Learn how to analyze a Cash Flow Statement in <2 minutes. | Brian Feroldi posted on the topic | LinkedIn (2024)

Brian Feroldi

I demystify the stock market | Author, Speaker, Creator | 100,000+ investors read my free newsletter (see link)

  • Report this post

How to analyze a Cash Flow Statement in <2 minutes:Understand these cash flow formulas.The Cash Flow Statement shows a company's profitability at multiple levels over a period of time using cash accounting.3 Main sections:💰 OPERATING ACTIVITIESShows cash inflows & outflows from normal operations💰 INVESTING ACTIVITIESShows cash outflows from capital expansion & long-term investments💰 FINANCING ACTIVITIESShows cash changes to the company’s capital structure6 Cash Flow Ratios to watch💳 LIQUIDITY RATIOSCash Ratio = Cash Balance ➗ Current LiabilitiesCurrent Ratio = Current Assets ➗ Current Liabilities⛱ COVERAGE RATIOSCash Coverage Ratio = Cash Balance ➗ Interest ExpenseDebt To OCF = Total Debt➗ Operating Cash Flow⚖ VALUATION RATIOSPrice to CFFO = Share Price ➗ Cash Flow From Operations Per SharePrice to FCF = Share Price ➗ Free Cash Flow Per ShareWhich ratio do you think is the most useful? Let me know in the comments below!Follow Brian Feroldi for more content like this.***P.S. Want to master the basics of accounting (for free)?I created a 5-day, email-based course that explains the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Cash Flow Statement in plain English.Check it out here (It's free) → https://lnkd.in/eKbRV7g6If you found this post useful, please repost ♻️ to share with your audience.

  • Learn how to analyze a Cash Flow Statement in &lt;2 minutes. | Brian Feroldi posted on the topic | LinkedIn (2)

404

16 Comments

Like Comment

Jeetain Kumar, FMVA®, FPWM™

CFA® Level -1Candidate || Certified FMVA®|| Certified CBCA® || FPWM™ Professional || ESG Specialist || Macabacus Specialist || MBA in Core Finance & Financial Consulting (KPMG) || Graduated in Aerospace Engineering

2w

  • Report this comment

Cash flow formulas are essential financial metrics:Operating Cash Flow (OCF): Measures cash generated from core operations.Free Cash Flow (FCF): Reflects cash available after operating and capital expenses.Cash Flow to Equity (CFE): Indicates cash available for shareholders.Cash Flow from Investing Activities: Tracks cash flow related to investments.Cash Flow from Financing Activities: Monitors cash flow from financing sources.

Like Reply

5Reactions 6Reactions

Daniel Mahncke

2w

  • Report this comment

Cash Flow is king!

Like Reply

1Reaction 2Reactions

Long Term Mindset

2w

  • Report this comment

Solid list -- here are other ratios that are highly useful.

  • Learn how to analyze a Cash Flow Statement in &lt;2 minutes. | Brian Feroldi posted on the topic | LinkedIn (9)

No more previous content

  • Learn how to analyze a Cash Flow Statement in &lt;2 minutes. | Brian Feroldi posted on the topic | LinkedIn (10)

No more next content

Like Reply

5Reactions 6Reactions

Hong Lem

I Help Employees Make Money in Stocks Without Quitting Their Jobs.

2w

  • Report this comment

The first thing I check in a cash flow statement is if it’s generating positive free cash flow or not. Investing in a company that’s not generating positive free cash flow increases the difficulty of valuation.

Dave Ahern

Helping Simplifying Finance | 17k+investors read our free Nuggets (see link)

2w

  • Report this comment

Cash flow is king, long life the king. I love the valuation ratios the most, go figure.

Like Reply

1Reaction 2Reactions

Clint Murphy

I simplify psychology, success and money by sharing advice from mentors, expert authors and my life. CFO | Creator | Investor| Entrepreneur

2w

  • Report this comment

Important KPIs to understand when analyzing the cashflow.

Like Reply

1Reaction

Kurtis Hanni

CFO writing about business finances

2w

  • Report this comment

The most ignored statement, but sometimes the most insightful!

Like Reply

1Reaction

Brian Stoffel

I demystify the stock market | Investor, Financial Educator, Creator | 100,000+ investors read my free newsletter (see link)

1w

  • Report this comment

Helpful info!

Like Reply

1Reaction

Thomas Chua

Steady Compounding | Filling my stock portfolio with steady compounders | Posts & articles about my analysis.

1w

  • Report this comment

Mighty helpful infographic Brian!

