What is ICLR's DCF valuation?

ICON PLC (ICLR) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of May 31, 2025, ICON PLC has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $232.48 per share. With the current market price at $130.28, this represents a potential upside of 78.4%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $202.83
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $232.48
Potential Upside (5-year) 55.7%
Potential Upside (10-year) 78.4%
Discount Rate (WACC) 6.8% - 10.7%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $8282 million in 12-2024 to $11720 million by 12-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 3.5%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2024 8282 2%
12-2025 7929 -4%
12-2026 8372 6%
12-2027 8854 6%
12-2028 9114 3%
12-2029 9445 4%
12-2030 9842 4%
12-2031 10108 3%
12-2032 10545 4%
12-2033 10807 2%
12-2034 11720 8%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 10% in 12-2024 to 15% by 12-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2024 791 10%
12-2025 845 11%
12-2026 996 12%
12-2027 1161 13%
12-2028 1303 14%
12-2029 1460 15%
12-2030 1522 15%
12-2031 1563 15%
12-2032 1630 15%
12-2033 1671 15%
12-2034 1812 15%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $119 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 138
12-2026 150
12-2027 154
12-2028 159
12-2029 160
12-2030 167

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 123
Days Inventory 0
Days Payables 8

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
9M/2025 976 74 109 23 770
2026 1493 116 153 100 1124
2027 1694 136 162 137 1260
2028 1866 152 167 113 1434
2029 2051 171 173 95 1613

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 6.8% - 10.7%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 1.0% - 3.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 12.1x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 202.83 55.7%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 232.48 78.4%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 210.77 61.8%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 240.26 84.4%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $19,639M
  • 10-Year Model: $22,087M

Investment Conclusion

Is ICON PLC (ICLR) a buy or a sell? ICON PLC is definitely a buy. Based on our DCF analysis, ICON PLC (ICLR) appears to be significantly undervalued with upside potential of 78.4%. 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 15%)
  • Steady revenue growth (3.5% CAGR)

Investors should consider a strong buy at the current market price of $130.28.