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Cash Flow: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Analyze It

Cash Flow: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Analyze It

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Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

What Is Cash Flow?

Understanding Cash Flow

Financial Statement

Types

Analyzing Cash Flows

FAQs

The Bottom Line

Business

Corporate Finance

Cash Flow: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Analyze It

By

Adam Hayes

Full Bio

Adam Hayes, Ph.D., CFA, is a financial writer with 15+ years Wall Street experience as a derivatives trader. Besides his extensive derivative trading expertise, Adam is an expert in economics and behavioral finance. Adam received his master's in economics from The New School for Social Research and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in sociology. He is a CFA charterholder as well as holding FINRA Series 7, 55 & 63 licenses. He currently researches and teaches economic sociology and the social studies of finance at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

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Updated July 31, 2023

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Amy Drury

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What Is Cash Flow?

Cash flow is the net cash and cash equivalents transferred in and out of a company. Cash received represents inflows, while money spent represents outflows. A company creates value for shareholders through its ability to generate positive cash flows and maximize long-term free cash flow (FCF). FCF is the cash from normal business operations after subtracting any money spent on capital expenditures (CapEx).

Key Takeaways

Cash flow is the movement of money in and out of a company.Cash received signifies inflows, and cash spent is outflows.The cash flow statement is a financial statement that reports a company's sources and use of cash over time.A company's cash flow can be categorized as cash flows from operations, investing, and financing.

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Understanding Cash Flow

Businesses take in money from sales as revenues and spend money on expenses. They may also receive income from interest, investments, royalties, and licensing agreements and sell products on credit. Assessing cash flows is essential for evaluating a company’s liquidity, flexibility, and overall financial performance.

Positive cash flow indicates that a company's liquid assets are increasing, enabling it to cover obligations, reinvest in its business, return money to shareholders, pay expenses, and provide a buffer against future financial challenges. Companies with strong financial flexibility fare better in a downturn by avoiding the costs of financial distress.

Cash flows are analyzed using the cash flow statement, a standard financial statement that reports a company's cash source and use over a specified period. Corporate management, analysts, and investors use it to determine how well a company earns to pay its debts and manage its operating expenses. The cash flow statement is an important financial statement issued by a company, along with the balance sheet and income statement.

Net Cash Flow = Total Cash Inflows – Total Cash Outflows

Cash Flow Statement

The cash flow statement acts as a corporate checkbook to reconcile a company's balance sheet and income statement. The cash flow statement includes the "bottom line," recorded as the net increase/decrease in cash and cash equivalents (CCE). The bottom line reports the overall change in the company's cash and its equivalents over the last period. The difference between the current CCE and that of the previous year or the previous quarter should have the same number as the number at the bottom of the statement of cash flows.

Below is Walmart's cash flow statement for the fiscal year ending on Jan. 31, 2019. All amounts are in millions of U.S. dollars.Investments in property, plant, and equipment (PP&E) and acquisitions of other businesses are accounted for in the cash flow from the investing activities section. Proceeds from issuing long-term debt, debt repayments, and dividends paid out are accounted for in the cash flow from the financing activities section.

Walmart's cash flow was positive, showing an increase of $742 million, which indicates that it has retained cash in the business and added to its reserves to handle short-term liabilities and fluctuations in the future.

Walmart Statement of Cash Flows (2019)

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

Consolidated net income

7,179

(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

Income from continuing operations

7,179

Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

Unrealized (gains) and losses

3,516

(Gains) and losses for disposal of business operations

4,850

Depreciation and amortization

10,678

Deferred income taxes

(499)

Other operating activities

1,734

Changes in certain assets and liabilities:

 

Receivables, net

(368)

Inventories

(1,311)

Accounts payable

1,831

Accrued liabilities

183

Accrued income taxes

(40)

Net cash provided by operating activities

27,753

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

Payments for property and equipment

(10,344)

Proceeds from the disposal of property and equipment

519

Proceeds from the disposal of certain operations

876

Payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

(14,656)

Other investing activities

(431)

Net cash used in investing activities

(24,036)

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

Net change in short-term borrowings

(53)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

15,872

Payments of long-term debt

(3,784)

Dividends paid

(6,102)

Purchase of company stock

(7,410)

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest

(431)

Other financing activities

(629)

Net cash used in financing activities

(2,537)

 

 

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

(438)

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

742

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

7,014

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

7,756

Types of Cash Flow

Cash Flows From Operations (CFO)

Cash flow from operations (CFO), or operating cash flow, describes money flows involved directly with the production and sale of goods from ordinary operations. CFO indicates whether or not a company has enough funds coming in to pay its bills or operating expenses.

Operating cash flow is calculated by taking cash received from sales and subtracting operating expenses that were paid in cash for the period. Operating cash flow is recorded on a company's cash flow statement, indicates whether a company can generate enough cash flow to maintain and expand operations, and shows when a company may need external financing for capital expansion.

Cash Flows From Investing (CFI)

Cash flow from investing (CFI) or investing cash flow reports how much cash has been generated or spent from various investment-related activities in a specific period. Investing activities include purchases of speculative assets, investments in securities, or sales of securities or assets.

Negative cash flow from investing activities might be due to significant amounts of cash being invested in the company, such as research and development (R&D), and is not always a warning sign.

Cash Flows From Financing (CFF)

Cash flows from financing (CFF), or financing cash flow, shows the net flows of cash used to fund the company and its capital. Financing activities include transactions involving issuing debt, equity, and paying dividends. Cash flow from financing activities provides investors insight into a company’s financial strength and how well its capital structure is managed.

How to Analyze Cash Flows

Using the cash flow statement in conjunction with other financial statements can help analysts and investors arrive at various metrics and ratios used to make informed decisions and recommendations.

Free Cash Flow: FCF is a measure of financial performance and shows what money the company has left over to expand the business or return to shareholders after paying dividends, buying back stock, or paying off debt.

Unlevered Free Cash Flow: UFCF measures the gross FCF generated by a firm that excludes interest payments, and shows how much cash is available to the firm before financial obligations.

Operating Cash Flow: OCF is money generated by a company’s primary business operation.

Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio: The ratio of a firm’s net cash flow and net income with an optimum goal of 1:1.

Current Liability Coverage Ratio: This ratio determines the company’s ability to pay off its current liabilities with the cash flow from operations.

Price to Money Flow Ratio: The operating money flow per share is divided by the stock price.

How Are Cash Flows Different Than Revenues?

Revenue is the income earned from selling goods and services. If an item is sold on credit or via a subscription payment plan, money may not yet be received from those sales and are booked as accounts receivable. These do not represent actual cash flows into the company at the time. Cash flows also track outflows and inflows and categorize them by the source or use.

What Is the Difference Between Cash Flow and Profit?

Cash flow isn't the same as profit. Profit is specifically used to measure a company's financial success or how much money it makes overall. This is the amount of money that is left after a company pays off all its obligations. Profit is found by subtracting a company's expenses from its revenues.

What Is Free Cash Flow and Why Is It Important?

Free cash flow is left over after a company pays for its operating expenses and CapEx. It is the remaining money after items like payroll, rent, and taxes. Companies are free to use FCF as they please.

Do Companies Need to Report a Cash Flow Statement?

The cash flow statement complements the balance sheet and income statement and is part of a public company's financial reporting requirements since 1987.

Why Is the Price-to-Cash Flows Ratio Used?

The price-to-cash flow (P/CF) ratio is a stock multiple that measures the value of a stock’s price relative to its operating cash flow per share. This ratio uses operating cash flow, which adds back non-cash expenses such as depreciation and amortization to net income.P/CF is especially useful for valuing stocks with positive cash flow but are not profitable because of large non-cash charges.

The Bottom Line

Cash flow refers to money that goes in and out. Companies with a positive cash flow have more money coming in, while a negative cash flow indicates higher spending. Net cash flow equals the total cash inflows minus the total cash outflows.

Article Sources

Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our

editorial policy.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. "Beginners' Guide to Financial Statements."

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. "Form 10-K, Walmart: Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows."

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. "Explanation of Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures."

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Related Terms

Financial Statements: List of Types and How to Read Them

Financial statements are written records that convey the business activities and the financial performance of a company.

more

Free Cash Flow (FCF): Formula to Calculate and Interpret It

Free cash flow (FCF) represents the cash a company can generate after accounting for capital expenditures needed to maintain or maximize its asset base.

more

Capital Expenditure (CapEx) Definition, Formula, and Examples

Capital expenditures (CapEx) are funds used by a company to acquire or upgrade physical assets such as property, buildings, or equipment.

more

Cash Flow From Financing Activities (CFF) Formula & Calculations

Cash flow from financing activities (CFF) is a section of a company’s cash flow statement, which shows the net flows of cash used to fund the company.

more

Cash Flow Statement: How to Read and Understand It

A cash flow statement is a financial statement that provides aggregate data regarding all cash inflows and outflows that a company receives.

more

What Is Unlevered Free Cash Flow (UFCF)? Definition and Formula

Unlevered free cash flow (UFCF) is a company's cash flow before interest payments are taken into account. UFCF can be reported in a company's financial statements or calculated using financial statements by analysts.

more

Related Articles

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Free Cash Flow (FCF): Formula to Calculate and Interpret It