Like Reply

1Reaction

See more comments

To view or add a comment, sign in

More Relevant Posts

  • Rheeshaalaen Sabapathy

    ENGINEER | INNOVATOR | TECHIE | TRAILBLAZER | SELF SCHOLAR

    This is freaking good! He just read my mind on how i segment it on each part of operating, financing and investing activities along with what's surplus and deficit. He did summarize everything into one sheet. Thank you so much Brian Feroldi! A strong cash flow company with good demand in the market is a good long term investment. If recession hits us so badly then re-balance your portfolio according to their cash flow. #TrailBLazerEmpire #Finance #Accounts

    19

    2 Comments

    Like Comment

    To view or add a comment, sign in

  • Dan Wells

    Training finance leaders through peer group learning, professional mentors and powerful content.

    • Report this post

    Here’s a useful overview of cash flow statements from Brian Feroldi

    9

    Like Comment

    To view or add a comment, sign in

  • Long Term Mindset

    13,046 followers

    • Report this post

    Cash Flow FormulasHow to analyze a Cash Flow Statement:The Cash Flow Statement shows a company's profitability at multiple levels over a period of time using cash accounting.3 Main sections:💰 OPERATING ACTIVITIESShows cash inflows & outflows from normal operations💰 INVESTING ACTIVITIESShows cash outflows from capital expansion & long-term investments💰 FINANCING ACTIVITIESShows cash changes to the company’s capital structure💳 LIQUIDITY RATIOSCash Ratio = Cash Balance ➗ Current LiabilitiesCurrent Ratio = Current Assets ➗ Current Liabilities⛱ COVERAGE RATIOSCash Coverage Ratio = Cash Balance ➗ Interest ExpenseDebt To OCF = Total Debt➗ Operating Cash Flow⚖ VALUATION RATIOSPrice to CFFO = Share Price ➗ Cash Flow From Operations Per SharePrice to FCF = Share Price ➗ Free Cash Flow Per Share➕ Follow me Brian Feroldi for more content like this.***📌 P.S. P.S. Want to level up your accounting skills? Join me for a FREE webinar on Wed, Feb 14th at 12:00 noon EST.Topic: 10 Metrics Every Investor Must KnowRSVP here: https://lnkd.in/eDeSEXjMIf you found this post useful, please share (repost ♻️) to help make LinkedIn a better platform for all.

    • Learn how to analyze a Cash Flow Statement in &lt;2 minutes. | Brian Feroldi posted on the topic | LinkedIn (24)

    100

    3 Comments

    Like Comment

    To view or add a comment, sign in

  • Mohamed Ellithy

    Accounts Payable Section Head @ Benya Systems | Accounting Management

    • Report this post

    Learn how to create a cash flows statement in 3 minutes 👇 by Josh Aharonoff, CPA This may be one of the most impactful things I’ve learned in my career…Why?Because your statement of cash flows is an IMPORTANT report to produceIt shows where your cash has gone...and if properly attached to your forecast, can tell where you're cash is GOINGIt also helps you conceptualize how the the 3 financial statements are connected.➡️ How do you create a Cash Flows statement?Creating a cash flows statement from scratch is actually a very simple thing to do…And there are 2 ways in which you can produce a statement of cash flows1️⃣ The DIRECT methodThis method is easier to digest, as it shows cash flows in more plain English (ex: cash receipts from customers, cash paid to suppliers).Although it's easier to understand this report, it's much more challenging to create dynamically, and you'd need more information than just your income statement and balance sheet to accurately produce2️⃣ The INDIRECT methodThis method is presented by taking your net income, adding back depreciation & amortization, and then taking the differences in each of your balance sheet accounts.Although it may be tougher to read this report and fully grasp what's happening as compared to the direct method, it's MUCH simpler to produce...and all you need is your profit and loss and balance sheetIn this video, I show you how to produce a cash flows from scratch using the indirect method in just 3 minutes.I use my favorite technique for preparing this statement quickly, and that's by duplicating the balance sheet so that your formulas can be quickly & easily set up#accountingtips #accounting #financeandaccounting #financialaccounting #financialanalysis#finance

    5

    Like Comment

    To view or add a comment, sign in

  • Brian Feroldi

    I demystify the stock market | Author, Speaker, Creator | 100,000+ investors read my free newsletter (see link)

