Lets Understand When FCFF and FCFE Based ...

Lets Understand When FCFF and FCFE Based DCF Result In The Same Valuation?

Aug 05, 2023

💡 FCFF (Free Cash Flow to Firm) and FCFE (Free Cash Flow to Equity) based DCF models may or may not result in the same valuation.

💰 FCFF represents cash flows available to all capital providers (debt and equity holders), while FCFE represents cash flows available to equity holders only.

📊 Differences arise due to the treatment of debt and interest payments:

  • FCFF includes interest payments as a cash flow.

  • FCFE deducts interest payments as they are considered cash flows to debt holders.

  • ⚖️ The choice between FCFF and FCFE depends on the context and purpose of the valuation:

FCFF is suitable for valuing the entire firm.

FCFE is more appropriate for valuing equity specifically.

🔄 Valuation results can differ due to:

  • Assumptions about reinvestment needs and debt obligations.

  • Treatment of interest payments.

  • Discounting at different rates (WACC vs. cost of equity).

  • Focus on enterprise value (FCFF) or equity value (FCFE).

✅ Valuations may converge when there is minimal debt or a stable capital structure.

🔍 Analysts should consider the company's capital structure and valuation objectives when choosing between FCFF and FCFE.

💼 FCFF-based DCF provides enterprise value, while FCFE-based DCF provides equity value.

⚠️ It's important to note that FCFF is a comprehensive measure, while FCFE is more focused on equity valuation.

🔀 Variations in assumptions, inputs, and estimation techniques can lead to different valuation results.

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