statement of cash flows

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

The official name for the cash flow statement is the statement of cash flows. We will use both names throughout.

The statement of cash flows is one of the main financial statements. (The other financial statements are the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of stockholders' equity.)

The cash flow statement reports the cash generated and used during the time interval specified in its heading. The period of time that the statement covers is chosen by the company. For example, the heading may state "For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2007" or "The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2008".

The cash flow statement organizes and reports the cash generated and used in the following categories:1. Operating activities – converts the items reported on the income statement from the accrual basis of accounting to cash. 2. Investing activities – reports the purchase and sale of long-term investments and property, plant and equipment. 3. Financing activities – reports the issuance and repurchase of the company's own bonds and stock and the payment of dividends. 4. Supplemental information – reports the exchange of significant items that did not involve cash and reports the amount of income taxes paid and interest paid.

What Can The Statement of Cash Flows Tell Us?

Because the income statement is prepared under the accrual basis of accounting, the revenues reported may not have been collected. Similarly, the expenses reported on the income statement might not have been paid. You could review the balance sheet changes to determine the facts, but the cash flow statement already has integrated all that information. As a result, savvy business people and investors utilize this important financial statement.

www.ontheline.tk

Here are a few ways the statement of cash flows is used.The cash from operating activities is compared to the company's net income. If the cash from operating activities is consistently greater than the net income, the company's net income or earnings are said to be of a "high quality". If the cash from operating activities is less than net income, a red flag is raised as to why the reported net income is not turning into cash.Some investors believe that "cash is king". The cash flow statement identifies the cash that is flowing in and out of the company. If a company is consistently generating more cash than it is using, the company will be able to increase its dividend, buy back some of its stock, reduce debt, or acquire another company. All of these are perceived to be good for stockholder value.Some financial models are based upon cash flow.

Understanding The Changes In Cash:-

We often enhance our comprehension of a topic when we have to think through solutions to problems, so to help you really understand the cash flow statement, we've put together some questions for you to answer. As you formulate your response you will be learning to think about cash flows the way an accountant does.1. When Azhar Shah invests her personal money into her new company, what will happen to her company's Cash account? Answer2. When a company purchases inventory (merchandise purchased in order to be resold) what will happen to its Cash account? Answer3. What happens to the company's Cash account if it borrows money from the bank by signing a note payable? Answer4. What happens to a company's Cash account if it declares a dividend on its shares of stock? Answer5. What is the effect on its Cash account when a company pays some of its Accounts Payable? Answer6. What is the effect on its Cash account when a company prepays a 6-month insurance premium? Answer7. What is the effect on its Cash account when a company sells merchandise, but allows the customer to pay in 30 days? Answer8. What is the effect on its Cash account when a company receives payment from one of its customers 30 days after the sale was recorded? Answer9. If a company's Accounts Payable account decreased, what is the likely effect this will have on Cash? Answer10. If the asset account Prepaid Insurance increased, what is the likely effect on Cash?

Answer11. If the asset account Land increased, what's the likely effect on Cash?

Answer12. If the asset account Land decreased, what's the likely effect on Cash?

Answer13. If the liability account Bonds Payable increases, what is the likely effect on Cash?

Answer

www.ontheline.tk

14. If the liability account Bonds Payable decreases, what is the likely effect on Cash? Answer

Much of what you learned in the practice questions above is common sense. For example, when you use cash to buy a book, you now own the book (you've increased your "assets") but you also have less money (you've decreased your cash). Based on what you learned, you can make the following general assumptions:When an asset (other than cash) increases, the Cash account decreases.When an asset (other than cash) decreases, the Cash account increases.When a liability increases, the Cash account increases.When a liability decreases, the Cash account decreases.When owner's equity increases, the Cash account increases.When owner's equity decreases, the Cash account decreases.

For a change in assets (other than cash)—the change in the Cash account is in the opposite direction.

For a change in liabilities and owner's equity—the change in the Cash account is in the same direction.

Format of the Statement of Cash Flows:-

The statement of cash flows has four distinct sections:

Cash involving operating activitiesCash involving investing activitiesCash involving financing activitiesSupplemental information.

Assuming that the cash flow statement is being prepared using the indirect method (the method used by most companies) the differences in a company's balance sheet accounts will provide much of the needed information. For example, if the statement of cash flows is for the year 2007, the balance sheet accounts at December 31, 2007 will be compared to the balance sheet accounts at December 31, 2006. The changes—or differences—in these account balances will likely be entered in one of the sections of the statement of cash flows.

www.ontheline.tk

Shown below is each of the four sections of the statement of cash flows, followed by a list of those balance sheet accounts which affect it.

