What does a cash flow statement cover?

A cash flow statement provides a comprehensive overview of the cash inflows and outflows of a business across three key activities: operating, investing, and financing. This approach allows stakeholders to analyze how well a company manages its cash position, which is vital for maintaining operations and funding investments.

Operating activities include the cash generated or used in the core business operations, reflecting the cash effects of transactions involved in the company's day-to-day activities. Investing activities encompass the cash flows related to the purchase and sale of long-term assets, such as property and equipment, as well as investments in other companies. Financing activities deal with cash flows that result from transactions with the company's owners and creditors, including issuing stock, borrowing, and repaying debts.

By covering all three areas, the cash flow statement aids in assessing the company's liquidity, financial flexibility, and overall performance. This holistic view is essential for stakeholders, including management, investors, and creditors, who need to understand how cash is moving within the business and the organization’s ability to generate future cash flows.