What is LAUR's DCF valuation?

Laureate Education Inc (LAUR) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of May 22, 2025, Laureate Education Inc has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $32.33 per share. With the current market price at $21.86, this represents a potential upside of 47.9%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $28.24
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $32.33
Potential Upside (5-year) 29.2%
Potential Upside (10-year) 47.9%
Discount Rate (WACC) 7.6% - 10.0%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $1567 million in 12-2024 to $2656 million by 12-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 5.4%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2024 1567 6%
12-2025 1605 2%
12-2026 1719 7%
12-2027 1852 8%
12-2028 1901 3%
12-2029 2023 6%
12-2030 2110 4%
12-2031 2216 5%
12-2032 2354 6%
12-2033 2571 9%
12-2034 2656 3%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 19% in 12-2024 to 19% by 12-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2024 296 19%
12-2025 310 19%
12-2026 332 19%
12-2027 358 19%
12-2028 367 19%
12-2029 391 19%
12-2030 408 19%
12-2031 428 19%
12-2032 455 19%
12-2033 497 19%
12-2034 513 19%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $61 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 5% 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 62
12-2026 69
12-2027 77
12-2028 84
12-2029 89
12-2030 94

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 21
Days Inventory 0
Days Payables 17

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
9M/2025 334 86 59 (5) 193
2026 479 123 84 7 265
2027 518 132 91 4 291
2028 537 136 93 (0) 308
2029 572 145 99 5 324

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 7.6% - 10.0%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 1.0% - 3.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 9.2x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 28.24 29.2%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 32.33 47.9%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 30.08 37.6%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 33.92 55.2%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $4,216M
  • 10-Year Model: $4,826M

Investment Conclusion

Is Laureate Education Inc (LAUR) a buy or a sell? Laureate Education Inc is definitely a buy. Based on our DCF analysis, Laureate Education Inc (LAUR) appears to be significantly undervalued with upside potential of 47.9%. 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:

  • Steady revenue growth (5.4% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider a strong buy at the current market price of $21.86.