EPS versus free cash flow per share

Earnings per share and free cash flow per share describe different aspects of a business. Examining their annual histories can help you ask why reported profit and cash generation differ. Both chart views are free where supported company data is available.

What annual EPS measures

EPS expresses earnings attributable to common shareholders per share. Basic EPS uses the basic share base; diluted EPS reflects potential dilution under the applicable accounting rules. This tool uses reported SEC annual EPS facts and adjusts historical per-share observations for supported later stock-split facts. It does not synthesize missing EPS.

How this tool calculates FCF per share

FCF per share = (operating cash flow − cash capital expenditure) ÷ annual diluted weighted-average shares

This is a derived measure using matched annual inputs, not a standardized GAAP figure. Company tables link the operating cash flow and capex filings. Separate share-denominator provenance is not included in the current public export. Read the methodology and check original filings before treating calculations from different services as directly comparable.

Compare the histories

Open Apple Inc. (AAPL) financial history, or choose a company from the directory.
Select Diluted EPS and review its fiscal periods and filing sources.
Switch to FCF / share while keeping the same timeframe. A disabled metric means that the chart has no supported observations for it.
Use the full annual table to compare values for the same fiscal end. Check gaps and newer annual rows that fall outside the price-bounded chart.

Working-capital changes, investment spending, non-cash expenses, and share-count changes can make the histories differ. A difference is a question to investigate in the filings, not an automatic quality score or buy/sell signal. Stock splits and restatements can also affect historical comparisons.

When the comparison is unsuitable

FCF as defined here may be unavailable or economically unsuitable for banks, REITs, and some other businesses. Do not substitute zero for unavailable observations. Percentage growth and CAGR are also difficult to interpret across losses or zero values; the chart formula uses positive endpoints and can leave gaps.

Both metrics are annual, not quarterly or trailing-twelve-month measures. Keep the fiscal dates and currency consistent. Read the historical chart or download its CSV.

Written and maintained by Cheng. Historical research, not investment advice. Sources and limitations.