What is DBI's DCF valuation?

Designer Brands Inc (DBI) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of April 3, 2026, Designer Brands Inc has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $33.01 per share. With the current market price at $5.92, this represents a potential upside of 457.6%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $26.60
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $33.01
Potential Upside (5-year) 349.4%
Potential Upside (10-year) 457.6%
Discount Rate (WACC) 7.2% - 12.0%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $3009 million in 02-2025 to $3926 million by 02-2035, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 2.7%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
02-2025 3009 2%
02-2026 2926 -3%
02-2027 3008 3%
02-2028 3096 3%
02-2029 3223 4%
02-2030 3288 2%
02-2031 3354 2%
02-2032 3549 6%
02-2033 3620 2%
02-2034 3715 3%
02-2035 3926 6%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 0% in 02-2025 to 5% by 02-2035, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
02-2025 (10) 0%
02-2026 21 1%
02-2027 51 2%
02-2028 83 3%
02-2029 118 4%
02-2030 151 5%
02-2031 154 5%
02-2032 163 5%
02-2033 166 5%
02-2034 171 5%
02-2035 180 5%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $45 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)
02-2026 48
02-2027 50
02-2028 48
02-2029 47
02-2030 47
02-2031 48

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 3
Days Inventory 122
Days Payables 56

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
3M/2026 25 1 11 (10) 24
2027 140 6 45 0 88
2028 175 10 47 14 104
2029 213 14 49 1 149
2030 251 18 50 1 182

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 7.2% - 12.0%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 1.0% - 3.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 4.4x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 26.60 349.4%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 33.01 457.6%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 12.77 115.8%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 21.16 257.4%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $1,770M
  • 10-Year Model: $2,088M

Investment Conclusion

Is Designer Brands Inc (DBI) a buy or a sell? Designer Brands Inc is definitely a buy. Based on our DCF analysis, Designer Brands Inc (DBI) appears to be significantly undervalued with upside potential of 457.6%. 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 0% to 5%)
  • Steady revenue growth (2.7% CAGR)

Investors should consider a strong buy at the current market price of $5.92.