    • Report this post

    Net Income vs Free Cash Flow - VisualizedThey are NOT the same thing!It took me a long time to grasp the difference.Seeing it visually helped me to understand it.Here's the key difference:💰 NET INCOME🔎 FOUND ON: Income Statement🔢 ACCOUNTING: Accrual➗ FORMULA: Revenue - All Expenditures = Net IncomeNet income measures a company’s profitability on the income statement using accrual accounting.It shows how much profit a company earned, in theory, during the period.It's an accountant's opinion of profit. Since it's an opinion, it can be easily manipulated.💰 FREE CASH FLOW🔎 FOUND ON: Cash Flow Statement🔢 ACCOUNTING: Cash➗ FORMULA: Operating Cash Flow - Capital Expenditures = Free Cash FlowFree cash flow measures the actual cash flow available to shareholders on the cash flow statement using cash accounting.It shows how much cash was generated by the company during the period.Since it measures actual cash generation, it's much harder to manipulate than Net Income.Remember: Net Income is an opinion. Free Cash Flow is a fact.Both numbers are important, but when forced to choose, I'll take free cash flow every time.Which questions do you have? Let me know in the comments section.***P.S. Want to go deeper into analyzing financial statements? Join me for a FREE webinar on 12/19/2023: The Investor's Guide To Financial Statements. RSVP here (it's free!): https://lnkd.in/etqqtJq7If this post was helpful, please repost ♻️ to make LinkedIn a better platform for all.

    • Learn how to analyze a Cash Flow Statement in &lt;2 minutes. | Brian Feroldi posted on the topic | LinkedIn (31)

    312

    16 Comments

    Like Comment

    To view or add a comment, sign in

  • Jacqueline Stockli

    Associé chez BMO Financial Group

    • Report this post

    Net Income vs Free Cash Flow

    Like Comment

    To view or add a comment, sign in

  • Brian Feroldi

    I demystify the stock market | Author, Speaker, Creator | 100,000+ investors read my free newsletter (see link)

    • Report this post

    Cash Flow Statement: 8 Yellow Flags 🇳🇺Watch for these warning signs.1: EXCESSIVE STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Rule of Thumb: Less than 10% of revenue.2: LARGE CASH OUTFLOWS TO FUND WORKING CAPITAL- Rule of Thumb: Working capital outflows grow at the same rate as revenue.3: DECREASING OPERATING CASH FLOW- Rule of Thumb: Operating cash flow should grow at the same rate as revenue.4: LARGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NET INCOME AND FREE CASH FLOW- Rule of Thumb: Net Income and Free Cash Flow should track each other5: CAPITAL EXPENDITURES LESS THAN DEPRECIATION EXPENSE- Rule of Thumb: CapEx should exceed depreciation. 6: LARGE INCREASE IN DEBT- Rule of Thumb: Debt should be used sparingly7: LARGE ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK- Rule of Thumb: Common stock should be issued sparingly8: HIGH RELIANCE ON FINANCING ACTIVITIES- Rule of Thumb: Companies should fund themselves from operating cash flowNote: All of these are yellow flags for a reason. There could be good reasons to violate any of these rules, especially temporarily.If you see a yellow flag, investigate it further!Follow Brian Feroldi for more content like this.***Want to master the basics of accounting (for free)?I created a 5-day, email-based course that explains the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Cash Flow Statement in plain English.Check it out here (It's free) → https://lnkd.in/eKbRV7g6If this post was helpful, repost it ♻️ to share with your audience.

    • Learn how to analyze a Cash Flow Statement in &lt;2 minutes. | Brian Feroldi posted on the topic | LinkedIn (37)

