In DCF models, what drives the intrinsic value of equity?

In Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) models, the intrinsic value of equity is fundamentally driven by the future cash flows generated by the business. Cash flow reflects the actual amount of money that will be available to equity holders after operating expenses, taxes, and other required expenditures have been deducted.

The DCF method involves projecting these future cash flows for a certain period and then discounting them back to their present value using an appropriate discount rate, which often reflects the risk associated with those cash flows. The rationale is that the value of an investment is ultimately tied to the cash it can generate for its owners.

Revenue growth, market trends, and operational efficiency can all influence cash flows, but they are not the direct drivers of equity value in a DCF model. Instead, they serve as factors that can either enhance or diminish the future cash flows that a company is expected to generate. Therefore, when determining intrinsic equity value, the focus is specifically on the projection and present valuation of cash flows.