Cash outflow refer to the money that the company has paid. It is not the same with expenses or with capitalized costs which might have been accrued. Cash outflows are usually divided into three categories:
1. Operating Activities
2. Investing Activities
3. Financing Activities
The first category will include cash outflow for stock purchased and paid, payment of accounts payable, payments of payroll and payments of other operating expenses such as rent or sundry expenses. The second category include cash payments for investments and capital equipment (fixed assets). The third category will include dividends paid (not just declared), loan repayments and other related cash payments.