What financial activity results in an overall inflow for a business?

Receiving a loan results in an overall inflow for a business because it involves the business obtaining cash or other forms of financial resources from a lender that will be expected to be paid back in the future. This inflow can be used to finance operations, invest in new projects, or cover expenses, thus increasing the company’s cash flow at the time the loan is received. It reflects an increase in liabilities on the balance sheet but also bolsters the company's liquidity, which is often crucial for maintaining and growing the business.

In contrast, issuing dividends represents a financial outflow as the company distributes profits to shareholders, reducing the funds available for reinvestment. Paying off a loan also constitutes a cash outflow, as it entails using available cash to reduce liabilities. Investing profits back into the business, while beneficial for long-term growth, does not result in immediate cash inflow; rather, it is an allocation of existing resources. Thus, receiving a loan stands out as the clear activity that generates immediate cash inflow for a business.