Analysis of the Cash Flow Statement's Usefulness : An Empirical Study

The basic purpose of this research is to determine the relevance of the cash flow statement (CFS), also known as statement of cash flows, for analysing a company's financial statements. This has been done by means of an empirical study, showing that, in order to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the company's equity, economic and financial situation, it is essential to study and analyse the CFS. An experimental study was carried out with students taking a Business Management and Administration degree at Universitat de Vic as well as students on the Accounting and Finance course at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, using data from the retail company Mercadona S.A. The ensuing conclusions allow us to state that the CFS is an indispensable document when it comes to undertaking a comprehensive analysis of the company's financial statements, given that it provides very useful information concerning the company's short-term financial situation and its investment and financing activity