BAJAJ BROKING

Notification close image
No new Notification messages
card image
Anthem Biosciences IPO is Open!
Apply for the Anthem Biosciences IPO through UPI in just minutes.
delete image
card image
Start your SIP with just ₹100
Choose from 4,000+ Mutual Funds on Bajaj Broking
delete image
card image
Open a Free Demat Account
Pay ZERO maintenance charges for the first year, get free stock picks daily, and more.
delete image
card image
Trade Now, Pay Later with up to 4x
Never miss a good trading opportunity due to low funds with our MTF feature.
delete image
card image
Track Market Movers Instantly
Stay updated with real-time data. Get insights at your fingertips.
delete image

What is Funds Flow Statement?

What is Funds Flow Statement?

A Funds Flow Statement is a financial report that tracks the changes in a company's working capital over a specific accounting period. It primarily illustrates how funds, broadly defined as working capital (current assets minus current liabilities), have been generated and applied by the business. The statement identifies the sources of funds, which represent inflows of working capital, and the applications (or uses) of funds, which represent outflows of working capital. By analysing these movements, stakeholders can understand the major financial decisions made by management, such as how the company financed its investments, repaid its debts, or distributed profits. It provides a summary of the significant financial changes that have occurred between two balance sheet dates.

Importance of Funds Flow Statements in Financial Analysis

Funds Flow Statements are considered important in financial analysis for several reasons. They offer a perspective on a company's financial operations that complements the information provided by the income statement and balance sheet. Unlike a cash flow statement, which focuses on cash movements, the funds flow statement highlights changes in working capital, indicating shifts in a company's current financial position and liquidity. This can help analysts understand how a company's short-term financial resources are being managed and deployed. It can reveal trends in financing and investment activities that might not be immediately apparent from other statements. For instance, it can show if a company is relying on long-term debt to finance current operations or if it is investing its working capital in fixed assets. This insight assists in assessing a company's financial policies and its ability to manage its resources over time.

Key Components of a Funds Flow Statement

A Funds Flow Statement is typically divided into two main sections: sources of funds and applications of funds.

  • Sources of Funds (Inflows of Working Capital):

    • Funds from Operations: This is calculated by adjusting net profit (or loss) for non-cash items (like depreciation, amortisation) and non-operating items (like profit/loss on sale of assets, dividends received) to show the working capital generated from the core business activities.

    • Sale of Fixed Assets: Proceeds from selling long-term assets such as land, buildings, or machinery.

    • Issue of Shares or Debentures: Funds raised by issuing new equity shares, preference shares, or long-term debt instruments like debentures.

    • Long-Term Loans Raised: Funds obtained from securing long-term debt from financial institutions.

    • Non-Operating Income: Income from sources other than core business operations, such as dividends or interest received (if considered non-operating).

    • Decrease in Working Capital: If working capital decreases between two periods, it implies a net inflow of funds for that period, often due to a greater decrease in current assets than current liabilities or an increase in current liabilities offsetting current asset changes.

  • Applications of Funds (Outflows of Working Capital):

    • Purchase of Fixed Assets: Funds used to acquire long-term assets.

    • Repayment of Long-Term Loans or Debentures: Funds used to pay back long-term debts.

    • Redemption of Preference Shares: Funds used to repurchase preference shares.

    • Payment of Dividends: Distribution of profits to shareholders.

    • Operating Losses: If operations result in a net loss, it represents an outflow of working capital.

    • Increase in Working Capital: If working capital increases between two periods, it implies a net outflow of funds, often due to a greater increase in current assets than current liabilities or a decrease in current liabilities not offset by current asset changes.

How to Prepare a Funds Flow Statement?

Preparing a Funds Flow Statement generally involves a few key steps, beginning with the calculation of changes in working capital.

  1. Prepare a Schedule of Changes in Working Capital:

    This involves comparing the current assets and current liabilities from two consecutive balance sheets.

    • Current Assets: An increase in a current asset (e.g., inventory, debtors) indicates an application of funds (working capital tied up), while a decrease indicates a source of funds (working capital released).

    • Current Liabilities: An increase in a current liability (e.g., creditors, bills payable) indicates a source of funds (more short-term financing available), while a decrease indicates an application of funds (short-term obligations paid off).

    • The net change in current assets minus current liabilities provides the overall change in working capital (increase or decrease).

  2. Prepare a Statement of Adjusted Profit and Loss (Funds from Operations):

    This step converts the net profit/loss from the income statement into "funds from operations." This involves:

    • Adding back non-cash expenses like depreciation, amortisation, and goodwill written off.

    • Adding back non-operating expenses like loss on sale of fixed assets.

    • Deducting non-operating incomes like profit on sale of fixed assets, and dividends received (if treated as non-operating).

  3. Prepare a Funds Flow Statement:

    This final statement classifies all changes in non-current accounts into sources or applications of funds.

    • For example, an increase in share capital (non-current liability) is a source. A decrease in long-term debt (non-current liability) is an application.

    • Purchase of fixed assets (increase in non-current asset) is an application. Sale of fixed assets (decrease in non-current asset) is a source.

    • The total sources of funds should equal the total applications of funds, with the difference being the net change in working capital calculated in step 1.

Differences Between Funds Flow and Cash Flow Statements

While both statements analyse financial movements, their focus differs significantly.

