxes paid.
3. Calculate net cash flow from operating activities: Subtract total cash payments from total cash receipts.
The indirect method is a bit more complex, but it's a great way to see how your business is generating cash from its core operations. Here's how it works:
1. Start with net income: Obtain this from the income statement.
2. Adjust for non-cash items: Add back depreciation and amortization.
3. Adjust for changes in working capital: Account for changes in accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable, and other working capital accounts.
4. Calculate net cash flow from operating activities: Combine the adjusted net income with changes in working capital.
By following these steps, you'll be able to get a clear picture of your business's operating cash flow and make informed decisions to drive growth and profitability.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Accounts Receivable Cash Flow Statement
Investing Section
The investing section of a cash flow statement is where you'll find the cash flows related to the acquisition and disposal of non-current assets, such as property, plant, and equipment (PP&E), and other investments.
Cash flows from investing activities include the cash spent on purchasing PP&E, which is also known as capital expenditures (CapEx). This can include buying new office equipment or purchasing land and a building to house business operations.
Purchases or sales of assets, loans made to vendors or received from customers, and payments related to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are all included in the investing activities section.
To calculate net cash flow from investing activities, you need to subtract cash payments for investments from cash receipts from sales of investments.
Here are some examples of investing activities:
- Capital expenditures (additions to property, plant and equipment)
- Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment
- Purchase of long-term investments
- Proceeds from the sale of long-term investments
For example, let's say a company spent $300,000 on capital expenditures, which is reported as (300,000) in parentheses since it's a cash outflow. On the other hand, the company received $40,000 from the sale of equipment, which is reported as a positive amount since it's a cash inflow.
Here's a breakdown of the investing activities:
Note that the amounts spent on acquiring long-term investments are reported in parentheses since they require an outflow of cash, while the proceeds from the sale of long-term investments are reported as positive amounts since they're favorable for the company's cash balance.
Financing
Financing is a crucial aspect of a company's cash flow statement. Financing cash flows include cash flows associated with borrowing and repaying bank loans or bonds and issuing and buying back shares. The payment of a dividend is also treated as a financing cash flow.
Cash from financing activities includes the sources of cash from investors and banks, as well as the way cash is paid to shareholders. This includes any dividends, payments for stock repurchases, and repayment of debt principal (loans) that are made by the company.
To identify cash transactions for financing, include cash received from issuing stock or debt and cash spent on repaying debt or buying back stock. Calculate net cash flow from financing activities by subtracting cash payments for financing activities from cash receipts from financing activities.
The cash inflows and outflows from financing activities are related to the changes in the following balance sheet sections: noncurrent (long-term) liabilities, stockholders' equity (or owner's equity), and loans and similar debt reported under current liabilities.
Additional reading: Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Here are some examples of cash flows from financing activities:
- Proceeds from long-term debt
- Repayment of long-term debt
- Proceeds from issuing capital stock
- Payment of dividends
- Purchase of treasury stock
- Change in short-term debt
Issuance of equity is an additional source of cash, so it's a cash inflow. Conversely, an equity repurchase is a cash outflow, which is buying back, through cash payment, the equity from its investors.
Consider reading: Net Assets Equity
Importance and Purpose
A cash flow statement is a regular financial statement that tells you how much cash you have on hand for a specific period. It's a crucial tool for understanding a company's finances and operations, and it's required by the accounting profession as part of a set of financial statements.
The cash flow statement is important because it measures the actual amount of cash a company receives from its operations, which is not directly shown in the income statement and balance sheet. These financials are based on accrual accounting, which measures sales, expenses, and earnings during a short time interval, but doesn't account for cash inflows and outflows.
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A company's understanding of its cash inflows and outflows is critical for meeting its short-term and long-term obligations to its suppliers, employees, and lenders. To get a better understanding, financial analysts compare the cash flow statement's cash flows from operating activities to the company's net income.
Here's a breakdown of the key components of a cash flow statement:
- Cash collected from sales
- Cash paid for goods sold
- Cash paid for buildings and equipment
- Cash received from the sale of long-term assets
- Cash received from bank loans
- Cash payments to reduce a loan's principal balance
- Cash withdrawn by owners or cash dividends paid to stockholders
Why Is It Important?
The cash flow statement is a crucial financial document that provides a clear picture of a company's cash inflows and outflows over a specific period. It's essential for understanding a company's financial health and operations.
Financial analysts closely review the cash flow statement, especially the first section, cash flows from operating activities. They compare this section's total to the company's net income to ensure consistency.
A company's cash inflows and outflows are critical for meeting its short-term and long-term obligations to suppliers, employees, and lenders. Current and potential lenders and investors also rely on the cash flow statement to assess a company's financial stability.
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The cash flow statement provides a more accurate picture of a company's financial performance than the income statement alone. It reveals the actual amount of cash received from operations, which is not always reflected in the income statement.
Here are some key differences between the income statement and the cash flow statement:
- Cash collected from sales is not reported on the income statement.
- Cash paid for goods sold is not reported on the income statement.
