You are the financial analyst for XYZ Corporation, a manufacturing company. Your task is to prepare the company's cash flow statement for the fiscal year ending December $31,20$XX$.$ XYZ Corporation's financial records contain various transactions, and you need to categorize them into operating, investing, or financing activities.

Below is a list of transactions and events. Categorize each one into the appropriate section of the cash flow statement and provide a brief explanation for your categorization:

$1.$ Issuance of new shares to raise capital.

$2.$ Cash received from customers for sales.

$3.$ Salaries and wages paid to employees.

$4.$ Interest received on investments.

$5.$ Sale of an old factory building.

$6.$ Dividend payments to shareholders.

$7.$ Repayment of long$-$term debt.

$8.$ Payment of dividends to preferred shareholders.

$9.$ Payment to suppliers for raw materials.

$10.$ Purchase of new manufacturing equipment.

Once you've categorized the transactions, prepare a brief explanation of the importance of accurately categorizing activities in the cash flow statement and how it can impact a company's financial reporting and decision$-$making.