What is ZEN's DCF valuation?

Zendesk Inc (ZEN) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of May 27, 2025, Zendesk Inc has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $0.00 per share. With the current market price at $77.48, this represents a potential upside of -246.2%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $0.00
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $0.00
Potential Upside (5-year) -209.7%
Potential Upside (10-year) -246.2%
Discount Rate (WACC) 7.5% - 9.9%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $1339 million in 12-2021 to $8783 million by 12-2031, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 20.7%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2021 1339 30%
12-2022 1665 24%
12-2023 2089 25%
12-2024 2746 31%
12-2025 3389 23%
12-2026 4052 20%
12-2027 4959 22%
12-2028 5949 20%
12-2029 6885 16%
12-2030 7788 13%
12-2031 8783 13%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from -17% in 12-2021 to -10% by 12-2031, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2021 (224) -17%
12-2022 (246) -15%
12-2023 (288) -14%
12-2024 (354) -13%
12-2025 (408) -12%
12-2026 (455) -11%
12-2027 (549) -11%
12-2028 (650) -11%
12-2029 (742) -11%
12-2030 (827) -11%
12-2031 (920) -10%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $36 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 5% 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)
12-2022 48
12-2023 59
12-2024 77
12-2025 102
12-2026 136
12-2027 168

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 67
Days Inventory 0
Days Payables 49

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
3M/2022 (36) (2) 20 10 (64)
2023 (159) (8) 102 94 (346)
2024 (185) (10) 133 106 (415)
2025 (191) (11) 165 108 (452)
2026 (181) (13) 197 125 (490)

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 7.5% - 9.9%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 3.0% - 5.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 26.6x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 0.00 -209.7%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 0.00 -246.2%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 0.00 -100.0%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 0.00 -100.0%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $(8,529)M
  • 10-Year Model: $(11,696)M

Investment Conclusion

Is Zendesk Inc (ZEN) a buy or a sell? Zendesk Inc is definitely a sell. Based on our DCF analysis, Zendesk Inc (ZEN) appears to be overvalued with upside potential of -246.2%. 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:

  • Expanding profit margins (from -17% to -10%)
  • Steady revenue growth (20.7% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider reducing exposure at the current market price of $77.48.