- Cash paid for buildings and equipment is not reported on the income statement.
- Cash received from the sale of long-term assets is not reported on the income statement.
- Cash received from bank loans is not reported on the income statement.
- Cash payments to reduce a loan's principal balance are not reported on the income statement.
- Cash withdrawn by owners or cash dividends paid to stockholders are not reported on the income statement.
By comparing operating cash flow to net income, companies can measure how well they are running their operations. This comparison is a useful aspect of the cash flow statement.
Origin
The origin of a cash flow statement is rooted in your bookkeeping system. If you do your own bookkeeping in Excel, you can calculate cash flow statements each month based on the information on your income statements and balance sheets.
You can also use accounting software to create cash flow statements based on the information you've already entered in the general ledger. This method requires accurate entry of financial data, just like doing it manually in Excel.
For a cash flow statement to be accurate, your bookkeeping needs to be precise. This means hiring a bookkeeper can be the most surefire way to know how much working capital you have, as they'll ensure everything adds up.
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Preparing the Statement
You can take one of two routes to figure out your company's cash flow: the direct method and the indirect method. The indirect method is typically preferred by small businesses and is the dominant method used.
To prepare the cash flow statement using the indirect method, you start with the amount of net income, which is taken from the company's income statement. This amount must be adjusted to the cash amount, which may involve adding or subtracting certain items.
Here's a general guideline for where to find the historical data to hardcode for the line items in the cash flow statement:
Opening Balance
The opening balance is a crucial part of preparing a statement of cash flows. It's the last year's closing cash balance, which can be found on last year's cash flow statement and balance sheet statement.
You can find this amount by looking at last year's financial statements, specifically the cash flow statement and balance sheet statement. This is the starting point for your current year's cash flow statement.
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To get the opening balance, you'll need to refer to last year's financial statements, as it's the closing cash balance from the previous year. This sets the stage for calculating the cash flow for the current year.
Here are the key sources for the opening balance:
- Cash flow statement
- Balance sheet statement
- Prior period balance sheet
Presentation
Most companies report using the indirect method when presenting cash from operating activities, although some may use the direct method. CVS, for instance, used the direct method in their 2022 annual report.
The indirect method begins with a measure of profit, which can be net income, operating profit/EBIT, or earnings before tax. Companies have some discretion in choosing the profit metric to use.
A common starting point for the reconciliation is net income, but some companies may use operating profit/EBIT or earnings before tax. If the starting point profit is above interest and tax in the income statement, then interest and tax cash flows need to be deducted if they are to be treated as operating cash flows.
Intriguing read: Cash Flow Statement Profit and Loss
Here's a breakdown of the components involved in the indirect method:
The resulting operating cash flow number is a good sign for investors, as it indicates that core operations are generating business and there's enough money to buy new inventory, as seen in the example of a cash flow statement.
Video Explanation
The video explanation of the statement of cash flows is a great resource to get you started on preparing this important financial statement.
The statement of cash flows is a summary of all the cash inflows and outflows of a company over a specific period.
To understand how it works, check out the video explanation provided in the article.
The video is a helpful resource that explains the statement of cash flows in just a few minutes, making it easy to learn and understand.
Determine Reporting Period
To determine the reporting period for your cash flow statement, you need to identify the period for which you are preparing the statement. This could be monthly, quarterly, or annually.

The reporting period is a critical aspect of cash flow statement preparation, as it helps you present a clear and accurate picture of your company's financial situation.
You can choose a reporting period that aligns with your business needs, such as monthly for a retail business or quarterly for a manufacturing company.
May
In May, Good Deal's cash flow statement reflects several key transactions that impact its financial position. On May 30, the company pays its accounts payable of $150, reducing its cash balance.
The balance sheet for May 31 shows a decrease in accounts payable compared to April 30.
On May 31, Good Deal purchases office equipment for $1,100, which is paid in cash. This transaction is recorded as a cash outflow in the investing activities section of the cash flow statement.
The comparative balance sheet shows the changes between December 31, 2022, and May 31, 2023.
Here's a breakdown of the changes in cash flow for the five months ended May 31:
- Operating activities: Net change in cash is a negative $50.
- Investing activities: Cash outflow of $1,100 for the increase in long-term assets.
- Financing activities: Owner's investment of $2,000 increased Good Deal's cash balance.
- Total cash flow: An increase in cash of $850, which agrees with the change in the Cash amounts reported on the balance sheets.
Tracking and Reconciling
Tracking and reconciling cash flow is a crucial part of financial management. This process involves using the indirect method to get a clearer idea of how cash flow works.
The indirect method starts by adding the change in cash to the beginning cash balance to arrive at the ending cash balance. This should match the cash balance reported on the balance sheet, as per the reconciliation process.
Reconciling cash flow involves adding the change in cash to the beginning cash balance, and this figure should precisely match the ending amount of cash reported on the balance sheet. This is the result of the reconciliation of net cash flows.
