What is the effect of an increase in the discount rate on DCF valuation?

An increase in the discount rate negatively impacts the present value of future cash flows in a discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation. This is because the discount rate reflects the time value of money and the risk associated with the cash flows. When the discount rate is higher, future cash flows are "discounted" more heavily, meaning that their value in today's terms decreases. Essentially, a higher discount rate requires a higher return on investment, which reduces the present value of expected future cash inflows. This principle underlies the core function of DCF analysis where cash flows further into the future are valued less than those occurring sooner. Thus, the correct understanding reveals that an increase in the discount rate results in a lower present value of those cash flows.