Purchase Solution

Calculating a firm's free cash flow (FCF)

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Hello, I understand FCF be found by the expression FCF = (NOPAT - net investment in operating capital)

First, I calculated NOPAT as EBIT(1-Tax rate)
Naturally, I found EBIT listed on the income statement but I calculated the tax rate by dividing the amount of tax paid by the pretax income.

248/846 = 29.31% tax rate....so I take the $873 (1-.2931) = $617.12 million NOPAT

OK...here's where I think I'm getting off track. To find the net investment in operating capital, I can use the expression (Capital expenditures - depreciation). What struck me as odd is the in this instance, the firm has $138 in capital expenditures but $174 in depreciation and amortization. This would give a negative net investment in operating capital. Could this be correct or am I going totally off track?

Essentially, I came up with FCF = (617.12 - (138-174)) = $653.12 million.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

See attached files for data.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

The expert calculates a firm's free cash flow.

Solution Preview

FCF = EBIT * (1- tax rate) + Dep. & Amort. - Change in Working Capital - Capital Expenditures

FCF = ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Production and cost theory

Understanding production and cost phenomena will permit firms to make wise decisions concerning output volume.

Basic Social Media Concepts

The quiz will test your knowledge on basic social media concepts.

Balance Sheet

The Fundamental Classified Balance Sheet. What to know to make it easy.

Marketing Research and Forecasting

The following quiz will assess your ability to identify steps in the marketing research process. Understanding this information will provide fundamental knowledge related to marketing research.

Income Streams

In our ever changing world, developing secondary income streams is becoming more important. This quiz provides a brief overview of income sources.