Capital Expenditure (CapEx) Definition, Formula, and Examples

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现金流量_百度百科

_百度百科 网页新闻贴吧知道网盘图片视频地图文库资讯采购百科百度首页登录注册进入词条全站搜索帮助首页秒懂百科特色百科知识专题加入百科百科团队权威合作下载百科APP个人中心现金流量播报讨论上传视频现代理财学术语收藏查看我的收藏0有用+10现金流量出处是现代理财学,是指投资项目在其整个寿命期内所发生的现金流出和现金流入的全部资金收付数量。现金流量是评价投资方案经济效益的必备资料。具体内容包括:(1) 现金流出:现金流出是投资项目的全部资金支出。它包括以下几项:①固定资产投资。购入或建造固定资产的各项资金支出。②流动资产投资。投资项目所需的存货、货币资金和应收帐款等项目所占用的资金。③营运成本。投资项目在经营过程中所发生的生产成本、管理费用和销售费用等。通常以全部成本费用减去折旧后的余额表示。(2) 现金流入:现金流入是投资项目所发生的全部资金收入。它包括以下几项:①营业收入。经营过程中出售产品的销售收入。②残值收入或变价收入。固定资产使用期满时的残值,或因故未到使用期满时,出售固定资产所形成的现金收入。③收回的流动资产。投资项目寿命期满时所收回的原流动资产投资额。此外,实施某项决策后的成本降低额也作为现金流入。 [1]中文名现金流量外文名Cash Flow优    点确保企业的生存与发展等目录1定义2现金3内容▪初始流量▪营业流量▪终结流量4分类5分析6重要性7影响因素8影响▪筹资影响▪投资影响▪资信影响▪盈利影响▪价值影响▪破产影响9背景介绍10对象11收益12要点13重要地位14流量表15区别16价值影响17管理假设▪定义▪性质▪内容18案例分析定义播报编辑现金流量(Cash Flow)管理是现代企业理财活动的一项重要职能,建立完善的现金流量管理体系,是确保企业的生存与发展、提高企业市场竞争力的重要保障。现金流量是现代理财学中的一个重要概念,是指企业在一定会计期间按照现金收付实现制,通过一定经济活动(包括经营活动、投资活动、筹资活动和非经常性项目)而产生的现金流入、现金流出及其总量情况的总称,即企业一定时期的现金和现金等价物的流入和流出的数量。例如:销售商品、提供劳务、出售固定资产、收回投资、借入资金等,形成企业的现金流入;购买商品、接受劳务、购建固定资产、现金投资、偿还债务等,形成企业的现金流出。衡量企业经营状况是否良好,是否有足够的现金偿还债务,资产的变现能力等,现金流量是非常重要的指标。工程经济中的现金流量是拟建项目在整个项目计算期内各个时点上实际发生的现金流入、流出以及流入和流出的差额(又称净现金流量)。现金流量一般以计息周期(年、季、月等)为时间量的单位,用现金流量图或现金流量表来表示。现金播报编辑现金流量现金流量管理中的现金,不是通常所理解的手持现金,而是指企业的库存现金和银行存款,还包括现金等价物,即企业持有的期限短、流动性强、容易转换为已知金额现金、价值变动风险很小的投资等。包括现金、可以随时用于支付的银行存款和其他货币资金。一项投资被确认为现金等价物必须同时具备四个条件:期限短、流动性强、易于转换为已知金额现金、价值改动风险小。内容播报编辑初始流量初始现金流量是指开始投资时发生的现金流量,一般包括如下的几个部分:⑴固定资产上的投资。包括固定资产的购入或建造成本、运输成本和安装成本等。⑵流动资产上的投资。包括对材料、在产品、产成品和现金等流动资产上的投资。⑶其他投资费用。指与长期投资有关的职工培训费、谈判费、注册费用等。⑷原有固定资产的变价收入。这主要是指固定资产更新时原有固定资产的变卖所得的现金收入。营业流量营业现金流量是指投资项目投入使用后,在其寿命周期内由于生产经营所带来的现金流入和流出的数量。这种现金流量一般以年为单位进行计算。这里现金流入一般是指营业现金收入。现金流出是指营业现金支出和交纳的税金。如果一个投资项目的每年销售收入等于营业现金收入。付现成本(指不包括折旧等非付现的成本)等于营业现金支出,那么,年营业现金净流量(简记为NCF)可用下列公式计算: 每年净现金流量(NCF)= 营业收入一付现成本一所得税 或每年净现金流量(NCF)= 净利十折旧  或每年净现金流量(NCF)= 营业收入×(1-所得税率)-付现成本×(1-所得税率)+折旧×所得税率终结流量终结现金流量是指投资项目完结时所发生的现金流量,主要包括:⑴固定资产的残值收入或变价收入。⑵原有垫支在各种流动资产上的资金的收回。⑶停止使用的土地的变价收入等。分类播报编辑在现金流量表中,将现金流量分为三大类:经营活动现金流量、投资活动现金流量和筹资活动现金流量。经营活动是指直接进行产品生产、商品销售或劳务提供的活动,它们是企业取得净收益的主要交易和事项。从经营活动的定义可以看出,经营活动的范围很广,它包括了除投资活动和筹资活动以外的所有交易和事项。对于工商企业而言,经营活动主要包括:销售商品、提供劳务、购买商品、接受劳务、支付税费等等。一般来说,经营活动产生的现金流入项目主要有:销售商品、提供劳务收到的现金,收到的税费返还,收到的其他与经营活动有关的现金;经营活动产生的现金流出项目主要有:购买商品、接受劳务支付的现金,支付给职工以及为职工支付的现金,支付的各项税费,支付的其他与经营活动有关的现金。各类企业由于行业特点不同,对经营活动的认定存在一定差异,在编制现金流量表时,应根据企业的实际情况,对现金流量进行合理的归类。由于金融保险企业比较特殊,本准则对金融保险企业经营活动的认定作了提示。投资活动,是指长期资产的购建和不包括现金等价物范围内的投资及其处置活动。其中,长期资产是指固定资产、无形资产、在建工程、其他资产等持有期限在一年或一个营业周期以上的资产。需要注意的是,这里所讲的投资活动,既包括实物资产投资,也包括金融资产投资,它与《企业会计准则——投资》所讲的“投资”是两个不同的概念。“投资”是指企业为通过分配来增加财富,或为谋求其他利益,而将资产让渡给其他单位所获得的另一项资产。购建固定资产不是“投资”,但属于投资活动。这里之所以将“包括在现金等价物范围内的投资”排除在外,是因为已经将包括在现金等价物范围内的投资视同现金。一般来说,投资活动产生的现金流入项目主要有:收回投资所收到的现金,取得投资收益所收到的现金,处置固定资产、无形资产和其他长期资产所收回的现金净额,收到的其他与投资活动有关的现金;投资活动产生的现金流出项目主要有:购建固定资产、无形资产和其他长期资产所支付的现金,投资所支付的现金,支付的其他与投资活动有关的现金。筹资活动,是指导致企业资本及债务规模和构成发生变化的活动。这里所说的资本,既包括实收资本(股本),也包括资本溢价(股本溢价);这里所说的债务,指对外举债,包括向银行借款、发行债券以及偿还债务等。应付账款、应付票据等商业应付款等属于经营活动,不属于筹资活动。一般来说,筹资活动产生的现金流入项目主要有:吸收投资所收到的现金,取得借款所收到的现金,收到的其他与筹资活动有关的现金;筹资活动产生的现金流出项目主要有:偿还债务所支付的现金,分配股利、利润或偿付利息所支付的现金,支付的其他与筹资活动有关的现金。现金流量表按照经营活动、投资活动和筹资活动进行分类报告,目的是便于报表使用人了解各类活动对企业财务状况的影响,以及估量未来的现金流量。在上述划分的基础上,又将每大类活动的现金流量分为现金流入量和现金流出两类,即经营活动现金流入、经营活动现金流出、投资活动现金流入、投资活动现金流出、筹资活动现金流入、筹资活动现金流出。分析播报编辑现金流量分析具有以下作用:1、对获取现金的能力作出评价;2、对偿债能力作出评价;3、对收益的质量作出评价;4、对投资活动和筹资活动作出评价。重要性播报编辑现金流量按其来源性质不同分为三类:经营活动产生的现金流量、投资活动产生的现金流量和筹资活动产生的现金流量。现金流量即是指企业在一定会计期间以收付实现制为基础,通过一定经济活动(诸如经营活动、投资活动、筹资活动和非经营性项目)而产生的现金流入、现金流出及其差量情况的总称。在现代企业的发展过程中,决定企业兴衰存亡的是现金流,最能反映企业本质的是现金流,在众多价值评价指标中基于现金流的评价是最具权威性的。现金流量比传统的利润指标更能说明企业的盈利质量。首先,针对利用增加投资收益等非营业活动操纵利润的缺陷,现金流量只计算营业利润而将非经常性收益剔除在外。其次,会计利润是按照权责发生制确定的,可以通过虚假销售、提前确认销售、扩大赊销范围或者关联交易调节利润,而现金流量是根据收付实现制确定的,上述调节利润的方法无法取得现金因而不能增加现金流量。可见,现金流量指标可以弥补利润指标在反映公司真实盈利能力上的缺陷。美国安然(Enron)公司破产以及新加坡上市的亚洲金光纸业(APP)沦为垃圾公司的一个重要原因就是现金流量恶化,只有那些能迅速转化为现金的收益才是货真价实的利润。对高收益低现金流的公司,特别要注意的是有些公司的收益可能是通过一次性的方式取得的,而且只是通过会计科目的调整实现的,并没有收到现金,这样的公司很可能存在未来业绩急剧下滑的风险。影响因素播报编辑现金流量是指企业某一期间内的现金流入和流出的数量。例如:销售商品、提供劳务、出售固定资产、收回投资、借入资金等,形成企业的现金流入;购买商品、接受劳务、购建固定资产、现金投资、偿还债务等,形成企业的现金流出。衡量企业经营状况是否良好,是否有足够的现金偿还债务,资产的变现能力等,现金流量是非常重要的指标。企业日常经营业务是影响现金流量的重要因素,但并不是所有的经营业务都影响现金流量。影响或不影响现金流量的因素主要包括:(1)现金各项目之间的增减变动,不会影响现金流量净额的变动。例如,从银行提取现金、将现金存入银行、用现金购买两个月到期的债券等,均属于现金各项目之间内部资金转换,不会使现金流量增加或减少。(2)非现金各项目之间的增减变动,也不会影响现金流量净额的变动。例如,用固定资产清偿债务、用原材料对外投资、用存货清偿债务、用固定资产对外投资等,均属于非现金各项目之间的增减变动,不涉及现金的收支,不会使现金流量增加或减少。(3)现金各项目与非现金各项目之间的增减变动,会影响现金流量净额的变动。例如,用现金支付购买的原材料、用现金对外投资、收回长期债券等,均涉及现金各项目与非现金各项目之间的增减变动,这些变动会引起现金流入或现金支出。影响播报编辑筹资影响企业筹集资金额根据实际生产经营需要,通过现金流量表,可以确定企业筹资总额。一般来说,企业财务状况越好,现金净流量越多,所需资金越少,反之,财务状况越差,现金净流量越少,所需资金越多。投资影响现金流量是企业评价项目可行性的主要指标,投资项目可行性评价方法有动态法和静态法,动态法以资金成本为折现率,进行现金流量折现,若现金净流量大于0或现值指数大于1,则说明该投资项目可以接受,反之该投资项目不可行。静态法投资项目的回收期即原始投资额除以每年现金净流量,若小于预计的回收期,则投资方案可行。否则,投资方案不可行。资信影响企业现金流量正常、充足、稳定,能支付到期的所有债务,公司资金运作有序,不确定性越少,企业风险小,企业资信越高;反之,企业资信差,风险大,银行信誉差,很难争取到银行支持。因此,现金流量决定企业资信。盈利影响现金是一项极为特殊的资产,具体表现为:一、流动性最强,可以衡量企业短期偿债能力和应变能力;二、现金本身获利能力低下,只能产生少量利息收入,相反由于过高的现金存量会造成企业损失机会成本的可能,因此合理的现金流量是既能满足需求,又不过多积囤资金,这需要理财人员对资金流动性和收益性之间做出权衡,寻求不同时期的最佳资金平衡点,有效组织现金流量及流速以满足偶然发生资金需要及投资机会的能力。价值影响在有效资本市场中,企业价值的大小在很大程度上取决于投资者对企业资产如股票等的估价,在估价方法中,现金流量是决定性因素。也就是说,估价高低取决于企业在未来年度的现金流量及其投资者的预期投资报酬率。现金流入越充足,企业投资风险越小,投资者要求的报酬率越低,企业的价值越大。企业价值最大化正是理财人员追求的目标,企业理财行为都是为实现这一目标而进行的。破产影响中国现行破产法明确规定企业因经营管理不善造成严重亏损,不能清偿到期债务的,可依法宣告破产,即达到破产界限,这与以往的“资不抵债”是两个不同概念,通过现金流量分析,若企业不能以财产、信用或能力等任何方式清偿到期债务,或在可预见的相当长期间内持续不能偿还,而不是因资金周转困难等暂时延期支付,即使该公司尚有盈利,也预示企业已濒临破产的边缘,难以摆脱破产的命运。因此理财人员对现金流量要有足够的重视,未雨绸缪,透过现象看本质,将信息及时反馈到公司管理层重视,当好公司的理财参谋。背景介绍播报编辑在工作中,您是否遇到过以下情形:现金流量管理水平往往是企业存亡的决定要素!很多企业的营运危机也是源于现金流量管理不善!世界知名投资集团的投资评审也首先考虑的是投资对象的现金流量!当经济危机来袭,资金周转危机往往是企业破产的直接导火索!企业的价值就在于它产生现金流量的能力!对象播报编辑现金经理、现金经理助理、财务总监、财务经理及其他相关财务管理人员收益播报编辑了解现金流量为企业命脉的原因掌握量化现金流量的基本方法提升预测未来现金流量的能力学会建立自己公司的现金流量管理机制了解在不同的经济环境下,企业现金管理的侧重点要点播报编辑现金流量在企业财务管理中的重要性现金流量管理与营运资本分析企业现金流入管理企业现金流出管理现金流量的量化计算准确预测未来现金流量重要地位播报编辑虽然中国从1998年起就要求上市公司在年报中对现金流量信息进行披露,但目前国内大部分企业对现金流量的管理还仅局限于通过现金流量表的有关信息进行比率分析与趋势预测上,远远不能达到市场环境对企业的客观要求。