量化策略研究：自由现金流因子研究与策略构建

Key Points Summary Core Insights - The report focuses on the construction of quantitative strategies based on Free Cash Flow (FCF) and its effectiveness in investment strategies [2][3][4]. Free Cash Flow Definition and Characteristics - Free Cash Flow to Firm (FCFF) is defined as the cash generated by a company's core operations after accounting for capital expenditures necessary to maintain or expand its asset base [11]. - The report approximates FCF using operating cash flow minus capital expenditures, highlighting its importance in assessing a company's financial health [11][12]. Effectiveness of Cash Flow Factors - The report conducts an IC analysis and long-short return analysis on Free Cash Flow TTM and Operating Cash Flow TTM from January 2014 to August 2025, revealing that Free Cash Flow TTM has a Rank IC mean of 1.18% and an annualized long-short return of 1.13% with a maximum drawdown of 15.98% [2][18][19]. - In contrast, Operating Cash Flow TTM shows weaker effectiveness with a Rank IC mean of 0.85% and a negative annualized return [18][19]. - The relationship between cash flow factors and returns is not linear, with higher factor values sometimes correlating with lower returns, particularly in certain industries [20][21]. Industry Analysis - The Free Cash Flow TTM factor is ineffective in the real estate sector but performs well in coal, food and beverage, automotive, and media industries [20][21]. - The Operating Cash Flow TTM factor is ineffective in real estate, chemicals, comprehensive finance, and steel industries, while it shows better performance in food and beverage, coal, media, and non-bank financial sectors [20][21]. Strategy Construction - The report outlines a strategy based on Free Cash Flow/Enterprise Value, which yielded an annualized return of 17.06% from June 30, 2014, to September 1, 2025, while the Operating Cash Flow/Market Cap strategy returned 13.23% in the same period [4][41][45]. - The strategy involves filtering stocks based on specific criteria, including excluding certain sectors and ensuring positive cash flow metrics [4][41]. Mainstream Free Cash Flow Index Construction Rules - The report analyzes five major Free Cash Flow indices, noting that their annualized returns range from 10% to 16% since 2014, with specific screening rules to ensure quality and stability in cash flow [37][38][39].