Sunday 15 April 2018

What is the difference between operating cash flow and net income?

Cash flow and net income statements are different in most cases, because there is a time gap between documented sales and actual payments. The situation is under control if the invoiced customers pay in cash during the next period. If the payments are postponed further, there is a larger difference between net income and operative cash flow statements. If the trend does not change, the annual report may demonstrate equally low total cash flow and net income.

Usually, rapidly developing companies report low net income as they invest in improvement and expansion. In the long run, high operating cash flow brings a stable net income raise, though some periods may show net income decreasing tendency.

Constant generation of cash inflow is more important for a company's success than accrual accounting. Cash flow is a better criterion and barometer of a company's financial health. Managers and investors can avoid many traps if they pay more attention to operating cash flow analyses.


Read more: What is the difference between operating cash flow and net income? | Investopedia https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/012915/what-difference-between-operating-cash-flow-and-net-income.asp#ixzz5CkS3Obxg
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