本文就试图站在企业整个运营流程的角度上,通过对现金流量管理的内涵、作用和内容进行较为全面的剖析和探讨,并结合中国企业的经营现状提出相应的提高现金流量管理的对策和建议。一、现金流量管理在企业中的地位1、加强现金流量管理是企业生存的基本要求。每个企业都有其各自的不同发展阶段,其现金流量的特征也都有所不同。因此根据其在不同阶段经营情况的特征,采取相对应有效现金流量管理的措施,才能够保证企业的生存和正常的运营。否则就会对企业的生存带来致命的影响。如1975年,美国最大的商业企业之一W. T. Grant 宣告破产,而在其破产前一年,其营业净利润近1000万美元,经营活动提供营运资金2000多万元,银行贷款达6亿美元,1973年公司股票价格仍按其收益20倍的价格出售。该企业破产的原因就在于公司早在破产前五年的现金流量净额已经出现了负数,虽然有高额的利润,公司的现金不能支付巨额的生产性支出与债务费用,最后导致“成长性破产”。2、加强现金流量管理,可以保证企业健康、稳定的发展。以往对企业的发展能力进行评价的指标如利润、收入,但由于利润的计量方法可以被人为地操纵,再加上有些企业为了增加利润,会相应减少产品开发研究费用,这些费用的削减只会影响企业的长远利益。而现金流量则弥补了这些不足。自由现金流量则可反映企业总体支付能力,股权现金流量可以真实反映企业实际支付能力。两个指标综合反映了企业自身的支付能力及给予企业利益相关者的回报能力,是企业发展潜力的综合体现。因此,中国联通在其2003年计划工作会议上,就明确将企业自由现金流量作为对分公司发展进行考核的重要指标。3、加强现金流量管理可以有效地提高企业的竞争力。随着市场竞争的日趋激烈,这就要求企业在生产与管理中不断求新、求快,及时调整产品的生产工艺,以满足消费者千变万化的要求。在这种竞争背景下,现金的流动性就是决定企业运行速度的最重要的因素。而通过现金流量的管理,就可以使企业保持良好的现金流动性,提高现金的使用效率,从而将企业的资金及时地转化为生产力,提高企业的竞争力。二、整体把握现金流量管理的运作过程众所周知,现代企业作为一个资源转化增值的价值链,从企业产品的市场调研、研发设计、采购生产、库存销售至售后服务等整个工作流程中,所有环节都涉及资金的流入与流出。因此,现代财务管理的目标已不仅仅只是反映在事后的帐务处理、报表分析上,而是更多地反映在企业事前全面的资金预算、决策支持,事中的监督与控制,事后的总结与调整上。因此,伴随企业整个工作流程的现金流量控制和管理就成为企业财务管理的核心任务。1、生产经营中的现金流量管理企业进行生产过程中,现金流量管理的主要作用在于保证生产经营资金的安全,缩短现金循环周期,提高资金使用效率。主要表现在以下几个方面:⑴存货周转期的管理:生产经营活动中,对存货周转期的管理通常采用适时制管理,可以降低库存,减少对产品的检查、残次品的返工、不必要的原材料积压。⑵现金回收期的管理:企业从取得订单到收到货款的每一个程序都要指定专人定期检查。鼓励客户提前付款,对逾期的货款,应有专人负责追踪。加速现金的回收,缩短现金的回收期。⑶付款周期的管理:企业向外支付款项周期,并不是越长越好,如果支付过迟,会使企业丧失信用度,损害与供应商的关系,可能导致企业失去潜在的折扣优惠。2、企业筹资活动中的现金流量管理在企业的筹资活动中,现金流量管理主要集中在以下几个方面:⑴预测现金流量,制定筹资计划。企业可以通过以现金流量表为基础的预测是现金预测中最常见的一种方法,能对企业短期的现金流量进行预测,有助于日常的现金的管理,根据预测结果制定短期的管理计划。以资产负债表、损益表为基础的预测,是对企业长期发展的现金流量进行预测,测算出企业若干年后的资金的盈余或短缺,有助于企业长期战略计划的制定。这样企业能制定出较全面的筹资计划。⑵掌握财务状况,判别偿付能力。企业在制定筹资计划时,要充分考虑到自身的短期与长期偿债能力,避免在筹资活动中,现金的流动性出现问题,影响企业正常的生产经营活动。企业通常可以采用比率分析的方法,通过计算现金到期债务比、现金流动负债比、现金债务总额比等指标对自身的短期与长期的资金偿付能力进行测算。3、企业投资活动中的现金流量管理。企业投资活动所形成的现金主要包括收回投资、分得股利、债券利息等所得现金,以及购建固定资产、权益性投资、债权性投资等所支付的现金。在做出投资决策时,企业必须明确在可预见的风险下预期的未来收益是否大于当前的支出。本阶段的现金流量管理主要是:⑴估算投资风险,保证资金安全。在企业做出投资决策时,首先对自身所需的维持日常营运的资金及对未来不确定性的支出有一个估算,在此基础上形成的现金盈余企业才会进行投资。对所选择的投资对象,通过对投资对象提出的财务资料的分析,尤其是企业自由现金流量的大小,可以了解被投资企业的财务政策、获利能力、持续发展能力、风险及资金的现值,可以让投资企业在判断投资对象的回报能力上有一定的了解。在客观上提高了资金的安全性。⑵通过投资评估,保证资金效益。在做出投资决策时必须考虑到未来得到的收益是否大于投资支出,即货币的时间价值问题。企业可以使用很多方法来评估投资决策,但各种方法基本上都是建立在现金流量的基础上,如贴现现金流量法、净现值法等。一般来说如果一个项目的净现值大于零,对这个项目进行投资就是可行的。三、对于中国企业现金流量管理的对策建议综上所述,在当前激烈的市场竞争环境中,企业要求生存和发展,必须强化和依赖于有效的现金流量管理。但中国企业的现金流量管理还处于极低的水平。绝大多数企业实行的还是根据国家规定的现金开支范围和银行结算制度办理往来收付结算,以经验和内部牵制制度为主体的管理办法。笔者认为,可以采取以下措施来提高中国企业的现金流量管理水平。1、培养管理层的现金流量管理意识。公司的领导层具备良好的现金流量管理意识是现金流量管理的基本前提,这个意识来自于现代企业制度的管理创新,代表着最新的企业财务管理理念,是现代跨国公司发展的必然趋势。企业的决策者必须具备足够的现金流量管理意识,从企业战略的高度来审视企业的现金流量管理活动,为保证企业现金流量管理水平的提高提供组织基础。2、建立现金流入流出管理制度,建立现金流量管理的系统控制框架。企业在开展现金流量管理时,必须制定有效的现金流量的集中管理制度,建立现金管理的框架体系。这样企业就可以通过制定定期的管理报告、预算与预算控制报告来对现金管理进行及时的反馈,做出相应的调整。使得企业的每一项工作流程所带来的财务变化都能准确及时地反映到现金流量上来,从而为企业的管理决策做出评价。其次,企业在围绕“现金流量管理”这一核心展开的时候,势必牵涉到对整个企业工作流程的重新整合和统一,这样无疑可以高屋建瓴地对企业的内外信息作出及时、准确地判断和控制,这对提高中国企业的现代管理意识和水平有着极大的帮助。3、建立相应组织机构,加强现金流量的监督与管理。由于某些人为因素,如:判断失误、粗心大意、合谋、串通舞弊等现象会使管理体系不能发挥有效的作用。针对这些情况,企业要在管理人员定期进行监督的情况下,将现金管理落实到每一个部门,每一名员工,保证现金管理的每一部分都应有人负责,不应存在无人愿意负责的不确定领域。同时,建立相应的奖惩机制,来调动职工的积极性。只有建立在企业框架体系上的现金流量管理才是全面的现金流量管理。4、建立以现金流量管理为核心的管理信息系统。企业管理信息化是当今世界跨国公司应对全球一体化、信息化世界所必须采取的手段。据统计,世界500强中80% 的企业都采用了企业资源规划(ERP)的管理信息系统,以企业财务信息化系统平台的建立为入手点,以此来整合企业的生产管理流程,将企业的信息流、物流、资金流、工作流等集成在一起,使得管理者可以及时、准确地获得企业内外运营的各种财务、管理信息。将企业的财务管理从传统的记账、算账、制作报表为主转向财务控制、项目预算、资金运作、业务开拓、决策支持等主动运营上来,真正预测和把握企业现金流量的流入流出,以“现金流量管理”作为财务管理的创新核心,将工作流程与财务管理有机地整合在一起,抓住信息网络化这一机遇,实现企业管理跨越式的发展,才能真正提高企业的核心竞争力。流量表播报编辑现金流量表是以现金为基础编制的财务状况变动表,反映了会计主体一定期间内现金的流入和流出,表明会计主体获得现金和现金等价物的能力。有直接法和间接法两种编制方法。现金流量表一般分为三部分内容,即:经营活动产生的现金流量;投资活动产生的现金流量和筹资活动产生的现金流量。巧用公式法编制现金流量表编制现金流量表是企业财务工作的一项重要内容,本文就现金流量表中有关项目采用公式法编制及有关注意事项进行介绍。一、销售商品、提供劳务收到的现金项目计算公式如下:⑴主营业务收入(指净收入)+⑵其他业务收入(如销售多余材料、代购代销等)(来自于利润表)+⑶销项税发生额(业务中分析)+⑷(应收账款、应收票据的期初金额-期末金额)+⑸(预收账款期末金额-预收账款期初金额)(来自于资产负债表)+⑹收回以前已经核销的坏账-⑺应收的意外减少:包括:实际发生坏账;应收票据贴现财务费用在借方部分;债务重组中对方以存货抵账;非货币性交易中涉及到应收账款的换出。注意:上式的⑷中应收账款期初、期末内容不减去坏账准备,⑹、⑺两项从业务中分析。二、购买商品、接受劳务支付的现金项目计算公式如下:⑴主营业务成本+⑵其他业务支出(如销售多余材料等)(来自于利润表)+⑶本期进项税发生额(业务中分析)+⑷(存货期末金额-存货期初金额)+⑸(预付账款期末金额-预付账款期初金额)+⑹(应付账款、应付票据期初金额-应付账款、应付票据期末金额)(来自于资产负债表)+⑺存货的意外减少:包括:盘亏存货;以存货对外投资;以存货对外捐赠;债务重组中以存货还债;非货币性交易以存货的换出。-⑻存货的意外增加:包括:固定资产折旧计入制造费用部分;待摊费用计入制造费用部分;预提费用计入制造费用部分;工资计入生产成本和制造费用部分;福利费计入生产成本和制造费用部分;接受存货投入;接受存货捐赠;债务重组中对方单位以存货还债;非货币性交易以存货的换入。-⑼应付项目意外减少:包括:无法支付的应付账款;以非货币性资产偿还应付账款、应付票据。注意:上式中⑷存货的期初、期末金额不减去存货的跌价准备,⑺、⑻、⑼三项从业务中分析。三、支付给职工以及为职工支付的现金项目只有企业实际支付的“在职非在建工程人员”的工资、奖金、各种津贴和补贴、以及其他费用(包括养老、失业等社会保险基金、补充养老保险、住房公积金、住房困难补助和其他福利费等)反映在该项目中。企业实际支付的“在职在建工程人员”的工资、奖金、各种津贴和补贴、以及其他费用(包括养老、失业等社会保险基金、补充养老保险、住房公积金、住房困难补助和其他福利费等)反映在投资活动的“购建固定资产、无形资产和其他长期资产所支付的现金”项目中。企业实际支付的“离退休人员”的各项费用(不论支付统筹退休金还是支付未参加统筹的退休人员的各项费用)反映在“支付的其他与经营活动有关的现金”项目中。四、补充资料中“将净利润调节为经营活动的现金流量”项目一“计提的资产减值准备”项目反映企业计提的八项减值准备主要有:1.借:管理费用(新会计准则下用:资产减值损失)贷:坏账准备存货跌价准备2.借:投资收益(新会计准则下用:资产减值损失)贷:短期投资跌价准备长期投资减值准备委托贷款减值准备3.借:营业外支出(新会计准则下用:资产减值损失)贷:固定资产减值准备无形资产减值准备在建工程减值准备从上述可见,八项减值增加了“管理费用”、“投资收益”、“营业外支出”三项损益支出,减少了本期利润,但是未造成现金流出企业,所以应在净利润基础上加上该项。二“待摊费用减少(减:增加)”项目根据资产负债表“待摊费用”项目的期初、期末的差额填列。不同情况要根据本期实际发生的经济业务分析。因为资产负债表中“待摊费用”项目包括了“待摊费用”账户的期末借方余额、“预提费用”账户的期末借方余额及“长期待摊费用”账户的期末借方余额中一年内摊销完毕的部分,所以在具体操作该项目时,仅仅包括本期“待摊费用”账户中的摊销数额。三“预提费用增加(减:减少)”项目根据资产负债表“预提费用”项目的期末、期初余额的差额填列。不同情况要根据本期实际发生的经济业务分析。因为资产负债表中“预提费用”项目中包括了“待摊费用”账户的期末贷方余额、“预提费用”账户的期末贷方余额,所以在具体操作该项目时,仅仅包括本期“预提费用”账户中的预提数额。四“投资损失(减:收益)”项目根据利润表“投资收益”项目数字填列,如是收益,以“-”号填列。但是在具体操作时要注意,利润表“投资收益”项目中可能包括短期投资跌价准备、长期投资减值准备、委托贷款减值准备而形成的投资收益的减少,而短期投资跌价准备、长期投资减值准备、委托贷款减值准备三项已经在“计提的资产减值准备”项目中反映了,所以应该根据利润表“投资收益”项目数字调整后填列,即如为投资收益时,应该将利润表“投资收益”项目数字加上短期投资跌价准备、长期投资减值准备、委托贷款减值准备后填列;如为投资损失时,应该将利润表“投资收益”项目数字减去短期投资跌价准备、长期投资减值准备、委托贷款减值准备后填列。五“存货的减少(减:增加)”项目根据资产负债表“存货”项目的期初、期末余额的差额填列。但是资产负债表“存货”项目的期初、期末余额中反映了存货的跌价准备,所以应将资产负债表中“存货”项目调整后填列。