N
The Global Insight

How is the statement of cash flows organized?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on February 11, 2026

(It is also known as the statement of cash flows.) The cash flow statement is organized into four major sections: cash from operating activities, cash from investing activities, cash from financing activities, and supplemental information such as interest paid, income taxes paid, and significant noncash exchanges.

What is the order followed for presenting the cash flow in cash flow statement?

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.

What are the different formats available for presenting the statement of cash flows?

Two methods are available to prepare a statement of cash flows: the indirect and direct methods. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) prefers the direct method, while many businesses prefer the indirect method.

How do you present cash flow?

The cash flow from operating activities is found by adjusting net income for (i) changes in current assets and current liabilities and (ii) depreciation expense. Depreciation expense is not a cash flow. Because it decreases net income, it is added back to net income, in order to arrive at the operating cash flow.

Which is the best way to present a cash flow statement?

A cash flow statement can be presented in either the direct or indirect format. The investing and financing sections will be the same under either format. However, the operating section will be different. Direct method is that method whereby major class of gross cash receipts and gross cash pay­ment are disclosed.

Which is the operating section of the statement of cash flows?

The operating section of the statement of cash flows can be shown through either the direct method or the indirect method. With either method, the investing and financing sections are identical; the only difference is in the operating section. The direct method shows the major classes of gross cash receipts and gross cash payments.

What does it mean to have cash flow from investing activities?

Cash Flow from Investing ActivitiesCash Flow from Investing ActivitiesCash Flow from Investing Activities is the section of a company’s cash flow statement that displays how much money has been used in (or generated from) making investments during a specific time period.

Why is interest and tax added back to the statement of cash flows?

It is reduces profit but does not impact cash flow (it is a non-cash expense). Hence, it is added back. Hence, it is added back. Similarly, if the starting point profit is above interest and tax in the income statement, then interest and tax cash flows will need to be deducted if they are to be treated as operating cash flows.