What is Positive Cash Flow – Definition, Example, and FAQ | Mindmesh (2024)

What is positive cash flow?

Definition: Positive cash flow refers to a situation in which a business or other organization generates more cash than it spends over a given period of time. In other words, positive cash flow occurs when the cash inflows (such as revenue from sales or investment income) exceed the cash outflows (such as expenses and debt payments).

Positive cash flow is an important indicator of financial health, showing that an organization has sufficient cash available to meet its financial obligations and fund its operations.

It can also be a sign of future growth and stability, as it suggests that the organization is generating sufficient cash to invest in new opportunities or to build up reserves for leaner times.

Positive cash flow example

A small retail store generates $50,000 in revenue from the sale of its products in a month. The store's monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, payroll, and other expenses, total $30,000.

This means that the store has a net cash flow of $50,000 - $30,000 = $20,000 for the month.

In this case, the store has a positive cash flow of $20,000, meaning it has more cash coming in than going out.

This positive cash flow can help the store to meet its financial obligations, such as paying its bills and employees and to invest in growth opportunities, such as expanding its product line or marketing efforts.

It can also help the store to build up its cash reserves, which can provide a financial cushion in case of unexpected expenses or downturns in business.

Does cash flow positive mean profitable?

Most of the time, but this isn't always the case. A company can have positive cash flow without making a profit. An organization may record a net loss but receive enough money from cash inflows to offset the loss and have a positive cash flow.

What are the three types of cash flow?

  1. Cash flow from operations (CFO), or operating cash flow
  2. Cash flow from investing (CFI), or investing cash flow
  3. Cash flows from financing (CFF), or financing cash flow

What is Positive Cash Flow – Definition, Example, and FAQ | Mindmesh (2024)

FAQs

What is Positive Cash Flow – Definition, Example, and FAQ | Mindmesh? ›

Positive cash flow occurs when more cash flows into your business than flows out of it. 🤑However, negative cash flow occurs when your cash outflow exceeds your cash inflow. 💸 Positive cash flow means a company has enough cash on hand to cover its operating expenses–like payroll, utilities, and raw materials.

What is a positive cash flow example? ›

Positive cash flow example

A small retail store generates $50,000 in revenue from the sale of its products in a month. The store's monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, payroll, and other expenses, total $30,000. This means that the store has a net cash flow of $50,000 - $30,000 = $20,000 for the month.

What is a good example of cash flow? ›

For most small businesses, Operating Activities will include most of your cash flow. That's because operating activities are what you do to get revenue. If you run a pizza shop, it's the cash you spend on ingredients and labor, and the cash you earn from selling pies.

How can you accomplish a positive cash flow? ›

  1. Lease, Don't Buy.
  2. Offer Discounts for Early Payment.
  3. Conduct Customer Credit Checks.
  4. Form a Buying Cooperative.
  5. Improve Your Inventory.
  6. Send Invoices Out Immediately.
  7. Use Electronic Payments.
  8. Pay Suppliers Less.

Is positive cash flow good or bad? ›

Positive cash flow indicates that a company's liquid assets are increasing. This enables it to settle debts, reinvest in its business, return money to shareholders, pay expenses, and provide a buffer against future financial challenges. Negative cash flow indicates that a company's liquid assets are decreasing.

Does a positive cash flow mean profit? ›

Profit is defined as revenue less expenses. It may also be referred to as net income. Cash flow refers to the inflows and outflows of cash for a particular business. Positive cash flow occurs when there's more money coming in at any given time, while negative cash flow means there's more money out.

What does positive money flow mean? ›

If today's Typical Price is greater than yesterday's Typical Price, it is considered Positive Money Flow. If today's price is less, it is considered Negative Money Flow. Positive Money Flow is the sum of the Positive Money over the specified number of periods.

What are the 3 types of cash flows with examples? ›

There are three cash flow types that companies should track and analyze to determine the liquidity and solvency of the business: cash flow from operating activities, cash flow from investing activities and cash flow from financing activities. All three are included on a company's cash flow statement.

What is the most important cash flow activity? ›

Answer: The operating activities section of the statement of cash flows is generally regarded as the most important section since it provides cash flow information related to the daily operations of the business.

Is cash flow the same as profit? ›

So, is cash flow the same as profit? No, there are stark differences between the two metrics. Cash flow is the money that flows in and out of your business throughout a given period, while profit is whatever remains from your revenue after costs are deducted.

What generates cash flow? ›

The bulk of the positive cash flow stems from cash earned from operations, which is a good sign for investors. It means that core operations are generating business and that there is enough money to buy new inventory. The purchasing of new equipment shows that the company has the cash to invest in itself.

What is the disadvantage of positive cash flow? ›

The main disadvantage of generating a positive cash flow is that because you're receiving extra income, you'll have to pay more tax.

How do you know if cash flow is good? ›

Stable Cash Flow From Operating Activities (CFO)

Start by keeping track of your cash flow from operating activities over some time. If it's steady over the years, then it's a good sign. Look at the core business if the line's erratic with significant spikes and dips.

What is good cash flow on a house? ›

A common benchmark used by real estate investors is to aim for a cash flow of at least 10% of the property's purchase price per year. For example, if a property is purchased for $200,000, the annual cash flow should be at least $20,000 ($1,667 per month).

What companies are cash flow positive? ›

Apple (APPL), Verizon (VZ), Microsoft (MFST), Walmart (WMT), and Pfizer (PFE) are five companies that could be considered free cash flow (FCF) "monsters" as a result of their history of having a huge amount of free cash flow (FCF).

What is negative cash flow examples? ›

Negative cash flow is when your business has more outgoing than incoming money. You cannot cover your expenses from sales alone. Instead, you need money from investments and financing to make up the difference. For example, if you had $5,000 in revenue and $10,000 in expenses in April, you had negative cash flow.

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