What is VLO's DCF valuation?

Valero Energy Corp (VLO) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of May 22, 2025, Valero Energy Corp has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $161.32 per share. With the current market price at $127.80, this represents a potential upside of 26.2%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $158.96
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $161.32
Potential Upside (5-year) 24.4%
Potential Upside (10-year) 26.2%
Discount Rate (WACC) 7.2% - 9.3%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $129881 million in 12-2024 to $155311 million by 12-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 1.8%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2024 129881 10%
12-2025 123743 -5%
12-2026 127468 3%
12-2027 130017 2%
12-2028 134957 4%
12-2029 137656 2%
12-2030 140409 2%
12-2031 143218 2%
12-2032 146082 2%
12-2033 149004 2%
12-2034 155311 4%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 2% in 12-2024 to 2% by 12-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2024 3006 2%
12-2025 2739 2%
12-2026 2822 2%
12-2027 2878 2%
12-2028 2987 2%
12-2029 3047 2%
12-2030 3108 2%
12-2031 3170 2%
12-2032 3234 2%
12-2033 3298 2%
12-2034 3438 2%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $1390 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 1% 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 1354
12-2026 1353
12-2027 1354
12-2028 1523
12-2029 1699
12-2030 1742

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 26
Days Inventory 20
Days Payables 33

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
9M/2025 4055 588 1206 (759) 3021
2026 5528 808 1656 578 2485
2027 5613 824 1689 61 3039
2028 5943 855 1753 60 3274
2029 6208 872 1788 204 3343

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 7.2% - 9.3%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 2.0% - 4.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 8.9x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 158.96 24.4%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 161.32 26.2%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 135.98 6.4%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 142.58 11.6%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $56,009M
  • 10-Year Model: $56,747M

Investment Conclusion

Is Valero Energy Corp (VLO) a buy or a sell? Valero Energy Corp is definitely a buy. Based on our DCF analysis, Valero Energy Corp (VLO) appears to be significantly undervalued with upside potential of 26.2%. 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 (1.8% CAGR)

Investors should consider a strong buy at the current market price of $127.80.