What term is used to describe the cash generated by an investment after deducting expenses?

The term that describes the cash generated by an investment after deducting expenses is "Cash flow." This concept is crucial in finance and analysis of investment performance because it reflects the actual liquidity available after all operational costs have been accounted for. Cash flow provides a clearer picture of how much cash an investment is generating, making it essential for assessing its potential profitability and for making informed financial decisions.

Net income typically refers to the profit of a company after all expenses, taxes, and costs have been subtracted from total revenue; however, it does not always indicate available cash since it can include non-cash items. Revenue stream denotes the total income generated from an investment before expenses are accounted for, which does not provide a complete financial picture. Operating surplus is a term used primarily in public finance to indicate the excess of income over operational costs but is less commonly associated with individual investment performance than cash flow. Hence, cash flow is the most accurate term for the cash produced after all expenses are deducted.