Where would you find dividends reported in the Statement of Cash Flows?

Dividends are reported in the Statement of Cash Flows under cash flow from financing activities because they represent a distribution of profits to shareholders, which is a key element of how a company finances itself. When a company pays dividends, it is returning capital to its investors, thus impacting its financing structure. This section of the cash flow statement is focused on the transactions between the company and its equity and debt holders, including the issuance and repurchase of stock, as well as the payment of dividends.

The other sections of the statement serve different purposes: operating activities involve cash generated or used in day-to-day business operations, investing activities relate to cash flows from acquiring and disposing of long-term assets, and net income is not a section but rather the basis for calculating cash flows from operating activities. Therefore, the proper classification of dividend payments within the financing activities section correctly reflects their role in financing and capital distribution to shareholders.