Free Cash Flow to the Firm (FCFF)

Financial Analysis and Reporting · 4:17

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
When a company earns its money each year
We need to see what's really clear
Not just the profit on the page
But cash that flows at every stage
Start with earnings before interest and tax
Add depreciation, get the facts
This operating cash will show
What the business really knows

[Chorus]
Free Cash Flow to the Firm, FCFF
Cash for everyone to see
All the holders of the debt
Equity owners, don't forget
Take the operating cash today
Minus capex that you pay
Minus working capital change
That's the formula, nothing strange
FCFF, FCFF
Cash available, can't you see

[Verse 2]
EBIT times one minus tax rate
Plus depreciation, calculate
That's your after-tax operating flow
Now there's more you need to know
Capital expenditures must go
Subtract them from your cash flow
New equipment, buildings too
These investments we'll deduct through

[Chorus]
Free Cash Flow to the Firm, FCFF
Cash for everyone to see
All the holders of the debt
Equity owners, don't forget
Take the operating cash today
Minus capex that you pay
Minus working capital change
That's the formula, nothing strange
FCFF, FCFF
Cash available, can't you see

[Bridge]
Working capital changes matter
If it grows, your cash gets flatter
Inventory, receivables rise
Cash goes down before your eyes
But if working capital shrinks
More cash flows, better than you think
This is why analysts love this tool
Valuation's golden rule

[Verse 3]
Why do we calculate this way
To value firms from day to day
FCFF shows the total pie
For all investors, that's no lie
Bondholders and shareholders share
This cash flow beyond compare
Discount it back at WACC rate
Enterprise value, calculate

[Chorus]
Free Cash Flow to the Firm, FCFF
Cash for everyone to see
All the holders of the debt
Equity owners, don't forget
Take the operating cash today
Minus capex that you pay
Minus working capital change
That's the formula, nothing strange
FCFF, FCFF
Cash available, can't you see

[Outro]
From EBIT to the final sum
FCFF shows where cash comes from
Available to all who hold
A stake in stories yet untold

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