Discounted Cash Flow (DCF)

Table of contents:

    • What is Discounted Cash Flow Value?
    • What is DCF method of valuation in mergers and acquisitions?
    • How Do You Calculate Discounted Cash Flow (DCF)?
    • WACC (Weighted Average Cost of Capital)
    • Is Discounted Cash Flow Same as NPV?
    • DCF vs. NPV

Discounted Cash Flow modeling is a valuation method to estimate the true value of a company based on its capability to generate cash flows. DCF model, which is one of the approaches in equity valuation theory and practice, is more easily used when future cash benefits are known or correctly estimated.

What is Discounted Cash Flow Value?

Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), usually presented in comparison with the market value of the company, estimates the future cash flows of the company and provides the present value created and the amount that investors should pay, that is, the company value / investment value.

At its simplest, it means the estimation of the future cash flow of the company and discounting it to the present based on the time value of money (TVM) and the risk that the company will not be able to generate the estimated cash flow because of the possible risks.

DCF model inputs are as follows:
  • Future cash flows
  • Rate of discount, Cost of Opportunity
  • Any growth rate of cash flows

What is DCF method of valuation in mergers and acquisitions?

Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) approach estimates the company’s value over future cash flows. The determinant of the present value of companies is purely future cash flows. DCF analysis, which forms the basis for the valuation of the company, is one of the 3 common M&A valuation methods.

  • Discounted Cash Flow Approach

  • Cost Approach

  • Market Approach

Positive returns are anticipated if the DCF is above the current cost of the investment. The main purpose of Discounted Cash Flow analysis is to estimate how much money an investor will get as a result of an investment by adjusting it for the time value of money.

How Do You Calculate Discounted Cash Flow (DCF)?

Discounted Cash Flow Formula is based on the company’s ability to generate free cash flow. The value created by discounting the free cash flows of the company to today and adding the present company free cash is analyzed as the market value of the company.

DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) Formula:

Cash Flow: “CF” 

Cash Flow For The Year

Interest Rate / Rate of discount: “r”

Period Number: “n”      

Extra Years

 

WACC (Weighted Average Cost of Capital)

Discount rate used during the DCF assessment is often used as WACC (weighted average cost of capital). WACC includes the average rate of return that shareholders expect for a year.

Is Discounted Cash Flow Same as NPV?

No. NPV is an important part of DCF. When all discounted cash flows are gathered, the difference between the analyzed value and the initial value of the investment is the net present value method (NPV). Projects should be accepted if the NPV figure is positive. Projects should be accepted if cash inflows are bigger than cash outflows.

DCF vs. NPV

    • NPV is used to evaluate investment projects or proposals. It analyzes the present value of funds relative to the value of future funds. It is the difference between the current values of cash inflow and cash outflow. It is generally used to compare domestic and foreign investments.
NPV= Cash Flow / (1+i)t  - initial investment
    • Discounted Cash Flow is the discounted cash flow and determines the future value of the investment. Investors who aim to make big investments in the future and want to be sure use DCF especially in real estate investments.