What is AYI's DCF valuation?

Acuity Brands Inc (AYI) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of June 18, 2025, Acuity Brands Inc has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $418.28 per share. With the current market price at $271.03, this represents a potential upside of 54.3%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $353.59
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $418.28
Potential Upside (5-year) 30.5%
Potential Upside (10-year) 54.3%
Discount Rate (WACC) 8.2% - 10.3%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $3841 million in 08-2024 to $5505 million by 08-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 3.7%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
08-2024 3841 3%
08-2025 4066 6%
08-2026 4147 2%
08-2027 4356 5%
08-2028 4495 3%
08-2029 4654 4%
08-2030 4900 5%
08-2031 4998 2%
08-2032 5291 6%
08-2033 5397 2%
08-2034 5505 2%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 11% in 08-2024 to 22% by 08-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
08-2024 423 11%
08-2025 533 13%
08-2026 626 15%
08-2027 739 17%
08-2028 842 19%
08-2029 950 20%
08-2030 1016 21%
08-2031 1052 21%
08-2032 1131 21%
08-2033 1170 22%
08-2034 1211 22%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $57 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 2% 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)
08-2025 59
08-2026 63
08-2027 65
08-2028 65
08-2029 67
08-2030 69

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 55
Days Inventory 68
Days Payables 57

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
6M/2025 372 78 31 40 223
2026 867 184 64 (15) 635
2027 1015 217 67 33 699
2028 1149 247 69 27 806
2029 1290 279 71 17 923

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 8.2% - 10.3%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 2.0% - 4.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 8.7x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 353.59 30.5%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 418.28 54.3%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 280.99 3.7%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 349.74 29.0%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $11,625M
  • 10-Year Model: $13,623M

Investment Conclusion

Is Acuity Brands Inc (AYI) a buy or a sell? Acuity Brands Inc is definitely a buy. Based on our DCF analysis, Acuity Brands Inc (AYI) appears to be significantly undervalued with upside potential of 54.3%. 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 11% to 22%)
  • Steady revenue growth (3.7% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider a strong buy at the current market price of $271.03.