# What is operating cash flow?

Informational only - not investment advice.

Book: [Reading Financial Data - Step by Step](/guide/)
Chapter: [Cash flow & returns](/guide/cash-flow-returns/)
As of: 2025-10-31

Operating cash flow is cash generated or used by the company's main operations.

## Concept

Net income is an accounting profit measure. Operating cash flow is a cash-flow-statement measure.

## Worked Example: Compare Apple operating cash flow with net income

1. AAPL net income was $112.0 billion for fiscal 2025.
2. AAPL operating cash flow was $111.5 billion for the same fiscal year.
3. The two lines answer related but different questions: income-statement profit and cash from running the business.
4. Use the company page source links when you need the exact SEC facts behind both rows.

## See it live

- [AAPL company page](/company/AAPL/)

## Sources

- [AAPL SEC companyfacts](https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000320193.json)
- [AAPL latest 10-K source](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/320193/000032019325000079/aapl-20250927.htm)