Interpreting IFRS-based statements of cash flow across time

The statement of cash flow for Nestlé Group, a Swiss-based food conglomerate that publishes IFRS-based financial statements, contained the following numbers (in million Swiss francs—CHF).

2008

2007

Profit

19,051

11,382

Operating cash flow

10,763

13,439

Cash flow from investing activities

4,699

15,753

Cash flow from financing activities

16,884

3,397

a. Explain how profit could be below operating cash flow in one year and above it the next.

b. Analyze Nestlé”s cash management activities in 2007 and contrast them with 2008.