Which of the following activities is classified as a cash outflow from investing activities?

The classification of cash outflows in financial reporting plays a crucial role in understanding a company's cash flow. Investing activities primarily pertain to transactions involving the buying and selling of long-term assets and investments, which are necessary for the company’s operational infrastructure.

The purchase of equipment is specifically categorized as a cash outflow from investing activities because it involves an investment in property, plant, and equipment (PP&E), which are essential for the production of goods or the provision of services. This type of capital expenditure is crucial for the long-term growth and operational capacity of a business, and such expenditures consume cash, thus representing a cash outflow.

In contrast, activities such as payment of dividends, purchase of inventory, and payment of employee salaries fall under different categories. Dividend payments are classified as financing activities since they reflect returns to shareholders. The purchase of inventory is typically considered an operational cash flow, linked to a company’s core business activity. Lastly, employee salaries are operational cash outflows, representing the routine expenses associated with running a workforce.

Thus, understanding these classifications helps in analyzing the cash flow statement, which provides insight into how effectively a company utilizes its cash resources.