Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK) is in focus after launching what it calls the first commercial AI-RAN platform, paired with new collaborations with Nvidia and Dell on AI-powered network solutions for 5G and future 6G connectivity.

These AI-RAN announcements come after a mixed stretch for Nokia Oyj, with the share price up 44.85% year to date despite falling 20.42% over the past 30 days and a 1-year total shareholder return of 132.55%. This suggests strong momentum alongside increased volatility around expectations.

If Nokia's move into AI-driven networks has caught your attention, it may be worth widening your search to other potential beneficiaries across the 5G and data center buildout through our 56 AI infrastructure stocks

After Nokia Oyj's sharp share price swings and headline grabbing AI-RAN launch with Nvidia and Dell, the key issue now is simple: Does the current valuation still leave meaningful upside on the table, or has most of it already played out?

Price to Earnings of 67.4x: Is it justified?

Nokia Oyj closed at $9.43 and is currently flagged as good value by our DCF and peer comparisons, yet its 67.4x P/E ratio sits well above several benchmarks.

The P/E ratio compares the share price to earnings per share. For a company like Nokia Oyj, which operates across mobile networks, cloud, and fixed infrastructure, this ratio reflects how much investors are willing to pay today for each dollar of current earnings.

On one hand, Nokia Oyj is trading at a 23.4% discount to the SWS DCF fair value estimate of $12.50 and 24.7% below the average analyst price target of $11.69. On the other hand, that 67.4x P/E is described as expensive versus both the estimated fair P/E of 47.7x and the broader US Communications industry average of 33.3x. The current multiple suggests the market is pricing in strong earnings growth expectations, which aligns with forecasts of earnings growth of about 30% per year, yet it also leaves less room for disappointment.

The comparison with peers is even more nuanced. Nokia Oyj is labeled expensive against the industry average P/E of 33.3x, so the stock trades at roughly double that sector yardstick. Yet it is considered good value relative to a peer group average P/E of 87.5x, which points to pockets of even richer pricing among closer comparables. When set against the estimated fair P/E of 47.7x, the current 67.4x ratio implies a premium that the market could eventually compress toward that lower level if expectations moderate.

Result: Price-to-Earnings of 67.4x (OVERVALUED)

However, Nokia Oyj's rich P/E and recent 30 day share price decline of 20.42% mean that any disappointment on AI-RAN traction or earnings could quickly pressure sentiment.

Another view on Nokia Oyj’s valuation

The SWS DCF model points in a different direction to the rich 67.4x P/E. On that measure, Nokia Oyj trading at $9.43 is 23.4% below an estimated fair value of $12.50, which frames the stock as undervalued rather than stretched.

That gap suggests the market may be placing a heavier weight on recent volatility, one off items and softer margins than on Nokia Oyj's forecast 30% yearly earnings growth. The question for you is which story feels more convincing: the high multiple or the discounted cash flow view.

Simply Wall St performs a discounted cash flow (DCF) on every stock in the world every day (check out Nokia Oyj for example). We show the entire calculation in full. You can track the result in your watchlist or portfolio and be alerted when this changes, or use our stock screener to discover 51 high quality undervalued stocks. If you save a screener we even alert you when new companies match - so you never miss a potential opportunity.

Next Steps

With Nokia Oyj presenting both strong recent returns and a richer valuation, sentiment is clearly split. To weigh those opposing signals and move quickly, use our overview of 2 key rewards and 4 important warning signs

Looking for more investment ideas beyond Nokia Oyj?

If Nokia Oyj has sharpened your focus on valuation and quality, do not stop here. Use the tools available to compare other opportunities and keep your watchlist fresh.

• Target steady compounding by reviewing companies with reliable payouts and higher yields through the 8 dividend fortresses.
• Hunt for quality at a discount by scanning the screener containing 17 high quality undiscovered gems before the broader market pays attention.
• Prioritise resilience by checking stocks flagged in the 79 resilient stocks with low risk scores so your portfolio is not overly exposed when conditions change.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.