Investment Advisory
Investment Advisory
In the ever-evolving world of investing, trends come and go. But sometimes, the markets remind us to return to what truly matters.
After years of excitement around fast-scaling, high-burn businesses, there’s a noticeable shift underway—a quiet pivot back to the core fundamentals of business resilience. At the heart of this shift is a single, powerful metric: Free Cash Flow (FCF).
More than just a financial term, FCF is fast becoming the cornerstone of modern investing—a measure of quality, adaptability, and long-term sustainability.
The End of the “Zero-Cost Capital” Era
The easy-money days of 2020–2021 ushered in a mindset of “growth at all costs.” In an environment of near-zero interest rates, startups and large companies alike were rewarded for top-line growth, even if it meant burning through capital.
That era is behind us.
With structurally higher global interest rates and tighter liquidity, capital is no longer cheap—and efficiency is back in vogue. Investors today are less impressed by scale alone. They’re looking for businesses that can generate organic cash flows, reinvest prudently, and grow sustainably—without leaning heavily on external funding.
CY25: A Year of Uncertainty, a Time for Discipline
This year, global markets are contending with a complex web of challenges:
In such an environment, companies with strong FCF and steady dividend yields stand out. They offer not just income, but insulation—a financial cushion that helps ride out the rough patches and stay agile.
Why Free Cash Flow Matters Now More Than Ever
Looking Ahead: The Market Is Backing Fundamentals
With valuations already elevated, serious investors are becoming more discerning. The new playbook isn’t about momentum—it’s about clarity, discipline, and conviction.
Free Cash Flow has emerged as the single most telling filter. It signals a company’s ability to:
And as private capital expenditure is expected to rise in the quarters ahead, FCF-rich businesses will likely lead the next phase of value creation.
Our View at Entrust
At Entrust Family Office, we see this as more than just a market trend—it’s a return to fundamentals.
In our conversations with business families and long-term investors, FCF is increasingly central to our due diligence and portfolio thinking. It’s not just about short-term returns—it’s about long-term stewardship, resilience, and value creation.
As we navigate this evolving landscape together, we continue to believe: the clearest signal of future strength lies in today’s free cash flow.
Looking to understand how FCF-focused investing can shape your family’s financial legacy? Let’s start a conversation.
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