Question

I The indirect and direct methods of preparing the statement of cash flows are identical except for

Answer 1

The cash flow statement (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. The cash flow statement complements the balance sheet and income statement and is a mandatory part of a company's financial reports since 1987.1

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 is a financial statement that summarizes the amount of cash and cash equivalents entering and leaving a company.

The cash flow statement 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.

The cash flow statement complements the balance sheet and income statement and is a mandatory part of a company's financial reports since 1987.1

The main components of the cash flow statement are cash from operating activities, cash from investing activities, and cash from financing activities.

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