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: 2017-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2013-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2013-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2013-03-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2012-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2012-06-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2012-03-31).
The financial data reveals a pattern of significant quarterly volatility in cash flows, primarily driven by structural industry obligations and strategic corporate transactions between 2012 and 2017. While net income remained relatively stable for the first few years, it experienced substantial spikes in 2015 and 2016, coinciding with major asset movements and divestitures.
- Operating Cash Flow Dynamics
- Net cash flows from operating activities exhibit a cyclical pattern of volatility. This is largely attributable to tobacco settlement accruals, which fluctuate between significant inflows and outflows. Specifically, large cash outflows are observed consistently in the June quarters, suggesting a seasonal payment schedule. This volatility often offsets the steady generation of net income, leading to quarters where operating cash flow is negative despite positive profitability.
- Investing Activities and Strategic Shifts
- Investment activity was characterized by modest and consistent capital expenditures ranging from 11 million to 76 million dollars per quarter. However, a fundamental shift occurred in mid-2015, marked by a major acquisition totaling 17.2 billion dollars. This massive outflow was partially mitigated by proceeds from divestitures and a 4.7 billion dollar proceeds from a share purchase. Following these events, investing cash flows became highly erratic, reflecting the reallocation of corporate assets.
- Financing Activities and Capital Allocation
- A consistent commitment to shareholder returns is evident through steady dividend payments and periodic stock repurchases. Dividends increased over the period, rising from approximately 320 million dollars per quarter in 2012 to over 650 million dollars per quarter by 2017. To fund strategic acquisitions and maintain liquidity during volatile operating cycles, the company utilized significant debt issuance, notably 8.9 billion dollars in June 2015. This was later balanced by substantial debt repayments and an early extinguishment of debt totaling 3.6 billion dollars in early 2016.
- Net Cash Position
- The net change in cash and cash equivalents reflects the interplay between seasonal operating outflows and strategic financing. The most dramatic fluctuations occurred between 2015 and 2016, where massive financing inflows were used to offset acquisition costs and operating variances, resulting in a highly variable quarterly cash balance.
Overall, the period is defined by a transition from steady-state operations to a phase of aggressive strategic restructuring. The company managed the inherent volatility of its operating cash flows through the strategic use of long-term debt and a disciplined approach to capital expenditures, while maintaining an upward trend in distributions to shareholders.
AI Ask an analyst for more
Hi, I’m an AI-powered financial analyst at Stock Analysis on Net.
Without a user account, I tend to respond rather slowly.
How can I help you?