Download or read book Discounted Cash Flow written by Lutz Kruschwitz and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2005-11-18 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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

Download or read book Discounted Cash Flow Demystified written by Luna Z. Rainstorm and published by Xspurts.com. This book was released on with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Don't let the complexity of DCF scare you away from its potential benefits." If you want to master the art of budgeting with Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), look no further than Discounted Cash Flow Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to DCF Budgeting. This book offers a thorough and accessible introduction to DCF analysis, from the basics to advanced applications across a wide range 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. Whether you are a finance student, a professional analyst, or simply someone interested in improving your budgeting skills, Discounted Cash Flow Demystified is the ultimate guide to DCF analysis. With clear explanations, real-world examples, and practical tools and techniques, this book will help you unlock the power of DCF and take your budgeting to the next level.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.ISBN: 9781776849581

Download or read book Decoding DCF written by Penelope B. Wellington and published by Xspurts.com. This book was released on 2023 with total page 237 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "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

Download or read book Stochastic Discounted Cash Flow written by Lutz Kruschwitz and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-02-28 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Critical Evaluation of the Discounted Cash Flow Method as a Value Based Performance Measurement Concept written by Jens Jannasch and published by GRIN Verlag. This book was released on 2004-03-15 with total page 35 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Seminar paper from the year 2003 in the subject Business economics - Controlling, grade: 1,3 (A), European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) (Economics), course: Seminar: Budgeting and Performance Measurement, language: English, abstract: This paper will evaluate the Discounted-Cash-Flow-Method (DCF) as a certain value based performance measurement system (VBPMS). Therefore criteria of evaluating performance measurement systems (PMS) in generally will be created (Chapter 2). This strategy will guarantee the fundamental comparability of the derived features of the DCF with these of other PMS (including non-VBPMS, too). Chapter 3 will emphasize a fundamental feature of VBPMS, the shareholder orientation. After a detailed investigation of the DCF in chapter 4, its criteria will be evaluated in chapter 5. Finally a quintessence closes this paper (chapter 6). 2 Criteria for evaluating performance measurement systems In this chapter criteria of value based performance measurement systems will be developed. Therefore the sense of performance in connection with enterprises will be explained, at first. Finally, the term “performance measurement system” (PMS) will be defined in order to point out there criteria. 2.1 The performance of an enterprise Performance of an enterprise stands for its achievement, its power or its output 1 . To describe this term exactly, it is important to get an impression of the objectives of an enterprise (see Figure 7.1).The objectives of an enterprise are derived from its mission 2 . The mission of a company stresses its basic function in society. Qualitative aims, called goals, are derived from the mission. If they are expressed in a way that can be measured, they are called objectives. Shareholder wealth maximisation is the traditional objective of firms 3 . In general, “any group or individual who can affect or is affected by the achievement of the organization’s objectives” 4 (Stakeholder) can influence its mission and therefore its objectives. And some of them do so, as one can realise for example by investigating the success of the Balanced Score Card 5 as a performance measurement instrument that emphasises the objectives of several stakeholders 6 . Obviously, not every Stakeholder can by considered. Only the interests of a few key-stakeholders will be regarded by the target system of a firm. Shareholders are one of the considered key-stakeholders because of their influence on the process of creating the mission (consider the rights of co determination of the general business meeting and the supervisory board 7 at share companies; the influence of the shareholders on partnerships is trivial).

Download or read book Discounted Cash Flow Budgeting Simplified Your Path to Financial Excellence written by Evan J. Patel and published by xspurts.com. This book was released on 2023-01-01 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Looking to take control of your finances and achieve financial excellence? Look no further than "Discounted Cash Flow Budgeting: Simplified Your Path to Financial Excellence." This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step overview of Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) budgeting, one of the most effective methods for understanding and managing your cash flow. Inside, you'll learn about the basics of DCF, including the theory behind the method and the time value of money. You'll also discover the components of a DCF budget, including cash inflows, cash outflows, and net present value. With this knowledge, you'll be able to build your own DCF budget, including estimating future cash flows, determining the discount rate, and calculating net present value. But that's not all - this guide also covers advanced techniques in DCF budgeting, including real option valuation and DCF for startup businesses. Plus, you'll learn about the limitations of DCF budgeting and how to overcome them, as well as the role of DCF in uncertain economic times. Whether you're a finance student, a professional looking to develop your skills, or simply someone looking to take control of your finances, "Discounted Cash Flow Budgeting" has the insights and tools you need to succeed. With case studies, real-world examples, and resources for further learning, this guide is the ultimate resource for anyone looking to achieve financial excellence. 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.

