What is LUMN's DCF valuation?

Lumen Technologies Inc (LUMN) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of June 1, 2025, Lumen Technologies Inc has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $6.62 per share. With the current market price at $3.92, this represents a potential upside of 68.9%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $4.81
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $6.62
Potential Upside (5-year) 22.6%
Potential Upside (10-year) 68.9%
Discount Rate (WACC) 4.8% - 18.0%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $13108 million in 12-2024 to $16351 million by 12-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 2.2%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2024 13108 10%
12-2025 12678 -3%
12-2026 13045 3%
12-2027 13534 4%
12-2028 13805 2%
12-2029 14081 2%
12-2030 14459 3%
12-2031 14967 4%
12-2032 15639 4%
12-2033 16031 3%
12-2034 16351 2%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 0% in 12-2024 to 9% by 12-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2024 (55) 0%
12-2025 74 1%
12-2026 308 2%
12-2027 547 4%
12-2028 779 6%
12-2029 1009 7%
12-2030 1078 7%
12-2031 1158 8%
12-2032 1254 8%
12-2033 1331 8%
12-2034 1403 9%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $3195 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 19% 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 2936
12-2026 2856
12-2027 2773
12-2028 2682
12-2029 2577
12-2030 2645

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 29
Days Inventory 10
Days Payables 49

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
9M/2025 3064 21 1824 (148) 1367
2026 4356 114 2503 65 1674
2027 4640 202 2597 105 1737
2028 4890 288 2649 (3) 1957
2029 5122 373 2702 53 1994

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 4.8% - 18.0%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 2.0% - 4.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 9.1x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 4.81 22.6%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 6.62 68.9%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 17.19 338.6%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 15.12 285.6%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $20,693M
  • 10-Year Model: $22,551M

Investment Conclusion

Is Lumen Technologies Inc (LUMN) a buy or a sell? Lumen Technologies Inc is definitely a buy. Based on our DCF analysis, Lumen Technologies Inc (LUMN) appears to be significantly undervalued with upside potential of 68.9%. 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:

  • Expanding profit margins (from 0% to 9%)
  • Steady revenue growth (2.2% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider a strong buy at the current market price of $3.92.