六“经营性应收项目的减少(减:增加)”项目反映本期经营性的应收账款、应收票据和其他应收款中与经营活动有关的部分及应收的增值税销项税额等的减少。有些单位在经营活动发生时,预收账款中内容也包括在该项中,编制时视实际情况而定。七“经营性应付项目的增加(减:减少)”项目反映本期经营性应付账款、应付票据、应付福利费、应交税金、其他应付款中与经营活动有关的部分以及应付的增值税进项税额等的增加。但是“其他应交款”中与经营活动有关的部分也列式在该项中。区别播报编辑企业实现的净利润与现金流量,都是企业的经营成果,都是分析企业财务状况的主要指标。从这个意义上说,二者是相同的。但它们又有不一致的地方,具体表现为:1.二者的计量基础不同。企业的财务利润是以权责发生制为基础计算出来的,即收入与支出均要考虑其受益期,不同期间受益就将收入或支出归属于不同的时期,进而得出该期间的利润。而现金流量却不同,它是以收付实现制为基础计算出来的,即不论该笔收入与支出属于哪个会计期间,只要在这个期间实际收到或支出的现金,就作为这个期间的现金流量。2.二者包含的内容不同。中国企业会计准则及会计制度规定:企业的净利润一般包括营业利润、投资净收益、补贴收入和营业外外收支等部分。而现金流量的内容虽然主要是利润,但它还包含了其他组成部分。除包括购买和销售商品、投资或收回投资外,还包括提供或接受劳务、购建或出售固定资产、向银行借款或偿还债务等。3.二者说明的经济含义不同。财务利润,其数额大小在很大程度上反映企业生产经营过程中所取得的经济效益,表明企业在每一会计期间的最终经营成果。而现金流量的多少能清楚表明企业经营周转是否顺畅、资金是否紧缺、支付偿债能力大小,以及是否过度扩大经营规模,对外投资是否恰当,资本经营是否有效等,从而为投资者、债权人、企业管理者提供非常有用的信息。价值影响播报编辑现金流量决定企业的价值创造能力,企业只有拥有足够的现金才能从市场上获取各种生产要素,为价值创造提供必要的前提,而衡量企业的价值创造能力正是进行价值投资的基础。研究发现现金流量决定企业的价值创造,反映企业的盈利质量,决定企业的市场价值,决定企业的生存能力。现金流量决定价值创造首先,现金流是企业生产经营活动的第一要素。企业只有持有足够的现金,才能从市场上取得生产资料和劳动力,为价值创造提供必要条件。市场经济中,企业一旦创立并开始经营,就必须拥有足够的现金购买原材料、辅助材料、机器设备,支付劳动力工资及其他费用,“全部预付资本价值,即资本的一切由商品构成的部分——劳动力、劳动资料和生产资料,都必须用货币购买。因此获得充足的现金,是企业组织生产经营活动的基本前提。其次,只有通过销售收回现金才能实现价值的创造。虽然价值创造的过程发生在生产过程中,但生产过程中创造的价值能否实现还要看生产的产品能否满足社会的需要,是否得到社会的承认、实现销售并收回现金。反映企业的盈利质量现金流比利润更能说明企业的收益质量。在现实生活中经常会遇到“有利润却无钱”的企业,不少企业因此而出现了“借钱缴纳所得税”的情况。根据权责发生制确定的利润指标在反映企业的收益方面确实容易导致一定的“水份”,而现金流指标,恰恰弥补了权责发生制在这方面的不足,关注现金流指标,甩干利润指标的“水分”,剔除了企业可能发生坏帐的因素,使投资者、债权人等更能充分地、全面地认识企业的财务状况。所以考察企业经营活动现金流的情况可以较好的评判企业的盈利质量,确定企业真实的价值创造。现金流状况决定企业的生存能力企业生存乃价值创造之基础。据国外文献记载,破产倒闭的企业中有85%是盈利情况非常好的企业,现实中的案例以及上个世纪末令世人难忘的金融危机使人对“现金为王”的道理有了更深的感悟。传统反映偿债能力的指标通常有资产负债率、流动比率、速动比率等,而这些指标都是以总资产、流动资产或者速动资产为基础来衡量其与应偿还债务的匹配情况,这些指标或多或少会掩盖企业经营中的一些问题。其实,企业的偿债能力取决于它的现金流,比如,经营活动的净现金流量与全部债务的比率,就比资产负债率更能反映企业偿付全部债务的能力,现金性流动资产与筹资性流动负债的比率,就比流动比率更能反映企业短期偿债能力。管理假设播报编辑定义现金流量管理假设是人们在进行现金流量管理理论研究和现金流量管理活动时,面对末经确切认识或无法正面论证的经济事物或现象,根据已有知识,经过思考后提出的,具有一定事实依据的假定或设想,是进一步研究现金流量管理理论和进行现金流量管理活动的基础之一。性质现金流量管理假设应具有以下几类性质:1.现金流量管理假设是进行现金流量管理理论研究和现金流量管理实践不可或缺的。2.现金流量管理假设是不能直接自我检验的。3.现金流量管理假设的确立并非是一成不变的,它也会面临更新的挑战。可见,现金流量管理假设是研究现金流量管理理论和进行现金流量管理活动的基础,它不可缺少,但不能自身直接加以证明,同时应随着事物的发展而发展。内容1.现金流量管理主体假设  指现金流量管理活动应该限制在经济利益相对独立、并且具有一定现金流量管理自主权的主体之内,这一假设也可以简称为主体假设。主体假设明确了现金流量管理活动的空间范围,将一个主体的管理行为区别于另一主体的管理行为。2.持续经营假设指在可以预见的将来,除非有相反的证据,现金流量管理主体可以持续经营下去。相反的证据是指可以证明管理主体的经营活动即将终止的证据,如按合同规定企业即将解散,或已经不能清偿到期债务,即将破产等。3.管理分期假设4.时间价值假设指现金流量管理主体在管理现金流量时,假定资金应该按照时间的推移不断增加价值,也就是说假定不同时点的现金流量有着不同的价值。5.理性管理假设指现金流量管理主体在进行现金流量管理时的管理行为是理性的,是为了实现管理主体的管理目标进行管理的。6.信息不对称假设指现金流量管理主体与外界拥有不同的信息。7.管理有效性假设指现金流量管理主体的管理行为会对管理主体的现金流量产生重大影响 (虽然并不一定完全可以控制),进而给管理主体带来一定的利益。8.现金资源稀缺假设指现金流量管理主体所管理的现金资源是稀缺的,并非取之不尽,用之不竭。9.不确定性假设指现金流量管理主体面临的内部和外部环境并非完全肯定,总有一些管理主体无法预知或无法肯定的事情。案例分析播报编辑案例一:银行信贷风险的现金流量分析一、企业现金流量分析的必要性以权责发生制为基础计量出的利润在反映企业偿债能力方面有其局限性,现金流量更能准确反映企业偿债能力。从长期来看,利润是企业偿还债务的来源,但是企业现实的偿债能力却取决于其拥有的现金。由于利润的计量基础是权责发生制,以收入和费用是否应当归属本期作为确认标准,而不是以现金是否收付确认收入和费用,导致利润与净现金流量难以保持同步性,利润多不一定现金多,利润少不一定现金少。因此时常会遇到这样的情况:一家盈利的企业可能因不能偿还到期债务而面临清算;而一家亏损企业却能偿还债务并继续维持经营。因此,分析企业生命周期需结合企业现金流量结构进行。企业处在不同的生命周期其现金流量结构也有不同的特征。通过分析企业现金流量结构,有利于判断企业所处的生命周期,从而作出相应的信贷决策,防范信贷风险。1.当经营活动现金净流量为负数、投资活动现金净流量为负数、筹资活动现金净流量为正数时,表明该企业处于产品初创期。在这个阶段企业需要投入大量资金,形成生产能力,开拓市场,其资金来源只有靠举债、融资等筹资活动。2.当经营活动现金净流量为正数、投资活动现金净流量为负数、筹资活动现金净流量为正数时,可以判断企业处于高速发展期。这时产品迅速占领市场,销售呈现快速上升趋势,表现为经营活动中大量货币资金回笼,同时为了扩大市场份额,企业仍需要大量追加投资,而仅靠经营活动现金流量净额可能无法满足所需投资,必须筹集必要的外部资金作为补充。3.当经营活动现金净流量为正数、投资活动现金净流量为正数、筹资活动现金净流量为负数时,表明企业进入产品成熟期。在这个阶段产品销售市场稳定,已进入投资回收期,但很多外部资金需要偿还,以保持企业良好的资信程度。4.当经营活动现金净流量为负数、投资活动现金净流量为正数、筹资活动现金净流量为负数时,可以认为企业处于衰退期。这个时期的特征是:市场萎缩,产品销售的市场占有率下降,经营活动现金流入小于流出,同时企业为了应付债务不得不大规模收回投资以弥补现金的不足。综上,现金流量分析有助于揭示企业财务状况的变动及其原因,分析企业获现能力,预测企业发展趋势。现金流量分析将利润表中项目和资产负债表中相关项目逐一对应调整为以现金为基础的项目,说明企业现金的来源和去向,揭示资产、负债和权益变动原因,便于分析经营活动、投资活动、筹资活动的获现能力,有助于预测企业发展趋势。二、银行信贷业务中如何进行现金流量分析在对企业生产经营活动全面了解的基础上,银行应当借助分析企业现金流量来判断企业生产经营情况及财务状况,帮助进行信贷决策,有效防范信贷风险。(一)结构分析现金流量的结构分析,包括流入结构、流出结构和现金净流量结构分析。其中,流入结构是现金流入各组成项目占现金流入总量的比重,反映企业的现金来源及增加现金的可能途径;流出结构是现金流出各组成项目占现金流出总量的比重,反映企业现金的投向和用途;现金净流量结构是经营活动、投资活动、筹资活动现金净流量占现金净流量总额的比重,反映企业现金余额的分布情况。通过结构分析,可以了解企业当期财务状况的形成过程及变动原因,把握企业或产品所处生命周期,预测企业财务状况的变化趋势,有针对性地选择信贷进入或退出等。(二)偿债能力分析指标1.现金比率:现金/流动负债。这一指标反映流动负债所能得到的现金保障程度。这一指标能最直接、最现实地反映企业短期偿债能力。与流动比率和速动比率相比,它更好地反映了企业短期偿债能力,因为流动资产中存货转化为现金的能力有很大的不确定性,应收账款有可能不能收回,待摊费用更是虚拟资产。现金比率越高,说明企业偿付流动负债的能力越强,如这一指标太低,意味着企业可能出现支付危机,但该指标过高,企业又可能没有很好利用现金资源。2.负债现金率:经营活动现金净流量/负债总额。这一指标反映企业负债所得到的经营活动现金净流入的保障程度。在企业创建以后,经营活动是企业运营活动的中心,其现金流量应是整个现金流量的主要部分。该指标值越大,表明企业主营业务运行越好,偿债能力越强。3.流动负债现金率:经营活动现金净流量/流动负债。这一指标反映企业流动负债所得到的经营活动现金净流入的保障程度。该指标越高,表明企业短期偿债能力越强。4.到期债务偿付率:经营活动现金净流量/期末到期应付的长短期借款本息。这一指标反映企业即期偿债能力。(三)利润质量分析指标1.净利现金率:现金净流量/净利润。这一指标反映现金净流量与净利润的差异程度,即当期实现的净利润中有多少现金作为保证。这一指标有利于分析企业是否有操纵利润的行为。企业操纵账面利润,一般是没有相应的现金流量的。当净利润为正数时,该指标过低,就有虚盈实亏的可能性,应进一步分析关联交易、会计政策、会计估计和会计差错变更的影响等。营业利润现金分析营业利润现金率可能性具体分析≥0分子≥0,分母>0经营活动盈利,有净现金流入。指标越大,利润质量越好。分子≤0,分母<0经营活动亏损,有净现金流出。指标越大,利润质量越差。若维持经营,需减少投资或向外融资。<0分子≥0,分母<0经营活动亏损,有净现金流入。绝对值越大,利润质量相对越好,短期偿债能力越强。需提高获利能力。分子≤0,分母>0经营活动盈利,有净现金流出。绝对值越大,利润质量相对越差,短期偿债能力越弱。利润尚未真正变现,需提高变现能力,否则影响正常经营。营业利利润为0经营活动盈利为0。需提高获利能力。2.营业利润现金率:经营活动现金净流量/营业利润。该指标反映了经营活动的现金净流量与营业利润的差异程度,即当期经营活动实现的利润中有多少现金作为保证。该指标的具体分析见上表。(四)发展能力分析指标1.营业收入现金率:经营活动现金净流量/营业收入。这一指标反映企业每实现1元营业收入能获得多少现金净流量。该指标若大于营业收入净利率,则表明企业经营状况较好,有良好的发展前景。2.净现金流量适当比率:经营活动现金净流量/(资本支出+存货增加额+现金股利)。这一指标反映企业从事经营活动所产生的现金能否用于支付各项资本支出、存货净投资及发放现金股利的程度。该指标大于等于1表明企业从经营活动中得到的资金足以应付各项资本性支出、存货净投资、现金股利等,不用再对外融资;小于1则表明企业来自经营活动的资金不足以供应营运规模和支付股利的需要。此外,该指标还可以反映出通货膨胀对企业现金需要的影响。3.总资产现金率:经营现金净流量/资产总额。这一指标是企业经营所得现金占资产总额的比重,实质是以现金流量为基础的资产报酬率,反映企业总资产的运营效率。该指标越高,说明企业的资产运营效率越高。该指标应该与总资产报酬率指标相结合运用,对于总资产报酬率较高的企业,如果该指标较低,说明企业销售收入中的现金流量的成分较低,企业的收益质量不高。在进行以上四大类指标分析时,应通过不同时期及同业(含先进水平和平均水平)相应指标的比较,来判断企业发展趋势及所处行业水平。当然,现金流量分析只是银行信贷风险分析中的一种手段和一个重要方面,并不能替代对资产负债表分析、利润表分析、担保分析和非财务信息分析等。只有采取多种手段有效结合和合理运用,才能进行全面分析,作出正确判断,以有效防范银行信贷风险。新手上路成长任务编辑入门编辑规则本人编辑我有疑问内容质疑在线客服官方贴吧意见反馈投诉建议举报不良信息未通过词条申诉投诉侵权信息封禁查询与解封©2024 Baidu 使用百度前必读 | 百科协议 | 隐私政策 | 百度百科合作平台 | 京ICP证030173号 京公网安备110000020000

