Generally accepted accounting principles are reasonably clear in their definition of operating cash flow. There is, however, considerable flexibility permitted in its calculation. Some firms have demonstrated a willingness to ply this flexibility in an effort to boost amounts reported as operating cash flow. Although such steps raise operating cash flow, they do not increase sustainable cash flow.
Examples of cash flow classified as investing activities include both capital expenditures made to boost future operating cash flows and cash parked in debt and equity securities awaiting future needs. Except for capital expenditures that are included in the calculation of free cash flow, cash provided or used in investing activities is not considered to have the same recurring quality as operating cash flow.
Accordingly, to the extent that creative steps can be taken to boost operating cash inflows by increasing investing cash outflows, an appearance can be communicated of a strengthened cash-generating capability. Two areas for such a cash flow misclassification that are representative of the opportunities afforded by the flexibility found in GAAP are investments classified as trading securities and capitalized operating costs. A third area, acquisitions, can also use investing activities to creatively boost operating cash flow.
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