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How to Use Free Cash Flow Yield to Find Undervalued Stocks

Chris Carreck, April 14, 2025February 8, 2025

Free Cash Flow Yield (FCFY) is one of the most underappreciated yet vital metrics for long-term investors looking to identify undervalued stocks. While terms like “earnings per share” or “P/E ratio” dominate conversations, free cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. It represents the actual cash a company generates that can be used to grow, pay dividends, reduce debt, or reinvest. Understanding and leveraging FCFY can provide a clear lens through which to evaluate a company’s financial health and discover hidden investment opportunities.

In this deep dive, we’ll explore what Free Cash Flow Yield is, why it matters, how to use it to find undervalued stocks, and how to avoid common pitfalls when relying on this metric.

What Is Free Cash Flow Yield?

Breaking Down Free Cash Flow (FCF)

Free cash flow is the cash left over after a company covers its operating expenses and capital expenditures (CAPEX). In other words, it’s the money available to be reinvested in the business, returned to shareholders, or held for future use.

Formula for Free Cash Flow:

FCF=Operating Cash Flow−Capital Expenditures\text{FCF} = \text{Operating Cash Flow} – \text{Capital Expenditures}FCF=Operating Cash Flow−Capital Expenditures

Let’s use an example:

Imagine Microsoft (MSFT) generates $90 billion in operating cash flow over a year. It spends $20 billion on CAPEX, such as new data centers and technology infrastructure.

FCF=90−20=70 billion\text{FCF} = 90 – 20 = 70 \, \text{billion}FCF=90−20=70billion

This $70 billion is free cash flow. It’s cash Microsoft can use to expand its business, pay dividends, or buy back shares.

What Does Yield Mean in Free Cash Flow Yield?

The term “yield” in finance refers to a return on investment, often expressed as a percentage. FCFY is calculated by dividing a company’s free cash flow by its market capitalization (the total value of all its outstanding shares):

Free Cash Flow Yield=Free Cash FlowMarket Capitalization\text{Free Cash Flow Yield} = \frac{\text{Free Cash Flow}}{\text{Market Capitalization}}Free Cash Flow Yield=Market CapitalizationFree Cash Flow​

For example, if Microsoft has a market cap of $2.5 trillion and $70 billion in FCF:

FCFY=702500×100=2.8%\text{FCFY} = \frac{70}{2500} \times 100 = 2.8\%FCFY=250070​×100=2.8%

This means Microsoft generates $2.80 in free cash flow for every $100 invested in its stock.

Why Is Free Cash Flow Important?

Free cash flow is crucial because it highlights the true profitability of a business, removing accounting noise. Unlike earnings, which can be manipulated through accounting methods, FCF shows the actual cash available.

The Role of Free Cash Flow in Business Operations

  1. Paying Down Debt: Companies with consistent FCF can reduce debt, strengthening their balance sheet and reducing risk for investors.
  2. Reinvesting in Growth: FCF enables companies to fund new projects, acquisitions, or product development without relying on external financing.
  3. Returning Capital to Shareholders: Businesses with strong FCF often pay dividends or repurchase shares, rewarding investors directly.
  4. Building a Cash Cushion: Surplus cash provides financial flexibility, allowing companies to weather economic downturns or take advantage of opportunities.

An Investor’s Perspective

Consider two companies:

  • Company A earns $1 billion in net income but has negative FCF due to high CAPEX and rising debt.
  • Company B earns $500 million in net income but has $1 billion in FCF.

Company B is more attractive because it has more money to invest, pay dividends, or grow. While net income reflects past performance, FCF reveals whether a company has the financial strength to sustain and grow in the future.

How to Use Free Cash Flow Yield to Identify Undervalued Stocks

Set a Benchmark

In general, an FCFY of 5% or higher is considered attractive, though this varies by industry. A higher FCFY suggests a stock may be undervalued, as the company generates substantial cash relative to its market value.

Industry Considerations

  • Technology: Companies like Alphabet (GOOGL) tend to have high FCFY due to low capital requirements and strong operating cash flow.
  • Consumer Goods: Firms like Procter & Gamble (PG) often generate consistent FCF due to stable demand for their products.
  • Utilities and Infrastructure: These sectors may have lower FCFY due to high CAPEX.

Using FCFY Alongside Other Metrics

While FCFY is a powerful tool, it should be used in conjunction with other metrics, such as:

  • Debt-to-Equity Ratio: To assess financial leverage.
  • Return on Equity (ROE): To evaluate profitability.
  • Earnings Growth: To ensure the company is expanding.

Example: Calculating FCFY for a Real Company

Let’s consider Apple (AAPL):

  • Free Cash Flow: $111 billion (recent fiscal year).
  • Market Cap: $2.7 trillion.

FCFY=1112700×100=4.11%\text{FCFY} = \frac{111}{2700} \times 100 = 4.11\%FCFY=2700111​×100=4.11%

This yield suggests Apple is generating significant free cash flow, which is reflected in its ability to buy back shares, pay dividends, and invest in innovation.

Common Pitfalls When Using Free Cash Flow Yield

1. One-Time Cash Events

A company may sell an asset, creating a temporary boost in FCF. Always check the financial statements for unusual items that may distort FCFY.

2. High CAPEX Businesses

Industries like energy and telecommunications often have high CAPEX, leading to lower FCF. In these cases, FCFY may not fully capture the company’s potential.

3. Declining Revenue or Margins

A high FCFY is meaningless if the business is in decline. Always consider revenue trends and competitive positioning.

Practical Tips for Investors

  1. Research Tools: Use free tools like Yahoo Finance or advanced platforms like Morningstar to calculate FCFY.
  2. Industry Comparisons: Compare FCFY within industries to ensure fair benchmarking.
  3. Understand the Business: Favor companies with simple, transparent business models and predictable cash flow.
  4. Avoid FOMO: Never invest based on hype—stick to companies with solid fundamentals.

Closing Thoughts on the Importance of Free Cash Flow

Free Cash Flow Yield is a valuable metric for identifying undervalued stocks, but it’s more than just a number. It reflects a company’s ability to generate real cash, sustain growth, and reward shareholders. By combining FCFY with a thorough understanding of a company’s business and financial health, you can make more informed investment decisions.

Happy Investing!

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