For example, if accounts receivable dramatically increases, it may be a sign that customers are not paying in a timely manner. If customers are not paying, then incoming cash will obviously be less. But it may also mean potential future writeoffs. Operating cash flow gives you a quick big picture view on how the company’s main business is performing overall.in the financing section of the cash-flow statement.
Debt usually adds risks, though, in that it has a cost in interest charges and an obligation — it needs to be paid back. If your company is constantly using debt to fund its cash needs, this might be a future problem, especially if it is in a cyclical industry where revenue and earnings can wildly swing.Article contentThe financing section is also where you will find out how the company’s equity position has changed.
But you need to watch for any company that constantly issues new shares, year after year. Remember, every new share dilutes your ownership of the company. Share buybacks, of course, have the opposite effect. They use up cash, but your ownership of the company increases every time shares are bought and cancelled by the company.Article contentissue new shares.