What is HSW.L's DCF valuation?

Hostelworld Group PLC (HSW.L) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of May 31, 2025, Hostelworld Group PLC has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $153.68 per share. With the current market price at $120.50, this represents a potential upside of 27.5%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $111.72
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $153.68
Potential Upside (5-year) -7.3%
Potential Upside (10-year) 27.5%
Discount Rate (WACC) 7.7% - 10.1%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $92 million in 12-2024 to $204 million by 12-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 8.3%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2024 92 1%
12-2025 104 13%
12-2026 113 8%
12-2027 122 9%
12-2028 133 9%
12-2029 151 13%
12-2030 162 8%
12-2031 170 5%
12-2032 179 5%
12-2033 194 8%
12-2034 204 5%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 8% in 12-2024 to 12% by 12-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2024 7 8%
12-2025 12 12%
12-2026 13 12%
12-2027 14 12%
12-2028 16 12%
12-2029 18 12%
12-2030 19 12%
12-2031 20 12%
12-2032 21 12%
12-2033 23 12%
12-2034 24 12%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $5 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 14% 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 7
12-2026 9
12-2027 11
12-2028 14
12-2029 17
12-2030 19

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 4
Days Inventory 0
Days Payables 0

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
2025 20 0 14 4 1
2026 23 0 16 0 7
2027 26 1 17 0 9
2028 31 1 18 0 12
2029 36 1 21 0 14

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 7.7% - 10.1%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 2.0% - 4.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 9.8x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 111.72 -7.3%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 153.68 27.5%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 154.75 28.4%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 185.91 54.3%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $164M
  • 10-Year Model: $229M

Investment Conclusion

Is Hostelworld Group PLC (HSW.L) a buy or a sell? Hostelworld Group PLC is definitely a buy. Based on our DCF analysis, Hostelworld Group PLC (HSW.L) appears to be significantly undervalued with upside potential of 27.5%. 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 8% to 12%)
  • Steady revenue growth (8.3% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider a strong buy at the current market price of $120.50.