Highlights:
Harvey Norman's share price is close to its fair value based on Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) methodology.
The fair value estimate for the company stands higher than its analyst price point.
The valuation considers a two-stage model of cash flow growth.
Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX:HVN) is a prominent player in the Australian retail sector, with operations spanning across furniture, electrical goods, and technology. The company’s share price, is under close scrutiny, with many observers trying to assess its true market value.
Recent calculations place Harvey Norman’s fair, revealing that the stock is close to its intrinsic worth. Interestingly, this fair value estimate exceeds the current analyst price point by a notable margin, with a difference of 12%.
Valuation Methodology: Discounted Cash Flow
The intrinsic value of Harvey Norman has been estimated through the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model, a widely used technique for assessing a company's value. This model discounts future cash flows back to their present value, offering a structured approach to estimate the stock’s worth based on its financial projections.
DCF Model: A Two-Stage Approach
The DCF methodology employed here uses a two-stage model to estimate the company’s future value. In the initial stage, higher growth rates are projected for the company’s cash flows, based on available data. These are then tapered in the second stage to reflect a lower growth rate over the long-term.
The cash flow projections, spanning over the next decade, are derived from a combination of historical data and expected future performance trends. The model uses a cost of equity set at 8.3%, with Harvey Norman’s equity value. This value is influenced by the terminal value, which encompasses all expected future cash flows beyond the ten-year period.
Key Assumptions and Variables
The accuracy of this valuation is dependent on several assumptions, including the discount rate and the cash flow projections. Variations in these assumptions can lead to different valuation outcomes. It is also important to note that the model does not incorporate factors such as industry cycles or capital expenditures, assuming instead that the company will experience stable growth over the forecast period.
Harvey Norman's Financial Performance: SWOT Analysis
When assessing the company’s financial health, a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis offers additional context. Harvey Norman has demonstrated solid earnings growth and offers competitive dividend coverage, which are strengths that contribute to its overall market standing. However, its dividend yield does not match the best performers in the retail sector, highlighting a possible area for improvement.
Revenue growth opportunities seem to outpace the broader market, although the company’s earnings may grow more slowly than the industry average in the coming years.