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: 2018-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-09-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-03-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-09-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-03-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-09-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-03-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-09-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-03-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-09-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-03-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2013-09-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2013-03-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2012-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2012-09-30).
The cash flow profile is characterized by significant volatility, particularly in the fourth quarters of the fiscal years, where substantial non-cash adjustments and asset dispositions create extreme fluctuations in net cash positions. While operating activities generally provide a positive cash inflow, the overall liquidity is heavily influenced by strategic investing and financing decisions.
- Operating Cash Flow Trends
- Net income exhibits extreme periodicity, with massive spikes occurring in December 2014 and December 2018. However, these earnings do not always correlate with net cash provided by operating activities. For instance, in December 2018, a net income of 10.9 billion US$ coincided with a net cash outflow from operations of 23 million US$, indicating significant non-cash gains or working capital drags. The "Other, net" adjustment line frequently offsets operating gains, suggesting the presence of large non-cash accounting entries.
- Working Capital Dynamics
- Cash flow from operations is consistently impacted by fluctuations in receivables and inventories. Large outflows for inventories, particularly in September 2013, September 2014, and September 2018, suggest cyclical builds in program rights or content investments. Receivables also show significant volatility, with large cash drains often occurring in the December quarters, further complicating the conversion of net income to operating cash.
- Investing Activities and Asset Management
- A strategic shift toward divestment is evident. While the company maintains a steady capital expenditure trend for property, plant, and equipment, the most striking feature is the proceeds from dispositions. Massive inflows were recorded in December 2014 (8.5 billion US$) and December 2018 (14.9 billion US$), which served as the primary drivers for liquidity increases. This indicates a period of significant asset liquidation or structural reorganization.
- Financing and Capital Allocation
- The company pursued an aggressive shareholder return strategy through both dividends and share repurchases. Share buybacks were particularly intense between 2012 and 2016, frequently exceeding 1 billion US$ per quarter. Dividends remained relatively stable, though they peaked periodically. Financing was further characterized by a large distribution to News Corporation in June 2013 (2.5 billion US$) and a consistent cycle of borrowing and repayment to manage short-term liquidity needs.
In summary, the financial trajectory is defined by a reliance on asset dispositions to fund aggressive capital return programs and operational requirements. The disconnect between reported net income and operating cash flow suggests that profitability is frequently driven by non-cash items, while actual liquidity is maintained through strategic divestitures and debt management.
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