Cash Flow Statement
Quarterly Data
The cash flow statement provides information about a company cash receipts and cash payments during an accounting period, showing how these cash flows link the ending cash balance to the beginning balance shown on the company balance sheet.
The cash flow statement consists of three parts: cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities, cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities, and cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities.
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-10-03), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-07-04), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-04-04), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-09-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-06-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-03-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-09-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-07-01), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-04-01), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-10-01), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-07-02), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-04-02), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-10-02), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-07-03), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-04-03).
- Consolidated Net Income
- Net income exhibits pronounced volatility over the observed periods, with notable peaks in early 2017 and late 2021. The highest net income recorded is in the quarter ending October 3, 2021 (US$317 million), while the lowest notable dip occurred in the quarter ending June 28, 2020 (US$47 million). The fluctuations indicate a variable profitability trend with no consistent upward or downward trajectory.
- Depreciation and Amortization Expenses
- Depreciation expense displays a gradual increase over time, from US$21 million in April 2016 to US$46 million in October 2021, suggesting ongoing capital asset investments and aging. Amortization of intangible assets remains relatively stable, fluctuating between US$7 million and US$13 million, with a few declines observed in late 2019 and 2020, potentially indicating changes in intangible assets.
- Share-based Compensation Expense
- Share-based compensation expense fluctuates significantly, with values generally ranging between US$27 million and US$80 million, except a substantial spike to US$509 million in October 2021. This outlier likely reflects a one-time or nonrecurring event associated with equity awards or restructuring of compensation plans.
- Tax and Deferred Income Taxes
- Deferred income taxes show varying positive and negative values without a clear pattern, indicative of periodic changes in tax positions. An incremental tax benefit related to share-based compensation is only present in early periods and absent thereafter, suggesting changes in accounting or tax treatment.
- Gains and Losses
- Reported gains and losses from equity securities, investments, and contingent rights reflect occasional one-time events, such as a significant gain from GRAIL in October 2021 (-US$900 million loss recorded) and a smaller gain from the Helix contingent value right in the same period. These do not follow a regular pattern and appear to be nonrecurring.
- Working Capital Components
- Accounts receivable show mixed fluctuations, with frequently negative and positive changes, reflecting variability in collections and sales. Inventory and prepaid expenses likewise exhibit irregular patterns, with occasional sharp increases or decreases that may correspond to operational changes. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities also vary significantly, with some quarters showing large negative or positive swings, suggesting variability in payment cycles and accrued expenses.
- Operating Activities and Cash Flow
- Net cash provided by operating activities remains largely positive, indicating consistent operational cash generation despite fluctuations. Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operations vary widely, consistent with income volatility and changes in working capital.
- Investing Activities
- Investing cash flows show large negative values in several quarters, notably related to purchases of available-for-sale securities and property and equipment, indicating ongoing investments. Periods of positive investing cash flow are associated with maturities and sales of securities. The net cash flows from investing activities are highly variable, reflecting active portfolio management and capital expenditures. There are notable substantial negative impacts in late 2021, possibly linked to acquisitions or strategic investments, considering the net cash paid for acquisitions also spikes in one quarter.
- Financing Activities
- Financing cash flows are inconsistent, with significant cash outflows related to stock repurchases, payments on financing obligations, and convertible note payments. Large inflows from debt issuance and common stock issuance offset these in certain periods. Repurchases of common stock show a general trend of high activity with multiple quarters of significant cash outflow, indicating ongoing capital return strategies.
- Cash and Cash Equivalents
- The net change in cash and cash equivalents over the periods is highly volatile, with large positive increases in some quarters, such as March 2019 and April 2021, and significant declines in others, including late 2021. These swings correspond with the operating, investing, and financing cash flow patterns previously noted, reflecting the combined effect of variable earnings, investment activities, and shareholder returns.
- Overall Financial Trends
- The financial data reveals a company with fluctuating earnings and significant variation in cash flow components across operating, investing, and financing activities. While operational cash generation generally remains positive, management shows active portfolio adjustments and capital expenditure, alongside aggressive stock repurchase programs. Occasional large, nonrecurring gains and losses related to strategic investments contribute to volatility in financial results. The overall pattern indicates dynamic financial management with periodic fluctuations driven by both operational volatility and strategic financial decisions.