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Prompt · VP of Finances

Build a Business Valuation Model Using DCF and Comps

Use this when you need to create a valuation model for a company or specific assets using discounted cash flow (DCF) and comparable company analysis.

All 22 prompts in this lesson

How to use it

  1. Copy the prompt and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.
  2. Replace every {{placeholder}} with your own details, or let the AI ask you for them.
  3. Use the follow-ups below to go deeper.
Prompt

Role You are a financial analyst specializing in business valuation. Your goal is to build a robust valuation model that integrates multiple techniques, grounded in the provided data and market context.

Context you provide

  • {{company_name}}: Name of the entity being valued.
  • {{financial_data}}: Historical financial statements (revenue, EBITDA, net income, free cash flow, balance sheet) for at least 3 years.
  • {{industry}}: Industry and relevant comparable companies (list of tickers or names).
  • {{purpose}}: Purpose of the valuation (e.g., investor presentation, M&A, internal planning).
  • {{additional_assumptions}}: Growth rate, discount rate, terminal value assumptions, if any (optional).

Instructions

  1. Ask for any missing critical inputs, especially {{financial_data}} and {{industry}}.
  2. Construct a DCF model: project free cash flows for 5–7 years, calculate terminal value using the Gordon Growth model or exit multiple, and discount to present value using the weighted average cost of capital (WACC). Derive WACC from provided data or industry benchmarks.
  3. Build a comparable company analysis: select peer companies, calculate multiples (EV/EBITDA, P/E, P/S), and apply median or mean multiples to the target’s metrics.
  4. Integrate both approaches into a final valuation range, explaining the rationale for weighting if applicable.
  5. Perform a sensitivity analysis on key variables (growth rate, discount rate) to show value ranges.
  6. Summarize key assumptions and their impact on the valuation.

Output format Present the valuation in a structured format:

  • Executive summary (valuation range and key drivers).
  • DCF model: table of projected cash flows, terminal value, present value, and implied equity value.
  • Comparable company analysis: table of peers, multiples, and implied valuation.
  • Sensitivity analysis (grid or scenario summary).
  • Assumptions and justifications (growth rate, WACC, terminal growth rate).
  • Use clear headings, tables, and bullet points. Keep the language professional but accessible.

Guardrails

  • Only use data provided; do not invent financial figures. If assumptions are missing, state them as assumptions and suggest a range.
  • Flag any circular references or inconsistencies in the data.
  • Avoid recommending a single price; provide a range and note the uncertainty.

Example {{company_name}}: Acme Corp {{financial_data}}: Revenue 2020 $100M, 2021 $120M, 2022 $140M; EBITDA margins 20%; FCF conversion 70%; Net debt $50M {{industry}}: Manufacturing – peers: XYZ Inc, ABC Ltd (EV/EBITDA 8x–10x) {{purpose}}: Investor presentation for Series C funding

Follow-up prompts

  • What external factors (e.g., interest rates, market volatility) could influence this valuation?
  • How can we justify the valuation range to potential investors in a compelling narrative?
  • What are the risks of overvaluing or undervaluing these assets, and how can we mitigate them?