1. Cash Provided From or Used By Operating Activities

This section of the cash flow statement reports the company's net income and then converts it from the accrual basis to the cash basis by using the changes in the balances of current asset and current liability accounts, such as:Accounts ReceivableInventorySuppliesPrepaid InsuranceOther Current AssetsNotes Payable (generally due within one year)Accounts PayableWages PayablePayroll Taxes PayableInterest PayableIncome Taxes PayableUnearned RevenuesOther Current Liabilities

In addition to using the changes in current assets and current liabilities, the operating activities section has adjustments for depreciation expense and for the gains and losses on the sale of long-term assets.

2. Cash Provided From or Used By Investing Activities

This section of the cash flow statement reports changes in the balances of long-term asset accounts, such as:Long-term InvestmentsLandBuildingsEquipmentFurniture & FixturesVehicles

In short, investing activities involve the purchase and/or sale of long-term investments and property, plant, and equipment.

www.ontheline.tk

3. Cash Provided From or Used By Financing Activities

This section of the cash flow statement reports changes in balances of the long-term liability and stockholders' equity accounts, such as:Notes Payable (generally due after one year)Bonds Payable Deferred Income Taxes Preferred Stock Paid-in Capital in Excess of Par-Preferred Stock Common Stock Paid-in Capital in Excess of Par-Common Stock Paid-in Capital from Treasury Stock Retained Earnings Treasury Stock

In short, financing activities involve the issuance and/or the repurchase of a company's own bonds or stock. Dividend payments are also reported in this section.

4. Supplemental Information

This section of the cash flow statement discloses the amount of interest and income taxes paid. Also reported are significant exchanges not involving cash. For example, the exchange of company stock for company bonds would be reported in this section.

Where To Enter The Balance Sheet Changes

Take a look at the summary below—it shows where the changes in balance sheet accounts should be entered on your statement of cash flows:

A change in this balance sheet category

Current Assets*Current LiabilitiesLong-term AssetsLong-term LiabilitiesStockholders' Equity

...is reported in this section of the cash flow statement

Operating ActivitiesOperating ActivitiesInvesting ActivitiesFinancing ActivitiesFinancing Activities

*This refers to current assets other than Cash.

www.ontheline.tk

Adjustments Within The Operating Activities Section:-

When we use the indirect method to prepare a statement of cash flows we begin with the net income figure from the company's income statement as our starting point. We then make adjustments to that figure to arrive at the cash amount.

If all of a company's revenues were cash sales (no credit sales), and if the company paid out cash for all of its expenses, then net income would equal the cash from operating activities. However, since some of the revenues and expenses on the income statement were not cash transactions, we must include depreciation, gain or losses on sales ofassets, and the changes in current assets and current liabilities. These adjustments will be illustrated in the hypothetical story presented in Part 3.

A Story To Illustrate:-

Azhar Shah is a college student who enjoys buying and selling merchandise using the Internet. On January 2, 2008, he decides to turn his hobby into a business called "Good Deal Co." Each month the Good Deal Co. will have one or two transactions. At the end of each month we will prepare an income statement, balance sheet, and a statement of cash flows for the current month and for the year-to-date period. The purpose is to show how these transactions are reported on the cash flow statement.

January Transactions and Financial Statements:-

On January 2, 2008 Azhar Shah invests Rs.2,000 of his personal money into his sole proprietorship, Good Deal Co. On January 20, Good Deal buys 14 graphing calculators for Rs.50 per calculator—this is about 50% less than the selling price Azhar Shah has observed at the retail stores. The total cost to Good Deal for all 14 calculators is Rs.700. Good Deal has no other transactions during January.

www.ontheline.tk

Good Deal Co.Income Statement

For the Month Ended January 31, 2008

Revenues Rs. 0

Expenses 0

Net Income Rs. 0

Good Deal Co.Balance Sheet

January 31, 2008

Assets Liabilities & Owner's Equity

Cash Rs.1,300 Liabilities Rs. 0

Inventory 700 Owner's Equity

Azhar Shah, Capital 2,000

Total Assets Rs.2,000 Total Liabilities & Owner's Equity Rs.2,000

Good Deal Co.Statement of Cash Flows

For the Month Ended January 31, 2008

Operating ActivitiesNet Income Rs. 0

Increase in Inventory (700)

Cash Provided (Used) in Operating Activities

(700)

Investing Activities 0

Financing ActivitiesInvestment by Owner 2,000

Net Increase in Cash 1,300Cash at the beginning of the month 0

Cash at the end of the month Rs.1,300

Good Deal's income statement for January showed no profit or loss, since it did not have any sales or expenses. However, the cash flow statement reports that Good Deal's

www.ontheline.tk

operating activities resulted in a decrease in cash of Rs.700. The decrease in cash occurred because the company increased its inventory by Rs.700 during January. The financing activities section shows an increase in cash of Rs.2,000 which corresponds to the increase in Azhar Shah’s Capital (investment in the business). The net change in the Cash account from the owner's investment and the cash outflow for inventory is a positive Rs.1,300.

