Houston Pumps recently reported $172,500 of sales, $140,500 of operating costs other than depreciation, and $9,250 of depreciation The company had $35,250 of outstanding bonds that carry a 6.75% interest rate, and its federal-plus-state income tax rate was 25%. In order to sustain its operations and thus generate future sales and cash flows, the firm was required to spend $15,250 to buy new fixed assets and to invest $6,850 in net operating working capital. What was the firm's free cash flow? a. $1,860
b. $4,213
c. $1,589
d. $2,286
e. $1,976

b. $4,213

Explanation:

Net Operating Profit = Sales - Operating costs - Depreciation Expenses

Net Operating Profit = $172,500 - $140,500 - $9,250

Net Operating Profit = $22,750

Free Cash Flow (FCF) = Net Operating Profit After Tax(NOPAT) – Capital Expenditures – Changes in Net Working Capital

Free Cash Flow (FCF) = Net operating income*(1 - Tax Rate) + Depreciation Expenses - Capital Expenditures - Changes in Net Working Capital

Free Cash Flow (FCF) = $22,750 *(1 - 0.25) + $9,250 - $15,250 - $6,850

Free Cash Flow (FCF) =  $22,750 *0.75) + $9,250 - $15,250 - $6,850

Free Cash Flow (FCF) = $17,063 + $9,250 - $15,250 - $6,850

Free Cash Flow (FCF) = $4,213.

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