Module I· Cash Flow Statement ConstructionIntermediate
Question

Which items belong in financing cash flow?

Answer

Standard financing items:

  • Debt raises — bond issuance, new bank loans, private placements, revolver drawdowns.
  • Debt repayments — bond redemptions, bank-loan amortization, revolver repayments.
  • Equity issuance — IPO, capital increase.
  • Share buybacks — either as treasury stock or a direct reduction in equity.
  • Dividend payments to shareholders.
  • Dividend payments to minorities (non-controlling shareholders of subsidiaries).
  • Cash effects from lease repayments under IFRS 16 (see the IAS 7 restatement since 2019). Convention: cash inflow positive, cash outflow negative.
Deep diveShow more details

Financing cash flow mirrors capital policy — heavy buybacks alongside a stable debt structure signal mature-stage free-cash-flow generation (Allianz, Siemens), whereas a build-up in net debt signals growth or M&A.