Investing, Operating, and Financing are three distinct yet intertwined activities that form the core of any business operation. Investing is the purchase of assets with the intention of generating a return in the future. Operating is the use of resources to generate the income necessary to pay for those investments. Financing is the process of obtaining capital from external sources to meet these needs. Investing, operating, and financing activities therefore come together in a continuous cycle to help businesses grow and thrive.