N
The Global Insight

Is cash included in operating activities?

Author

Sarah Garza

Updated on February 10, 2026

Cash Flows From Other Activities Cash flows from investing and financing activities are not considered part of ongoing regular operating activities.

What is not included in operating activities?

Operating activities/non-operating activities Operating activities are all the things a company does to bring its products and services to market on an ongoing basis. Non-operating activities are one-time events that may affect revenues, expenses or cash flow but fall outside of the company’s routine, core business.

Which activities are cash inflows from operating activities?

Cash flow from operating activities (CFO) indicates the amount of money a company brings in from its ongoing, regular business activities, such as manufacturing and selling goods or providing a service to customers.

What makes up operating activities in the statement of cash flows?

Operating activities generally include the cash effects (inflows and outflows) of transactions and other events that enter into the determination of net income.

Which is not included in the operating activities category?

The operating activities category does not include investing activities, which are comprised of cash inflows from the liquidation of investments, or cash outflows for the purchase of new investment instruments.

Why are investing activities not included in operating activities?

The operating activities category also does not include financing activities, which relate to cash flows from the issuance or repurchase of a company’s own shares, the issuance of its own debt instruments, or the payout of dividends. The investing activities and financing activities are reported lower down in the statement of cash flows.

What causes negative cash flow from operating activities?

This excessive spending may give rise to negative cash flow from operations. Also, if the customer delays the payment, or the business model is such that the customers have enhanced credit cycles. This delay could reduce the inflow and may thus result in negative cash flow.