What is ANET's DCF valuation?

Arista Networks Inc (ANET) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of September 7, 2025, Arista Networks Inc has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $189.22 per share. With the current market price at $142.85, this represents a potential upside of 32.5%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $123.93
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $189.22
Potential Upside (5-year) -13.2%
Potential Upside (10-year) 32.5%
Discount Rate (WACC) 6.2% - 7.6%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $7003 million in 12-2024 to $26053 million by 12-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 14.0%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2024 7003 20%
12-2025 8582 23%
12-2026 10061 17%
12-2027 11817 17%
12-2028 13830 17%
12-2029 16438 19%
12-2030 18246 11%
12-2031 20528 13%
12-2032 22755 11%
12-2033 24348 7%
12-2034 26053 7%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 41% in 12-2024 to 48% by 12-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2024 2852 41%
12-2025 3581 42%
12-2026 4346 43%
12-2027 5269 45%
12-2028 6350 46%
12-2029 7754 47%
12-2030 8651 47%
12-2031 9781 48%
12-2032 10896 48%
12-2033 11715 48%
12-2034 12595 48%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $38 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 1% 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 52
12-2026 59
12-2027 73
12-2028 94
12-2029 120
12-2030 139

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 67
Days Inventory 299
Days Payables 59

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
6M/2025 1913 287 42 454 1130
2026 4654 697 99 331 3528
2027 5662 845 116 491 4210
2028 6848 1018 136 716 4977
2029 8387 1243 162 734 6248

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 6.2% - 7.6%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 3.0% - 5.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 26.9x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 123.93 -13.2%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 189.22 32.5%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 125.67 -12.0%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 182.22 27.6%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $153,533M
  • 10-Year Model: $235,595M

Investment Conclusion

Is Arista Networks Inc (ANET) a buy or a sell? Arista Networks Inc is definitely a buy. Based on our DCF analysis, Arista Networks Inc (ANET) appears to be significantly undervalued with upside potential of 32.5%. 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:

  • Expanding profit margins (from 41% to 48%)
  • Steady revenue growth (14.0% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider a strong buy at the current market price of $142.85.