What is QCOM's DCF valuation?

Qualcomm Inc (QCOM) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of May 23, 2025, Qualcomm Inc has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $228.13 per share. With the current market price at $147.37, this represents a potential upside of 54.8%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $178.55
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $228.13
Potential Upside (5-year) 21.2%
Potential Upside (10-year) 54.8%
Discount Rate (WACC) 9.1% - 11.9%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $38962 million in 09-2024 to $84274 million by 09-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 8.0%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
09-2024 38962 9%
09-2025 43147 11%
09-2026 46958 9%
09-2027 51464 10%
09-2028 56319 9%
09-2029 61505 9%
09-2030 66686 8%
09-2031 72847 9%
09-2032 76439 5%
09-2033 80261 5%
09-2034 84274 5%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 26% in 09-2024 to 35% by 09-2034, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
09-2024 10110 26%
09-2025 11262 26%
09-2026 13144 28%
09-2027 15330 30%
09-2028 17737 31%
09-2029 20367 33%
09-2030 22288 33%
09-2031 24569 34%
09-2032 26012 34%
09-2033 27552 34%
09-2034 29179 35%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $1610 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)
09-2025 1741
09-2026 1813
09-2027 1854
09-2028 2103
09-2029 2484
09-2030 2709

3. Working Capital Requirements

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

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 25
Days Inventory 136
Days Payables 58

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
6M/2025 6864 564 1033 337 4929
2026 15835 1317 2248 491 11779
2027 18238 1537 2464 313 13925
2028 21090 1778 2696 561 16055
2029 24316 2041 2944 499 18831

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 9.1% - 11.9%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 2.5% - 4.5%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 16.1x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 178.55 21.2%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 228.13 54.8%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 236.82 60.7%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 279.98 90.0%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $204,898M
  • 10-Year Model: $259,730M

Investment Conclusion

Is Qualcomm Inc (QCOM) a buy or a sell? Qualcomm Inc is definitely a buy. Based on our DCF analysis, Qualcomm Inc (QCOM) appears to be significantly undervalued with upside potential of 54.8%. 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 26% to 35%)
  • Steady revenue growth (8.0% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider a strong buy at the current market price of $147.37.