Cash Flow Statement Template
Build a cash flow statement using a company income statement and balance sheet.
Cash is King
Cash is the most important line item for a business.
The cash flow statement tracks and summarizes cash that flows in and out of the business. You'll typically start with how well the business is generating cash alongside the cash inflows and outflows associated with operating expenses, investments, debt payments, etc.
The cash flow statement is broken down into 3 main section:
- Cash flow from operating activities
- Cash flow from investing activities
- Cash flow from financing activities
Understanding the three key sections of the cash flow statement alongside how this ties with a company balance sheet and income statement is an essential concept commonly tested by the top finance and investment firms across the globe.
Operating Activities
The operating activities section covers cash generated from the core or main operations of the business. So for example, the income from book sales generated by a book store or the income from a cleaning appointment generated by a cleaning service would be considered income from the core business operations.
Most cash flow statements will start with net income from the current period income statement. From there, you'll have to make adjustments for non-cash expenses and operating activities.
This is done because most public businesses use accrual accounting where revenue and expenses on the income statement don't always match up exactly with when actual cash enters or leaves the company. Some examples of the adjustments that you'll see in this section include depreciation and amortization, accounts receivable, accounts payable, etc.
Many of the adjustments in the operating activities section will lie in the current assets and current liabilities line items on the balance sheet.
Examples Current Assets:
- Accounts receivables
- Inventory
- Other current assets
Examples Current Liabilities:
- Accounts payable
- Taxes payable
- Other current liabilities
Investing Activities
The investing activities section covers any cash gains and losses from property, plant, and equipment (PP&E) and other long term assets. PP&E can be found on the balance sheet and spend used to increase PP&E is often referred to as "Capital Expenditures."
When a business incurs more capital expenditures, you'll see a cash outflow in this section as money is being spent on purchasing new property, equipment, etc.
You'll sometimes see a company record a cash inflow in this section if it receives cash for selling property, equipment, or any other long-term assets.
Financing Activities
The financing activities section covers cash flows linked to cash raised from investors with some form of stake in the company. Companies usually raise funds through debt (bonds, loans, etc.) and equity (ownership shares).
Some common line adjustments that you will see in this section include changes in long-term debt, increases in other long-term liabilities, and proceeds from share issuances.
Video Highlight: Build a Cash Flow Statement
Learn how to build a Cash Flow Statement from scratch on Excel using a company balance sheet and income statement.
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