Free cash flow to equity
Free cash flow to equity (FCFE) is the cash left for shareholders after operating costs, reinvestment, and net debt repayments, discounted at the cost of equity to value shares directly.
See it move
Starting from €3,000,000 of net income, adding back €500,000 of non-cash depreciation, subtracting €800,000 of capital expenditure and €200,000 tied up in working capital, then adding €100,000 of net new borrowing, leaves €2,600,000 of free cash flow to equity — the cash shareholders can actually take out.
The formula
Variables
- Net income (€)
- Depreciation and amortisation (€)
- Capital expenditure (€)
- Increase in net working capital (€)
- Net borrowing (new debt issued minus debt repaid) (€)
Gives the cash available to equity holders in a period; discount FCFE at the cost of equity to value the shares directly.
Check yourself
A company reports net income of €5,000,000, depreciation and amortisation of €700,000, capital expenditure of €1,200,000, and an increase in net working capital of €300,000. During the year it repaid €400,000 more in debt than it raised in new borrowing. What is its free cash flow to equity?