This net change of a positive Rs.1,300 is verified at the bottom of the cash flow statement and on the balance sheet. There was a Rs.0 cash at January 1, but at January 31, the Cash balance is Rs.1,300.

For a change in assets (other than cash)—the change in the Cash account is in the opposite direction. Recall that when Inventory increased by Rs.700, Cash decreased by

Rs.700.

For a change in liabilities and owner's equity—the change in the Cash account is in the same direction. Recall that when the owner invested cash in the company Cash increased

and Owner's Equity increased.

February Transactions and Financial Statements:-

On February 25, 2008, Good Deal sells 10 calculators to a nearby high school for Rs.80 each. Azhar Shah delivers the calculators on February 25 and gives the school an Rs.800 invoice due by March 10. Azhar Shah receives Rs.800 from the school on March 8.

Azhar Shah prepared financial statements for his new business as of February 29, 2008:

www.ontheline.tk


For the Month Ended Feb. 29, 2008

Revenues Rs.800

Expenses 500

Net Income Rs.300

The income statement for the month of February shows revenues (or sales) of Rs.800. Under the accrual basis of accounting—revenue is recognized when title passes (at the time of shipment or time of delivery), not when the money is received. Expenses (such as the cost of goods sold for Rs.500) appear on the income statement when they best match up with revenues, not when the expenses or goods are paid for. (Other expenses will also appear on the income statement when they are used, not when they are paid for.) As a result of the accrual basis of accounting, the income statement reports Rs.300 of net income even though there was no cash inflow or cash outflow during February.

As you can see above, the cash flow statement for the month of February reports no change in cash. That agrees with the company's balance sheet that reported Cash of Rs.1,300 on January 31 and will show Rs.1,300 on February 29.


For the Month Ended February 29, 2008


Increase in Accounts Receivable (800)

Decrease in Inventory 500


0


Financing ActivitiesInvestment by Owner 0

Net Increase in Cash 0Cash at the beginning of the month 1,300


www.ontheline.tk


For the Two Months Ended February 29, 2008

Revenues Rs.800

Expenses 500

Net Income Rs.300

The year-to-date net income of Rs.300 increases the owner's equity on the balance sheet. Please note the connection between the bottom line of the year-to-date income statement and the change in Azhar Shah, Capital on the balance sheet. Azhar Shah, Capital has increased from Rs.2,000 to Rs.2,300.

Good Deal Co.Balance Sheet

February 29, 2008



Accounts Receivable 800 Owner's Equity

Inventory 200 Azhar Shah, Capital (excl. net inc.) 2,000

Azhar Shah, Curr Yr. Net Income 300

Total Owner's Equity 2,300



For the Two Months Ended February 29, 2008


Increase in Accounts Receivable (800)



(700)


Financing Activities

www.ontheline.tk

Investment by Owner Rs.2,000

Net Increase in Cash 1,300Cash at the beginning of the year 0

Cash at February 29, 2008 Rs.1,300

Good Deal's income statement for the first two months shows a positive net income of Rs.300. However, the fact that the company's Accounts Receivable increased by Rs.800 means the company did not collect the cash from its sales. And because Inventory increased by Rs.200, the company's Cash had also decreased in order to pay for the Inventory increase. As a result, the cash flows for the two-month period shows that Good Deal's cash from operating activities is a negative Rs.700. Recall that Good Deal has not received any money yet from its operations (buying and selling merchandise) and it paid out Rs.700 for the 14 calculators it purchased.

The cash flow statement also shows Rs.2,000 of financing by the owner. When this is combined with the negative Rs.700 from operating activities, the net change in cash for the first two months is a positive Rs.1,300. This agrees to the change in cash on the balance sheet—none on January 1 but Rs.1,300 on February 29.

March Transactions and Financial Statements

On March 8 Good Deal receives Rs.800 for the calculators sold to the school on February 25. No other transactions occurred in March.

