What is IQE.L's DCF valuation?

IQE PLC (IQE.L) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of May 27, 2025, IQE PLC has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $0.00 per share. With the current market price at $10.94, this represents a potential upside of -155.1%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $0.00
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $0.00
Potential Upside (5-year) -314.3%
Potential Upside (10-year) -155.1%
Discount Rate (WACC) 5.5% - 7.8%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $115 million in 12-2023 to $151 million by 12-2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 2.8%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2023 115 31%
12-2024 120 4%
12-2025 123 3%
12-2026 126 2%
12-2027 128 2%
12-2028 133 4%
12-2029 136 2%
12-2030 139 2%
12-2031 144 3%
12-2032 148 3%
12-2033 151 2%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from -25% in 12-2023 to 1% by 12-2033, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2023 (29) -25%
12-2024 (18) -15%
12-2025 (14) -11%
12-2026 (10) -8%
12-2027 (6) -5%
12-2028 (3) -2%
12-2029 (2) -2%
12-2030 (1) -1%
12-2031 (1) 0%
12-2032 0 0%
12-2033 1 1%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $21 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 15% 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 17
12-2025 18
12-2026 18
12-2027 18
12-2028 19
12-2029 19

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 86
Days Inventory 84
Days Payables 50

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
6M/2024 (2) (3) 9 (1) (7)
2025 2 (5) 18 3 (14)
2026 8 (4) 19 0 (8)
2027 13 (2) 19 (0) (3)
2028 18 (1) 20 2 (2)

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 5.5% - 7.8%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 3.0% - 5.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 7.6x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 0.00 -314.3%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 0.00 -155.1%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 0.00 -100.0%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 0.61 -94.4%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $(160)M
  • 10-Year Model: $10M

Investment Conclusion

Is IQE PLC (IQE.L) a buy or a sell? IQE PLC is definitely a sell. Based on our DCF analysis, IQE PLC (IQE.L) appears to be overvalued with upside potential of -155.1%. 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 -25% to 1%)
  • Steady revenue growth (2.8% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider reducing exposure at the current market price of $10.94.