What does levered free cash flow measure?

Levered free cash flow specifically measures the cash available to equity shareholders after all debt payments have been made. This metric is important because it reflects the actual cash that a company can distribute to its equity investors, taking into account the financial obligations that arise from its debt.

By focusing on the cash flow remaining after servicing debt, levered free cash flow provides a clearer picture of the cash position available for dividends, reinvestment, and other corporate purposes exclusive to shareholders. This is distinct from other cash flow metrics that do not consider the impact of debt service, thus providing valuable insight into the financial health and performance of a company from the equity holder's perspective.

Understanding levered free cash flow is essential for evaluating a company's risk profile and return potential, as it highlights the amount of cash a company has left after fulfilling its obligations to creditors.