Intrinsic Value = Σ [FCFₜ / (1 + WACC)ᵗ] + Terminal Value / (1 + WACC)ⁿ
| DCF Component | What It Captures | Key Input |
|---|---|---|
| Projected FCFs | Near-term cash generation (typically 5–10 years) | Revenue growth, margins, capex |
| Discount Rate (WACC) | Time value of money + risk premium | Cost of equity, cost of debt, capital structure |
| Terminal Value | All cash flows beyond projection period | Perpetual growth rate or exit multiple |
A DCF is only as good as its assumptions. The model gives you a precise number, but that precision is an illusion — the real value is in understanding which assumptions drive the answer and how sensitive the output is to each one.
Sit with the ideas.
A company generates $100M in FCF today, growing at 5% annually. With a WACC of 10%, what is the approximate value of next year's FCF in today's dollars?
DCF a stock — buy with margin of safety
Run a back-of-envelope DCF on a stock you've researched. Estimate fair value. Paper-buy ONLY if the current market price is at least 25% below your fair-value estimate. If it isn't, write down why you waited.
Open paper portfolio →Practice mode — simulated trades, not investment advice.