Problem: Below are summary cash flow statements for three roughly equal-size companies.
($ millions)
A B C
Net cash flows from operations $ (300) (300) $300
Net cash used in investing activities (900) (30) (90)
Net cash from financing activities 1,200 210 (240)
Cash balance at beginning of year 150 150 150
Q1. Calculate each company's cash balance at the end of the year.
Q2. Explain what might cause company C's net cash from financing activities to be negative.
Q3. Looking at companies A and B, which company would you prefer to own? Why?
Q4. Is company C's cash flow statement cause for any concern on the part of C's management or shareholders? Why or why not?