Explain free cash flow to firm (FCFF)

Free cash flow to firm (FCFF) represents the available cash flow for both debt and equity holders of the firm. The cash is remaining cash after paying all its expenses including both operating and capital expenditures (taxes, interest, expenditures etc.).

FCFF is calculated by intrinsic valuation method and terminal value of business.

Formulae

The formulae to calculate the FCFF are as follows −

•  Free cash flow of firm (Net profit)

Net profit (operating) + expenses (Depreciation and amortization) – capital expenditure – changes in net working capital.

•  Free cash flow of firm (Operations)

Cash flow (operations) + Interest expenses* (1-T) – capital expenditures

•  Free cash flow of firm (Net income)

Net income + charges (non-cash) + interest expenses (1-T) – Investments in WC – capital expenditure

•  Free cash flow of firms (EBIT)

EBIT*(1-T) + D&A – Investments (LT) – investments in WC

•  Free cash flow of firm (EBIT)

EBITA*(1-T) + D&A * T – Investments (LT) – Investments in WC

Here, T = Tax rate, WC = working capital, LT = Long term, D&A = Depreciation and amortization, EBIT = Earnings before interest and taxes and EBITDA = Earnings before interest, tax and amortization

Example

Let us consider the following information for understanding purpose−

Solution

The solution is as follows−

Interest expense (1-tax rate) = 15 – (1-35%) ⇒ 9.75.

• Free cash flow of firm = Net income + charges (non-cash) + interest expenses (1-T) – Investments in WC – capital expenditure

65 + 10 + 9.75 – 15 – 20 = 49.75

• Free cash flow of firms = EBIT*(1-T) + D&A – Investments (LT) – investments in WC

90*(1-35%) + 10 – 15-20 ⇒ 33.50