What does free cash flow (FCF) represent?

Free cash flow (FCF) represents the cash that a company generates after accounting for capital expenditures needed to maintain or expand its asset base. This metric is crucial because it reflects the cash available for various purposes, including paying dividends, reducing debt, or investing in other projects.

The correct interpretation of FCF as the cash available for dividends after investments highlights its role in assessing a company's financial health and its ability to return value to shareholders. It indicates that a company not only has enough operational cash but also retains enough funds after making necessary investments to support future growth.

In contrast, the other options present different financial concepts that do not capture the essence of free cash flow. Total revenue minus expenses relates to net income rather than free cash flow, which considers capital expenditures. Net income available for reinvestment is focused solely on profitability and does not reflect cash generated after investments. Cash flow before investments and operating costs lacks the specificity and context related to the funds available for shareholder returns. Thus, the emphasis on cash available for dividends post-investment aligns the concept of FCF with its practical applications in financial analysis.