How to Analyse The Cash Flow Statement for MSME

Analyzing the cash flow statement is crucial for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as it provides insights into the company’s cash inflows and outflows during a specific period. This analysis helps MSMEs assess their cash flow management, liquidity, and financial health.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to analyze the cash flow statement for an MSME:

1. Understand the Structure of the Cash Flow Statement:
   Familiarize yourself with the three main sections of the cash flow statement: Operating Activities, Investing Activities, and Financing Activities. Each section provides information about different aspects of the company’s cash flow.
2. Assess Operating Activities:
   Focus on the Operating Activities section, which details cash flows related to the MSME’s core business operations. A positive cash flow from operating activities indicates that the company’s core business is generating cash, which is a positive sign. Conversely, a negative cash flow from operations may suggest that the company is struggling to generate sufficient cash from its core activities.
3. Analyze Changes in Operating Cash Flow:
   Compare the cash flow from operating activities between different periods. Significant changes in operating cash flow should be investigated further to understand the underlying reasons. For example, declining operating cash flow may indicate a slowdown in sales, increasing operating costs, or problems with collections.
4. Examine Investing Activities:
   Review the Investing Activities section, which outlines cash flows related to the purchase and sale of long-term assets, investments, and other capital expenditures. Positive cash flows from investing activities suggest that the MSME is making profitable investments, while negative cash flows may indicate excessive capital expenditures.
5. Evaluate Financing Activities:
   Analyze the Financing Activities section, which provides information on cash flows related to external financing and changes in the company’s capital structure. Positive cash flows from financing activities could indicate successful fundraising or debt issuance, while negative cash flows might suggest repayments or dividends paid to shareholders.
6. Calculate Free Cash Flow:
   Calculate the free cash flow by subtracting capital expenditures (found in the Investing Activities section) from cash flow from operating activities. Free cash flow represents the cash available for debt reduction, expansion, or distribution to shareholders. Positive free cash flow indicates a healthier financial position.
7. Review Cash and Cash Equivalents:
   Pay attention to the ending balance of cash and cash equivalents. A declining cash balance may signal liquidity issues, while a significant increase may indicate conservative financial management.
8. Compare Cash Flow with Profitability:
   Analyze how the cash flow from operating activities compares to the company’s net income (profit). If the cash flow from operations is consistently lower than the net income, it may suggest aggressive revenue recognition or issues with accounts receivable collections.
9. Check the Reconciliation of Net Income and Cash Flows:
   Review the reconciliation of net income to cash flow from operating activities. This section provides insights into non-cash items, such as depreciation and changes in working capital, affecting the company’s cash flow.

Conclusion:

Analyzing the cash flow statement helps MSMEs understand their cash flow management, liquidity, and financial performance. By regularly monitoring and interpreting the cash flow statement, MSMEs can identify potential cash flow challenges, improve financial decision-making, and ensure sustainable growth.