    203

    26 Comments

    Like Comment

    To view or add a comment, sign in

  • Waqar Aamir Katiar

    Senior Credit Officer at HBL Micro Finance Bank

    • Report this post

    Judging performance from a balance sheet involves analyzing key financial metrics and ratios to assess a company's financial health and stability. Here are some key indicators to consider:1. Liquidity Ratios: - Current Ratio:This ratio assesses the company's short-term liquidity by comparing current assets to current liabilities. A ratio above 1 indicates the ability to cover short-term obligations.2. Solvency Ratios: - Debt to Equity Ratio: Evaluates the proportion of debt to equity. A lower ratio is generally favorable as it suggests lower financial risk.3. Profitability Ratios: - Return on Assets (ROA): Measures how efficiently the company utilizes its assets to generate profit. - **Return on Equity (ROE):** Indicates the profitability of shareholders' equity.4. Efficiency Ratios: - Inventory Turnover:Reflects how quickly inventory is sold. Higher turnover is generally favorable. - **Accounts Receivable Turnover:** Measures how efficiently the company collects receivables.5. Asset Management Ratios: - Total Asset Turnover:Indicates the efficiency of using assets to generate sales. - Fixed Asset Turnover: Measures the efficiency of using fixed assets to generate revenue.6. Growth Indicators: - Year-over-Year Comparisons: Analyze how various balance sheet items have changed over time, indicating trends and growth patterns.7. Cash Flow Analysis: - Operating Cash Flow:Assess the company's ability to generate cash from its core operations. - Free Cash Flow:Examines the cash generated after accounting for capital expenditures.8. Working Capital Management: - Days Sales Outstanding (DSO): Measures the average number of days it takes to collect receivables. - Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO): Measures the average number of days inventory is held.9. Quality of Earnings: - Accruals: Analyze the level of accruals to assess the quality of reported earnings.10. Comparative Analysis: - Compare the company's performance against industry benchmarks and competitors to gain insights into its relative position.11. Consistency in Accounting Policies: - Ensure consistency in accounting policies over time. Changes may impact the comparability of financial statements.12. Capital Structure: - Analyze the mix of equity and debt in the capital structure. A well-balanced capital structure is usually more sustainable.It's crucial to consider these indicators in the context of the industry, business model, and economic conditions. Additionally, a holistic approach, combining balance sheet analysis with income statements and cash flow statements, provides a more comprehensive view of a company's overall financial performance.

    • Learn how to analyze a Cash Flow Statement in &lt;2 minutes. | Brian Feroldi posted on the topic | LinkedIn (42)

    8

    Like Comment

    To view or add a comment, sign in

  • Brian Feroldi

    I demystify the stock market | Author, Speaker, Creator | 100,000+ investors read my free newsletter (see link)

    • Report this post

    The Balance Sheet Explained SimplyThe master equation: Assets = Liabilities + Shareholder Equity⏰ TIME: Point in Time🔢 ACCOUNTING: Accrual3 Main Sections:💰 ASSETS: What the company Owns🔴 LIABILITIES: What the company Owes to creditors🔵 EQUITY: The net value of the owner's claim💰 ASSETSListed in order of liquidity (how quickly it can be turned into cash).CURRENT ASSETS: Expected to be used in <1 year→Cash→Marketable Securities→Accounts Receivable→Inventory→Other Current AssetsLONG-TERM ASSETS: Expected to be last >1 year→Long-Term Investments→Fixed Assets→Goodwill→Other Long-Term Assets🔴 LIABILITIESListed in order of when they are expected to be paid off.CURRENT LIABILITIES: Expected to be paid in <1 year→Payables & Accrued Expenses→Short-Term Debt→Other Current LiabilitiesLONG-TERM LIABILITIES: Expected to be paid in >1 year→Long-Term Debt→Other Long-Term Liabilities🔵 SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITYCAPITAL RAISED FROM INVESTORS→Preferred Stock→Common Stock & Additional Paid-In CapitalPROFITS RETAINED BY THE COMPANY→Retained Earnings→Treasury StockWas anything confusing? Please let me know below. I'll be happy to explain further.➕ Follow me Brian Feroldi for more content like this.***P.S. Want to level up your accounting skills? Join me for a FREE webinar on Wed, Feb 14th at 12:00 noon EST.Topic: 10 Metrics Every Investor Must KnowRSVP here: https://lnkd.in/eDeSEXjMIf you found this post useful, please share (repost ♻️) to help make LinkedIn a better platform for all.

    • Learn how to analyze a Cash Flow Statement in &lt;2 minutes. | Brian Feroldi posted on the topic | LinkedIn (45)

    730

    25 Comments

    Like Comment

    To view or add a comment, sign in

  • Tax Shop Accountants Centurion North East

    34 followers

    • Report this post

    Do you understand your Balance Sheet, or does it look like just a bunch of numbers?This diagram will help you understand the meaning of accounts on the balance sheet, so you can make meaningful decisions.

    Like Comment

    To view or add a comment, sign in

Learn how to analyze a Cash Flow Statement in &lt;2 minutes. | Brian Feroldi posted on the topic | LinkedIn (50)

Learn how to analyze a Cash Flow Statement in &lt;2 minutes. | Brian Feroldi posted on the topic | LinkedIn (51)

130,593 followers

  • 3000+ Posts

View Profile

Follow

Explore topics

  • Sales
  • Marketing
  • Business Administration
  • HR Management
  • Content Management
  • Engineering
  • Soft Skills
  • See All
Learn how to analyze a Cash Flow Statement in &lt;2 minutes. | Brian Feroldi posted on the topic | LinkedIn (2024)

FAQs

How do you analyze cash flow statements? ›

One can conduct a basic cash flow analysis by examining the cash flow statement, determining whether there is net negative or positive cash flow, pinpointing how the outflows compare to inflows, and draw conclusions from that.

