Module II· DCF — Terminal ValueIntermediate
Question
What share of EV is the terminal value typically — and when is it too high?
Answer
Standard range
60–80% of EV. The share depends on:
- Forecast length (5 yrs → ~75% TV; 10 yrs → ~60% TV).
- Growth phase (a growth company → higher TV share, because the large FCFs arrive only late).
- Discount rate (higher WACC → lower TV share, because future CFs are discounted harder). Above an 85% TV share: red flag → extend the forecast, the terminal assumptions are too dominant. Below 50%: possibly too long a forecast period for a mature business, or the terminal assumptions are too conservative.
Deep diveShow more details
Pitch tip
'TV accounts for 72% of EV' — sensitivities like this belong on every DCF pitch slide.