What is the first step in performing an unleveraged DCF analysis?

In an unleveraged discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, the primary aim is to determine the present value of expected future cash flows generated by an investment. The very first step in this process is to forecast the expected future net cash flows. This involves estimating the cash that the investment is projected to generate over a defined period, typically through a combination of revenue predictions, operating expenses, capital expenditures, and changes in working capital.

Once these future cash flows have been forecasted, the next steps would typically involve determining the appropriate discount rate to use for present value calculations, followed by calculating the present value of those cash flows and any terminal or reversionary values. However, without the initial estimate of future cash flows, the subsequent steps would not have a clear basis for calculation. Thus, establishing these cash flow estimates is foundational to the DCF analysis and sets the stage for the valuation of the investment.