What is HOTC.L's DCF valuation?

Hotel Chocolat Group PLC (HOTC.L) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of May 23, 2025, Hotel Chocolat Group PLC has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $339.05 per share. With the current market price at $374.00, this represents a potential upside of -9.3%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $159.59
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $339.05
Potential Upside (5-year) -57.3%
Potential Upside (10-year) -9.3%
Discount Rate (WACC) 6.3% - 8.3%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $204 million in 07-2023 to $435 million by 07-2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7.9%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
07-2023 204 10%
07-2024 211 3%
07-2025 225 6%
07-2026 240 7%
07-2027 262 9%
07-2028 297 13%
07-2029 316 7%
07-2030 341 8%
07-2031 372 9%
07-2032 405 9%
07-2033 435 7%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from -3% in 07-2023 to 7% by 07-2033, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
07-2023 (6) -3%
07-2024 (2) -1%
07-2025 1 1%
07-2026 6 2%
07-2027 10 4%
07-2028 16 5%
07-2029 18 6%
07-2030 21 6%
07-2031 23 6%
07-2032 27 7%
07-2033 30 7%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $16 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 9% 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)
07-2024 18
07-2025 19
07-2026 20
07-2027 19
07-2028 23
07-2029 25

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 5
Days Inventory 168
Days Payables 72

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
2024 19 (0) 19 1 (1)
2025 25 0 21 (1) 5
2026 30 1 22 1 7
2027 36 1 24 1 9
2028 46 2 27 2 15

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 6.3% - 8.3%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 3.0% - 5.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 9.5x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 159.59 -57.3%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 339.05 -9.3%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 174.12 -53.4%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 277.49 -25.8%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $256M
  • 10-Year Model: $503M

Investment Conclusion

Is Hotel Chocolat Group PLC (HOTC.L) a buy or a sell? Hotel Chocolat Group PLC is definitely a sell. Based on our DCF analysis, Hotel Chocolat Group PLC (HOTC.L) appears to be fairly valued with upside potential of -9.3%. 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 -3% to 7%)
  • Steady revenue growth (7.9% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider a hold at the current market price of $374.00.