How to prepare a cash flow statement step by step with example? ›

Follow these steps to prepare a statement of cash flows:
  1. Choose a time frame and method to use. ...
  2. Collect basic data and documents. ...
  3. Calculate balance sheet changes and add them to the statement of cash flows. ...
  4. Adjust all noncash expenses and transactions. ...
  5. Complete the three sections of the statement.
Feb 3, 2023

What is the formula for cash flow analysis? ›

Summary. Net Cash Flow = Total Cash Inflows – Total Cash Outflows. Learn how to use this formula and others to improve your understanding of your cash flow.

What is an example of cash flow analysis? ›

Let's say a company called Red Bikes has just opened and earned a net income of $75,000 to start and generated additional cash inflows of $95,000. Cash outflows (expenses like rent and payroll) totaled $25,925. This leaves an ending cash balance of $144,075.

Why do we Analyse cash flow statements? ›

Cash flow analysis helps you understand how much cash a business generated or used during a specific accounting period. Understanding cash sources and where your cash is going is essential for maintaining a financially sustainable business.

How do you calculate cash flow step by step? ›

Add your net income and depreciation, then subtract your capital expenditure and change in working capital. Free Cash Flow = Net income + Depreciation/Amortization – Change in Working Capital – Capital Expenditure. Net Income is the company's profit or loss after all its expenses have been deducted.

What are the 3 types of cash flow statement? ›

The three categories of cash flows are operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. Operating activities include cash activities related to net income. Investing activities include cash activities related to noncurrent assets.

How do you interpret cash flow from financing activities? ›

Cash Flow from Financing Activities is the net amount of funding a company generates in a given time period. Finance activities include the issuance and repayment of equity, payment of dividends, issuance and repayment of debt, and capital lease obligations.

How do you know if a cash flow statement is correct? ›

How can you ensure cash flow statement accuracy?
  1. Review your income statement and balance sheet.
  2. Categorize your cash flows correctly. ...
  3. Use the indirect method for operating cash flows. ...
  4. Reconcile your cash flows with your bank statements. ...
  5. Use accounting software and tools. ...
  6. Here's what else to consider.
Sep 14, 2023

What is the most important number on a statement of cash flows? ›

Regardless of whether the direct or the indirect method is used, the operating section of the cash flow statement ends with net cash provided (used) by operating activities. This is the most important line item on the cash flow statement.

What is the easiest way to calculate cash flow? ›

To calculate operating cash flow, add your net income and non-cash expenses, then subtract the change in working capital. These can all be found in a cash-flow statement.

What is cash flow statement in simple words? ›

A cash flow statement is a financial statement that shows how cash entered and exited a company during an accounting period. Cash coming in and out of a business is referred to as cash flows, and accountants use these statements to record, track, and report these transactions.

What is difference between cash flow and fund flow? ›

A company's cash flow and fund flow statements reflect two different variables during a specific period of time. The cash flow will record a company's inflow and outflow of actual cash (cash and cash equivalents). The fund flow records the movement of cash in and out of the company.

What is an example of no flow of funds? ›

No Flow of Funds:

Like the transaction which involves both between current assets and current liabilities and between non-current assets and non-current liabilities and hence do not result in the flow of funds. For example, conversion of shares in to debenture.

How do you analyze cash flow from financing activities? ›

Here are steps you can follow to calculate cash flow from financing activities:
  1. Determine issuances of equity. ...
  2. Calculate repurchases of equity. ...
  3. Determine issuances of debt. ...
  4. Calculate repayments of debt. ...
  5. Calculate capital lease issuances. ...
  6. Calculate capital lease repurchases. ...
  7. Subtract issuances from repurchases.
Oct 22, 2023

What is a good cash flow ratio? ›

A high number, greater than one, indicates that a company has generated more cash in a period than what is needed to pay off its current liabilities. An operating cash flow ratio of less than one indicates the opposite—the firm has not generated enough cash to cover its current liabilities.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Laurine Ryan

Last Updated:

Views: 5973

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Laurine Ryan

Birthday: 1994-12-23

Address: Suite 751 871 Lissette Throughway, West Kittie, NH 41603

Phone: +2366831109631

Job: Sales Producer

Hobby: Creative writing, Motor sports, Do it yourself, Skateboarding, Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Stand-up comedy

Introduction: My name is Laurine Ryan, I am a adorable, fair, graceful, spotless, gorgeous, homely, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.