Imagine Buying One of the Largest Companies in the World for Just 10 Times Its Free Cash Flow!
- Erik Fernandes Caires
- Mar 19
- 2 min read

It sounds like a distant dream, doesn’t it? But believe it or not, this actually happened less than three years ago with Meta (formerly Facebook) stock. Let me tell you this incredible story and show how unique opportunities like this can arise, even for one of the largest companies in the world.
A few years ago, Meta, one of the top ten global companies by market value, went through a period of devaluation that saw its shares trading at an impressive multiple: just 10 times its free cash flow. For those unfamiliar with the term, free cash flow is the money left over after a company covers all its costs and necessary investments. It’s one of the most important indicators for evaluating a company’s financial health.
At the time, the market was pessimistic about Meta’s future. There were concerns about user privacy, changes in advertising policies, and even questions about the company’s ability to remain relevant in a landscape of growing competition. All of this caused Meta’s stock to drop to levels that, in hindsight, were a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity.
Those who had the foresight to buy Meta stock at that time, paying only 10 times its free cash flow, are now reaping the rewards of that decision. Since then, the company has bounced back, overcome its challenges, and continued to grow, creating value for its shareholders. Meta’s free cash flow is enormous, and the company remains one of the most profitable and influential in the world.
This story teaches us a valuable lesson: even the largest and most solid companies can go through periods of market devaluation, creating incredible opportunities for long-term investors. Of course, it’s not always easy to identify these moments or have the courage to invest when everyone else is pessimistic. But as the famous investor Warren Buffett says, “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.”
If you’re thinking about investing, keep an eye out for opportunities like this. Volatile markets can be scary, but they’re also where the best opportunities arise. And who knows? Maybe the next Meta is out there waiting for you, with a free cash flow multiple that will make you wonder, “Why didn’t I buy more?”
So, what do you think of this story? Can you imagine buying one of the largest companies in the world at such an attractive price? Leave a comment, and let’s discuss!
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