The Good Deal financial statements dated March 31 are:


For the Month Ended March 31, 2008

Revenues Rs. 0

Expenses 0

Net Income Rs. 0

www.ontheline.tk


For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

Revenues Rs.800

Expenses 500

Net Income Rs.300

Note that the year-to-date net income causes the amount in the owner's capital account (on the balance sheet) to increase from Rs.2,000 to Rs.2,300.

Good Deal Co.Balance SheetMarch 31, 2008



Accounts Receivable 0 Owner's Equity

Inventory 200 Azhar Shah, Capital (excl. net inc.) 2,000





For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008


Increase in Accounts Receivable 0



100


Financing ActivitiesInvestment by Owner Rs.2,000

www.ontheline.tk

Net Increase in Cash 2,100

Cash at the beginning of the year 0

Cash at March 31, 2008 Rs.2,100

The income statement for the first three months of the business shows a net income of Rs.300. The operating activities section of the statement of cash flows begins with the Rs.300 in net income, but then shows that Rs.200 of cash was used to increase inventory. As a result, only Rs.100 of cash was provided from operating activities.

The statement of cash flows also shows that Rs.2,000 was received from the owner's investment in the company. The net cash inflow from the company's operating, investing, and financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was Rs.2,100.

The figure of Rs.2,100 represents the change in cash from the beginning of the accounting year through March 31. If you look at the March 31 balance sheet, you will find that it confirms this—there is Rs.2,100 in the Cash account on March 31 and there was Rs.0 on January 1.

The statement of cash flows presented above was for the three months ended March 31, 2008. Let's look at how the statement of cash flows would be prepared for just one month—March 2008.

Since much of the information for the cash flow statement comes from changes in balance sheet accounts, we need to have the balance sheet amounts for both February 29, 2008 and March 31, 2008. The differences in these account balances from February 29 to March 31 will provide us with information we need on the activities in March.

Good Deal Co.Balance Sheets

March 31 and February 29, 2008

www.ontheline.tk

Assets 3-31-08 2-29-08 Change

Cash Rs.2,100 Rs.1,300 Rs. 800

Accounts Receivable -0- 800 (800)

Inventory 200 200 -0-

Total Assets Rs.2,300 Rs.2,300 Rs. -0-

Liabilities & Owner's Equity

Liabilities Rs. -0- Rs. -0- Rs. -0-

Owner's Equity

Azhar Shah, Capital (excl. net inc.) 2,000 2,000 -0-

Azhar Shah, Curr Yr. Net Income 300 300 -0-

Total Owner's Equity 2,300 2,300 -0-

Total Liabilities & Owner's Equity Rs.2,300 Rs.2,300 Rs. -0-

(If you are wondering why March 31 is shown before February 29, it is because accountants usually place the most current amounts closest to the account names. This is a courtesy to the reader in that these are assumed to be the more importantamounts and will be easier to read if placed closest to the words.)

Focus on the "Change" column above. The first amount, a positive Rs.800 change in the Cash account, will serve as a "check figure" for the bottom line of the cash flow statement for the month of March. In other words, the cash flow statement for March must end up explaining this Rs.800 increase in the Cash account. The other amounts in the "Change" column will be used on the statement of cash flows to identify the reasons for the Rs.800 increase in cash.

Since there were no sales and no expenses in March, the income statement for the one month of March (see above) reported no net income. This Rs.0 of net income is the first amount reported on the statement of cash flows. The changes in the balance sheet accounts from February 28 to March 31 provided the other information needed for the month of March:


For the Month Ended March 31, 2008

www.ontheline.tk


Decrease in Accounts Receivable 800

Change in Inventory 0


800


Financing Activities 0

Net Increase in Cash 800

Cash at the beginning of the year 1,300


Let's review the cash flow statement for the month of March 2008:

Net income for March is Rs.0, since there were no revenues, gains, expenses, or losses.

Cash increased by Rs.800 because Rs.800 of accounts receivable were collected during March.

Inventory did not change, so Cash was not affected. (We could omit this line since it had no effect on cash.)

There were no changes in long-term assets during March, so nothing is reported in the investing activities section.

There were no changes in long-term liabilities or owner's equity; hence, nothing is reported in the financing activities section.

The summation of the amounts on the statement of cash flows is a positive Rs.800. This amount agrees to the increase in the Cash account balance from Rs.1,300 on February 29 to Rs.2,100 on March 31.

