A statement is a declarative sentence that conveys information, expresses an idea, or presents an assertion. In various contexts, such as mathematics or programming, it can refer to a specific expression or command. In legal and financial contexts, a statement often summarizes transactions or details over a period. Overall, a statement is designed to communicate clear and concise information.
The statement of cash flows is the summary of the major cash receipts and and cash payments for a period such as a month or year. The statement of cash flows reports a firm's major cash inflows and outflows for a period. It provides useful information about a firm's ability to generate cash from operations, maintain and expand its operating capacity, meet its financial obligations, and pay dividends.
The advantage of consolidated financial statements is that they provide a comprehensive overview of a company's financial position by combining the results of its subsidiaries, allowing stakeholders to assess the overall performance and financial health of the entire group. However, a disadvantage is that they can obscure the individual performance of subsidiaries, making it difficult to identify issues or strengths within specific segments of the business. Additionally, consolidation can complicate the financial reporting process and may require significant adjustments to eliminate intercompany transactions.