玩CASHFLOW打造你的财务自由之路 - 知乎

玩CASHFLOW打造你的财务自由之路 - 知乎首发于构建我的被动收入切换模式写文章登录/注册玩CASHFLOW打造你的财务自由之路Dawei Ma​玩CASHFLOW的启示CASHFLOW(现金流游戏)是罗伯特·清崎发明于20世纪90年代的一款卡片游戏,它通过你的资产负债表和收支平衡表的变化,告诉你金钱运动的规律。可是这款游戏在发明后,很多人都不会玩,所以作者编写了一本书来介绍此款游戏的设计理念,这本书就是非常有名的《富爸爸,穷爸爸》。在上个周末的时候,我和朋友S及Y一块花了五个小时玩了一把这款游戏的卡片版(也有电脑版,不过卡片版才是游戏的精髓,因为需要你自己计算你的财务报表)。这款游戏的卡片赛道如下图:每个玩家拥有一张初始职业卡,如下图:游戏中有机会抽到四种卡片,如右下角的小生意卡,右上角的市场风云卡,左上角的大机会卡,左下角的额外支出卡。当然每种卡片又有很多类型的。游戏中最重要当属每个玩家要填写的财务报表了。财务报表有三大块:收入支出表、资产负债表及现金流量表。游戏的目标就是通过各种投资机会使你的被动收入大于总支出,意味着你无需工作通过被动收入即可满足你的生活支出,这也是财务自由的定义。游戏中我的职业是程序开发员,这是游戏最后我的最终财务报表:Y的职业是教师,这是她的最终财务报表:在游戏设定中你在未发生破产前都可以向银行无限贷款,只不过利息每月有10%,意味着年化利息120%,这是游戏设定的银行利息,相应的各类投资收益都和现实不同,不过也是非常高的利息了。游戏刚开始时,我的职业是高薪的程序开发,S的职业是网络工程,Y的职业是教师。三者之中我的收入和支出都是非常高的,而且每月结余的现金流也是最多的。因为我的银行存款现金比较多,一开始时我只能做小生意买一些便宜的股票,所以很快我花了很多现金买了不少的云南白药股票,历史最高价有50元,我的成本价在11元之间。如果市场中云南白药可以到40-50元的话,我大概可以赚不到10万元,这样我就可以做大买卖来投资房地产了,当然这是我只是我的计划,我在等市场给我机会。S的月结余现金不多,但是他非常幸运的拿到了一个以1元1股来购买原始股的机会,很快市场给他了卖出机会,一次套现了10万元,拿到了大量现金的他接着就偿还了高利息的信用卡负债和银行贷款,接着去投资房地产。因为他这个职业的总支出少,很快就积累了高于总支出的非工资收入(被动收入),实现了财务自由进入了快车道。Y在整个游戏前期只拿每月的现金流。由于她的职业收入和支出都很少,所以她也很少去投资。但是就这样简朴的过日子,到了游戏中期她积累了一大笔银行存款,比我和S的现金都多,那时我和Y的手头有很多股票,所以现金反而很少。在游戏中期,我手头持有很多股票头寸,手头的现金少。突然一个额外支出的卡片让我花费1万7千元买了一台电视机,我手头只有几千块现金,所以只能向银行贷款。我的每月现金流立马少了很多。更惨的是我有了一个小孩,每月现金流又少了1800元(因为我的收入高,所以每项同等支出都比S和Y的高)。最惨的事情终于发生了:我失业了。当时的状况是我几乎没多少现金,但是我每月要支出上万元,意味着我马上要破产了。辛亏Y抽到一张卡片可以让我立即恢复工作,这张卡片她以2000元卖给我。接着我有了第二个小孩,又进一步降低了月现金流。彼时的情况是我的月现金流变成了三人中最低了。那时我只能抱着很多股票来等待市场给予我卖出的机会了,就好像熊市抱着一堆股票无法变现。当时我的脑海只有一句话:现金就像空气。没有现金的我快窒息了。虽然我持有大量股票资产,但是流动性很差很难变现。在游戏后期,因为我们当时设定了过低的银行利息,导致可以从银行贷款很多钱去投资房地产,所以导致无风险套利赚了很多钱,而这些都是被动收入,很快我们的被动收入就大于总支出了,这样我们都实现了财务自由。现在复盘这局游戏给了我不少启示:现金流很重要。现金流=总收入-总支出=(工资收入+非工资收入)-总支出=(非工资收入-总支出)+工资收入。整个游戏的目标就是让非工资收入大于总支出。那么像我这种高薪职业要实现财务自由反而很困难,因为工资收入并不是很稳定的,而总支出却很稳定而且很高。这就是高收入的陷阱,你必须降低你的负债才能更容易的实现财务自由。所以尽可能提高你总收入中的非工资收入(利息+股利+房地产+企业现金流),降低总负债中的高利息负债(信用卡负债、银行贷款等)。为了防止破产,你起码要备有3-6个月总支出的现金以备不时之需。建立你的被动收入渠道。通过提高你的投资能力来让资金流动起来,让资金变成生息资产。投资渠道有储蓄、债券、保险、股票、基金、外汇、黄金、收藏品、信托、房地产、P2P、股权、PE。作为普通人来说,可以通过建立股票、债券及基金的投资组合来让资金变成生息资产,也可以通过投资房地产来建立被动收入渠道。控制消费,降低总负债。买入你的资产而不是负债。很多人认为的资产可能是你的负债,比如汽车。你可以这么来理解资产和负债:资产会把钱送进你的口袋,负债会把钱拿出你的口袋。从这个定义来看,汽车明显是一个负债而不是资产。财务自由实现的难易程度和你的消费欲望有直接关系,如果你能克制自己控制消费欲望,那你也许很快就可以让被动收入大于总支出,当然这个过程需要你来平衡。尽可能进行长期投资。短线交易难度很高,不适合普通人。而长期投资你只需要严格按照交易计划进行低买高卖即可。我在游戏中发现当我看着股票卡片的时候,上面写着历史最低价和最高价,我反而会很冷静的去在股价低谷阶段大量买入,而在历史高点附近立马卖出。这种方式看似很简单低级,却遵循着简单的常识。用常识去投资是识别风险非常有效的方式。这种低买高卖需要你长期投资,高风险资产每天总是在进行各种波动,但是收益率长期总是围绕生产力逐渐提高。如果你要利用K线做短线交易,那么需要考虑的因素非常多。而长期投资只需要在市场低谷期分散买入资产,在市场狂热的时候卖出即可。打造财务自由之路当我们在说要实现财务自由的时候,我们一般所处的环境可能是没有资产、收入支出处于平衡状态、有资产但没有投资渠道。我们来分析下这三种情况下你该怎么去突破。没有资产。这是很多年轻人必须要解决的难题。解决办法也简单。你需要积累自己的第一桶金。在没有资产的时候去投资自己,同时也要提高自己的投资能力。你可以通过元学习提高自己的技能,通过提高收入来增加月现金流。如果你不知道怎么去提高收入,那么说明你的时间管理是有问题的,可以通过合理分配自己的时间去提高自己的技能,当然要实现这个目标可能需要你一些时间。收入支出处于平衡状态。当处于这种情况的时候你需要降低总负债和总支出,提高总收入中的被动收入。通过建立自己的品牌去销售自己的作品,构建自己的被动收入渠道。智能信息时代,通过新媒体扩大自己的影响力当一个网红是无产阶级获取被动收入很好的一种方式。有资产但没有投资渠道。在这期间你需要做好理财规划,管理投资风险。做好长期投资计划和大类资产配置。建立自己的投资理财信息渠道,用工具去辅助自己投资。你需要理解经济周期,很多风险都是和经济周期息息相关的。现金是空气,在没有合适的投资渠道的时候请耐心等待机会的出现。也要掌握必要的交易技术。永远开源节流,不要高估自己的赚钱能力,也不要低估自己的消费能力。再多的资产也会被毫无节制的消费和由此产生的负债消耗殆尽。在奔向财务自由的路上请给自己定一个梦想目标如做一次环球旅行,这样可以激励你不断为实现梦想而进步,同时也可以让你的财务自由更容易实现而不仅仅是空想。在财务自由之路里你要养成记账习惯,了解自己的财务状况,学习基本的投资理财知识。比如你可以把自己的储蓄帐户分成几个:做好长期投资。为什么说长期投资简单可行,非常适合普通人呢?我们以美国的标普500指数(国内市场我们可以选择中证500指数、上证50指数等)来做一个长期定投的话。标普500指数近60多年的走势图如下:我们以标普500指数历史平均年回报收益率10%,抛去通货膨胀的影响,以7%的年收益率来定投,你只需要每个月500美元连续定投15年,接下来的22年你什么都不需要做,只需要一直拿着仓位让市场自由的波动,从你22岁开始定投到你65岁的时候你大概就有100万美元了,而这只需要你前期投入9万美元(已抛去通货膨胀的影响),就像买定期寿险一样简单。看下面的Excel表格仔细揣摩吧。财务自由之路需要合理的理财规划辅助,理财规划有很多类别:居住规划、投资规划、教育规划、风险管理和保险规划、税务筹划、养老规划、旅游规划、遗产规划等。这方面体系本身比较繁琐,有些网站可以帮助你制定这些规划,但是这些规划仅供你做参考了解。你也可以通过GTD理论来制定这些计划,然后剩下的工作就是执行好计划。投资最重要的是管理好风险,而风险有利率风险、流动性风险、汇率风险、通货膨胀风险、市场风险、政治风险、信用风险、行业风险、法律风险、经营风险等。你不需要非常了解这些风险,但是你一定要有这方面的意识:风险管理非常重要,10次100%的收益抵不过1次100%的亏损,用常识去识别风险,天上不掉馅饼。微信公众号:improve365编辑于 2016-06-11 12:09财务自由投资理财​赞同 157​​7 条评论​分享​喜欢​收藏​申请转载​文章被以下专栏收录构建我的被动收入公众号:improve

CASH FLOW中文(简体)翻译:剑桥词典

CASH FLOW中文(简体)翻译:剑桥词典

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cash flow 在英语-中文(简体)词典中的翻译

cash flownoun [ U ] uk

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/ˈkæʃ ˌfləʊ/ us

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/ˈkæʃ ˌfloʊ/

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the amount of money moving into and out of a business

现金流转;资金流转

strong/improved cash flow

强劲的/状况转好的现金流转

[ before noun ] Small traders often have short-term cash-flow problems.

小商贩们常常会遇到短期现金周转问题。

(cash flow在剑桥英语-中文(简体)词典的翻译 © Cambridge University Press)

cash flow的例句

cash flow

Conversely, if the authority collects more than the amount assumed when its contributions to the pool were fixed, its cash flow will benefit.

来自 Hansard archive

该例句来自Hansard存档。包含以下议会许可信息开放议会许可v3.0

The second problem that companies will face is much more obvious—the impact on their cash flow.

来自 Hansard archive

该例句来自Hansard存档。包含以下议会许可信息开放议会许可v3.0

The small business community feel that it is crucial that their cash flow is improved.

来自 Hansard archive

该例句来自Hansard存档。包含以下议会许可信息开放议会许可v3.0

An important situation where we encounter this particular cash flow pattern, and hence where our results can be applied, is the saving-consumption problem.

来自 Cambridge English Corpus

We recognise that some taxpayers sometimes have problems with their cash flow.

来自 Hansard archive

该例句来自Hansard存档。包含以下议会许可信息开放议会许可v3.0

This product helps institutional investors build a customized inflation-indexed cash flow stream.

来自 Cambridge English Corpus

Otherwise, it will cause a major problem for the cash flow of the enterprises concerned.

来自 Hansard archive

该例句来自Hansard存档。包含以下议会许可信息开放议会许可v3.0

As he said, valuation is often by reference to discounted cash flow.