April Transactions and Financial Statements

On April 28 Good Deal orders Rs.150 of supplies on account. The supplies arrive on April 30 along with an invoice showing that the full Rs.150 is due by May 30. None of the supplies were used in April. This was the only transaction during April.

www.ontheline.tk

Azhar Shah prepared the following financial statements for Good Deal Co. as of April 30:


For the Month Ended April 30, 2008

Revenues Rs. 0

Expenses 0

Net Income Rs. 0

Since no supplies were used in April, there is no change to the Supplies Expenseaccount. The Rs.150 is reported on the balance sheet in the asset account Supplies.


For the Four Months Ended April 30, 2008

Revenues Rs.800

Expenses 500

Net Income Rs.300

Good Deal Co.Balance SheetApril 30, 2008


Cash Rs.2,100 Liabilities

Accounts Receivable 0 Accounts Payable Rs. 150


Supplies 150 Azhar Shah, Capital (excl. net inc.) 2,000




www.ontheline.tk

As you can see from the balance sheet the company added assets of Rs.150 (Supplies) and added its first liability of Rs.150 (Accounts Payable).

A balance sheet comparing April 30 to March 31 and the resulting differences or changes is shown below:


April 30 and March 31, 2008


Cash Rs.2,100 Rs.2,100 Rs. 0

Accounts Receivable 0 0 0

Inventory 200 200 0

Supplies 150 Rs. 0 Rs.150

Total Assets Rs.2,450 Rs.2,300 Rs.150

Liabilities & Owner's EquityLiabilities

Accounts Payable Rs. 150 Rs. 0 Rs.150

Owner's Equity

Azhar Shah, Capital (excl. net inc.) 2,000 2,000 0

Azhar Shah, Curr Yr. Net Income 300 300 0

Total Owner's Equity 2,300 2,300 0

Total Liabilities & Owner's Equity Rs.2,450 Rs.2,300 Rs.150

(If you are wondering why April 30 is shown before March 31, it is because accountants usually place the most current amounts closest to the account names. This is a courtesy to the reader in that these are assumed to be the more important amounts and will be easier to read if placed closest to the words.)


www.ontheline.tk

For the Month Ended April 30, 2008


Increase in Supplies (150)

Increase in Accounts Payable 150


0


Financing ActivitiesInvestment by Owner 0


Cash at the beginning of the month 2,100


The cash flow statement for the month of April reports that there was no change in the Cash account from March 31 through April 30. The operating activities section reports the increase in Supplies, but also reports the increase in Accounts Payable.

On the statement of cash flows, think of the positive amounts (the numbers not in parentheses) as good for your cash balance. For example, if you don't pay your bills, that's good for your cash balance (but bad for the liability Accounts Payable which increases).

Think of the negative amounts (the numbers within parentheses) as not good for cash. For example, if you pay a bill, that's not good for your cash balance (but good for the liability Accounts Payable which decreases).


April 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007

www.ontheline.tk


Cash Rs.2,100 Rs. 0 Rs.2,100


Inventory 200 0 200

Supplies 150 0 150

Total Assets Rs.2,450 Rs. 0 Rs.2,450


Liabilities

Accounts Payable Rs. 150 Rs. 0 Rs. 150

Owner's Equity

Azhar Shah, Capital (excl. net inc.) 2,000 0 2,000


Total Owner's Equity 2,300 0 2,300

Total Liabilities & Owner's Equity Rs.2,450 Rs. 0 Rs.2,450


For the Four Months Ended April 30, 2008




Increase in Accounts Payable 150


100





Cash at April 30, 2008 Rs.2,100

www.ontheline.tk

Let's review the statement of cash flows for the four months ended April 30:

The operating activities section of the cash flow statement starts with the net income of Rs.300 for the four-month period. The increase in Inventory is not good for cash, as shown by the negative Rs.200. Similarly, the increase in Supplies is not good for cash and it is reported as a negative Rs.150. The increase in Accounts Payable is good for cash (since some bills were not paid) so the increase in the liability account is a positive Rs.150. Combining the amounts, the net change in cash that is explained by operating activities is a positive Rs.100.

There were no changes in long-term assets, hence no cash was involved in investing activities.

There were no changes in long-term liabilities. There was a change in owner's equity since December 31, and as a result the financing activities section reports the owner's investment in Good Deal Co.

Combining the operating, investing, and financing activities, the cash flow statement reports a change in cash of Rs.2,100. This agrees with the change in the Cash account from Rs.0 on December 31, 2007 to Rs.2,100 on April 30, 2008.

May Transactions and Financial Statements

On May 30 Good Deal pays its accounts payable of Rs.150. On May 31 Good Deal purchases office equipment (a new computer and printer) that will be used exclusively in the business. The cost of the office equipment is Rs.1,100 and is paid for in cash. The equipment is put into service on May 31. There were no other transactions in May.


