Cash Flow Statement Calculator
Calculate and analyze cash flow with our free online tools, including the Cash Flow Statement and key ratios like FCFF and FCFE.
Cash Flow Statement
Free Cash Flow
Understanding Cash Flow Statements
What is a Cash Flow Statement?
A cash flow statement is a financial statement that shows how changes in balance sheet accounts and income affect cash and cash equivalents. It breaks down the analysis into three main categories:
Operating Activities
Operating activities include the production, sales, and delivery of the company's product as well as collecting payment from its customers. This could include:
- Cash receipts from sales of goods and services
- Cash payments to suppliers and employees
- Interest payments and receipts
- Income tax payments
Investing Activities
Investing activities include the purchase and sale of long-term assets and other investments. Examples include:
- Purchase of property, plant, and equipment
- Sale of equipment or property
- Purchase of marketable securities
- Loans made to other entities
Financing Activities
Financing activities include transactions involving debt, equity, and dividends. This includes:
- Proceeds from issuing stock
- Payments of dividends
- Proceeds from borrowing
- Repayment of debt
Key Metrics
The cash flow statement helps calculate several important metrics:
- Free Cash Flow: The cash a company generates after accounting for cash outflows to support operations and maintain its capital assets.
- Cash Flow Coverage: Measures how well a company can cover its debt obligations with its operating cash flow.
- Operating Cash Flow Ratio: Shows how well current liabilities are covered by the cash flow generated from a company's operations.
Why is it Important?
The cash flow statement is crucial because it shows how a company is managing its cash position, indicating whether a company is on solid financial footing. It helps investors and creditors determine:
- The company's ability to generate positive cash flows
- Its ability to pay dividends and meet obligations
- Why net income and actual cash flows might differ
- The company's ability to grow and expand