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How to Track
To track cash flow, you can use the indirect method, which helps to get a clearer idea of how it all works. The indirect method involves calculating net income and then adjusting it for non-cash items and changes in working capital.
For more insights, see: Example of Indirect Method of Cash Flow Statement
The cash flow statement is the tool that helps you track cash flow, and it's made up of three main sections: operating, investing, and financing flows. Adding up these sections gives you the net cash flow, which should match the change in cash between the previous period and the current period.
To reconcile the net cash flows, you add the opening cash balance to the net increase or decrease in cash, which gives you the closing cash balance. This amount should match the cash balance reported on the balance sheet.
You can use information from your income statement and balance sheet to create your cash flow statement. The income statement tells you how money entered and left your business, while the balance sheet shows how those transactions affect different accounts.
The process of producing financial statements for your business starts with your income statement and balance sheet, which are used to create your cash flow statement. The cash flow statement is then used to reconcile with the beginning cash balance.
The opening cash balance is last year's closing cash balance, which can be found in last year's cash flow statement and balance sheet statement.
On a similar theme: Quickbooks Cash Flow Statement
April
April is a great time to review your budget and make any necessary adjustments. The IRS typically extends the tax filing deadline to May 15th for most tax returns, but it's essential to check the exact date for your specific situation.
As we discussed in the previous section, tracking income and expenses is crucial for accurate budgeting. In April, take a closer look at your income, particularly any irregular or seasonal income that may have been delayed.
April is also a good time to reconcile your bank and credit card statements. This can help identify any discrepancies or errors that may have occurred over the past few months.
Most businesses have their busiest month in April, which can make it challenging to keep track of expenses. Be sure to regularly review your business's financial records to ensure everything is in order.
April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring a lot of expenses for gardening and home maintenance. Make sure to factor these seasonal expenses into your budget to avoid any surprises.
Expand your knowledge: In a Cash Flow Statement What Are Expenses Called
Other Potential Differences
When presenting interest expense or income, there's a difference in how it's handled between IFRS and U.S. GAAP.
Under IFRS, companies have a choice in how to present interest expense or income in the cash flow statement.
Many companies present both the interest received and interest paid as operating cash flows.
Others treat interest received as investing cash flow and interest paid as a financing cash flow.
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Example and Reporting
The cash flow statement is a crucial document that provides a snapshot of a company's inflows and outflows of cash over a specific period. It's often referred to as the statement of cash flows or SCF.
A cash flow statement typically has three sections: operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. These sections are usually presented in a specific format, with subheadings that clearly indicate the type of activity being reported.
For example, Example Corporation's statement of cash flows has the following subheadings:
- Operating activities
- Investing activities
- Financing activities
Some companies may omit "Cash flows from" and simply show the above subheadings. The use of parentheses in the cash flow statement is also worth noting. A negative amount in parentheses, such as (300,000), indicates a cash outflow, while a positive amount, such as 40,000, indicates a cash inflow.
The net increase in cash during the year is calculated by combining the cash inflows and outflows from each section. This net amount is then combined with the cash at the beginning of the year to show the cash at the end of the year.
For instance, in Example Corporation's statement of cash flows, the net increase in cash during the year is 92,000, which is combined with the cash at the beginning of the year to show the end of the year balance of $193,000.
Key Concepts and Dates
A cash flow statement is a financial document that shows the inflows and outflows of cash and cash equivalents over a specific period of time. It's a crucial tool for businesses to manage their finances effectively.
The cash flow statement is typically divided into three main sections: operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. The operating activities section shows the cash generated from a company's core business operations.
Cash inflows from operating activities can include cash received from customers, sales of products or services, and interest earned on cash accounts. Cash outflows from operating activities can include payments made to suppliers, employees, and taxes.
The cash flow statement is usually prepared on a monthly or quarterly basis, but it can also be prepared annually. The frequency of preparation depends on the business's needs and requirements.
A cash flow statement can be prepared in a variety of formats, including a cash flow statement pdf. This format is particularly useful for businesses that need to share their cash flow information with stakeholders, such as investors or lenders.
Consider reading: Operating Cash Flows Include Which of the following
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you write a simple cash flow statement?
To write a simple cash flow statement, start by calculating your Opening Balance, then add Cash Coming in and subtract Cash Going Out. This straightforward process helps you understand your business's cash flow and make informed financial decisions.
Where can I get free cash flow?
Free cash flow can be found on the statement of cash flows, as well as calculated using the income statement and balance sheet
What are three types of cash flow statements?
There are three main types of cash flow statements: Operating Cash Flow, Investing Cash Flow, and Financing Cash Flow, each providing a unique perspective on a company's financial activities. Understanding these statements can help you make informed decisions about a company's financial health and performance.
Sources
- https://www.fe.training/free-resources/investment-banking/cash-flow-statement-template/
- https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/accounting/statement-of-cash-flows/
- https://www.bench.co/blog/accounting/cash-flow-statements
- https://www.investopedia.com/investing/what-is-a-cash-flow-statement/
- https://www.accountingcoach.com/cash-flow-statement/explanation
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