What is the suffix commonly applied to cash flows after the explicit forecast period in a DCF?

In a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis, the period after the explicit forecast period is typically referred to as the terminal period. The cash flows occurring during this time are known as terminal cash flows. This designation is crucial because the terminal cash flows account for a significant portion of the total valuation by capturing the value of the business beyond the explicit forecast horizon, often using methods like the Gordon Growth Model or exit multiples to calculate their present value.

Terminal cash flows aim to reflect the continuing value of a business based on its expected performance into perpetuity. Properly estimating and discounting these cash flows is essential for providing a more accurate overall valuation, making the terminology and understanding of this suffix important for financial analysis and decision-making.