What is SM's DCF valuation?

SM Energy Co (SM) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of May 23, 2025, SM Energy Co has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $105.27 per share. With the current market price at $23.18, this represents a potential upside of 354.2%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $99.72
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $105.27
Potential Upside (5-year) 330.2%
Potential Upside (10-year) 354.2%
Discount Rate (WACC) 7.1% - 9.5%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $2690 million in 12-2024 to $5758 million by 12-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7.9%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2024 2690 13%
12-2025 3318 23%
12-2026 3317 0%
12-2027 3393 2%
12-2028 3699 9%
12-2029 4035 9%
12-2030 4296 6%
12-2031 4671 9%
12-2032 5036 8%
12-2033 5381 7%
12-2034 5758 7%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 29% in 12-2024 to 29% by 12-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2024 770 29%
12-2025 950 29%
12-2026 950 29%
12-2027 972 29%
12-2028 1059 29%
12-2029 1155 29%
12-2030 1230 29%
12-2031 1338 29%
12-2032 1442 29%
12-2033 1541 29%
12-2034 1649 29%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $1325 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 55% 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 1579
12-2026 1807
12-2027 2004
12-2028 2191
12-2029 1951
12-2030 2058

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 27
Days Inventory 0
Days Payables 48

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
9M/2025 2132 181 1367 (17) 601
2026 3071 242 1822 5 1003
2027 3297 247 1864 21 1166
2028 3600 269 2031 1 1298
2029 3489 294 2216 19 960

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 7.1% - 9.5%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 0.0% - 1.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 3.4x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 99.72 330.2%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 105.27 354.2%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 82.56 256.2%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 103.68 347.3%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $14,162M
  • 10-Year Model: $14,797M

Investment Conclusion

Is SM Energy Co (SM) a buy or a sell? SM Energy Co is definitely a buy. Based on our DCF analysis, SM Energy Co (SM) appears to be significantly undervalued with upside potential of 354.2%. 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 (7.9% CAGR)

Investors should consider a strong buy at the current market price of $23.18.