来自 Hansard archive

该例句来自Hansard存档。包含以下议会许可信息开放议会许可v3.0

示例中的观点不代表剑桥词典编辑、剑桥大学出版社和其许可证颁发者的观点。

C1

cash flow的翻译

中文(繁体)

現金流轉, 資金流轉…

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西班牙语

flujo de caja, flujo monetario/de caja/de efectivo, dinero disponible…

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葡萄牙语

fluxo de caixa, grana…

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in Swedish

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in Ukrainian

俄语

para hareketleri, para sıkıntısı…

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flux de trésorerie, argent (à dépenser)…

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cashflow, budget…

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hotovostní tok, hotovost…

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omsætning, pengestrøm, likviditet…

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arus kas…

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กระแสเงินสด, จำนวนเงินสำหรับใช้จ่าย…

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vòng xoay tiền mặt, dòng tiền…

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przepływ pieniędzy, budżet…

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kontantflöde, pengaproblem…

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aliran tunai…

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der Cashflow…

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kontantstrøm, kontantstrømming…

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рух грошових коштів, гроші, готівка…

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движение денег…

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在英语词典中查看 cash flow 的释义

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cash crop

cash desk

cash dispenser

cash drawer

cash flow

cash in on something

cash machine

cash out sth

cash register

“每日一词”

veggie burger

UK

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/ˈvedʒ.i ˌbɜː.ɡər/

US

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/ˈvedʒ.i ˌbɝː.ɡɚ/

a type of food similar to a hamburger but made without meat, by pressing together small pieces of vegetables, seeds, etc. into a flat, round shape

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学习笔记--现金流量表the Statement of Cash Flows - 知乎

学习笔记--现金流量表the Statement of Cash Flows - 知乎首发于职场杂谈切换模式写文章登录/注册学习笔记--现金流量表the Statement of Cash Flows弗兰克王-咨询版​人力资源(HR)等 2 个话题下的优秀答主现金流量表the statement of cash flows是一个实体entity编制prepare和提交present的三个基本财务报表basic financial statements之一。 它提供关于该实体entity在会计期间现金来源sources和使用uses情况的信息。 现金流量表the statement of cash flows可以用两种不同的格式formats表示,即直接法direct methods和间接法indirect methods。 直接法direct methods会计期间现金流量直接法表汇总了该期间存入现金分类账账户的会计事项。 这些资料分为三类:经营活动、投资和筹资活动。 下面是2014年8月31日终了的月份的现金流量直接方法报表。 经营活动的常见typical现金流从客户处收来的现金付给供应商的现金付给员工的现金支付利息interest的现金支付税费tax的现金经营活动operating activities是和损益表income statement中产生收益revenues和费用expenses直接相关的交易transaction活动。这些经营活动的现金流需要被拆分成:从客户处收来的现金、付给供应商的现金、付给其他日常活动的现金、支付税费tax的现金。根据美国GAAP的要求,需要支付或者收取的现金利息要被包含在现金流量表的经营活动区域。投资活动的常见typical现金流处理长期资产long-lived assets获得的现金购买长期资产long-lived assets支付的现金投资活动investing activities是买卖长期资产long-lived assets相关的交易transaction活动。筹资活动的常见typical现金流发行债务issuance of debt筹集raised的现金发行股票issuance of stock筹集的现金收回债务retire debt使用的现金收回股票retire stock使用的现金支付股利pay dividends使用的现金筹资活动financing activities是发行/收回债务/股票及支付股利相关的交易transaction活动。注意根据美国GAAP,债务相关的利息支付算在经营活动中,在筹资活动中不体现。现金流量直接法表是在会计期末使用分类账簿ledger中的现金账户构造的。 现金是一个资产assets账户。 在此期间,每笔现金借方debit都是实体entity现金余额的增加(现金来源),每笔贷方都是减少(现金的使用)。 先简单地将现金账户中的每个借方和贷方归类为经营、投资或融资项目,并将它们重新分类为这三类,以获得现金流量的直接方法报表。principal是「本金」,注意不要和「principle原则」搞混了。间接法indirect methods现金流量表the statement of cash flows采用的第二种格式是间接法。 还是通过经营、融资和投资活动来组织。 下面的两份9月份现金流量表中:左边是直接法,右边是间接法。 这两份报表仅在一个领域有所不同:经营活动一节所列的格式和信息。 而投资和筹资部分完全相同。直接法的经营活动中的条目都代表实际actual的现金流,而间接法是通过对净收入的调节来计算现金流。权责发生制会计记录的是这些交易发生期间的交易的经济影响,而不是实体收到或支付现金的期间的经济影响。 在权责发生制会计中,我们记录了一些未来有相关现金流量,由此产生的资产负债表和损益表反映了这些计提accrual的影响。(此处不太理解)从权责发生制会计净收入金额开始,即该期间的经营经济结果。 然后我们应用一系列应计费用的反计提或冲销-解释该期间各个运营交易的经济影响和现金影响之间的差异的金额-得出该期间的运营现金影响。例如,9月1日,400元出售哥伦比亚咖啡,收取150现金,并将250记作应收账款。 应收账款增加了250元,这是一笔应计项目accrual。 这将导致在未来一段时间内流入250现金,但全额400被记录为9月1日的销售。如果我们希望计算该交易的现金效应,我们必须撤销250应收账款相关的销售应计项目accrual,以得出咖啡销售的150现金效应,即400减去250等于150。 在现金流量间接法报表中,对净收入的每一次调整都是该期间一个或多个非会计事项的总和。既然间接法这么复杂,为什么还要用间接法呢?由于间接方法报表的业务部分解释了该期间的净收入和业务现金流量之间的差异,因此它向读者提供了关于该实体该期间净收入产生业务现金流量的程度和方法的信息。财务会计准则委员会FASB要求在现金流量表中使用直接方法的实体还需要使用间接方法对营业现金流量的净收入进行单独核对。 因此,大多数公司选择直接提交现金流量的间接方法报表。下面这张图显示了现金流量间接法报表如何调节一个时期的权责发生制会计净收入net income与其业务现金流量cash flow之间的差额。反计提De-accrual在净收入net income的基础上调整,来反映经营活动的现金流量:添加负债的增加和资产的减少、减掉负债的减少和资产的增加、添加非现金的费用、减掉非现金的收入。折损depreciation和摊销amortization都是非现金的费用(+)。营收账户的变化就是销售sales和从客户处收到的现金cash collected from customers的差额。是资产的增加(-)。库存和应付账款的变化是销售商品成本COGS和支付给供应商的现金cash paid to supplier的差额。库存的增加是资产增加(-),应付账款的增加是负债增加(+)。预付款prepaid expenses还没有支付,所以没有产生现金流,资产的增加(-)。应付账款的增加是负债的增加(+)。COGS的部分不太好理解,拉出来看一下:最后来整体回顾一下间接法发布于 2020-06-18 11:53现金流量表会计​赞同 80​​1 条评论​分享​喜欢​收藏​申请转载​文章被以下专栏收录职场杂谈闲聊求职和管理问题,闲来无事记录知识和体会

现金流量的一点梳理 - 知乎

现金流量的一点梳理 - 知乎切换模式写文章登录/注册现金流量的一点梳理糯米圆子Wake Up, Kick Ass, Repeat.by willCash Flow是财务会计最后最绕的地方,因为涉及了很多调整分录。谁想竟然又是Corporate Finance贯穿始终的,于是整理了一下,可能还要更新。- Cash Flow是investors做出决策的很重要的依据。Cash in hand is a valuable resource, but profit on book are not.- 一般地,Net Income与Cash Flow Statement的balance一般不同。主要原因是GAAP准则基于Accrued basis。例如确认revenue和expense时,如果计入credit类型的账户,那么cash的变动会与income发生矛盾,以及depreciation账户是不涉及cash的,还有相当一部分的活动不在operating范围内,但涉及了cash的变动。- 在财务会计报表中的Cash Flow。Statement of Cash flow的结尾是Net cash balance,直接反映在balance sheet的第一个资产项,也是财报中cash flow的意义吧。财报整体来说只是客观地展示了整体现金变动,没有针对性地拎出一些项目赋予意义。所以会原的cash flow要“客观地”理解。看一张表:现金流量表简直是利润表到资产负债表的完美过渡。很重要的一点,Cash flow被划分为operating,investing和financing三种公司活动,核心思想是把利润表里的调整分录的作用抵消掉。基本方法是:1. +depreciation2. +loss3. -gain4. -changes in assets5. +changes in liabilities & equity.- 财报里的这张表怎么规定区分三类活动的呢?如下:可见,凡是涉及interest的都被算作operating了,有点奇怪,这在利润表里实际上属于非经营活动收益。(而且不同国家规则不尽相同,中国的现金流量表貌似interest就不在operating里)- 单独拿出来说这个,因为这是区别财务会计报表和公司理财方法的重要一点。- CASH FLOW FROM ASSETSAka. FREE CASH FLOW在公司金融里被称为自由的可以向股权人支付的现金流,当然是投资人最感兴趣的。她的计算方法与上面的有所不同,但貌似就是现金流量表里这项:Payment of cash dividends。- 公司金融的思路实际上不太关心你财报中的数据怎么来的,因此现金流量的概念就不是用来调整和生成BS,而依托BS、IS来得到关心的CASH FLOW FROM ASSETS- Cash flow from assets involves three components: operating cash flow, capital spending, and change in net working capital.- operating cash flow从EBIT出发(而不是Net Income),根据上述算法得出。实际上,和从Net income出发的反算方法只有一点点区别,就是interest在这里没有了。In accounting practice, operating cash flow is often defined as net income plus depreciation. For U.S. Corporation, this would amount to $412 +65 =$477.The accounting definition of operating cash flow differs from ours in one important way: Interest is deducted when net income is computed. Notice that the difference between the $547 operating cash flow we calculated and this $477 is $70, the amount of interest paid for the year. This definition of cash flow thus considers interest paid to be an operating expense. Our definition treats it properly as a financing expense. If there were no interest expense, the two definitions would be the same.- Capital Spending这一部分可以当作SoCF的changes in(non- current) assets来理解。暂时觉得这个算法有点问题,这里depreciation难道不是重复计算了吗?(当然算法肯定没错,待我搞懂了再解释)- Change in Net Working Capital可以当作changes in(current) assets和liability来理解。l 这样算出来的CASH FLOW FROM ASSETS和SoCF的用于Financing的现金变动项是不是很一致,意义貌似也就是这个分录了。编辑于 2021-03-08 10:12学习​赞同 14​​2 条评论​分享​喜欢​收藏​申请

Cash Flow Statement: What It Is and Examples

Cash Flow Statement: What It Is and Examples

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Table of Contents

What Is a Cash Flow Statement (CFS)?

Using the Cash Flow Statement

Structure

How Cash Flow Is Calculated

Limitations

Income Statement & Balance Sheet

Example

FAQs

The Bottom Line

Corporate Finance

Financial statements: Balance, income, cash flow, and equity

Cash Flow Statement: What It Is and Examples

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What Is a Cash Flow Statement (CFS)?

A cash flow statement tracks the inflow and outflow of cash, providing insights into a company's financial health and operational efficiency.

The CFS measures how well a company manages its cash position, meaning how well the company generates cash to pay its debt obligations and fund its operating expenses. As one of the three main financial statements, the CFS complements the balance sheet and the income statement. In this article, we’ll show you how the CFS is structured and how you can use it when analyzing a company.

Key Takeaways

A cash flow statement summarizes the amount of cash and cash equivalents entering and leaving a company. The CFS highlights a company's cash management, including how well it generates cash. This financial statement complements the balance sheet and the income statement. The main components of the CFS are cash from three areas: Operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities.The two methods of calculating cash flow are the direct method and the indirect method.

How the Cash Flow Statement Is Used

The cash flow statement paints a picture as to how a company’s operations are running, where its money comes from, and how money is being spent. Also known as the statement of cash flows, the CFS helps its creditors determine how much cash is available (referred to as liquidity) for the company to fund its operating expenses and pay down its debts. The CFS is equally important to investors because it tells them whether a company is on solid financial ground. As such, they can use the statement to make better, more informed decisions about their investments.

Structure of the Cash Flow Statement

The main components of the cash flow statement are:

Cash flow from operating activities

Cash flow from investing activities

Cash flow from financing activities

Disclosure of non-cash activities, which is sometimes included when prepared under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Cash From Operating Activities

The operating activities on the CFS include any sources and uses of cash from business activities. In other words, it reflects how much cash is generated from a company’s products or services.

These operating activities might include:

Receipts from sales of goods and servicesInterest paymentsIncome tax paymentsPayments made to suppliers of goods and services used in productionSalary and wage payments to employeesRent paymentsAny other type of operating expenses

In the case of a trading portfolio or an investment company, receipts from the sale of loans, debt, or equity instruments are also included because it is a business activity.

Changes made in cash, accounts receivable, depreciation, inventory, and accounts payable are generally reflected in cash from operations.

Cash From Investing Activities

Investing activities include any sources and uses of cash from a company’s investments. Purchases or sales of assets, loans made to vendors or received from customers, or any payments related to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are included in this category. In short, changes in equipment, assets, or investments relate to cash from investing.

Changes in cash from investing are usually considered cash-out items because cash is used to buy new equipment, buildings, or short-term assets such as marketable securities. But when a company divests an asset, the transaction is considered cash-in for calculating cash from investing.

Cash From Financing Activities

Cash from financing activities includes the sources of cash from investors and banks, as well as the way cash is paid to shareholders. This includes any dividends, payments for stock repurchases, and repayment of debt principal (loans) that are made by the company.

Changes in cash from financing are cash-in when capital is raised and cash-out when dividends are paid. Thus, if a company issues a bond to the public, the company receives cash financing. However, when interest is paid to bondholders, the company is reducing its cash. And remember, although interest is a cash-out expense, it is reported as an operating activity—not a financing activity.

How Cash Flow Is Calculated

There are two methods of calculating cash flow: the direct method and the indirect method.

Direct Cash Flow Method

The direct method adds up all of the cash payments and receipts, including cash paid to suppliers, cash receipts from customers, and cash paid out in salaries. This method of CFS is easier for very small businesses that use the cash basis accounting method.

These figures can also be calculated by using the beginning and ending balances of a variety of asset and liability accounts and examining the net decrease or increase in the accounts. It is presented in a straightforward manner.

