What is IBM's DCF valuation?

International Business Machines Corp (IBM) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of May 28, 2025, International Business Machines Corp has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $275.80 per share. With the current market price at $263.23, this represents a potential upside of 4.8%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $238.46
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $275.80
Potential Upside (5-year) -9.4%
Potential Upside (10-year) 4.8%
Discount Rate (WACC) 6.5% - 8.0%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $62753 million in 12-2024 to $85015 million by 12-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 3.1%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2024 62753 1%
12-2025 63096 1%
12-2026 67004 6%
12-2027 69226 3%
12-2028 70610 2%
12-2029 72022 2%
12-2030 74096 3%
12-2031 75578 2%
12-2032 77606 3%
12-2033 80997 4%
12-2034 85015 5%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 10% in 12-2024 to 18% by 12-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2024 6470 10%
12-2025 6144 10%
12-2026 7702 11%
12-2027 9113 13%
12-2028 10416 15%
12-2029 11710 16%
12-2030 12259 17%
12-2031 12719 17%
12-2032 13278 17%
12-2033 14083 17%
12-2034 15015 18%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $2181 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 4% 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 2006
12-2026 1953
12-2027 2075
12-2028 2240
12-2029 2552
12-2030 2634

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 42
Days Inventory 18
Days Payables 54

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
9M/2025 8193 789 1766 488 5149
2026 12802 1320 2501 356 8626
2027 14639 1561 2583 176 10318
2028 16367 1784 2635 351 11597
2029 18233 2006 2688 210 13329

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 6.5% - 8.0%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 2.5% - 4.5%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 10.9x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 238.46 -9.4%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 275.80 4.8%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 125.85 -52.2%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 165.14 -37.3%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $273,878M
  • 10-Year Model: $308,578M

Investment Conclusion

Is International Business Machines Corp (IBM) a buy or a sell? International Business Machines Corp is definitely a buy. Based on our DCF analysis, International Business Machines Corp (IBM) appears to be slightly undervalued with upside potential of 4.8%. 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 10% to 18%)
  • Steady revenue growth (3.1% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider a hold with potential to accumulate at the current market price of $263.23.