What is AES's DCF valuation?

AES Corp (AES) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of June 18, 2025, AES Corp has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $6.44 per share. With the current market price at $10.53, this represents a potential upside of -38.8%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $13.81
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $6.44
Potential Upside (5-year) 31.2%
Potential Upside (10-year) -38.8%
Discount Rate (WACC) 4.3% - 7.8%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $12278 million in 12-2024 to $15392 million by 12-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 2.3%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2024 12278 3%
12-2025 11645 -5%
12-2026 12055 4%
12-2027 12525 4%
12-2028 12775 2%
12-2029 13031 2%
12-2030 13664 5%
12-2031 14504 6%
12-2032 14794 2%
12-2033 15090 2%
12-2034 15392 2%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 7% in 12-2024 to 5% by 12-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2024 835 7%
12-2025 619 5%
12-2026 641 5%
12-2027 666 5%
12-2028 679 5%
12-2029 693 5%
12-2030 726 5%
12-2031 771 5%
12-2032 786 5%
12-2033 802 5%
12-2034 818 5%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $4737 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 39% of revenue.

2. Depreciation & Amortization

Depreciation is based on an average useful life of 5 years for capital assets.

Fiscal Year D&A (USD millions)
12-2025 5269
12-2026 5791
12-2027 5862
12-2028 5318
12-2029 4861
12-2030 5019

3. Working Capital Requirements

Net working capital is expected to increase gradually, with projected changes affecting free cash flow.

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 47
Days Inventory 29
Days Payables 67

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
9M/2025 5351 172 3422 (63) 1820
2026 7722 237 4723 (164) 2925
2027 7868 246 4907 158 2557
2028 7365 251 5006 (24) 2133
2029 6949 256 5106 (17) 1604

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 4.3% - 7.8%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 0.0% - 1.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 9.0x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 13.81 31.2%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 6.44 -38.8%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 44.01 318.0%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 38.00 260.8%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $38,655M
  • 10-Year Model: $33,411M

Investment Conclusion

Is AES Corp (AES) a buy or a sell? AES Corp is definitely a sell. Based on our DCF analysis, AES Corp (AES) appears to be overvalued with upside potential of -38.8%. The company's strong projected growth in revenue and profitability, coupled with consistent capital expenditure, supports our positive outlook on its intrinsic value.

Key investment drivers include:

  • Steady revenue growth (2.3% CAGR)

Investors should consider reducing exposure at the current market price of $10.53.