Feature

Funds Flow Statement

Cash Flow Statement

Focus

Changes in working capital (current assets - current liabilities)

Movements of actual cash and cash equivalents

Basis

Accrual basis adjustments (working capital)

Cash basis

Period Covered

Compares two balance sheet dates (change over time)

Reports activities over a specific period (e.g., quarter, year)

Sources/Uses

Broadly categorises sources and applications of working capital

Divides cash flows into Operating, Investing, Financing activities

Non-Cash Items

Adjusts for non-cash items to arrive at funds from operations

Directly uses cash effects; non-cash items are not part of cash flow

Purpose

Analyses long-term financing and investment policies

Shows liquidity and solvency; actual cash generating ability

Practical Examples of Funds Flow Statements

A practical example of a funds flow statement might illustrate how a company generated funds and how it used them over a year. If a company sold old machinery (source of funds), issued new equity shares (source of funds), and generated profits from its operations (funds from operations), these would be listed as inflows. Conversely, if the company purchased new equipment (application of funds), repaid a long-term loan (application of funds), and paid dividends to shareholders (application of funds), these would be listed as outflows. The statement would then show the net increase or decrease in working capital, reconciling it with the changes observed in the balance sheet. This helps in understanding how non-current activities impact current financial resources.

Limitations of Funds Flow Statement

While useful, the Funds Flow Statement has certain limitations.

  • Focus on Working Capital: It only focuses on changes in working capital, not actual cash movements, which might not reveal immediate liquidity issues.

  • Historical Data: It uses historical data, meaning it provides a retrospective view and may not predict future financial positions.

  • No Universal Definition of "Funds": The definition of "funds" can vary (e.g., working capital, all financial resources), which can affect comparability across different analyses.

  • Complexity: Its preparation can be complex due to the adjustments required for non-cash and non-operating items.

  • Does not explain "why" cash is short/plentiful: Even if working capital increases, the company might be facing a cash crunch if current assets are tied up in inventory or receivables.

Conclusion

The Funds Flow Statement is a financial report that highlights the changes in a company's working capital, detailing the sources and applications of funds over a period. It offers a perspective on financing and investment decisions, complementing other financial statements. While it provides insight into the management of a company's resources, its focus on working capital rather than pure cash movements presents a specific analytical viewpoint.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Share this article: 

Frequently Asked Questions

No result found

search icon
investment-card-icon

Asset Coverage Ratio: Meaning, Formula & Key Highlights

Asset coverage ratio shows how well a company can cover debts with assets. Know the formula, features, uses, and see a detailed example for better clarity.

investment-card-icon

Blue Chip vs Large Cap: Key Differences

Blue chip vs large cap stocks: Compare their characteristics, benefits, and risks to decide which fits your portfolio and supports your long-term investment goals.

investment-card-icon

High Priced vs Low-Priced Stocks: Key Differences

High-priced vs low-priced stocks: Compare their risks, returns, and which fits your goals. Get key insights to align your stock choices with your strategy.

investment-card-icon

What is Macaulay Duration Definition & Examples

Macaulay Duration helps measure a bond’s sensitivity to interest rate changes. Get the definition, formula, and examples to grasp its role in fixed income investing.

investment-card-icon

What is a Funds Flow Statement?

The funds flow statement reveals a company’s financial health. See how it differs from cash flow statements and why it’s important for analyzing business performance.

investment-card-icon

Dividend Rate vs Dividend Yield

Dividend rate vs. dividend yield: Know the key differences and how each impacts your returns. Make smarter investment decisions with these essential metrics.

investment-card-icon

Dealing with Stock Market Losses

Stock market losses can be challenging. Get strategies to recover and minimize risk while making informed decisions for future investments with Bajaj Broking.

investment-card-icon

Market Capitalisation vs Equity

Market capitalisation vs equity: Know the difference and how each affects your investment strategy. Use these key metrics to make smarter, informed decisions.

investment-card-icon

What is Contrarian Investing? Risks & Benefits

Contrarian investing goes against the crowd to find value. See how this bold strategy works and why it may lead to strong gains for patient investors.

investment-card-icon

What is Random Walk Theory

Random Walk Theory claims markets are unpredictable. Review its key points, impact on investment strategies, and the ongoing debate among experts.

Disclaimer :

The information on this website is provided on "AS IS" basis. Bajaj Broking (BFSL) does not warrant the accuracy of the information given herein, either expressly or impliedly, for any particular purpose and expressly disclaims any warranties of merchantability or suitability for any particular purpose. While BFSL strives to ensure accuracy, it does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the information. Users are advised to independently verify details and stay updated with any changes.

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice. BFSL shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided herein and shall not be held responsible for all or any actions that may subsequently result in any loss, damage and or liability. Interest rates, fees, and charges etc., are revised from time to time, for the latest details please refer to our Pricing page.

Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.

BFSL is acting as distributor for non-broking products/ services such as IPO, Mutual Fund, Insurance, PMS, and NPS. These are not Exchange Traded Products. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before investing.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

[ Read More ]

For more disclaimer, check here : https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer

Our Secure Trading Platforms

Level up your stock market experience: Download the Bajaj Broking App for effortless investing and trading

Bajaj Broking App Download

10 lakh+ Users

icon-with-text

4.2 App Rating

icon-with-text

4 Languages

icon-with-text

₹5600+ Cr MTF Book

icon-with-text
banner-icon

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|

Please Enter Mobile Number

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|