Cash flow
As well as publishing yearly profit and loss accounts, companies also have to produce a cash-flow statement...
As well as publishing yearly profit and loss accounts, companies also have to produce a cash-flow statement. Cash flow is simply the movement of money in and out of a business and the statement lets you look at this in detail. It shows everything from how much cash the company generates from its year's trading to how much it has paid out to shareholders in cash dividends and how much has been set aside to pay off debts. The final line shows the total increase or decrease over the year in how much cash the company holds.
A cash-flow statement is useful for investors. It shows you whether the amount of cash generated in certain areas differs from the profit and loss account and lets you see why this is happening. More importantly, you can use it to work out whether or not the company is generating enough cash to cover its running costs and, if it is, you can see if it is expanding too quickly and spending too much of its money on acquisitions or whether it is managing its growth with prudence.
See Tim Bennett's video tutorial: What is a cash-flow statement?
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748-320-80.jpg)
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Sign up for MoneyWeek's newsletters
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
-
8 of the best houses for sale for around £1 million
This week: the best houses for sale for around £1 million – from a wing of a Grade II-listed Victorian manor house in Sunderland, to a brick-and-flint cottage in Cley next the Sea, Norfolk
By Natasha Langan Published
-
Starling Bank to scrap 3.25% interest rate from popular current account within days
Starling is to remove the generous 3.25% it pays on current accounts from next week – what does this mean for customers and should you move?
By Katie Williams Published