1. cash receipts minus cash disbursements from a given operation or asset for a given period. Cash flow and cash inflow are often used interchangeably.

2. in CAPITAL BUDGETING, monetary value of the expected benefits and costs of a project. It may be in the form of cash savings in operating costs or the difference between additional dollars received and additional dollars paid out for a given period.

3. cash basis net income. The procedures for converting an accrual basis net income amount to a cash basis net income figure are as follows:

Accrual basis net income
+ Non-cash charges such as depreciation
+ or - Changes in accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses,
accounts payable, and accrued liabilities
= Cash basis net income