What is IRDM's DCF valuation?

Iridium Communications Inc (IRDM) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of June 13, 2025, Iridium Communications Inc has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $36.65 per share. With the current market price at $29.23, this represents a potential upside of 25.4%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $36.92
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $36.65
Potential Upside (5-year) 26.3%
Potential Upside (10-year) 25.4%
Discount Rate (WACC) 5.5% - 7.0%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $831 million in 12-2024 to $1236 million by 12-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 4.0%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2024 831 5%
12-2025 885 7%
12-2026 934 5%
12-2027 952 2%
12-2028 1002 5%
12-2029 1045 4%
12-2030 1071 3%
12-2031 1093 2%
12-2032 1127 3%
12-2033 1160 3%
12-2034 1236 7%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 12% in 12-2024 to 8% by 12-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2024 98 12%
12-2025 74 8%
12-2026 78 8%
12-2027 79 8%
12-2028 83 8%
12-2029 87 8%
12-2030 89 8%
12-2031 91 8%
12-2032 94 8%
12-2033 97 8%
12-2034 103 8%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $59 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 8% 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 66
12-2026 73
12-2027 74
12-2028 76
12-2029 79
12-2030 82

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 43
Days Inventory 116
Days Payables 39

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
9M/2025 210 32 55 (5) 128
2026 299 46 77 20 156
2027 305 47 78 1 178
2028 318 49 82 7 180
2029 332 51 86 11 184

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 5.5% - 7.0%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 2.5% - 4.5%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 18.8x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 36.92 26.3%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 36.65 25.4%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 31.90 9.1%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 32.55 11.4%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $5,750M
  • 10-Year Model: $5,720M

Investment Conclusion

Is Iridium Communications Inc (IRDM) a buy or a sell? Iridium Communications Inc is definitely a buy. Based on our DCF analysis, Iridium Communications Inc (IRDM) appears to be significantly undervalued with upside potential of 25.4%. 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 (4.0% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider a strong buy at the current market price of $29.23.