Cash flow refers to the movement of money in and out of a business or individual's accounts. It is an important measure of financial health and stability, as it shows how much money is available to cover expenses, debts, and investments. Positive cash flow indicates that more money is coming in than going out, while negative cash flow means that more money is going out than coming in. Monitoring and managing cash flow is crucial for ensuring the financial sustainability of a business or individual.
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Google Gemini AI
May 20
Cash Flow
Definition:
Cash flow refers to the movement of money in and out of a business, organization, or individual. It measures the liquidity of a business, indicating its ability to meet short-term obligations and cover expenses.
Types of Cash Flow:
- Operating Cash Flow: Cash generated from core business activities, such as sales, expenses, and inventory changes. - Investing Cash Flow: Cash used to purchase or sell assets, such as equipment, buildings, or investments. - Financing Cash Flow: Cash raised or repaid through activities such as issuing stock, borrowing money, or paying dividends.
Importance of Cash Flow:
- Solvency: Ensures a business has enough cash to pay its bills and avoid insolvency. - Growth and Expansion: Provides funds for investing in capital projects, new initiatives, or acquisitions. - Financial Stability: Helps maintain a positive cash position and avoid reliance on external financing. - Dividend Payments: Enables businesses to pay dividends to shareholders.
Key Metrics:
- Net Cash Flow: The total cash generated from all sources, excluding financing activities. - Cash from Operations: Cash generated from ongoing business activities. - Free Cash Flow: Cash available after all operating expenses and capital expenditures have been paid.