Download or read book Discounted Cash Flow written by and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 179 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Relevance of Discounted Cash Flow DCF and Economic Value Added EVA for the Valuation of Banks written by Dennis Schön and published by GRIN Verlag. This book was released on 2007-08 with total page 76 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bachelor Thesis from the year 2003 in the subject Business economics - Investment and Finance, grade: 1,3 (A), Northumbria University (Newcastle Business School), language: English, abstract: This study investigates the underlying theories and assumptions of two modern capital market-based valuation approaches, the Discounted-Cash-Flow (DCF) and the Economic-Value-Added (EVA) approach, which are nowadays applied principally for industrial and manufacturing firms. This general examination is then transferred into a more specific investigation exploring whether these valuation concepts can be applied to the strongly regulated and more specific field of bank valuation. A questionnaire addressing bank analysts was created to analyse this question. The project indicates that the ideas of shareholder value which have been enforced over the last decade have implemented the need for a more shareholder-focused valuation. The application of DCF is basically attributed to this movement. It is revealed that this concept uses cash flow streams which depict a more realistic picture of an organization's true earning power. Moreover, it employs a discount rate based on the capital market and thus reflecting the yield expectations of the investors. EVA, on the other hand is a relatively new concept, copyrighted in 1994 by Stern Stewart. It highlights an organization's true economic profits. The study examines its components NOPAT, Capital and Cost of Capital, establishes a relation to DCF, points out some general limitations due to the fact that it falls back on accounting figures and critically assesses its dependence on the CAPM whose inherent assumptions of efficient markets that are not transferable into reality, might affect the valuation. The primary research undertaken finally reveals that the concepts of DCF and EVA are basically suitable to be applied to the valuation of banks. However, there are some peculiarities, primarily due to difficulties associated with the defin

Download or read book Principles of Cash Flow Valuation written by Joseph Tham and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2004-02-23 with total page 517 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Principles of Cash Flow Valuation is the only book available that focuses exclusively on cash flow valuation. This text provides a comprehensive and practical, market-based framework for the valuation of finite cash flows derived from a set of integrated financial statements, namely, the income statement, balance sheet, and cash budget. The authors have distilled the essence of years of gathering academic wisdom in the study of cash flow analysis and the cost of capital. Their work should go a long way toward bridging the gap between the application of cost benefit analysis and the theory of capital budgeting. This book covers the basic concepts in market-based cash flow valuation. Topics include the tme value of money (TVM) and an introduction to cost of capital; basic review of financial statements and accounting concepts; construction of integrated pro-forma financial statements; derivation of free cash flows; use of the WACC in theory and in practice; estimating the WACC for non traded firms; calculating the terminal value beyond the planning period. It also revisits the theory for cost of capital and explains how cash flows are valued in reality. The ideas are illustrated using examples and a case study. The presentation is appropriate for a range of technical backgrounds. This text will be of interest to finance professionals as well as MBA and other graduate students in finance. * Provides the only exclusive treatment of cash flow valuation * Authors use examples and a case study to illustrate ideas * Presentation appropriate for a range of technical backgrounds: ideas are presented clearly, full exposition is also provided * Named among the Top 10 financial engineering titles by Financial Engineering News

Download or read book Stochastic Discounted Cash Flow written by Lutz Kruschwitz and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Discounted Cash Flow written by and published by . This book was released on 1970 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book A Cautionary Tale about Discounted Cash Flow Analysis written by William Andrews Sahlman and published by . This book was released on 1990 with total page 25 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Guidelines on Discounted Cash Flow Analysis written by and published by . This book was released on 1984 with total page 86 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book A Tool Kit for Discounted Cash Flow Valuation written by Andreas Schueler and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 18 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The DCF method or multiples are used to value companies in practice. Starting with the value additivity principle, the paper presents a general framework for DCF valuation. This framework allows defining stepwise and aggregated approaches to value risky cash flows and identifying inconsistent approaches. The framework helps to integrate sales, contribution margin, operating leverage, and financial leverage into valuation approaches and shows the assumptions implied when multiples are used.

Download or read book Discounted Cash Flow Analysis Stochastic Extensions written by Arnold Reisman and published by . This book was released on 1973 with total page 324 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Pams Dcf C Portfolio Analysis Management System Discounted Cash Flow Analysis written by Cpa and published by Blurb. This book was released on 2015-05-18 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: PAMS-DCF explains in detail starting from basic concepts, what "Discounted Cash Flow Analysis" is, why it is needed, and what its pitfalls are. It discusses and supports with examples the various issues surrounding yield analysis, including leveraged lease analysis, multiple yield scenarios, extended yield methods, and the concepts and methods used in portfolio summary yield techniques. It is a walk through the temples of high finance from a mathematical standpoint. PAMS-DCF (see WWW.PAMSDCF.COM) was written to accompany a software system that is available separately. As a stand-alone book the codifying and clarification of concepts is uniquely enlightening. The book contains many examples and reports, a glossary and a complete outline and index. The appendix for those interested, delves in detail into the mathematical issues of multiple rate scenarios. The book alone is an outstanding learning tool. The book and software together provide an affordable, powerful and easily mastered business tool. An eye-opening must-read book for anyone considering a career in finance, leasing, economics, business or banking.

Download or read book Discounted Cash Flow Valuation written by James Rockefeller and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2018-03-11 with total page 24 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn how to spot undervalued stocks with the Discounted Cash Flow Valuation formula! Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) is a valuation metric used by investors to gauge the attractiveness of an investment opportunity. Most people accept that money loses value overtime, which is a particularly important consideration for value investors who buy and hold, long-term investors: it's a fact that next year's $100 will be worth less than this year's $100. The value investor will apply DCF analysis to projected cash flows (perhaps over 5 years or more) to arrive at the net current worth of those projected cash flows.