Top Ten Facts on Business Analysis Techniques – Cash Flow Statement

Written by Venkadesh Narayanan | Apr 21, 2023 7:44:50 AM

Explanation: A cash flow statement is a financial statement that shows the inflows and outflows of cash and cash equivalents during a specific period. It provides insights into a company's cash flow position, including operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. Here are the top 10 facts about cash flow statements: 

Definition of Cash Flow Statement: A cash flow statement is a financial statement that presents the sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents during a specific period. It provides information on a company's liquidity, operating performance, and financing and investing activities.  

Operating Activities: Operating activities on a cash flow statement show the cash inflows and outflows from a company's core business operations. This includes cash received from customers, payments made to suppliers and employees, and other operating expenses. Operating cash flow is a key measure of a company's ability to generate cash from its core business operations.  

Investing Activities: Investing activities on a cash flow statement show the cash inflows and outflows from buying and selling investments, property, plant, and equipment, and other long-term assets. Investing activities can impact a company's cash flow by affecting its capital expenditures and acquisitions. 

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Financing Activities: Financing activities on a cash flow statement show the cash inflows and outflows from borrowing and repaying debt, issuing or repurchasing equity, and paying dividends. Financing activities can have a significant impact on a company's cash flow by affecting its debt levels, equity structure, and dividend payments.  

Cash Flow from Operations (CFO): Cash flow from operations (CFO) is a key metric on a cash flow statement that shows the net cash inflows or outflows from a company's operating activities. CFO is a crucial indicator of a company's ability to generate cash from its core business operations and is often used to assess its liquidity and financial health.  

Cash Flow from Investing Activities (CFI): Cash flow from investing activities (CFI) is a metric on a cash flow statement that shows the net cash inflows or outflows from a company's investing activities. CFI provides insights into a company's investments in assets such as property, plant, and equipment, and changes in investments or divestitures of securities or other investments.  

Cash Flow from Financing Activities (CFF): Cash flow from financing activities (CFF) is a metric on a cash flow statement that shows the net cash inflows or outflows from a company's financing activities. CFF provides insights into a company's borrowing, repaying debt, issuing or repurchasing equity, and dividend payments.  

Free Cash Flow: Free cash flow is calculated as cash flow from operations (CFO) minus capital expenditures (CapEx) and represents the amount of cash available to a company after it has invested in its capital expenditures required for maintaining and expanding its operations. Free cash flow is an important measure of a company's ability to generate cash flow that can be used for various purposes such as debt repayment, dividend payments, or reinvestment in the business.  

Cash Flow Ratios: Cash flow statements can be used to calculate various cash flow ratios, such as the operating cash flow ratio, cash flow margin, and cash return on assets, which provide insights into a company's liquidity, cash flow generation, and financial performance. 

Importance of Cash Flow Management: Cash flow management is crucial for the financial health and sustainability of a company. A company with positive operating cash flow and healthy cash flow from investing and financing activities is better positioned to meet its financial obligations, invest in growth opportunities, and reward its shareholders.  

In summary, a cash flow statement is a vital financial statement that provides information on a company's cash inflows and outflows during a specific period. 

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