A Tutorial on the Discounted Cash Flow Model for Valuation of Companies

All steps of the discounted cash flow model are outlined. Essential steps are: calculation of free cash flow, forecasting of future accounting data (income statements and balance sheets), and discounting of free cash flow. There is particular emphasis on forecasting those balance sheet items which relate to Property, Plant, and Equipment. There is an exemplifying valuation included (of a company called McKay), as an illustration. A number of other valuation models (abnormal earnings, adjusted present value, economic value added, and discounted dividends) are also discussed. Earlier versions of this working paper were entitled "A Tutorial on the McKinsey Model for Valuation of Companies".