Why are future cash flows discounted in the absolute valuation process?

Future cash flows are discounted in the absolute valuation process because they are inherently uncertain. This uncertainty arises from a variety of factors, such as market conditions, economic changes, and the specific operational risks associated with the company in question. Discounting future cash flows helps to account for this risk by adjusting the value of those cash flows to reflect their present value.

By applying a discount rate, which often incorporates the risk-free rate and an additional risk premium for the uncertainty involved, analysts can derive a more accurate measure of a company’s valuation based on the expected performance over time. This process acknowledges that a dollar received in the future is not worth the same as a dollar received today due to the time value of money, which is a fundamental principle in finance.