In what way is free cash flow different from net cash flows as shown on a statement of cash flows?

The statement of cash flows shows net cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities for a given period of time. One can give some merit to the statement in that it can help predict future cash flows for a company, given current and prior historical data. The statement is based on data found on the comparative balance sheet and income statement. Free cash flow is a calculation that is found by determining the amount of cash available from operations after paying for planned investments in plant, equipment, and other non-current assets. This amount, in theory, could be used for acquisitions or other expansion activities. Net cash flows show "where it came from and where it went" regarding a company's cash for a given period. Free cash flow is the residual amount left to a company after the bills have been paid and amounts earmarked for capital investment have been set aside. These two types of cash flows are not the same, and have a somewhat different use in financial analysis.