


Net cash generated by financing activities Net cash generated by investing activities Net cash generated by operating activities The following is an example of a cash flow statement under the indirect method for ABC company for the financial year 2020-2021 ParticularsĪdd (subtract) non-cash effects on operating revenue Moreover, most companies use this method to prepare their cash flow statement. These expenses do not directly affect the cash flow but must be included in the cash flow statement. Also, adjustments for non-operating expenses like accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory, depreciation, etc., are made to determine the cash for the company’s operating expenses. Afterwards, the net income is adjusted for any changes in assets or liabilities account on the balance sheet. Therefore, this method always starts with net income taken from the income statement. The indirect method uses the accrual accounting information where the revenue and expenses are included when the transaction is made rather than when money is received. Net cash provided (used) in financing activities Net cash provided by operating activities The following is an example for a cash flow statement under direct method for XYZ company for the financial year 2020-2021 Particulars However, it may be time-consuming as it must be reconciled with the income statement. Moreover, this method is easier for small businesses as they use a cash basis accounting method.

The direct method is also known as the income statement method. In simple words, this method only measures the cash received and paid out due to the company’s operating activities. The direct method uses the gross cash payments and receipts, including the cash paid to suppliers, cash receipts from customers and also cash paid out as salaries. There are two methods to prepare a cash flow statement, namely the direct method and also indirect method – Direct method For instance, the previous cash flow statements help to make decisions in forecasting the cash deficit the company will face after paying off the debt obligations or establishing a cash surplus to request credit from banks. Also, the CFS helps the financial manager analyse the past transactions data to make a cash flow projection for immediate future planning. Hence, businesses must always have a sufficient amount of cash to fulfil their upcoming payments. Helpful for Short Term Planning: A cash flow statement is also helpful for short term planning to meet various obligations.

For instance, when a company pays less to acquire equipment, it pays less and generates cash. However, there are several other ways to generate cash. Focuses on Generating Cash: Profit is a critical factor for the growth of the company, and also this comes from generating cash.Subsequently, if there is a shortage of funds, the company can look for sources to borrow money to keep the business running smoothly. Also, if excess cash is lying idle, the business can use it to invest in shares or buy inventory. It helps to determine whether excess cash is lying idle or if there is a shortage of funds. Maintaining Optimal Cash Balance: A CFS helps analyse and also maintain an optimal cash level in hand.Also, it shows detailed transactions which are not recorded in cash in other financial statements, like the purchase of inventory, extending credit to customers, buying capital equipment, etc. Details about Outflows: A cash flow statement also helps understand the company’s position to make principal payments to its creditors.The following is the importance of a cash flow statement – It is essential to have sufficient cash for any business to be successful. Moreover, it can be helpful for making better-informed decisions about their investments. Therefore, the CFS is an important statement as it helps the investors to analyse the company’s financial position. In other words, it shows the company’s ability to generate cash to pay its debt obligations and fund its operating expenses. Thus, this information is helpful for the management to make decisions for regulating the business operations.Īdditionally, a cash flow statement measures how well a company manages its cash position. Further, the cash outflows are the expenses paid for business activities and investments. Also, the cash inflows come from operating, investing, and financial activities. Thus, the CFS helps make a cash forecast for short term planning.Ī cash flow statement (CFS) is a financial statement that shows the inflows and also outflows of cash and cash equivalents of a company. Also, this statement is one of the three financial reports (with the income statement and balance sheet) that helps in determining the company’s performance. Child Education What is Cash Flow Statement?Ī cash flow statement (CFS) is also an essential tool used to manage finances by tracking the cash flow of an organisation.
