Free Cash Flow (F.C.F)
What is Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow represents an available income of a firm after deducting all the revenue and capital expenditure which can be used for expansion of the business in future or to pay dividend.
Purpose
Free Cash Flow calculated to evaluate actual earning of the firm and to evaluate future performance.
Need
Calculation of Free Cash Flow Mainly need for Valuation of Company where irregular dividends and in case of merger and Acquisition.
Illustration
Let’s we understand F.C.F with example:
Suppose a firm has sales of Rs.1200/- Operating Cost (excluding depreciation) Rs.600/-, Depreciation Rs.50/-, So we can calculate EBIT as under;
Sales 1200/-
Less: Operating Cost 600/-
Depreciation 50/-
EBIT 550/-
Less:Tax@40% 220/-
EAT 330/-
For the purpose of calculating free cash flow we have to identify depreciation, Because depreciation is non cash transaction, Practically there is no cash outflow of Rs.50/- but we get tax credit on the same. It means firm will have earning after tax plus Depreciation.
Since we are looking for F.C.F of the firm, hence we will not reduce interest from EBIT.
EAT 330/-
Add: Depreciation 50/-
NOPAT 380/-
Now Rs.380/- is Net cash inflow to the firm after deducting Revenue expenditure and Taxes, but even its not represents F.C.F to firm because the firm may require fund to Operate and maintain business.
To operate they may need addition working capital and to maintain business they may need Capital expenditure (i.e. F.A)
Let say Capex is Rs.100/- and additional Working Capital Rs.75/-, we need to deducted these two items to get F.C.F to the firm.
NOPAT 380/-
Capital Expenditure 100/-
Change in Working Capital 75/-
Free Cash Flow 205/-
Summary
F.C.F is available earning to the Equity holders and Lender of the firm which can be freely used by the firm at their discretion.
Add Comments