What is NEX.L's DCF valuation?

National Express Group PLC (NEX.L) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of May 27, 2025, National Express Group PLC has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $0.00 per share. With the current market price at $77.40, this represents a potential upside of -219.6%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $0.00
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $0.00
Potential Upside (5-year) -338.9%
Potential Upside (10-year) -219.6%
Discount Rate (WACC) 5.8% - 9.1%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $2808 million in 12-2022 to $5184 million by 12-2032, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 6.3%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2022 2808 29%
12-2023 3019 8%
12-2024 3169 5%
12-2025 3281 4%
12-2026 3451 5%
12-2027 3584 4%
12-2028 3820 7%
12-2029 4190 10%
12-2030 4425 6%
12-2031 4826 9%
12-2032 5184 7%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from -8% in 12-2022 to 1% by 12-2032, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2022 (221) -8%
12-2023 (161) -5%
12-2024 (121) -4%
12-2025 (77) -2%
12-2026 (31) -1%
12-2027 18 1%
12-2028 19 1%
12-2029 21 1%
12-2030 22 1%
12-2031 25 1%
12-2032 26 1%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 6% 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)
12-2023 157
12-2024 194
12-2025 189
12-2026 187
12-2027 193
12-2028 202

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 44
Days Inventory 5
Days Payables 46

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
2023 30 (14) 176 (8) (124)
2024 112 (11) 185 36 (98)
2025 157 (7) 191 (1) (26)
2026 208 (3) 201 10 (1)
2027 270 2 209 16 43

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 5.8% - 9.1%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 2.0% - 4.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 4.6x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 0.00 -338.9%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 0.00 -219.6%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 0.00 -100.0%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 0.00 -100.0%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $(114)M
  • 10-Year Model: $528M

Investment Conclusion

Is National Express Group PLC (NEX.L) a buy or a sell? National Express Group PLC is definitely a sell. Based on our DCF analysis, National Express Group PLC (NEX.L) appears to be overvalued with upside potential of -219.6%. 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 1%)
  • Steady revenue growth (6.3% CAGR)

Investors should consider reducing exposure at the current market price of $77.40.