Most companies use the accrual basis accounting method. In these cases, revenue is recognized when it is earned rather than when it is received. This causes a disconnect between net income and actual cash flow because not all transactions in net income on the income statement involve actual cash items. Therefore, certain items must be reevaluated when calculating cash flow from operations.

Indirect Cash Flow Method

With the indirect method, cash flow is calculated by adjusting net income by adding or subtracting differences resulting from non-cash transactions. Non-cash items show up in the changes to a company’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheet from one period to the next. Therefore, the accountant will identify any increases and decreases to asset and liability accounts that need to be added back to or removed from the net income figure, in order to identify an accurate cash inflow or outflow.

Changes in accounts receivable (AR) on the balance sheet from one accounting period to the next must be reflected in cash flow:

If AR decreases, more cash may have entered the company from customers paying off their credit accounts—the amount by which AR has decreased is then added to net earnings.An increase in AR must be deducted from net earnings because, although the amounts represented in AR are in revenue, they are not cash.

What about changes in a company's inventory? Here's how they are accounted for on the CFS:

An increase in inventory signals that a company spent more money on raw materials. Using cash means the increase in the inventory's value is deducted from net earnings.A decrease in inventory would be added to net earnings. Credit purchases are reflected by an increase in accounts payable on the balance sheet, and the amount of the increase from one year to the next is added to net earnings.

The same logic holds true for taxes payable, salaries, and prepaid insurance. If something has been paid off, then the difference in the value owed from one year to the next has to be subtracted from net income. If there is an amount that is still owed, then any differences will have to be added to net earnings.

Limitations of the Cash Flow Statement

Negative cash flow should not automatically raise a red flag without further analysis. Poor cash flow is sometimes the result of a company’s decision to expand its business at a certain point in time, which would be a good thing for the future.

Analyzing changes in cash flow from one period to the next gives the investor a better idea of how the company is performing, and whether a company may be on the brink of bankruptcy or success. The CFS should also be considered in unison with the other two financial statements (see below).

The indirect cash flow method allows for a reconciliation between two other financial statements: the income statement and balance sheet.

Cash Flow Statement vs. Income Statement vs. Balance Sheet

The cash flow statement measures the performance of a company over a period of time. But it is not as easily manipulated by the timing of non-cash transactions. As noted above, the CFS can be derived from the income statement and the balance sheet. Net earnings from the income statement are the figure from which the information on the CFS is deduced. But they only factor into determining the operating activities section of the CFS. As such, net earnings have nothing to do with the investing or financial activities sections of the CFS.

The income statement includes depreciation expense, which doesn't actually have an associated cash outflow. It is simply an allocation of the cost of an asset over its useful life. A company has some leeway to choose its depreciation method, which modifies the depreciation expense reported on the income statement. The CFS, on the other hand, is a measure of true inflows and outflows that cannot be as easily manipulated.

As for the balance sheet, the net cash flow reported on the CFS should equal the net change in the various line items reported on the balance sheet. This excludes cash and cash equivalents and non-cash accounts, such as accumulated depreciation and accumulated amortization. For example, if you calculate cash flow for 2019, make sure you use 2018 and 2019 balance sheets.

The CFS is distinct from the income statement and the balance sheet because it does not include the amount of future incoming and outgoing cash that has been recorded as revenues and expenses. Therefore, cash is not the same as net income, which includes cash sales as well as sales made on credit on the income statements.

Example of a Cash Flow Statement

Below is an example of a cash flow statement: 

Image by Sabrina Jiang © Investopedia 2020

From this CFS, we can see that the net cash flow for the 2017 fiscal year was $1,522,000. The bulk of the positive cash flow stems from cash earned from operations, which is a good sign for investors. It means that core operations are generating business and that there is enough money to buy new inventory.

The purchasing of new equipment shows that the company has the cash to invest in itself. Finally, the amount of cash available to the company should ease investors’ minds regarding the notes payable, as cash is plentiful to cover that future loan expense.

What Is the Difference Between Direct and Indirect Cash Flow Statements?

The difference lies in how the cash inflows and outflows are determined.Using the direct method, actual cash inflows and outflows are known amounts. The cash flow statement is reported in a straightforward manner, using cash payments and receipts.Using the indirect method, actual cash inflows and outflows do not have to be known. The indirect method begins with net income or loss from the income statement, then modifies the figure using balance sheet account increases and decreases, to compute implicit cash inflows and outflows.

Is the Indirect Method of the Cash Flow Statement Better Than the Direct Method?

Neither is necessarily better or worse. However, the indirect method also provides a means of reconciling items on the balance sheet to the net income on the income statement. As an accountant prepares the CFS using the indirect method, they can identify increases and decreases in the balance sheet that are the result of non-cash transactions.It is useful to see the impact and relationship that accounts on the balance sheet have to the net income on the income statement, and it can provide a better understanding of the financial statements as a whole.

What Is Included in Cash and Cash Equivalents?

Cash and cash equivalents are consolidated into a single line item on a company's balance sheet. It reports the value of a business’s assets that are currently cash or can be converted into cash within a short period of time, commonly 90 days. Cash and cash equivalents include currency, petty cash, bank accounts, and other highly liquid, short-term investments. Examples of cash equivalents include commercial paper, Treasury bills, and short-term government bonds with a maturity of three months or less.

The Bottom Line

A cash flow statement is a valuable measure of strength, profitability, and the long-term future outlook of a company. The CFS can help determine whether a company has enough liquidity or cash to pay its expenses. A company can use a CFS to predict future cash flow, which helps with budgeting matters.

For investors, the CFS reflects a company’s financial health, since typically the more cash that’s available for business operations, the better. However, this is not a rigid rule. Sometimes, a negative cash flow results from a company’s growth strategy in the form of expanding its operations.

By studying the CFS, an investor can get a clear picture of how much cash a company generates and gain a solid understanding of the financial well-being of a company.

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Guide to Accounting

Accounting Explained With Brief History and Modern Job Requirements

1 of 51

What Is the Accounting Equation, and How Do You Calculate It?

2 of 51

What Is an Asset? Definition, Types, and Examples

3 of 51

Liability: Definition, Types, Example, and Assets vs. Liabilities

4 of 51

Equity Definition: What it is, How It Works and How to Calculate It

5 of 51

Revenue Definition, Formula, Calculation, and Examples

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Expense: Definition, Types, and How Expenses Are Recorded

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Current Assets vs. Noncurrent Assets: What's the Difference?

8 of 51

What Is Accounting Theory in Financial Reporting?

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Accounting Principles Explained: How They Work, GAAP, IFRS

10 of 51

Accounting Standard Definition: How It Works

11 of 51

Accounting Convention: Definition, Methods, and Applications

12 of 51

What Are Accounting Policies and How Are They Used? With Examples

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How Are Principles-Based and Rules-Based Accounting Different?

14 of 51

What Are Accounting Methods? Definition, Types, and Example

15 of 51

What Is Accrual Accounting, and How Does It Work?

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Cash Accounting Definition, Example & Limitations

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Accrual Accounting vs. Cash Basis Accounting: What's the Difference?

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Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB): Definition and How It Works

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Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP): Definition, Standards and Rules

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What Are International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)?

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IFRS vs. GAAP: What's the Difference?

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How Does US Accounting Differ From International Accounting?

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Cash Flow Statement: What It Is and Examples

24 of 51

Breaking Down The Balance Sheet

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Income Statement: How to Read and Use It

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What Does an Accountant Do?

27 of 51

Financial Accounting Meaning, Principles, and Why It Matters

28 of 51

How Does Financial Accounting Help Decision-Making?

29 of 51

Corporate Finance Definition and Activities

30 of 51

How Financial Accounting Differs From Managerial Accounting

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Cost Accounting: Definition and Types With Examples

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Certified Public Accountant: What the CPA Credential Means

33 of 51

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Accountant vs. Financial Planner: What's the Difference?

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Auditor: What It Is, 4 Types, and Qualifications

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Audit: What It Means in Finance and Accounting, and 3 Main Types

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Tax Accounting: Definition, Types, vs. Financial Accounting

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Forensic Accounting: What It Is, How It's Used

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Chart of Accounts (COA) Definition, How It Works, and Example

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Double Entry: What It Means in Accounting and How It's Used

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Closing Entry

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6 Components of an Accounting Information System (AIS)

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Inventory Accounting: Definition, How It Works, Advantages

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The FIFO Method: First In, First Out

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Average Cost Method: Definition and Formula with Example

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Financial Statements: List of Types and How to Read Them

Direct Method: Complexities of Cash Flow Method of Accounting

Cash Flow Statements: Reviewing Cash Flow From Operations

How to Evaluate Companies With Negative Cash Flow Investments

Free Cash Flow (FCF): Formula to Calculate and Interpret It

How To Use the Indirect Method To Prepare a Cash Flow Statement

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Related Terms

Financial Statements: List of Types and How to Read Them

Financial statements are written records that convey the business activities and the financial performance of a company.

more

Direct Method: Complexities of Cash Flow Method of Accounting

The direct method of creating the cash flow statement uses actual cash inflows and outflows from the company's operations, instead of accrual accounting inputs.

more

Free Cash Flow (FCF): Formula to Calculate and Interpret It

Free cash flow (FCF) represents the cash a company can generate after accounting for capital expenditures needed to maintain or maximize its asset base.

more

How To Use the Indirect Method To Prepare a Cash Flow Statement

The indirect method uses changes in balance sheet accounts to modify the operating section of the cash flow statement from the accrual method to the cash method.

more

Cash Flow: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Analyze It

Cash flow is the net cash and cash equivalents that move in and out of a company's financial statement.

more

Cash Flow From Operating Activities (CFO) Defined, With Formulas

Cash Flow From Operating Activities (CFO) indicates the amount of cash a company generates from its ongoing, regular business activities.

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财务计划中的现金流是什么意思?它的作用是什么? - 知乎

财务计划中的现金流是什么意思?它的作用是什么? - 知乎首页知乎知学堂发现等你来答​切换模式登录/注册创业融资商业计划书初创企业公司理财财务计划中的现金流是什么意思?它的作用是什么?我们正在做商业计划书,其中关于现金流的很多问题搞不懂,我本身对财务没什么认识,在网上搜了很久,还是迷迷糊糊的。现金流是不是就是一在定时间内比如说公司假…显示全部 ​关注者70被浏览39,369关注问题​写回答​邀请回答​好问题​2 条评论​分享​5 个回答默认排序Chao信用评级 财务分析​ 关注现金流顾名思义就是现金的流水,用英文说就是 cashflow,也就是你公司在一个特定的时间段(比如说2012年)现金收入和支出的情况。简单的讲,只要是“现金”形式的运动,不管是流入还是流出,都要入现金流量表。比如说收入,你可以通过主营业务经营收到现金,也可以是因为对外投资收回的分红,还可以是收到别的投资者对你们公司的现金投资款,因为都有真正的钱 real cash进账,所以要入现金流量表。从归类上讲,第一种通过主营业务经营收到现金,是“经营活动产生的现金流入”,第二种对外投资收到的分红款,计入”投资活动产生的现金流入“,第三种收到别的投资者对你们公司的现金投资款,计入”筹资活动产生的现金流入“。而发生经营业务,但当期没有收到现金的,一般来讲都不入现金流量表。譬如,应收账款,虽然公司已经实现销售收入,但如果当期没有从客户那里收到货款,还以”应收帐款“形式挂账的,就不应该计入现金流量表。现金支出的情况可以类比现金收入进行理解。其实,我个人认为,理解了“收付实现制”和“权责发生制”的区别,就可以比较好的去理解现金流量表。简而言之,现金流关心的是现金的进和出。在现金流量表中看到这么多的科目,个人认为可以理解为现金、银行存款等现金等价物的对应科目,只是对现金流入和流出的分类而已。对于现金流预测的重要性,教科书上会有很多种说法。作为商业计划书,它的最重要的地方在于让投资者知道你们大概什么时候需要钱,需要多少钱,投资款都打算花到哪里去,都分别打算什么时候花。比如说,你打算在2012年下半年找人投500万,结果你做出来的财务预测,发现你在这段时间根本不缺钱,或者说拿了这笔钱没有比较靠谱的投向,又或者公司在2012年1月份就没钱了、断粮了、熬不过2012年上半年了。因为公司经营都是有负债的,如果现金流断了,那公司就玩不转了。以上都是个人的理解,因为不是会计出身,所以没法把问题说的很通俗易懂,也可能因为你本身水平很高,所以显得啰嗦,见谅。希望对你有所帮助,有说错的地方,也欢迎大家来拍砖。btw,目前也在也商业计划书。发布于 2012-01-24 22:42​赞同 12​​5 条评论​分享​收藏​喜欢收起​知乎用户现金流就是你在公司运行过程中实际收到的钱和支出的钱。比如说你销售出了商品,但是对方赊账,这个时候你在账面上确认了销售收入,实现了利润,但实际上在本期你并没有收到现金。这个时候如果你需要用钱,你就没有办法利用这一部分收入。再比如说固定资产的折旧,它是你当期的费用,但因为没有实际资金在本期流出,因此不属于当期现金流流出。现金流衡量了公司运行过程中的一种资金周转,也是风险的一种衡量。如果你现金流的流入小于支出,不管你理论上利润有多高,你这个企业都是存在很大问题的。对于你们做计划书来说,显然不止现金流,资产负债表利润表里所有的项目都是假设的,应当是你依据你们现有信息对于未来的一种合理预测。当然实际合不合理就要看你们自己预测的靠谱程度了。发布于 2012-01-24 22:12​赞同 7​​1 条评论​分享​收藏​喜欢

