Excel DCF Modeler
Overview
Creates professional DCF valuation models following investment banking standards with WACC calculations and sensitivity analysis.
Prerequisites
- •Excel or compatible spreadsheet software
- •Historical financial data for target company
- •Industry comparables for WACC estimation
Instructions
- •Create assumptions sheet with revenue growth, margins, WACC, and terminal growth rate
- •Build free cash flow projections (5-year forecast)
- •Calculate terminal value using Gordon Growth Model
- •Discount cash flows and terminal value to present value
- •Sum to get enterprise value, subtract net debt for equity value
- •Add sensitivity tables for key assumptions
Output
- •Complete 4-sheet DCF model with assumptions, projections, valuation, and sensitivity
- •Enterprise value and equity value per share
- •Sensitivity analysis on WACC and terminal growth rate
Error Handling
| Error | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| #DIV/0! in terminal value | WACC equals terminal growth | Terminal growth must be less than WACC |
| Negative FCF | High CapEx or WC needs | Review assumptions, may need different model |
| Unrealistic EV | Extreme growth assumptions | Benchmark against industry comparables |
Examples
Example: Value a SaaS Company Request: "Create a DCF model for a $50M ARR SaaS company growing 30%" Result: 4-sheet model with 5-year projections, 12% WACC, 3% terminal growth, sensitivity tables
Example: M&A Valuation Request: "DCF analysis for acquisition target" Result: Model with synergy adjustments, scenario analysis, and per-share valuation
Resources
- •Damodaran Online DCF Resources
- •WSO DCF Modeling Guide
- •
{baseDir}/references/dcf-formulas.mdfor Excel formula templates