Analyze changes in noncurrent asset and liability accounts and record as investing and
financing activities, or disclose as noncash transactions. (3) Compare the net change in cash
on the statement of cash flows with the change in the Cash account reported on the balance
sheet to make sure the amounts agree.
4. Analyze the statement of cash flows. Free cash flow indicates the amount of cash a
company generated during the current year that is available for the payment of additional
dividends or for expansion.
a5. Prepare a statement of cash flows using the direct method. The preparation of the
statement of cash flows involves three major steps. (1) Determine net cash provided/used by
operating activities by converting net income from an accrual basis to a cash basis. (2)
Analyze changes in noncurrent asset and liability accounts and record as investing and
financing activities, or disclose as noncash transactions. (3) Compare the net change in cash
on the statement of cash flows with the change in the Cash account reported on the balance
sheet to make sure the amounts agree. The direct method reports cash receipts less cash
payments to arrive at net cash provided by operating activities.
a6. Explain how to use a worksheet to prepare the statement of cash flows using the
indirect method. When there are numerous adjustments, a worksheet can be a helpful tool
in preparing the statement of cash flows. Key guidelines for using a worksheet are as follows
(1) List accounts with debit balances separately from those with credit balances. (2) In the
reconciling columns in the bottom portion of the worksheet, show cash inflows as debits and
cash outflows as credits. (3) Do not enter reconciling items in any journal or account, but use
them only to help prepare the statement of cash flows.
The steps in preparing the worksheet are as follows (1) Enter beginning and ending balances
of balance sheet accounts. (2) Enter debits and credits in reconciling columns. (3) Enter the
increase or decrease in cash in two places as a balancing amount.
a7. Use the T-account approach to prepare a statement of cash flows. To use T-accounts to
prepare the statement of cash flows: (1) prepare a large Cash T-account with sections for
operating, investing, and financing activities; (2) prepare smaller T-accounts for all other
noncash accounts; (3) insert beginning and ending balances for all accounts; and (4) follow
the steps in illustration 13-3 (page 654), entering debit and credit amounts as needed.
TRUE-FALSE STATEMENTS
1. The statement of cash flows is a required statement that must be prepared along with an
income statement, balance sheet, and retained earnings statement.
2. For external reporting, a company must prepare either an income statement or a
statement of cash flows, but not both.
3. A primary objective of the statement of cash flows is to show the income or loss on
investing and financing transactions.