A straightforward method for calculating free cash flow involves identifying the capital expenditures from the cash flow statement and then deducting this figure from the operating cash flow, which can be located within the cash flow statement. Free cash flow is a crucial metric for evaluating a company’s financial health and potential for growth, as it represents the surplus cash available after the company has covered its operating expenses and capital investments. By analyzing free cash flow, investors and analysts can gauge a company’s ability to expand, pay dividends, and manage debt effectively.