This open access book discusses firm valuation, which is of interest to economists, particularly those working in finance. Firm valuation comes down to the calculation of the discounted cash flow, often only referred to by its abbreviation, DCF. There are, however, different coexistent versions, which seem to compete against each other, such as entity approaches and equity approaches. Acronyms are often used, such as APV (adjusted present value) or WACC (weighted average cost of capital), two concepts classified as entity approaches. This book explains why there are several procedures and whether they lead to the same result. It also examines the economic differences between the methods and indicates the various purposes they serve. Further it describes the limits of the procedures and the situations they are best applied to. The problems this book addresses are relevant to theoreticians and practitioners alike.

Analysis and insights from top thought leaders on a pivotal topic in investing and asset management Valuation is the cornerstone for investment analysis, and a thorough understanding and correct application of valuation methodologies are critical for long-term investing success. Edited by two leading valuation experts from CFA Institute, this book brings together the insights and expertise of some of the most astute and successful investment minds of the past 50 years. From Benjamin Graham, the “father of value investing,” to Aswath Damodaran, you’ll learn what these investment luminaries have to say about investment valuation techniques, including earnings and cash flow analysis. Features the best thinking on valuation from the industry’s masters on the topic, supplemented with dozens of fascinating and instructive real-world examples Comprehensively discusses special valuation situations, such as real options, employee stock options, highly leveraged firms, corporate takeovers, and more Supplies you with the tools you need to successfully navigate and thrive in the ever-changing financial markets Is being produced with the full support and input of CFA Institute, the world’s leading association of investment professionals

Firm valuation is currently a very exciting topic. It is interesting for those economists engaged in either practice or theory, particularly for those in finance. The literature on firm valuation recommends logical, quantitative methods, which deal with establishing today's value of future free cash flows. In this respect firm valuation is identical with the calculation of the discounted cash flow, DCF. There are, however, different coexistent versions, which seem to compete against each other. Entity approach and equity approach are thus differentiated. Acronyms are often used, such as APV (adjusted present value) or WACC (weighted average cost of capital), whereby these two concepts are classified under entity approach. Why are there several procedures and not just one? Do they all lead to the same result? If not, where do the economic differences lie? If so, for what purpose are different methods needed? And further: do the known procedures suffice? Or are there situations where none of the concepts developed up to now delivers the correct value of the firm? If so, how is the appropriate valuation formula to be found? These questions are not just interesting for theoreticians; even the practitioner who is confronted with the task of marketing his or her results has to deal with it. The authors systematically clarify the way in which these different variations of the DCF concept are related throughout the book ENDORSEMENTS FOR LÖFFLER: DISCOUNTED 0-470-87044-3 "Compared with the huge number of books on pragmatic approaches to discounted cash flow valuation, there are remarkably few that lay out the theoretical underpinnings of this technique. Kruschwitz and Löffler bring together the theory in this area in a consistent and rigorous way that should be useful for all serious students of the topic." --Ian Cooper, London Business School "This treatise on the market valuation of corporate cash flows offers the first reconciliation of conventional cost-of-capital valuation models from the corporate finance literature with state-pricing (or 'risk-neutral' pricing) models subsequently developed on the basis of multi-period no-arbitrage theories. Using an entertaining style, Kruschwitz and Löffler develop a precise and theoretically consistent definition of 'cost of capital', and provoke readers to drop vague or contradictory alternatives." --Darrell Duffie, Stanford University "Handling firm and personal income taxes properly in valuation involves complex considerations. This book offers a new, precise, clear and concise theoretical path that is pleasant to read. Now it is the practitioners task to translate this approach into real-world applications!" --Wolfgang Wagner, PricewaterhouseCoopers "It is an interesting book, which has some new results and it fills a gap in the literature between the usual undergraduate material and the very abstract PhD material in such books as that of Duffie (Dynamic Asset Pricing Theory). The style is very engaging, which is rare in books pitched at this level." --Martin Lally, University of Wellington

