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Cash Flow Statement

What is a Cash Flow Statement?

The cash flow statement is a financial report that summarizes the inflows and outflows of cash for a specific period of time, typically a month or a year. The purpose of the cash flow statement is to provide insight into a company's ability to generate and manage cash, which is a critical aspect of its financial stability and success. The cash flow statement is used by investors, creditors, and stakeholders to assess a company's financial performance, solvency, and ability to pay its obligations.

The cash flow statement consists of three main sections: cash flows from operating activities, cash flows from investing activities, and cash flows from financing activities. Cash flows from operating activities represent the cash generated from the company's normal business operations, such as sales and expenses. Cash flows from investing activities represent the cash generated from the sale or purchase of long-term assets, such as property, plant, and equipment. Cash flows from financing activities represent the cash generated from the issuance or repayment of debt and the issuance or purchase of equity. 

The cash flow statement is a valuable tool for stakeholders who are interested in understanding a company's liquidity and financial health. By providing information about a company's cash inflows and outflows, the cash flow statement helps to support informed decision making and promotes financial stability.