Business Calculators

Business Valuation - Discounted Cash Flow Calculator

This tool calculates a business valuation based upon the discounted cash flow methodology - illustrating how changes in projected growth rates and capital assumptions impact the business Net Present Value.

Inputs
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Estimates only. Adjust any value to recalculate instantly.

Results
Estimated business value $2,195,020 discounting 5 years of cash flow at 12.00%
PV of projected cash flow $788,010
PV of terminal value $1,407,010
Enterprise value $2,195,020
Implied multiple 11.0× of year-1 cash flow
Sources of value
Sources of value Projection period: $788kTerminal value: $1.4M
  • Projection period $788k
  • Terminal value $1.4M
Cash flow Projected cash flowPresent value
Cash flow: Projected cash flow vs Present value $381k$286k$191k$95k$0 Yr 1Yr 2Yr 3Yr 4Yr 5

DCF values a business as the present value of its future cash flows. The terminal value — what the business is worth beyond the projection — often dominates, so the discount and terminal-growth assumptions matter enormously.

Projected cash flow and present value by yearView table
YearCash flowPresent value
1$200,000$178,571
2$210,000$167,411
3$220,500$156,948
4$231,525$147,138
5$243,101$137,942
Terminal$2,479,633$1,407,010

How the business valuation - discounted cash flow calculator works

It projects the business’s cash flow forward at your growth rate, discounts each year back to today at your required return, and adds a discounted terminal value for everything beyond the projection. The sum is the estimated enterprise value.

Worked example

Worked example: with annual cash flow (year 1) of $200,000, annual cash flow growth of 5.00% and discount rate (required return) of 12.00%, the business valuation (discounted cash flow) calculator shows estimated business value of $2,195,020.

PV of projected cash flow
$788,010
PV of terminal value
$1,407,010
Enterprise value
$2,195,020
Implied multiple
11.0×
How it scales
Annual cash flow (year 1)Estimated business value
$100,000$1,097,510
$200,000$2,195,020
$400,000$4,390,041
$800,000$8,780,082

The formula

Value = Σ [cash flowₜ ÷ (1 + d)ᵗ] + terminal value ÷ (1 + d)ⁿ, where terminal value = final cash flow × (1 + g) ÷ (d − g).

Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Confirm exact figures with your lender, plan administrator or advisor.

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Frequently asked

Questions about the business valuation - discounted cash flow calculator

What is discounted cash flow valuation?

A method that values a business as the present value of all the cash it is expected to generate in the future, discounted at the return an investor requires.

Why does the terminal value matter so much?

It captures the business’s worth beyond the forecast period and often makes up most of the value. Small changes in the discount or terminal-growth rate move it a lot.

What discount rate should I use?

The required rate of return for the risk involved — often a weighted average cost of capital. Higher risk means a higher discount rate and a lower valuation.

Is the Business Valuation - Discounted Cash Flow Calculator free to use?

Yes. Every calculator on FinCalculators is completely free, with no sign-up, login or paywall. You can run as many scenarios as you like.