Question

Differentiate the cash flow from asset from the cash flow from operating activities, financing activities and investing activities. Why is it important to study the operating cash flow of a company? Illustrate your answer with example(s).

Answer 1

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash flows from operating activities arise from the activities a business uses to produce net income. For example, operating cash flows include cash sources from sales and cash used to purchase inventory and to pay for operating expenses such as salaries and utilities. Operating cash flows also include cash flows from interest and dividend revenue interest expense, and income tax.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Cash flows from investing activities are cash business transactions related to a business’ investments in long-term assets. They can usually be identified from changes in the Fixed Assets section of the long-term assets section of the balance sheet. Some examples of investing cash flows are payments for the purchase of land, buildings, equipment, and other investment assets and cash receipts from the sale of land, buildings, equipment, and other investment assets.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash flows from financing activities are cash transactions related to the business raising money from debt or stock, or repaying that debt. They can be identified from changes in long-term liabilities and equity. Examples of financing cash flows include cash proceeds from issuance of debt instruments such as notes or bonds payable, cash proceeds from issuance of capital stock, cash payments for dividend distributions, principal repayment or redemption of notes or bonds payable, or purchase of treasury stock. Cash flows related to changes in equity can be identified on the Statement of Stockholder’s Equity, and cash flows related to long-term liabilities can be identified by changes in long-term liabilities on the balance sheet.

Cash flow from operating activities indicates the immediate health of a company, cash flow is an important factor that helps determine a company’s ability to pay its current expenses. These expenses include operating expenses such as labor costs and the repayment of debts. As a result, the cash flow statement is an important financial statement for creditors and for individuals interested in evaluating the investment potential of the company.