Have had my "bell curve" moment with in-depth DCF Modelling...
Short-term trading, useless.
Using multiples vs. sector averages, identifying non consensus catalysts is far superior for short-term (1-12 month) trading. Valuation is like tertiary.
Long-term investment, useless. Too many variables, and best way to ascertain long-term performance is and has always been qualitative factors like management, sector tailwinds, branding, etc.
Such a waste of time modelling it all out, especially for mid caps and larger. It's just a bs exercise created by sell-side to sell bs.
Good Management.
Long-term sector tailwind.
Good Product/Sevice.
Good Branding.
Then just stfu and buy the stock and the dips.
You'll probably (definitely) have the same performance as if you had spent 1000's of hours doing the most asinine models.