FCF, LFCF correct formula?

I've noticed that there some conflicting formulas for FCF (unlevered), which one is correct?

Start with NI: FCF = NI + D&A - change NWC - CapEx

Start with EBIT: FCF = EBIT - taxes + D&A - change NWC - CapEx

These seem to be conflicting because interest is subtracted to get NI, while interest remains in EBIT. I believe that interest(1-t) should be added back to the first formula because interest expense is not to be included in FCF, is this correct?

Then, is Levered FCF = FCF - interest expense?

I am interviewing right now and am confused. Thanks for any help!

4 Comments
 
Best Response

in interviews, just use the unlevered free cash flow formula and you're set:

from the top: Revenues - COGS (excl. D&A) = Gross Margin - Operating expenses = EBITDA - D&A = EBIT - EBIT * (1-tax rate) = NOPAT + D&A - CapEx - Increase in NWC = Unlevered Free Cash Flow - Debt Payments (interest, principal) = Levered FCF

Usually in interviews I'll just start at EBIT if they want the formula, but you also want to be able to explain the concepts as well

 

Magni corrupti consequatur ducimus iure autem esse quas. Tenetur error porro qui culpa tenetur maiores et. Itaque sed consequuntur vitae voluptas voluptas dolores unde.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (72) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”