For the Month Ended May 31, 2008

Revenues Rs. 0

Expenses 0

Net Income Rs. 0


For the Five Months Ended May 31, 2008

www.ontheline.tk

Revenues Rs.800

Expenses 500

Net Income Rs.300

Good Deal Co.Balance SheetMay 31, 2008


Cash Rs. 850 Liabilities




Office Equipment 1,100 Azhar Shah, Curr Yr. Net Income 300



A balance sheet comparing May 31 to April 30 and the resulting differences or changes is shown below:


May 31 and April 30, 2008


Cash Rs. 850 Rs.2,100 Rs.(1,250)


Inventory 200 200 0

Supplies 150 150 0

Office Equipment 1,100 0 1,100

Total Assets Rs.2,300 Rs.2,450 Rs. (150)


Liabilities

www.ontheline.tk

Accounts Payable Rs. 0 Rs. 150 Rs. (150)

Owner's Equity



Total Owner's Equity 2,300 2,300 0

Total Liabilities & Owner's Equity Rs.2,300 Rs.2,450 Rs. (150)


For the Month Ended May 31, 2008


Decrease in Accounts Payable (150)


(150)

Investing ActivitiesPurchase of Office Equipment (1,100)


Net Increase in Cash (1,250)Cash at the beginning of the month 2,100

Cash at the end of the month Rs. 850


May 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007


Cash Rs. 850 Rs. 0 Rs. 850


Inventory 200 0 200

Supplies 150 0 150



www.ontheline.tk



Owner's Equity



Total Owner's Equity 2,300 0 Rs.2,300



For the Five Months Ended May 31, 2008





(50)





Cash at May 31, 2008 Rs. 850

Let's review the cash flow statement for the five months ended May 31:

The operating activities section starts with the net income of Rs.300 for the five-month period. The increase in Inventory is not good for cash, as shown by the negative Rs.200. Similarly, the increase in Supplies is not good for cash and it is reported as a negative Rs.150. Combining the amounts, the net change in cash that is explained by operating activities is a negative Rs.50.

The increase in long-term assets is reported under investing activities.

www.ontheline.tk

There were no changes in long-term liabilities. There was a change in owner's equity since December 31, and as a result the financing activities section of the cash flow statement reports the owner's investment into the Good Deal Co.

Combining the operating, investing, and financing activities, the statement of cash flows reports an increase in cash of Rs.850. This agrees with the change in the Cash account as shown on the balance sheets from December 31, 2007 (or January 1, 2008) and May 31, 2008.

Depreciation Expense

Depreciation moves the cost of an asset to Depreciation Expense during the asset's useful life. The accounts involved in recording depreciation are Depreciation Expense and Accumulated Depreciation. As you can see, cash is not involved. In other words, depreciation reduces net income on the income statement, but it does not reduce the Cash account on the balance sheet.

Because we begin preparing the statement of cash flows using the net income figure taken from the income statement, we need to adjust the net income figure so that it is not reduced by Depreciation Expense. To do this, we add back the amount of the Depreciation Expense.

Depletion Expense and Amortization Expense are accounts similar to Depreciation Expense, as all three involve allocating the cost of a long-term asset to an expense over the useful life of the asset. There is no cash involved.

In the operating activities section of the cash flow statement, add back expenses that did not require the use of cash. Examples are depreciation, depletion, and amortization

expense.

Let's illustrate how a depreciation expense is handled by continuing with the Good Deal Co.

www.ontheline.tk

June Transactions and Financial Statements

The only transaction recorded by Good Deal during June was the depreciation on the office equipment. Recall that on May 31 Good Deal purchased the office equipment (a new computer and printer) for Rs.1,100 and it was put into service on the same day. Let's assume that a depreciation expense of Rs.20 per month is recorded by Good Deal. As a result, Good Deal's financial statements at June 30 will be as follows:


For the Month Ended June 30, 2008

Revenues Rs. 0

Expenses

Depreciation Expense 20

Net Income Rs.(20)


For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008

Revenues Rs.800

Expenses

Cost of Goods Sold 500


Total Expense 520

Net Income Rs.280

Good Deal Co.Balance SheetJune 30, 2008


Cash Rs. 850 Liabilities




Office Equipment 1,100 Azhar Shah, Curr Yr. Net Income 280

www.ontheline.tk

Less: Accumulated Depreciation (20) Total Azhar Shah, Capital 2,280


A balance sheet comparing June 30 to May 31 and the resulting differences or changes is shown below:


