Describe the potential statement of cash flows classification differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRS.
Answer:
U.S. GAAP designates cash outflows for interest payments and cash inflows from interest and dividends
received as operating cash flows. Dividends paid to shareholders are classified as financing cash flows.
IFRS allows more flexibility. Companies can report interest and dividends paid as either operating or
financing cash flows and interest and dividends received as either operating or investing cash flows.
Interest and dividend payments usually are reported as financing activities. Interest and dividends
received normally are classified as investing activities.