Cash flow from assets {with example}

In this article we will know about cash flow from assets.

In fact you will gain all of the information regarding that.

So, let’s start reading this amazing post.

What is cash flow from assets

Cash flow from assets shows the cash flow of a company’s different types of assets. Cash flow includes the value of cash inflow and outflow of the firm.

It’s required to know CFFA because it shows profitability and value of the company, that’s why investors and analysts use this matrix.

To calculate Cash flow from assets, first we need to know how many types of assets there are. And the answer is three. However Many types of assets are available in a firm, but mainly those three are most important.

  • Cash flow from operations
  • Net working capital
  • Change in fixed assets

So let’s dive into the first type.

Cash flow generated by operations

Any business or corporation generates its main income from its business core idea called operations. Such as selling products or providing service.

Cash flow generated from operations is also part of company assets. It is calculated by including net income which is obtained by deducting business costs from revenue. But this asset also includes non cash expenses such as amortization and depreciation.

And now, Next one is

Net working capital

Changes in working capital show the net change of working capital for a specific period of time. It includes inventory, receivable accounts and payable accounts.

Decreasing in working capital indicates cash inflow where increase in working capital is a sign of cash outflow.

So it’s important for organisations to consider these details.

Change in Fixed assets

Changes in fixed assets is the net change of fixed assets which a company buys or sells in a time period.

Let’s be clear, fixed assets are long term assets of the company. Such as property and real estate.

When a company buys assets for the long term it’s included in cash outflow where it sells any assets so it’s Calculated in cash inflow. Remember, changes in fixed assets calculation are free from depreciation.

So, these three types of assets are mostly considered when measuring cash flow from assets.

Let’s understand by example.

Cash flow from assets example

Assume a company named Parker which manufactures plastic pipe. Now the owner wants to sell their company.

So they found a buyer who is interested in this but he first wants to know check the company’s value is good or not by calculating cash flow from assets.

A buyer calculate cash flow from assets

Parker company earned almost $ 16,000 from last year, which was its net income. With that Depreciation value was almost $4,000.

So, cash flow from operation is generated total 16,000 + 4,000 = 20,000

Parker company’s net change working capital includes three things which we discussed.

They had increased $12,000 in inventory and $4,000 had increased in accounts receivable. But on the other side, $8,000 had increased in accounts payable.

So total calculation is

– 12,000 – 4,000 + 8,000 = -8,000

So, Parker company increased 8,000 on working capital.

Time to know if the company bought any fixed assets in this time period and answer is yes.. Parker company spent $2,000 to acquire fixed assets.

Now we have full information.

Cash flow from assets formula = cash flow from operation + net working capital + change in fixed assets.

CFFA = 20,000 + (-8,000) + (-2,000) = 10,000

This calculation of cash flow from assets indicates that the Company’s cash flow is positive and buying the Company is a good idea.

Special section

CFFA is a useful matrix for both investors and analysts. It shows where the company spent its cash and where to come. Which helps with the analysis of the company.

Also it shows the profitability of the company that is why investors consider this matric. Another one advantage is it provides an insightful view of different assets so organisations can decide which assets to give more or less importance.

It’s normal for companies to sometimes face negative cash flow from assets, which is bad for the company. If it comes from operation means you spent more than you earn.

But if it comes from fixed assets, it means you invest cash for the long term and it’s good for the future.

Now let’s see some FAQs.

FAQ

What are the three components of cash flow from assets?

Here are those three components

  • Cash flow from operations
  • Net working capital
  • Change in fixed assets

How do you calculate cash flow for fixed assets?

Simple, subtract the value of this year’s fixed assets from last year’s fixed assets value. We will get net change in fixed assets.

Conclusion

So, it was the full information about cash flow from assets.

Now your turn, are you happy with the content.

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