- Lela Countryman
Understanding the Statement of Cash Flows
This is the third post for the series on understanding your financial statements. We began with the balance sheet and the income statement. If you haven’t had a chance, check out the balance sheet and the income statement. This week we will discuss the statement of cash flows. Next week, I will end this series on how to analyze all three financial statements to get an understanding on how your business is doing financially. I truly hope you find this helpful in your business.

The statement of cash flows reports how cash was generated and used during a specific time period. It is categorized by the following categories: Operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. The operating activities converts the items reporting on the income statement from the accrual basis to cash. The investing activities reports the purchase and sale of long-term investments and property, plant, and equipment. The financing activities reports the issuance and repurchase of the company’s own bonds and stock and the payment of dividends.
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
The following accounts show what cash is used to make up the operating activities.
Unearned Revenue
Accounts Receivable
Accounts Payable
Inventory
Supplies
Other Current Assets
Other Current Liabilities
Interest Payable
Notes Payable
Wages Payable
Payroll Taxes Payable
Income Taxes Payable
Prepaid Insurance
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
The following accounts show what cash is used to make up the investing activities.
Long-term Investments
Land
Buildings
Furniture
Vehicles
Equipment
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
The financing activities shows the changes in the long-term liability and stockholders’ equity accounts and the following accounts make up the financing activities.
Retained Earnings
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Notes Payable (generally due after one year)
Bonds Payable
Deferred Income Taxes
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOUR BUSINESS
The revenues reported may not have been collected since the accrual basis of accounting records revenue at the time it is earned, not when it is received. The statement of cash flows shows the flowing in and out of cash. If your business is consistently generating more cash than you are using, you are in a great position to be able to reduce your debt, acquire more assets, or further invest in your business. It is important to remember that positive numbers on the statement of cash flows are considered good for your cash balance.
Next week we will discuss how to look at all three financial statements how this can determine your business’ financial health.