Operating Cash Flow - OCF
The cash generated from the operations of a company, generally defined as revenues less all operating expenses, but calculated through a series of adjustments to net income. The OCF can be found on the statement of cash flows. Also known as "cash flow provided by operations" or "cash flow from operating activities".
Investopedia Commentary
Operating cash flow is the cash generated in the course of a company running its business.
It's arguably a better measure of a business's profits than earnings because a company can show positive net earnings (on the income statement) and still not be able to pay its debts. It's cash flow that pays the bills!
You can also use OCF as a check on the quality of a company's earnings. If a firm reports record earnings but negative cash, it may be using aggressive accounting techniques.
Related Links
Operating Cash Flow: Better Than Net Income?
The Essentials Of Cash Flow
How Some Companies Abuse Cash Flow
Taking Stock Of Discounted Cash Flow
See also: IFO, Net Operating Income, Non-Operating Cash Flows, Operating Cash Flow Ratio, Operating Expenses, Operating Income, Operating Margin
Also spelled: cash flow from operations, cash flow provided by operations, cash flow from operating activities, cash flow from regular operationsOCF