Cash flow forecasting

Cash flow forecasting is the process of obtaining an estimate of a company's future financial position; the cash flow forecast is typically based on anticipated payments and receivables. There are two types of cash flow forecasting methodologies in general: Direct cash forecasting Indirect cash forecasting. Financial forecastCash management and Treasury management#Cash and Liquidity Management Cash flow forecasting is an element of financial management. A company's Cash flow is a central part of managing the business and the financing of ongoing operations — particularly for start-ups and small enterprises. If the business runs out of cash and is not able to obtain new finance, it will become insolvent, and eventually declare Bankruptcy. Cash flow forecasting helps management forecast (predict) cash levels to avoid insolvency. The frequency of forecasting is determined by several factors, such as characteristics of the business, the industry and regulatory requirements. In a stressed situation, where insolvency is near, forecasting may be needed on a daily basis. Key items and aspects of cash flow forecasting: Identify potential shortfalls in cash balances in advance. Make sure that the business can afford to pay suppliers and employees - Delayed payments to suppliers and employees can cause a chain effect of decreased sales due to lack of e.g. inventory. Spot problems with customer payments—preparing the forecast encourages the business to look at how quickly customers are paying their debts, see Working capital. As a discipline of financial planning — the cash flow forecast is a management process, similar to preparing business budgets. External stakeholders, such as banks, may require a regular forecast if the business has a bank loan. In the context of corporate finance, cash flow forecasting is the modeling of a company or entity's future financial liquidity over a specific timeframe: short term generally relates to working capital management, and longer term to asset and liability management.