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Finance Dictionary

Cash Flow

Definition

The net amount of cash and cash-equivalents being transferred into and out of a business.

Deep Dive

Cash flow refers to the net amount of cash and cash equivalents being transferred into and out of a business over a specified period. It is a vital indicator of a company's financial health, demonstrating its ability to generate cash to pay debts, fund operations, and invest in future growth. Positive cash flow means a company is bringing in more cash than it is spending, indicating financial stability and liquidity, while negative cash flow suggests the opposite and can signal potential financial distress if sustained.

Examples & Use Cases

  • 1A software company receiving monthly subscription payments from customers
  • 2A manufacturing business paying for raw materials and employee salaries

Related Terms

LiquidityProfitabilityIncome Statement

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