FWI Valuation Waterfall For IBM (IBM) 2018.04.19
FWI Valuation Waterfall For IBM (IBM) 2018.04.19
5 Revenue Growth
Near-term (years 1-5)
IBM is in the midst of another generational transition,
focusing on Cloud services, cybersecurity, and AI. These
business, termed “Strategic Imperatives” are growing
quickly, partially or wholly offsetting declines in its legacy Revenues
businesses. We think Strategic Initiatives can grow
between 5% and 12%, and that legacy revenues will -2% 3%
decline by about 10% per year. Because the businesses
are similarly sized, top-line growth will be choppy for awhile.
Profitability
Despite continual revenue declines since the 2012 fiscal
Near-term (years 1-5)
year, IBM’s profitability has actually held steady over this
period and lately, improved somewhat on an OCP basis.
This negative operating leverage is a good sign for owners, Profits Profits
and as the firm returns to top-line growth, we believe the
operating leverage will be positive – meaning that profits
will growth quicker that revenues do. Again, more good 15% 17%
news for owners.
Med-term
Medium-Term Cash Flow Growth
IBM is building on its strong customer relationships and
(years 6-10)
developing strong, differentiated franchises to serve those
clients. The shift is a big one, and there is a good bit of
Growth Growth Growth Growth
uncertainty as to how successful IBM will be in the medium-
term. Recent indications (Strategic Imperatives revenue
growth, profitability) have been good, and we think there is
a good chance that the firm will grow relatively more rapidly 2% 7%
in the medium term.
Framework Investing analyses focus on three main valuation drivers: revenue growth, profitability, and medium-term cash flow
growth. We estimate a best- and worst-case scenario for each of these drivers resulting in a total of 23 = 8 fair value scenarios based
on discounted cash flow methodology. Profitability is measured by Owners’ Cash Profit (OCP) margin and our measure of free cash
flow is termed Free Cash Flow to Owners (FCFO). We use a discount rate of 10% for large capitalization stocks. A wide spread of
lowest and highest fair values indicates a firm whose value is uncertain. Risk depends on the stock price’s relationship to the valuation
range. Best-case scenarios are represented with a solid line; worst-case scenarios, with a dotted one.
Information provided by Framework Investing, should not be used as investment advice. Framework Investing does not act in
the capacity of a Registered Investment Advisor. For investment advice geared towards your specific needs, we encourage you
to contact your financial planner or advisor.