Key takeaways
- Cash flow records a company's inflow and outflow of actual cash (cash and cash equivalents).
- Fund flow is the working capital of a business and includes the net movement of funds.
- Fund flow records the movement of cash in and out of the company.
- Cash flow shows if a company can pay bills now, while fund flow is for long-term financial planning.
A cash flow and fund flow statement both show money movement, but in different ways. Cash flow shows actual cash coming in and going out. Fund flow shows changes in the overall financial position. Knowing the difference between cash flow and fund flow helps understand a company’s money better.
What is fund flow Statement?
A Funds Flow Statement is a financial document that analyses the movement of financial resources within a company by comparing its balance sheets across two different periods. It outlines the sources from which funds were generated and the ways in which they were utilised during the financial year. This report provides a clearer picture of changes in the company’s financial position beyond what the income statement or balance sheet alone can show. Fund flow statements are typically used to assess long-term financial stability and the allocation of funds for various activities within the organisation.
Fund flow analysis can help investors and analysts understand how funds are being utilised by companies, offering valuable insights into their financial health and investment potential.
What is Cash flow Statement?
Cash flow, on the other hand, is a financial statement that focuses solely on the movement of cash in and out of a business during a given period. It provides a snapshot of a company's liquidity and its ability to meet short-term financial obligations. Cash flow statements are crucial for assessing a company's ability to generate cash and are often used by investors to determine if a company can meet its immediate financial needs.
In the Indian stock market, cash flow analysis plays a critical role in evaluating the short-term financial viability of companies, making it an essential tool for traders and short-term investors.
Additional read: What is Return on Equity