Apple Inc. (AAPL): Our Calculation of Intrinsic Value

Core Viewpoint - Apple Inc. is analyzed using a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model, revealing that the stock is currently overvalued compared to its intrinsic value, despite its strong brand and cash generation capabilities [1][5]. Company Profile - Apple Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets a range of products including smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables, and accessories globally. Its key products include the iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods, supported by a growing ecosystem of software and services such as the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple TV+. The company's integrated hardware-software model fosters brand loyalty and pricing power, enabling substantial free cash flow and shareholder returns through buybacks and dividends [2]. DCF Analysis - The DCF analysis uses a discount rate of 10% and a terminal growth rate of 3%. The forecasted free cash flows (in billions USD) are as follows: - 2025: $110B → Present Value (PV): $100.0B - 2026: $112B → PV: $92.6B - 2027: $114B → PV: $85.7B - 2028: $116B → PV: $79.4B - 2029: $118B → PV: $73.5B - The total present value of free cash flows is $431.2B. The terminal value, calculated using the perpetuity growth model, is $1,737B, leading to a present value of the terminal value of $1,081B. The enterprise value totals $1,512.2B [3][4]. Net Debt and Equity Value - Apple has cash and equivalents of $65.17B and total debt of $106.63B, resulting in net debt of $41.46B. The equity value is calculated as $1,512.2B minus net debt, yielding an equity value of $1,470.74B. With approximately 15.1B shares outstanding, the intrinsic value per share is estimated at $97 [4]. Conclusion - The DCF value is $97, while the current market price is around $246, indicating a margin of safety of approximately -60%. Despite being one of the most profitable companies with strong brand strength and recurring revenue, the stock appears overvalued under conservative DCF assumptions. The market seems to be factoring in ongoing ecosystem expansion, product innovation, and potential AI-driven growth. For long-term investors, Apple remains a high-quality compounder, but not a deep value opportunity at current price levels [5].