June 30 and May 31, 2008


Cash Rs. 850 Rs. 850 Rs. 0


Inventory 200 200 0

Supplies 150 150 0

Office Equipment 1,100 1,100 0

Less: Accumulated Depreciation (20) 0 (20)

Total Assets Rs.2,280 Rs.2,300 Rs.(20)



Owner's Equity



Total Azhar Shah, Capital 2,280 2,300 (20)

Total Liabilities & Owner's Equity Rs.2,280 Rs.2,300 Rs.(20)

(If you are wondering why June 30 is shown before May 31, it is because accountants usually place the most current amounts closest to the account names. This is a courtesy to the reader in that these are assumed to be the more important amounts and will be easier to read if placed closest to the words.)

www.ontheline.tk


For the Month Ended June 30, 2008

Operating ActivitiesNet Income Rs. (20)

Add: Depreciation Expense 20


0




Cash at the beginning of the month 850

Cash at the end of the month Rs.850

The cash flow statement for the month of June illustrates why depreciation expense needs to be added back to net income. Good Deal did not spend any cash in June, however, the entry in the Depreciation Expense account resulted in a net loss on the income statement. To convert the bottom line of the income statement (a loss of Rs.20) to the amount of cash provided or used in operating activities (Rs.0) we need to add back or remove the depreciation expense amount.


June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007


Cash Rs. 850 Rs. 0 Rs. 850


Inventory 200 0 200

Supplies 150 0 150


Less: Accumulated Depreciation (20) 0 (20)


www.ontheline.tk



Owner's Equity



Total Azhar Shah, Capital 2,280 0 2,280



For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008


Add back: Depreciation Expense 20




(50)

Investing ActivitiesIncrease in Office Equipment (1,100)




Cash at June 30, 2008 Rs. 850

Let's review the cash flow statement for the six months ended June 30:

The operating activities section starts with the net income of Rs.280 for the six-month period. Depreciation expense is added back to net income because it was a noncash transaction (net income was reduced, but there was no cash spent on depreciation). The increase in the Inventory account is not good for cash, as shown by the negative Rs.200. Similarly, the increase in Supplies is not good for cash and it is reported as a negative Rs.150. Combining the amounts, the net change in cash that is explained by operating activities is a negative Rs.50.

www.ontheline.tk

The increase in long-term assets caused a cash outflow of Rs.1,100 which is reported in the investing activities section.

There were no changes in long-term liabilities. There was a change in owner's equity since December 31, and as a result the financing activities section reports the owner's Rs.2,000 investment into the Good Deal Co.

Combining the operating, investing, and financing activities, the statement of cash flows reports an increase in cash of Rs.850. This agrees with the change in the Cash account as shown on the balance sheets from December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008.

Disposal of Assets

If a company disposes of (sells) a long-term asset for an amount different from its recorded amount in the company's accounting records (its book value), an adjustment must be made to net income on the cash flow statement.

For example, let's say a company sells one of its delivery trucks for Rs.3,000. That truck is shown on the company records at its original cost of Rs.20,000 less accumulated depreciation of Rs.18,000. When these two amounts are combined ("netted together") the net amount is known as the book value (or the carrying value) of the asset. In the example, the book value of the truck is Rs.2,000 (Rs.20,000 - Rs.18,000).

Because the proceeds from the sale of the truck are Rs.3,000 and the book value is Rs.2,000 the difference of Rs.1,000 is recorded in the account Gain of Sale of Truck—an income statement account. The transaction has the effect of increasing the company's net income. If the truck had sold for Rs.1,500 (Rs.500 less than its Rs.2,000 book value), the difference of Rs.500 would be reported in the account Loss on Sale of Truck and would reduce the company's net income.

One of the rules in preparing a statement of cash flows is that the entire proceeds received from the sale of a long-term asset must be reported in the second section of the statement, the investing activities section. This presents a problem because any gain or loss on the sale of an asset is also included in the company's net income which is reported in the first section—operating activities. To avoid double counting, each gain is deducted from net income and each loss is added to net income in the operating activities section of the cash flow statement.

www.ontheline.tk

Let's illustrate this by returning to Good Deal Co.'s activities.

July Transactions and Financial Statements

On July 1 Azhar Shah decides that his company no longer needs its office equipment. Good Deal used the equipment for one month (May 31 through June 30) and had recorded one month's depreciation of Rs.20. This means the book value of the equipment is Rs.1,080 (the original cost of Rs.1,100 less the Rs.20 of accumulated depreciation). On July 1 Good Deal sells the equipment for Rs.900 in cash and records a loss of Rs.180 in the account Loss on Sale of Equipment on its income statement. There were no other transactions in July.

