In this article, we will take a look into Alphabet Inc’s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) DCF analysis, a reliable and data-driven approach to estimating its intrinsic value. Instead of using future free cash flow as in the traditional DCF model, the GuruFocus DCF calculator uses EPS without NRI as the default for the DCF model based on research that shows that historically stock prices have been more correlated with earnings than free cash flow.
As of 2024-03-04, Alphabet Inc’s intrinsic value as calculated by the Discounted Earnings model is $185.66. It’s currently trading at a price of $137.14. Therefore, the margin of safety based on the DCF model is 26.13%. The company is modestly undervalued.
The model
The GuruFocus DCF calculator follows a two-stage model by default. This model consists of the Growth Stage and the Terminal Stage. In the growth stage, the company is experiencing faster growth, while in the terminal stage, a lower growth rate is applied because sustained rapid growth is not sustainable in the long run. Alphabet Inc’s intrinsic value estimated by Discounted Earnings model are arrived at by following assumptions and steps.
Assumptions
|
Term |
Value |
Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
$5.94 |
GuruFocus DCF calculator uses EPS without NRI as the default because historically stock prices are more correlated to earnings than free cash flow. |
|
|
Discount Rate |
11% |
An appropriate discount rate is typically the risk-free rate plus the risk premium of the stock market. GuruFocus uses the current 10-year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate of 4.2%, rounded up to the nearest whole number, which is 5%. A 6% risk premium is then added to arrive at the estimated discount rate. |
|
Growth Stage |
Growth rate (g1) = 21.80% Years of Growth Stage = 10 |
We choose the growth rate based on the availability, prioritizing the average EPS without NRI growth rate from the past 10, 5, or 3 years in that order, and then capping between 5% and 20% to maintain a fair and balanced estimate. The default growth period is set to 10 years. |
|
Terminal Stage |
Growth rate (g2) = 4% Years of Terminal Stage = 10 |
For the terminal stage, the eps will grow at 4% for 10 years. It is important to ensure that the terminal growth rate remains lower than the discount rate to facilitate convergence in the calculation. |
Calculation
|
Growth Stage |
= |
EPS without NRI |
* |
[ (1 + g1) / (1 + d) |
* |
(1 + g1) ^ 2 / (1 + d) ^ 2 |
+ |
… |
+ |
(1 + g1) ^ 10 / (1 + d) ^ 10 ] |
||
|
= |
102.56 |
|||||||||||
|
Terminal Stage |
= |
EPS without NRI |
* |
(1 + g1) ^ 10 / (1 + d) ^ 10 |
* |
[ (1 + g2) / (1 + d) |
+ |
(1 + g2) ^ 2 / (1 + d) ^ 2 |
+ |
… |
+ |
(1 + g2) ^ 10 / (1 + d) ^ 10 ] |
|
= |
106.93 |
|||||||||||
|
Intrinsic Value: DCF (Earnings Based) |
= |
Growth Stage |
+ |
Terminal Stage |
= |
185.66 |
||||||
Discounted Free Cash Flow Model
GuruFocus also provides the calculation using the traditional approach of free cash flow. Using trailing twelve month(ttm) Free Cash Flow per Share as a parameter, the DCF intrinsic value based on free cash flow is $166.94. This valuation indicates that the Alphabet Inc is modestly undervalued, accompanied by a margin of safety of 17.85%. You can always switch to using Free Cash Flow per Share to calculate the real DCF model on our DCF calculator page.
The Bottom Line
Please note that while the DCF model is a robust valuation methodology, it relies on various assumptions and projections that may affect the accuracy of the final intrinsic value calculation. Here are some considerations when employing the DCF model:
-
Future Earnings Potential: The DCF model evaluates a company based on its potential future earnings.
-
Embracing Growth: Growth plays a pivotal role. All else being equal, a company with rapid growth will have a higher value.
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Predictability: The model assumes that a company will grow at the same rate as its past 10-year performance, making it a better fit for companies with consistent performance. For companies with unpredictable performance, such as cyclical companies, the DCF model may be less accurate and a larger margin of safety should be emphasized.
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Discount Rate: Selecting an appropriate discount rate is paramount. Using your anticipated return on investment is a sensible choice for the discount rate.
Navigating with GuruFocus:
Using the GuruFocus All-in-One Screener, you can easily screen for stocks that are currently trading below their intrinsic value: DCF (FCF Based) and Intrinsic Value: DCF (Earnings Based). To identify undervalued predictable companies, focus on those with a high Predictability Rank that are trading at a discount to their Intrinsic Value: DCF (FCF Based) and Intrinsic Value: DCF (Earnings Based).
This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.