Free Cash Flow as a Determinant of Performance and Stock Price Movement in Multinational Energy Companies

Abstract

We used the Free Cash Flow (FCF) formula to test and determine the performance of these firms, along with testing the correlation with price movement. Previous Studies showed that Free Cash flow has positive correlation with taking investment opportunities, while negative Free Cash flow represent distressed period for the firm. Questions addressed in the article is (1) whether FCF can determine the energy firm’s performance and stock price movement, (2) whether high FCF triggers investing in high return investments, and (3) whether low or negative FCF leads to financially distressed period. The results are consistent with high Free Cash flow will result in greater investment opportunity while low or negative Free Cash flow will result in distressed period for the firm. In addition, the results showed positive relation between Free Cash flow and share price movement.