Build a DCF Model (FCFF)
This guide shows you how to build a discounted cashflow (DCF) valuation in Model Reef using free cashflow to the firm (FCFF). Model Reef already computes FCFF for you from your model, so the focus is on making sure the underlying forecast is sound and the valuation settings are configured correctly.
What you will build:
A clean FCFF series derived from your Cash Waterfall.
A DCF valuation using FCFF discounted at WACC.
A terminal value based on either a multiple or a Gordon Growth style assumption.
Project level valuation metrics (NPV, IRR, Money Multiple, Payback).
Step 1: Check the underlying model
A DCF is only as good as its inputs.
Open your model and confirm:
P&L has realistic revenue, margin and cost behaviour.
Balance Sheet balances each period.
Cashflow Statement reconciles movement in cash.
Open the Cash Waterfall:
Check that EBITDA looks right.
Confirm that Change in Net Working Capital behaves intuitively.
Confirm that Tax, Capex and debt movements look correct.
If core mechanics look wrong, fix variables and drivers before proceeding.
Step 2: Locate FCFF in the Cash Waterfall
Model Reef computes FCFF directly from the Cash Waterfall.
In the Cash Waterfall:
Identify the FCFF row.
FCFF reflects:
EBITDA
Change in Net Working Capital
Tax Paid
Capex is shown separately below FCFF in the waterfall.
Scan the FCFF series:
Look for periods of negative FCFF and confirm they make sense (for example high growth, heavy working capital or tax).
Check that FCFF trends match your expectations for the business.
This FCFF series is the cashflow that will be discounted using WACC.
Step 3: Set up valuation parameters
Open the Valuation settings panel for the model.
Enter or review:
WACC (weighted average cost of capital): should reflect business risk, capital structure and market conditions.
Valuation horizon: ensure your model end date covers the period you want for your DCF.
Tax settings: confirm the effective tax rate is correct for your forecast.
These settings control how FCFF will be discounted.
Step 4: Configure terminal value
Model Reef supports two main terminal value approaches.
Option A: Multiple based terminal value
Choose a metric to base the multiple on, for example EBITDA or FCFF in the final forecast year.
In valuation settings:
Select Multiple method.
Enter the metric to use and the multiple (for example 8x).
Model Reef will compute:
Terminal Value = Metric_final_period × Multiple.
Discount the terminal value back to the present using WACC.
Option B: Gordon Growth style model
Base the terminal value on FCFF and choose a long run growth rate g that is lower than WACC.
In valuation settings:
Select the GGM style configuration.
Enter the long run growth rate g.
Model Reef will compute:
Terminal Value = FCFF_final_period × (1 + g) / (WACC - g).
Discount the terminal value back to today.
Step 5: Review DCF outputs
Once FCFF, WACC and terminal value are in place, Model Reef will:
Discount each FCFF period using WACC.
Discount the terminal value back to the present.
Sum all discounted cashflows.
Review the valuation section:
Check Project NPV: the NPV of FCFF plus terminal value.
Check Project IRR: if you have an initial investment or purchase price, the IRR shows the implied return.
Check Money Multiple and Payback:
Money Multiple shows total discounted returns relative to the initial outlay.
Payback shows how long it takes to recover the investment.
Step 6: Sanity check the result
Ask:
Is the implied valuation range in the right ballpark compared with market comparables or past transactions?
Are discount rates, growth and margins consistent?
Does the terminal value contribute a reasonable portion of total value rather than an extreme share?
If results feel off, adjust assumptions and re-run.
Check your work
FCFF series behaves logically over time.
WACC is appropriate for the risk of the business.
Terminal value method and parameters are documented.
Project NPV and IRR respond sensibly to changes in growth and discount rate.
Troubleshooting
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