What is CERS's DCF valuation?

Cerus Corp (CERS) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of June 13, 2025, Cerus Corp has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $0.24 per share. With the current market price at $1.42, this represents a potential upside of -83.2%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $0.00
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $0.24
Potential Upside (5-year) -143.2%
Potential Upside (10-year) -83.2%
Discount Rate (WACC) 6.8% - 10.3%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $201 million in 12-2024 to $555 million by 12-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 10.7%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2024 201 8%
12-2025 222 10%
12-2026 243 9%
12-2027 267 10%
12-2028 297 11%
12-2029 335 13%
12-2030 380 13%
12-2031 427 12%
12-2032 465 9%
12-2033 510 10%
12-2034 555 9%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from -10% in 12-2024 to 0% by 12-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2024 (21) -10%
12-2025 (18) -8%
12-2026 (15) -6%
12-2027 (12) -5%
12-2028 (8) -3%
12-2029 (4) -1%
12-2030 (3) -1%
12-2031 (3) -1%
12-2032 (1) 0%
12-2033 (0) 0%
12-2034 2 0%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $2 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 3
12-2026 3
12-2027 4
12-2028 3
12-2029 4
12-2030 4

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 63
Days Inventory 174
Days Payables 128

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
9M/2025 (5) (0) 2 2 (9)
2026 (2) (0) 3 9 (14)
2027 3 (0) 4 2 (3)
2028 7 (0) 4 6 (3)
2029 14 (0) 5 8 1

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 6.8% - 10.3%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 3.0% - 5.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 13.4x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 0.00 -143.2%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 0.24 -83.2%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 0.00 -100.0%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 0.49 -65.2%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $(52)M
  • 10-Year Model: $111M

Investment Conclusion

Is Cerus Corp (CERS) a buy or a sell? Cerus Corp is definitely a sell. Based on our DCF analysis, Cerus Corp (CERS) appears to be overvalued with upside potential of -83.2%. 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 -10% to 0%)
  • Steady revenue growth (10.7% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider reducing exposure at the current market price of $1.42.