Discounted Cash Flow analysis is like the ace-up-the-sleeve trick in equity valuation. The major assumption that money is worth more today than what it would be tomorrow makes the model a go-to tool for all financial analysts and investors. However, despite all its impressive results, DCF models also suffer from major drawbacks and analysts need to keep both the pros and cons in mind to extract the maximum success from the analysis. Just like a simple model can save time, too much dependency can be detrimental.
The pros of a discounted cash flow model
- It can be created in MS Excel
You do not need any complicated financial modelling software to create DCF. It is ultimately a cash flow statement of the future that delivers an idea about the present. MS Excel can capture the whole analysis with a simple set of functions and formulas.
- Intrinsic value is the outcome
In other words, you get an idea about how much you are to invest today to receive a particular return in the future. All the results are solid numbers with no scope for ranges. The returned intrinsic values in equity valuation, thus, simplify decision making and remove the requirement to compare companies.
- Captures business expectations
Discounted Cash Flow modelling starts with a few assumptions. And these assumptions encapsulate crucial business features like the history of growth, balance sheet strength, cash flow, prevailing market conditions and so on. Hence, you will not need to add further parameters on the end result as the major expectations are already captured by the model.
- Suitable for more analyses
Along with equity valuation, you can also use DCF to calculate the internal rate of return, other investment opportunities and potential of proposed mergers and acquisitions. In short, DCF modelling is a diverse skill to have.
The cons of DCF analysis
- Precision sensitive to assumptions
The outcome of a discounted cash flow model is as good as the assumptions you make. A small error here can return inflated intrinsic numbers. Plus, the sample size of your historical data may also cause large swings and often requires 50 years’ worth of information.
- Prone to overcomplication
DCF modelling in the inexpert hands can quickly turn into a perfect financial model that predicts very precisely. But the sheer number of assumptions combined with the term of the investment may make the Excel sheets a herculean task to maintain.
- Isolated picture
Equity valuation needs to take other businesses into account to adequately streamline resources. DCF has no scope of comparisons. The isolated picture may also create biases and lead to loopholes in decision-making.
Hence, although powerful, a discounted cash flow model demands a trained mind. A reputed online course can equip you with the steering techniques and transform you into a financial analyst with DCF expertise. Staying away from the cons requires rigorous practice and that is what you learn in good technical online courses.