The income statement and the statement of cash flows for the month of July illustrate how the disposal of the equipment is reported:


For the Month Ended July 31, 2008

Revenues Rs. 0

Expenses

Loss on Sale of Equipment 180

Net Income Rs.(180)


For the Seven Months Ended July 31, 2008

Revenues Rs.800

Expenses

Cost of Goods Sold 500


www.ontheline.tk

Loss on Sale of Equipment 180

Total Expense 700

Net Income Rs.100


July 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008


Cash Rs.1,750 Rs. 850 Rs. 900


Inventory 200 200 0

Supplies 150 150 0

Office Equipment 0 1,100 (1,100)

Less: Accumulated Depreciation 0 (20) 20

Total Assets Rs.2,100 Rs.2,280 Rs. (180)



Owner's Equity


Azhar Shah, Curr Yr. Net Income 100 280 (180)

Total Azhar Shah, Capital 2,100 2,280 (180)

Total Liabilities & Owner's Equity Rs.2,100 Rs.2,280 Rs. (180)


For the Month Ended July 31, 2008

Operating ActivitiesNet Income Rs. (180)


Add back: Loss on Sale of Equipment 180

www.ontheline.tk


0

Investing ActivitiesProceeds from sale of Office Equipment 900



Cash at the beginning of the month 850


Let's review the cash flow statement for the month of July 2008:

Net income for July was a net loss of Rs.180. There were no revenues, expenses, or gains, but there was an entry of Rs.180 in the account Loss on Sale of Equipment.

There was no depreciation expense in July, and current assets and current liabilities did not change in July, so cash was not affected. (We could have omitted the line "Depreciation Expense".)

There was no cash provided or used by operating activities. Good Deal received Rs.900 from the sale of its office equipment. There was no change in long-term liabilities or owner's equity during July.

The summation of the amounts on the cash flow statement is a positive cash inflow of Rs.900. This amount agrees to our check figure—the increase in the Cash account balance from June 30 to July 31.


July 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007


Cash Rs.1,750 Rs. 0 Rs.1,750


Inventory 200 0 200

Supplies 150 0 150

Office Equipment 0 0 0

Less: Accumulated Depreciation 0 0 0


www.ontheline.tk



Owner's Equity



Total Azhar Shah, Capital 2,100 0 2,100



For the Seven Months Ended July 31, 2008



Add back: Loss on Sale of Equipment 180




(50)


Proceeds from sale of Office Equipment 900

Cash Provided (Used) in Investing Activities (200)

Financing ActivitiesInvestment by owner 2,000



Cash at July 31, 2008 Rs.1,750

Let's review the cash flow statement for the seven months of January through July 2008:

Net income for the seven months is Rs.100. This includes revenues, gains, expenses, and losses.

www.ontheline.tk

Included in the net income for the seven months is Rs.20 of depreciation expense. This expense reduced net income but did not reduce the Cash account; therefore we add the Rs.20 depreciation expense to the net income.

Also included in net income is the Rs.180 entry into the Loss on Sale of Equipment account. This loss was reported on the income statement thereby reducing net income but not reducing cash. (The cash received from the sale of the equipment appears in its entirety under the investing activities section of the cash flow statement.)

Inventory on July 31 is Rs.200 (4 calculators at a cost of Rs.50 each). Since the company began with no inventory, this increase in the Inventory account means that Rs.200 of cash was used to increase inventory.

Supplies increased from none to Rs.150. The increase in the Supplies account is assumed to have had a negative effect of Rs.150 on the Cash account.

Combining the amounts so far, we see that the cash from operating activities is a negative Rs.50. In other words, rather than providing cash, the operating activities used Rs.50 of cash.

There is cash outflow (or payment) of Rs.1,100 to purchase the office equipment on May 31 and the Rs.900 of cash inflow (or receipt) from the sale of the office equipment on July 1. Combining these two amounts results in the net outflow ("cash used in investing activities") of Rs.200.

There was an owner's investment of Rs.2,000 made on January 2.

The statement of cash flow's bottom line amount of Rs.1,750 results from combining the amount totals of the previous three sections—operating, investing, and financing activities. This Rs.1,750 agrees to the check figure—the difference in the Cash account balance from the beginning of January to July 31.

Additional Information and Resources

Because the material covered here is considered an introduction to this topic, many complexities have been omitted. You should always consult with an accounting professional for assistance with your own specific circumstances.

www.ontheline.tk

www.ontheline.tk

statement of cash flows

Documents

cash flow statement

income statement

companys cash account

statement covers

important financial

companys net income

reported net income

income taxes