三大财务报表之三 - 现金流量表(cash flow statement)- 资源库 - 拓观平台

三大财务报表之三 - 现金流量表(cash flow statement)- 资源库 - 拓观平台

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三大财务报表之三 - 现金流量表(cash flow statement)

文章类别 交易及投资机制, 个人理财

发布日期 2018年7月16日

资产负债表、损益表和现金流量表是最能反映一家公司财务健康状况的三大财务报表。我们已经在之前的文章中(《查看公司的资产负债表时要注意什么?》《评估公司财务时要查看的损益表又是什么?》)介绍了前两个,本文我们来看现金流量表。现金流量表(the cash flow statement)是任何上市公司必须向投资者提供的第三个主要财务报表(我们在之前的两篇文章中已经介绍过另外两个财务报表了——资产负债表和损益表)。它可以在年度报告和季度报告中找到,通常由独立会计师审计。现金流量表显示了现金在企业里的走向。它将净利润(net income)中非现金的GAAP数字与实际流入或离开企业的现金流对上了号。它显示了在报告期限内公司都把钱花在了什么地方以及多少现金真正用在业务上。不同于损益表,现金流量表不包括非现金项目(如折旧)。这使得它可以用于确定公司的短期生存能力,特别是其支付能力。一个投资潜力强的公司的一个重要特征就是公司生产现金的能力。损益表上显示了利润可不一定就代表公司就一定能赚钱。投资者最好仔细查看公司的现金流量表来更好的了解公司怎么赚钱和还债的。现金流量表的组成部分现金流量表分为3个主要部分:营业现金流(cash from operations), 投资现金流(cash from investing)和融资现金流(cash from financing)。在这里任何负数表示现金流出企业(如购买用品);任何正数表示现金流入企业(如客户或通过贷款现金集合)a. 营业现金流是从日常经营活动产生的现金流动,这些包括所有与公司经营范围相关的现金流入和流出。大多数上市公司通过利用净非现金开支项目调整净利润、调整应付账款和应收账款以及其他项目来展示营业现金流(非现金支出项目包括像折旧摊销等条目)。在这部分的最后我们得到的是,来自经营活动的净现金流,这是用来为公司做整体财务健康评估十分重要的一个数字。b. 现金投资流展示了用于投资各种资产的现金流,以及来自其他业务及设备的销售和长期投资的收入。物业、厂房、设备和其他生产性资产的购置都可以分类为投资活动。一般来说,任何列在资产负债表作为长期资产的项目都可能分类为投资项目。c. 融资现金流包括了由支付发行债务和收到资金贷款引起的现金流动。这一部分还可以包括所所支付的股息,但有时这项也可能出现在营业现金流部分。从以上3个部分得到的总净现金流就可以计算出报告期内的现金净增加或减少的量。现金流量表还显示了开始和结束时的现金余额,这将与资产负债表上的现金及现金等价物余额相对。一些有用的比率和参数有一些经常被分析员用来帮助评估公司的财务健康状况的比率其实是来自现金流量表的。其中最广泛使用的指标包括:(1)营业现金流/销售额:拿公司的营业现金流量与其净销售额或收入做比。它给出了公司将销售变现的能力,换言之,就是公司在收取应收账款方面有多好。在销售额增长而现金流动并没有的平行增长的情况下,可能意味着一些未能收到的应收账款在未来有坏账的可能性。(2)营业现金流/流动负债:衡量了企业短期内的流动性;指其履行短期债务的能力。如果这个比率小于1,就意味着公司赚得钱不足够偿还其短期债务——这是一个潜在的严重问题,可能会威胁企业正在进行的业务。(3)自由现金流量:但从技术的角度讲不能称为比率,而是通过从经营活动中的现金流量减去资本支出及支出时产生的消耗计算所得。它显示了在公司支付其资本支出(比如购买房地产、厂房和设备,但购买这些项目除了其本身花销还可能会有各种附加费用,像税费等)之后,从运营中还剩多少现金。这也就是企业可自由运用的现金流。

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我们在之前的文章《查看公司的资产负债表时要注意什么?》谈过了资产负债表,也提到了另外两个展示公司财务状况的文件——损益表和现金流量表,本文中我们就来探讨一下损益表(income statement)。一句话解释就是,它显示了公司在一段时间内(比如一个季度或一年)盈利或损失了多少钱。这就表明,损益表就是一个简单的收入减去费用的算术表达式。

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Cash Flow vs. Profit: What's the Difference? | HBS Online

Cash Flow vs. Profit: What's the Difference? | HBS Online

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Cash Flow vs. Profit: What's the Difference?

21 Apr 2020

Tim Stobierski

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Cash flow and profit are essential financial metrics in business. Yet, it isn’t uncommon for those new to finance and accounting to occasionally confuse the two terms. Cash flow and profit aren't the same things, and it’s critical to understand the difference between them to make key decisions regarding a business’s performance and financial health.

For investors, understanding the difference between profit and cash flow makes it easier to know whether a profitable company is a good, long-term investment based on its ability to remain solvent in times of economic crisis. For entrepreneurs and business owners, understanding the relationship between the terms can inform important business decisions, including the best way to pursue growth.

Here’s everything you need to know about cash flow, profit, and the difference between the two concepts.

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What is Cash Flow?

Cash flow refers to the net balance of cash moving into and out of a business at a specific point in time.

Cash is constantly moving into and out of a business. For example, when a retailer purchases inventory, money flows out of the business toward its suppliers. When that same retailer sells something from its inventory, cash flows into the business from its customers. Paying workers or utility bills represents cash flowing out of the business toward its debtors. While collecting a monthly installment on a customer purchase financed 18 months ago shows cash flowing into the business. The list goes on.

Cash flow can be positive or negative. Positive cash flow means a company has more money moving into it than out of it. Negative cash flow indicates a company has more money moving out of it than into it.

Types of Cash Flow

Operating cash flow: This refers to the net cash generated from a company’s normal business operations. In actively growing and expanding companies, positive cash flow is required to maintain business growth.

Investing cash flow: This refers to the net cash generated from a company’s investment-related activities, such as investments in securities, the purchase of physical assets like equipment or property, or the sale of assets. In healthy companies that are actively investing in their businesses, this number will often be in the negative.

Financing cash flow: This refers specifically to how cash moves between a company and its investors, owners, or creditors. It’s the net cash generated to finance the company and may include debt, equity, and dividend payments.

Related: Financial Terminology: 20 Financial Terms to Know

The Cash Flow Statement

Cash flow is typically reported in the cash flow statement, a financial document designed to provide a detailed analysis of what happened to a business’s cash during a specified period of time. The document shows different areas where a company used or received cash and reconciles the beginning and ending cash balances.

Go to the alternative version.

What Is Profit?

Profit is typically defined as the balance that remains when all of a business’s operating expenses are subtracted from its revenues. It’s what's left when the books are balanced and expenses are subtracted from proceeds.

Profit can either be distributed to the owners and shareholders of the company, often in the form of dividend payments, or reinvested back into the company. Profits might, for example, be used to purchase new inventory for a business to sell, or used to finance research and development (R&D) of new products or services.

Like cash flow, profit can be depicted as a positive or negative number. When this calculation results in a negative number, it’s typically referred to as a loss, because the company spent more money operating than it was able to recoup from those operations.

Types of Profit

Gross profit: Gross profit is defined as revenue minus the cost of goods sold. It includes variable costs, which are dependent upon the level of output, such as cost of materials and labor directly associated with producing the product. It doesn’t include other fixed costs, which a company must pay regardless of output, such as rent and the salary of individuals not involved in producing a product.

Operating profit: Like operating cash flow, operating profit refers only to the net profit that a company generates from its normal business operations. It typically excludes negative cash flows like tax payments or interest payments on debt. Similarly, it excludes positive cash flows from areas outside of the core business. It’s sometimes referred to as earnings before interest and tax (EBIT).

Net profit: This is the net income after all expenses have been deducted from all revenues. Typically, this includes expenses like tax and interest payments.

The Income Statement

Information about a company’s profits is typically communicated in its income statement, also known as a profit and loss statement (P&L). This statement summarizes the cumulative impact of revenue, gains, expenses, and losses over the course of a specified period of time.

Go to the alternative version.

The Difference Between Cash Flow and Profit

The key difference between cash flow and profit is while profit indicates the amount of money left over after all expenses have been paid, cash flow indicates the net flow of cash into and out of a business.

Check out our video on the differences between cash flow and profit below, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more explainer content!

View Video

Which Is More Important: Cash Flow or Profit?

Investors and business owners are often in search of a single metric for understanding the health of a company. They want one line item in a financial statement to determine whether they should make an investment or pivot their business strategy. In these instances, cash flow and profit are often pitted against each other. But which is more important?

There isn’t a simple answer to that question; both profit and cash flow are important in their own ways. As an investor, business owner, employee, or entrepreneur, you need to understand both metrics and how they interact with each other if you want to evaluate the financial health of a business.

For example, it’s possible for a company to be both profitable and have a negative cash flow hindering its ability to pay its expenses, expand, and grow. Similarly, it’s possible for a company with positive cash flow and increasing sales to fail to make a profit—as is the case with many startups and scaling businesses.

Profit and cash flow are just two of the dozens of financial terms, metrics, and ratios that you should be fluent in to make informed business decisions. By gaining a thorough understanding of key financial principles, it’s possible to advance professionally and become a smarter investor or business owner.

Are you interested in gaining a toolkit for making smart financial decisions and the confidence to clearly communicate those decisions to stakeholders? Explore our online finance and accounting courses and discover how you can unlock critical insights into your organization’s performance and potential. To find out which course is best for you, download our free flowchart.

This post was updated on February 2, 2023. It was originally published on April 21, 2020.

Data Tables

Company A - Statement of Cash Flows (Alternative Version)

Year Ended September 28, 2019 (In millions)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year: $10,746

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Activity

Amount

Net Income

37,037

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Generated by Operating Activities:

Depreciation and Amortization

6,757

Deferred Income Tax Expense

1,141

Other

2,253

Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:

Accounts Receivable, Net

(2,172)

Inventories

(973)

Vendor Non-Trade Receivables

223

Other Current and Non-Current Assets

1,080

Accounts Payable

2,340

Deferred Revenue

1,459

Other Current and Non-Current Liabilities

4,521

Cash Generated by Operating Activities

53,666

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Activity

Amount

Purchases of Marketable Securities

(148,489)

Proceeds from Maturities of Marketable Securities

20,317

Proceeds from Sales of Marketable Securities

104,130

Payments Made in Connection with Business Acquisitions, Net of Cash Acquired

(496)

Payments for Acquisition of Intangible Assets

(911)

Other

(160)

Cash Used in Investing Activities

(33,774)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Activity

Amount

Dividends and Dividend Equivalent Rights Paid

(10,564)

Repurchase of Common Stock

(22,860)

Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt, Net

16,896

Other

149

Cash Used in Financing Activities

(16,379)

Increase / Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents: 3,513

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year: $14,259

Go back to the article.

Company B - Annual Trial Balance (Alternative Version)

September 28, 2019 (In thousands)

Accounts

Debit

Credit

Cash and cash equivalents

260,652

Accounts receivable

467,976

Inventory

676,089

Other current assets

116,775

Property, plant & equipment

985,563

Long-term intangible assets

1,223,400

Other long-term assets

31,093

Current portion of long-term debt

14,689

Accounts payable

312,170

Accrued expenses

242,427

Other current liabilities

27,777

Long-term debt, less current portion

236,282

Other long-term liabilities

281,588

Common stock

1,392,183

Retained earnings

771,200

Net Sales

4,358,100

Cost of Sales

2,738,714

Selling and operating expenses

560,430

General and administrative expenses

293,729

Other income

960

Gain or loss on financial instruments, net

5,513

Gain or loss on foreign currency, net

12,649

Interest expense

18,177

Income tax expense

257,642

Total

7,642,889

7,642,889

Company B Income Statement

For Year Ended September 28, 2019 (In thousands)

Activity

Amount

Net Sales

4,358,100

Cost of Sales

2,738,714

Gross Profit

1,619,386

Selling and Operating Expenses

560,430

General and Administrative Expenses

293,729

 Total Operating Expenses

854,159

Operating Income

765,227

Other Income

960

Gain (Loss) on Financial Instruments

5,513

(Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency

(12,649)

Interest Expense

(18,177)

Income Before Taxes

740,874

Income Tax Expense

257,642

Net Income

483,232

Go back to the article.

About the AuthorTim Stobierski is a marketing specialist and contributing writer for Harvard Business School Online.

 

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