A potential investor's single goal is to

• A. Expand operations
• B. Maximize potential return on investment through cash flows received while minimizing personal risk exposure
• C. Increase cash reserves
• D. Prioritize social impact

Answer: (B)

Investors aim to maximize the return on their investment while keeping risk exposure as low as possible. The option that focuses on maximizing potential return through cash flows received while minimizing personal risk exposure best captures this typical objective, since it emphasizes earning income (like dividends, interest, or profits) and controlling risk in a single, clear goal.

Other choices describe goals more relevant to running or expanding a business, building up liquidity for a company, or pursuing social impact. While those can be important in different contexts, they don’t represent the single objective most investors pursue.