Kontantavkastning

Kontantavkastning, also known as cash flow return on investment (CFROI) or economic value added (EVA) adjusted for cash flow, is a financial metric used to evaluate the profitability of a company’s investments. It measures the actual cash generated by an investment relative to the amount of capital invested, providing a more accurate assessment of financial performance than traditional return metrics such as return on equity (ROE) or return on capital employed (ROCE).

The concept focuses on the net cash flow generated by a business after accounting for capital expenditures and working capital requirements. Unlike accounting-based measures, which may include non-cash items like depreciation, kontantavkastning relies on real cash inflows and outflows, offering a clearer picture of a company’s financial health. This approach is particularly useful for investors and analysts who prioritize liquidity and operational efficiency.

Calculating kontantavkastning involves determining the net cash flow from operations, adjusting for capital reinvestments, and comparing it to the total capital invested. The result is expressed as a percentage, indicating how effectively a company generates cash relative to its capital base. A higher kontantavkastning suggests better capital utilization and stronger financial performance.

This metric is widely used in corporate finance and investment analysis, particularly in industries where capital-intensive projects are common, such as manufacturing, infrastructure, or energy. By emphasizing cash flow rather than accounting profits, kontantavkastning helps stakeholders assess long-term sustainability and risk-adjusted returns. It is also a key component in valuation models, such as discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, where future cash flows are projected to determine a company’s intrinsic value.