Why is free cash flow important to investors?

Free cash flow is important to investors primarily because it indicates the cash available for distribution to security holders after accounting for capital expenditures. This measure provides insight into a company's financial health, demonstrating its ability to generate cash from operations once necessary investments to maintain or expand its asset base have been made.

By understanding free cash flow, investors can assess how much cash is available for dividends, share repurchases, and debt repayment, which are key factors in evaluating a company's capacity to return value to its shareholders. A positive free cash flow suggests that a company is operating profitably while also investing in future growth, making it a critical metric for evaluating an organization's potential for long-term success and financial stability.