What is FFIV's DCF valuation?

F5 Networks Inc (FFIV) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of May 22, 2025, F5 Networks Inc has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $291.42 per share. With the current market price at $286.26, this represents a potential upside of 1.8%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $271.79
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $291.42
Potential Upside (5-year) -5.1%
Potential Upside (10-year) 1.8%
Discount Rate (WACC) 6.4% - 8.3%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $2816 million in 09-2024 to $4246 million by 09-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 4.2%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
09-2024 2816 0%
09-2025 3058 9%
09-2026 3226 5%
09-2027 3355 4%
09-2028 3422 2%
09-2029 3715 9%
09-2030 3855 4%
09-2031 3969 3%
09-2032 4081 3%
09-2033 4163 2%
09-2034 4246 2%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 20% in 09-2024 to 22% by 09-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
09-2024 567 20%
09-2025 625 20%
09-2026 670 21%
09-2027 707 21%
09-2028 732 21%
09-2029 805 22%
09-2030 836 22%
09-2031 860 22%
09-2032 885 22%
09-2033 902 22%
09-2034 920 22%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $42 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)
09-2025 40
09-2026 44
09-2027 48
09-2028 48
09-2029 54
09-2030 56

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 106
Days Inventory 39
Days Payables 53

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
6M/2025 403 71 24 32 276
2026 866 152 51 53 609
2027 915 161 54 34 667
2028 945 166 55 19 706
2029 1042 183 59 84 715

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 6.4% - 8.3%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 2.0% - 4.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 17.0x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 271.79 -5.1%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 291.42 1.8%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 271.06 -5.3%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 284.36 -0.7%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $14,483M
  • 10-Year Model: $15,620M

Investment Conclusion

Is F5 Networks Inc (FFIV) a buy or a sell? F5 Networks Inc is definitely a buy. Based on our DCF analysis, F5 Networks Inc (FFIV) appears to be slightly undervalued with upside potential of 1.8%. 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 20% to 22%)
  • Steady revenue growth (4.2% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider a hold with potential to accumulate at the current market price of $286.26.