What is ESI's DCF valuation?

Element Solutions Inc (ESI) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of June 12, 2025, Element Solutions Inc has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $35.34 per share. With the current market price at $21.74, this represents a potential upside of 62.6%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $29.60
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $35.34
Potential Upside (5-year) 36.2%
Potential Upside (10-year) 62.6%
Discount Rate (WACC) 7.1% - 9.2%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $2457 million in 12-2024 to $3193 million by 12-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 2.7%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2024 2457 5%
12-2025 2451 0%
12-2026 2557 4%
12-2027 2685 5%
12-2028 2775 3%
12-2029 2892 4%
12-2030 2950 2%
12-2031 3009 2%
12-2032 3069 2%
12-2033 3130 2%
12-2034 3193 2%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 10% in 12-2024 to 23% by 12-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2024 243 10%
12-2025 302 12%
12-2026 375 15%
12-2027 452 17%
12-2028 526 19%
12-2029 605 21%
12-2030 629 21%
12-2031 652 22%
12-2032 677 22%
12-2033 702 22%
12-2034 728 23%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $49 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)
12-2025 53
12-2026 55
12-2027 56
12-2028 57
12-2029 56
12-2030 58

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 68
Days Inventory 69
Days Payables 33

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
9M/2025 340 42 38 18 242
2026 542 69 53 24 396
2027 638 83 56 9 490
2028 728 97 58 22 551
2029 822 112 60 20 630

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 7.1% - 9.2%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 1.0% - 3.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 11.4x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 29.60 36.2%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 35.34 62.6%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 26.91 23.8%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 32.44 49.2%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $8,303M
  • 10-Year Model: $9,696M

Investment Conclusion

Is Element Solutions Inc (ESI) a buy or a sell? Element Solutions Inc is definitely a buy. Based on our DCF analysis, Element Solutions Inc (ESI) appears to be significantly undervalued with upside potential of 62.6%. 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 10% to 23%)
  • Steady revenue growth (2.7% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider a strong buy at the current market price of $21.74.