What is CNE.L's DCF valuation?

Cairn Energy PLC (CNE.L) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of May 22, 2025, Cairn Energy PLC has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $0.00 per share. With the current market price at $211.50, this represents a potential upside of -55874.3%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $0.00
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $0.00
Potential Upside (5-year) -138134.4%
Potential Upside (10-year) -55874.3%
Discount Rate (WACC) 5.7% - 8.9%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $178 million in 12-2024 to $241 million by 12-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 3.1%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2024 178 30%
12-2025 188 6%
12-2026 196 5%
12-2027 203 3%
12-2028 209 3%
12-2029 213 2%
12-2030 218 2%
12-2031 222 2%
12-2032 231 4%
12-2033 236 2%
12-2034 241 2%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from -7% in 12-2024 to 21% by 12-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2024 (13) -7%
12-2025 17 9%
12-2026 23 12%
12-2027 29 14%
12-2028 34 16%
12-2029 40 19%
12-2030 42 19%
12-2031 43 20%
12-2032 46 20%
12-2033 48 20%
12-2034 50 21%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $143 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 20086% 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 7606
12-2026 15478
12-2027 23612
12-2028 31999
12-2029 40558
12-2030 41753

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 133
Days Inventory 18
Days Payables 88

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
2025 7640 5 37716 36 (30,117)
2026 15521 6 39453 4 (23,942)
2027 23663 8 40787 (12) (17,121)
2028 32057 10 41996 12 (9,960)
2029 40624 11 42836 0 (2,223)

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 5.7% - 8.9%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 3.0% - 5.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 2.2x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 0.00 -138134.4%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 0.00 -55874.3%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 0.00 -100.0%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 0.00 -100.0%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $(288,374)M
  • 10-Year Model: $(116,458)M

Investment Conclusion

Is Cairn Energy PLC (CNE.L) a buy or a sell? Cairn Energy PLC is definitely a sell. Based on our DCF analysis, Cairn Energy PLC (CNE.L) appears to be overvalued with upside potential of -55874.3%. 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 -7% to 21%)
  • Steady revenue growth (3.1% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider reducing exposure at the current market price of $211.50.