π What is Free Cash Flow?
πΈ What is Free Cash Flow?
Imagine Chintu runs a fruit juice stall ππ.
Every month:
βοΈ He earns βΉ50,000 from selling juices.
βοΈ He spends βΉ20,000 on fruits, sugar, cups, gas, wages (daily running costs).
βοΈ He also spends βΉ10,000 to buy a new juicer machine π§ (big one-time cost).
So after all spending β how much cash is truly βfreeβ in his pocket to use as he likes β maybe to save, party, or open a second stall? π
This leftover money is called Free Cash Flow (FCF)! π°
π― What is Free Cash Flow (FCF)?
π Free Cash Flow = Cash from Operations β Capital Expenditures (Capex)
βοΈ Cash from Operations = Real cash left after paying for raw materials, staff, rent etc.
βοΈ Capex = Big spending on things like machines, buildings, tools β NOT daily costs!
π What remains after these is called βFreeβ because Chintu can use this money freely β for dividends, loan repayment, expansion, or keep in his wallet! π
π¨ Funny Example:
βοΈ Chintu earns βΉ50,000 πͺ
βοΈ Spends βΉ20,000 for daily stall needs ππ¬π§
βοΈ Spends βΉ10,000 for a new juicer machine π§
π Free Cash Flow = βΉ50,000 β βΉ20,000 β βΉ10,000 = βΉ20,000
π Chintu can now use βΉ20,000 freely β maybe open a second stall, throw a party, or save for holidays! ππβοΈ
π€ Why is Free Cash Flow Important for Investors?
βοΈ Shows how much real cash a company has left after all must-do spending! π°
βοΈ If Free Cash Flow is HIGH:
β
Company can pay dividends π΅
β
Can repay loans easily π¦
β
Can grow business π
βοΈ If Free Cash Flow is LOW or NEGATIVE:
β Company may struggle to survive π±
β Might take more loans or issue shares (bad sign) π¬
π When High FCF is GOOD?
βοΈ Profitable and efficient business πͺ
βοΈ Less unnecessary spending π§Ή
βοΈ Can handle tough times without fear π
β οΈ When Low FCF is BAD?
β Spending too much on machines/buildings
β Poor profits from business
β Cash shortage risk
π Funny Tip:
Free Cash Flow is like your monthly salary minus all your regular expenses (like rent, food, transport) AND one-time big expenses (like buying a fridge or phone).
What remains is your "freedom money" β you can spend it as you wish! ππ
βοΈ High Free Cash Flow = Happy life, weekend party ππ₯³
βοΈ Low Free Cash Flow = Broke by month-end π°
π In a Nutshell:
βοΈ Free Cash Flow = Real cash left after running & maintaining business
βοΈ More FCF = Healthy, rich business β
βοΈ Less or negative FCF = Weak, cash-starved business β
π‘ "A company with high Free Cash Flow smiles in all seasons β because cash is king!" ππ°