DCF Question

Okay, I'm trying to figure something out. I thought that DCFs use free cash flow (EBIT(1-tax rate) +d&a - capex - change in net working capital) for the projections, as well as for calculating the TV. On the WSO site, though, when calculating TV, it states that Gordon Growth uses EBITDA, specifically EBITDA x ((1 + terminal growth Rate) / (WACC - Terminal Growth Rate)). Am I missing something? Shouldn't it be Free cash instead of EBITDA?

6 Comments
 

Okay, couple things.

1.) You are correct, it should be UFCF if you're using the Gordon Growth Method. EBITDA is for the multiples method. Where'd you see this? You said "the WSO site", which could mean basically anywhere.

2.) It would be WACC, because the formula you described above is unlevered FCF. But yes, if you were calculating levered FCF, the discount rate would be the cost of equity. Indicentally, if you do that, the resulting NPV is equity value, not Enterprise Value.

Did that answer your questions?

Maximum effort.
 
Best Response
"Howard Hughes" Apologies, should have specified it was on here: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/finance-dictionary...
WallStreetOasis.com hey Patrick, is this correct? See above comment.

Howard Hughes let me re-clarify my clarification.

There are two basic types of Free Cash Flow (FCF) we are talking about here:

Unlevered FCF (UFCF or Free Cash Flow to the Firm (FCFF)) UFCF is the formula you had above. Discounted UFCFs result in an NPV that is the Enterprise Value of the company. The discount rate takes into account all types of capital, i.e. WACC. When people say "FCF", they're usually talking about UFCF - unless you're working in an LBO, in which case see below.

Levered FCF (LFCF or Free Cash Flow to Equity (FCFE)) LFCF is a different formula. Discounted LFCFs result in an NPV that is the equity value of the company. The discount rate is the cost of equity.

Moving on to Terminal Value calculations. There are two, as you said. GGM and multiples.

GGM: Regardless of which FCF we're using for our DCF, the Terminal Value (TV) for GGM is calculated using FCF, where:

TV = (FCF*(1+g))/(discount rate - g)

Multiples Method: The multiples method Terminal Value is completely different. It uses the terminal year's EBITDA to simulate a "sale" in that year. Therefore, you apply your terminal year's EBITDA to a multiple to get your TV.

Okay. So. Regardless of the method - GGM or multiples - you discount that TV to the present at the discount rate. Remember, that could be WACC OR the cost of equity.

To recap, FCF is used for GGM, EBITDA is used for multiples. Either type of FCF can be used for GGM, but it will result in a different NPV for your DCF.

Cool?

Maximum effort.
 

Sequi accusamus consequatur in praesentium. Eaque voluptatem dolor porro consequatur. Ut qui ad non adipisci iusto.

Natus non beatae blanditiis nihil. Et repellendus quaerat qui ut. Quis esse ut et ut ex. Ipsa itaque omnis dicta eum. Fugiat tenetur et et est maiores consequatur molestias.

Dignissimos sapiente aut tempore rem et distinctio perspiciatis. Rerum quibusdam ut molestias omnis repellat adipisci. Et ratione hic et veniam aut et rerum illum. Sit labore unde autem ipsam labore qui cupiditate.

Similique porro facilis magnam in vel vel. Sed velit sed quam dolor corrupti qui possimus. Aut tempora vel error.

Maximum effort.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (72) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”