Michael Mauboussin: Everything Is a DCF Model

In his latest paper titled – Everything Is A DCF Model, Michael Mauboussin discusses DCF models, and why they still remain relevant today. Here’s an excerpt from the paper:

A Mantra for Valuing Cash-Generating Assets

• We suggest the mantra “everything is a DCF model.” Whenever investors value a stake in a cash-generating asset, they should recognize they are using a discounted cash flow (DCF) model.
• This suggests a mindset that is very different from that of a speculator, who buys a stock in anticipation that it will go up without reference to its value.
• The topic deserves attention because many market participants don’t think DCF models are relevant, and many use heuristics for value without recognizing the purpose and limitations of the shorthands.
• The intrinsic value, determined by the present value of future cash flows, attracts the price like a magnetic force. This means it is useful for investors to keep in mind the value drivers of a discounted cash flow model.

You can read the entire paper here:

Michael Mauboussin: Everything Is A DCF Model