'With a view to profit' indicates that partnerships only exist when the objective of the common enterprise is to generate an excess of income over expenses. Normally, the partners intend to share the profits made, either equally, or in agreed proportions.

The required objective of profits means that organisations that do not intend to generate profits (such as charitable organisations) cannot become partnerships. The requirement of making a profit from the business enterprise also explains why persons who acquire a legal right to receive money from a business organisation for the repayment of loans or other debts, or as wages for work done, do not become partners in that business.