Why is the figure for operating profit important?

(a) This is the figure used for calculating federal income tax expense.

(b) The figure for operating profit provides a basis for assessing the success of a company apart from its financing and investment activities and separate from its tax status.

(c) The operating profit figure includes all operating revenues and expenses as well as interest and taxes related to operations.

(d) The figure for operating profit provides a basis for assessing the wealth of a firm.