"The beauty of DCF analysis is that it allows you to see the future potential of a company, not just its current state." Decoding DCF is the ultimate beginner's guide to Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis. This comprehensive book covers everything you need to know about DCF, from the basics to advanced applications in a variety of industries. The book begins with an overview of the essential concepts behind DCF, including the time value of money, risk and return, and the mathematics of DCF. It then walks readers through the components of a DCF budget, including cash inflows, cash outflows, and net present value. Readers will also learn how to build their own DCF budget, including estimating future cash flows, determining the discount rate, and calculating net present value. The book includes detailed guidance on how to conduct sensitivity analysis, which can help users identify variations in cash flow estimates and changes in the discount rate. The book also covers advanced topics in DCF budgeting, such as the adjusted present value method, real option valuation, and DCF for startup businesses. Readers will also learn how to apply DCF analysis to other areas, such as debt management, personal financial planning, non-profit organizations, government budgeting, and corporate social responsibility. In addition to practical guidance, the book includes case studies that illustrate successful and failed attempts at DCF budgeting. Readers will also find information on the future of DCF budgeting, including trends and innovations in the field, cultural and ethical considerations, and resources for further learning. Decoding DCF is the perfect resource for anyone looking to master DCF analysis. Whether you are a finance student, a professional analyst, or simply someone interested in improving your financial skills, this book has everything you need to get started. With clear explanations, real-world examples, and practical tools and techniques, Decoding DCF will help you unlock the power of DCF and take your budgeting to the next level. And with resources for further learning, you can continue to improve your skills and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in DCF budgeting. If you're ready to take your financial skills to the next level, Decoding DCF is the perfect guide to get you started.Table of Contents Understanding the Basics of Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) What is Discounted Cash Flow? Importance of Discounted Cash Flow in Budgeting The Theory Behind Discounted Cash Flow Time Value of Money Risk and Return The Mathematics of DCF Present Value and Future Value Discount Rate Components of a DCF Budget Cash Inflows Cash Outflows Net Present Value Building Your DCF Budget Estimating Future Cash Flows Determining the Discount Rate Calculating Net Present Value Sensitivity Analysis in DCF Budgeting Variations in Cash Flow Estimates Changes in Discount Rate DCF in Capital Budgeting Evaluating Investment Projects Comparing Different Financing Options DCF for Business Valuation Free Cash Flow Forecasting Terminal Value Calculation DCF in Real Estate Investment Estimating Rental Cash Flows Determining Property Value DCF for Stock Valuation Dividend Discount Model Earnings Discount Model Limitations of DCF Budgeting Uncertainty and Risk Dependence on Assumptions Overcoming DCF Limitations Conservative Estimations Regular Review and Adjustment DCF Budgeting Software and Tools Excel for DCF Budgeting Professional Financial Software Case Studies in DCF Budgeting Successful DCF Budgeting Examples Lessons from Failed DCF Budgeting Attempts The Future of DCF Budgeting Impact of Technology on DCF Budgeting Trends and Innovations in DCF Budgeting Advanced Techniques in DCF Budgeting Adjusted Present Value Method Real Option Valuation DCF for Startup Businesses Projecting Cash Flows for Startups Valuing a Startup Using DCF DCF in Mergers and Acquisitions Valuing a Target Company Assessing the Financial Feasibility of a Merger DCF in Debt Management Evaluating Loan Options Assessing the Cost of Debt DCF for Personal Financial Planning Planning for Retirement Estimating the Value of Investments DCF in Non-Profit Organizations Project Evaluation Fund Allocation DCF in Government Budgeting Public Project Evaluation Debt Management DCF and Corporate Social Responsibility Valuing Social and Environmental Impacts Sustainable Investment Analysis DCF in Uncertain Economic Times Role of DCF during Economic Crisis DCF in Post-Covid World Cultural Considerations in DCF Budgeting Differences in DCF Approaches Across the Globe Adapting DCF to Local Contexts Ethical Considerations in DCF Budgeting Manipulation and Misrepresentation Risks Ensuring Ethical Conduct in DCF Budgeting Teaching DCF Budgeting DCF for Finance Students Professional Development in DCF Budgeting A Career in DCF Budgeting Roles and Responsibilities of a DCF Analyst Skills and Qualifications for DCF Professionals Resources for Further Learning Books and Journals on DCF Budgeting Online Resources for DCF Budgeting. Have Questions / Comments? Get Another Book Free ISBN: 9781991093110

Firm valuation is currently a very exciting topic. It is interesting for those economists engaged in either practice or theory, particularly for those in finance. The literature on firm valuation recommends logical, quantitative methods, which deal with establishing today's value of future free cash flows. In this respect firm valuation is identical with the calculation of the discounted cash flow, DCF. There are, however, different coexistent versions, which seem to compete against each other. Entity approach and equity approach are thus differentiated. Acronyms are often used, such as APV (adjusted present value) or WACC (weighted average cost of capital), whereby these two concepts are classified under entity approach. Why are there several procedures and not just one? Do they all lead to the same result? If not, where do the economic differences lie? If so, for what purpose are different methods needed? And further: do the known procedures suffice? Or are there situations where none of the concepts developed up to now delivers the correct value of the firm? If so, how is the appropriate valuation formula to be found? These questions are not just interesting for theoreticians; even the practitioner who is confronted with the task of marketing his or her results has to deal with it. The authors systematically clarify the way in which these different variations of the DCF concept are related throughout the book ENDORSEMENTS FOR LÖFFLER: DISCOUNTED 0-470-87044-3 "Compared with the huge number of books on pragmatic approaches to discounted cash flow valuation, there are remarkably few that lay out the theoretical underpinnings of this technique. Kruschwitz and Löffler bring together the theory in this area in a consistent and rigorous way that should be useful for all serious students of the topic." --Ian Cooper, London Business School "This treatise on the market valuation of corporate cash flows offers the first reconciliation of conventional cost-of-capital valuation models from the corporate finance literature with state-pricing (or 'risk-neutral' pricing) models subsequently developed on the basis of multi-period no-arbitrage theories. Using an entertaining style, Kruschwitz and Löffler develop a precise and theoretically consistent definition of 'cost of capital', and provoke readers to drop vague or contradictory alternatives." --Darrell Duffie, Stanford University "Handling firm and personal income taxes properly in valuation involves complex considerations. This book offers a new, precise, clear and concise theoretical path that is pleasant to read. Now it is the practitioners task to translate this approach into real-world applications!" --Wolfgang Wagner, PricewaterhouseCoopers "It is an interesting book, which has some new results and it fills a gap in the literature between the usual undergraduate material and the very abstract PhD material in such books as that of Duffie (Dynamic Asset Pricing Theory). The style is very engaging, which is rare in books pitched at this level." --Martin Lally, University of Wellington