A Coherent Model of DCF Valuation

Business valuation through DCF is recognized as one of the most popular valuation approaches. DCF valuation models, however, have become extremely complex. Modeling requires plenty of input data to be processed, the process is done in many stages, and the data obtained on each of the stages may be interrelated. The process then is not simply a chain of tasks. The modern models work via sophisticated mechanisms of loops being triggered whenever a new piece of information is revealed and the whole model needs updating. Technically speaking, in the spreadsheets environment, this may only be done with the use of iterations. The valuation model should also be subjected to the sensitivity analysis, which is able to quantify the impact of every single assumption made on the final company value. The analysis points out the set of critical assumptions, which have the major impact on the calculated company’s value. Apart from quantifying the impact of the assumptions, the analysis runs qualitative checks on the assumptions assessing the robustness of the arguments standing behind the critical factors for valuation. Consequently, the sensitivity analysis improves the objectivity of the model and mitigates the exposure for the possible results manipulation. The sensitivity analysis reveals its critical role in the valuation process and proves that it should be considered as the standard step in every DCF valuation.