Free Cash Flow
Definition
The cash left after a business pays for the capital expenditure needed to maintain or grow its asset base. It is the cash genuinely available to repay debt, pay dividends or reinvest.
Formula
Free cash flow = Operating cash flow − Capital expenditure
Related Terms in Financial Analysis
Current Ratio Analysis
Interpreting the current ratio — current assets divided by current liabilities — to judge whether a business can meet its short-term obligations. A ratio comfortably above one is generally healthier, though the ideal varies by industry.
Acid-Test Ratio
A stricter liquidity measure than the current ratio, excluding inventory from current assets because it may not convert quickly to cash. Also known as the quick ratio.
Cash Ratio
The most conservative liquidity ratio, comparing only cash and cash equivalents to current liabilities. It shows whether a business could cover short-term debts without relying on receivables or inventory.
Debt Ratio
Total liabilities as a proportion of total assets, showing how much of a business is financed by debt rather than equity. A higher ratio means greater financial leverage and risk.
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