Operating cash flow
Operating cash flow is the cash that comes in and goes out through a company's ordinary activity, before investment and financing operations. It starts from accounting profit and adds back the entries that move no money, such as depreciation, while adjusting for working capital. Comparing profit against operating cash flow over several years is one of the most useful checks there is: if profit grows and operating cash does not follow, something is being recognised before it is collected.
See it on real data
Celsmar computes this from the accounts companies file with their regulator, and shows which line every figure comes from. Free to start, no card.
Definition for informational purposes. It is not financial advice nor a recommendation to buy or sell.