™A business can report profit while collecting little cash if customers have not paid. Examine cash from operations separately from accounting earnings.
Fundamentals
Cash flow
Cash generated or used by a business during a period, categorized by operating, investing and financing activity.
Plain-English context
Put the definition to work.
Specify operating, investing or financing flows. Positive cash from borrowing does not establish profitable operations.
Further reading and verification. Examples are hypothetical, not current quotes or recommendations. Product terms, tax treatment and market rules can change. SEC — financial statement guide