Operating activities are the activities that a business undertakes to generate profits, usually over the course of a specific period of time (say, a year). These activities are typically related to the production, sale, and/or distribution of products and services. Operating activities could include activities such as selling goods, collecting payments, conducting manufacturing, producing services, and making payments to suppliers and employees.

Essentially, operating activities are what make the company money. Revenue generated through the sale of goods and services is the primary way companies make money, and this is usually registered in the financial statements during the period in which the transaction occurred.

Operating activities are a core part of the income statement and can be classified into two broad categories: Operating Revenues and Operating Expenses. Operating revenue is revenue generated from a company’s primary business activities, such as from selling goods and/or providing services. Operating expenses are expenses associated with the company’s primary business activities, such as materials, labor, advertising, rent, and utilities.

In order to track how a company’s business is performing, investors and analysts focus on the changes in a company’s operating revenues and expenses over time; this is referred to as the “cash flow”. An increase in operating revenue is generally viewed as a positive sign, as it usually means that a company is selling more goods and services, while a decrease in operating expenses normally means that a company is becoming more efficient.

To accurately quantify the performance of a company’s operating activities, investors and analysts examine the Cash Flow Statement. The Cash Flow Statement is a financial statement that summarizes the inflow and outflow of cash during a specified period of time. It is important to note that the Cash Flow Statement does not necessarily reflect the true profitability of a company; it only reveals how cash has moved in and out of the business over a period.

Overall, it is essential for any business to understand the importance of tracking its operating activities and to make decisions accordingly. Companies need to ensure that they generate enough cash to remain profitable, while also monitoring the efficiency of their business operations. By closely examining the Cash Flow Statement and understanding the implications of changes in the operating revenues and expenses, investors can get a clearer picture of a company’s financial health.