What is TWOU's DCF valuation?

2U Inc (TWOU) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of October 18, 2025, 2U Inc has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $0.00 per share. With the current market price at $1.58, this represents a potential upside of -646228.3%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $0.00
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $0.00
Potential Upside (5-year) -622865.9%
Potential Upside (10-year) -646228.3%
Discount Rate (WACC) 6.6% - 10.1%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $946 million in 12-2023 to $1748 million by 12-2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 6.3%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2023 946 2%
12-2024 807 -15%
12-2025 883 9%
12-2026 960 9%
12-2027 1047 9%
12-2028 1130 8%
12-2029 1238 10%
12-2030 1345 9%
12-2031 1464 9%
12-2032 1602 9%
12-2033 1748 9%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from -34% in 12-2023 to -21% by 12-2033, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2023 (318) -34%
12-2024 (250) -31%
12-2025 (254) -29%
12-2026 (256) -27%
12-2027 (259) -25%
12-2028 (259) -23%
12-2029 (279) -23%
12-2030 (298) -22%
12-2031 (320) -22%
12-2032 (344) -21%
12-2033 (370) -21%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $68 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 9% 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)
12-2024 67
12-2025 68
12-2026 70
12-2027 74
12-2028 83
12-2029 90

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 32
Days Inventory 0
Days Payables 0

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
9M/2024 (91) (1) 52 (35) (108)
2025 (119) (2) 76 11 (204)
2026 (113) (2) 83 15 (209)
2027 (106) (2) 90 1 (195)
2028 (89) (2) 97 10 (195)

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 6.6% - 10.1%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 3.0% - 5.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 9.2x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 0.00 -622865.9%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 0.00 -646228.3%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 0.00 -100.0%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 0.00 -100.0%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $(4,022)M
  • 10-Year Model: $(4,202)M

Investment Conclusion

Is 2U Inc (TWOU) a buy or a sell? 2U Inc is definitely a sell. Based on our DCF analysis, 2U Inc (TWOU) appears to be overvalued with upside potential of -646228.3%. 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 -34% to -21%)
  • Steady revenue growth (6.3% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider reducing exposure at the current market price of $1.58.