What is ASCL.L's DCF valuation?

Ascential PLC (ASCL.L) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of June 3, 2025, Ascential PLC has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $277.97 per share. With the current market price at $567.00, this represents a potential upside of -51.0%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $209.62
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $277.97
Potential Upside (5-year) -63.0%
Potential Upside (10-year) -51.0%
Discount Rate (WACC) 7.3% - 9.7%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $206 million in 12-2023 to $401 million by 12-2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 6.9%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2023 206 61%
12-2024 225 9%
12-2025 238 6%
12-2026 259 9%
12-2027 274 6%
12-2028 288 5%
12-2029 299 4%
12-2030 324 8%
12-2031 345 7%
12-2032 368 7%
12-2033 401 9%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 3% in 12-2023 to 12% by 12-2033, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2023 6 3%
12-2024 13 6%
12-2025 17 7%
12-2026 21 8%
12-2027 26 10%
12-2028 31 11%
12-2029 33 11%
12-2030 36 11%
12-2031 39 11%
12-2032 43 12%
12-2033 47 12%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $29 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 10% 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)
12-2024 29
12-2025 29
12-2026 30
12-2027 28
12-2028 25
12-2029 27

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 323
Days Inventory 11
Days Payables 60

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
6M/2024 33 2 11 (66) 87
2025 73 4 23 38 8
2026 81 5 25 64 (13)
2027 87 6 27 (23) 77
2028 91 7 28 27 29

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 7.3% - 9.7%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 3.0% - 5.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 4.2x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 209.62 -63.0%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 277.97 -51.0%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 90.99 -84.0%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 146.93 -74.1%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $657M
  • 10-Year Model: $795M

Investment Conclusion

Is Ascential PLC (ASCL.L) a buy or a sell? Ascential PLC is definitely a sell. Based on our DCF analysis, Ascential PLC (ASCL.L) appears to be overvalued with upside potential of -51.0%. 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 3% to 12%)
  • Steady revenue growth (6.9% CAGR)

Investors should consider reducing exposure at the current market price of $567.00.