What is AXP's DCF valuation?

American Express Co (AXP) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of June 12, 2025, American Express Co has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $534.69 per share. With the current market price at $299.10, this represents a potential upside of 78.8%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $253.50
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $534.69
Potential Upside (5-year) -15.2%
Potential Upside (10-year) 78.8%
Discount Rate (WACC) 4.9% - 8.8%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $71644 million in 12-2024 to $150709 million by 12-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7.7%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2024 71644 10%
12-2025 76119 6%
12-2026 83402 10%
12-2027 91969 10%
12-2028 103209 12%
12-2029 112466 9%
12-2030 118082 5%
12-2031 125260 6%
12-2032 131523 5%
12-2033 138099 5%
12-2034 150709 9%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 14% in 12-2024 to 22% by 12-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2024 10129 14%
12-2025 11868 16%
12-2026 14177 17%
12-2027 16863 18%
12-2028 20235 20%
12-2029 23406 21%
12-2030 24846 21%
12-2031 26640 21%
12-2032 28268 21%
12-2033 29989 22%
12-2034 33059 22%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $1671 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 3% 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 1865
12-2026 2092
12-2027 2312
12-2028 2663
12-2029 3004
12-2030 3274

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 341
Days Inventory 0
Days Payables 208

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
9M/2025 12672 2453 1836 7640 743
2026 20058 3907 2682 3630 9838
2027 23692 4648 2957 6097 9990
2028 28328 5577 3319 10584 8848
2029 32702 6451 3617 6849 15785

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 4.9% - 8.8%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 3.0% - 4.6%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 11.4x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 253.50 -15.2%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 534.69 78.8%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 178.90 -40.2%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 304.15 1.7%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $324,723M
  • 10-Year Model: $521,725M

Investment Conclusion

Is American Express Co (AXP) a buy or a sell? American Express Co is definitely a buy. Based on our DCF analysis, American Express Co (AXP) appears to be significantly undervalued with upside potential of 78.8%. 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:

  • Expanding profit margins (from 14% to 22%)
  • Steady revenue growth (7.7% CAGR)

Investors should consider a strong buy at the current market price of $299.10.