Cash conversion remains robust, with an OCF/NI ratio of 2.63 in 2026Q1, although free cash flow margins remain highly sensitive to operational scaling, swinging from 7.8% to 47.9% over the observed period.
| Metric | TTM | Dec'25 | Dec'24 | Dec'23 | Dec'22 | Dec'21 | Dec'20 | Dec'19 | Dec'18 | Dec'17 | Dec'16 | Dec'15 | Dec'14 | Dec'13 | Dec'12 | Dec'11 | Dec'10 | Dec'09 | Dec'08 | Dec'07 | Dec'06 | Dec'05 | Dec'04 | Dec'03 |
|---|
| Cash from Operations | 1.78B | 1.44B | 989.5M | 748.5M | 669.5M | 442.5M | 475.6M | 314.5M | 123.2M | 92M | 56.2M | 49M | 23.6M | 2.4M | -33.1M | -30.13M | -42.68M | -39.39M | -37.45M | -33.21M | -43.73M | -22.55M | -12.43M | -9.46M |
| Operating CF Margin % | - | 30.9% | 24.54% | 20.66% | 23.01% | 18.07% | 24.68% | 21.31% | 11.94% | 12.8% | 9.8% | 12.19% | 9.1% | 1.5% | -33.13% | -39.5% | -87.75% | -132.65% | -380.68% | -717.68% | -2015.63% | - | - | - |
| Operating CF Growth % | 422.73% | 45.6% | 32.2% | 11.8% | 51.3% | -6.96% | 51.22% | 155.28% | 33.91% | 63.7% | 14.69% | 107.63% | 883.33% | 107.25% | -9.87% | 29.41% | -8.34% | -5.17% | -12.78% | 24.07% | -93.91% | -81.47% | -31.36% | - |
| Net Income | 930.4M | 836.3M | 576.2M | 541.5M | 341.2M | 154.7M | 493.6M | 101.1M | -127.1M | -50.2M | -65.6M | -57.6M | -22.4M | -29.8M | -54.5M | -44.75M | -55.17M | -53.52M | -55.18M | -45.88M | -46.6M | -30.77M | -13.95M | -9.91M |
| Depreciation & Amortization | 258.9M | 251.8M | 217.7M | 186M | 155.9M | 102M | 67.1M | 48.7M | 29.1M | 16.1M | 15M | 10.8M | 8.4M | 7M | 6.6M | 3.76M | 2.44M | 2.37M | 3.58M | 3.33M | 2.7M | 1.07M | 935.49K | 353.55K |
| Stock-Based Compensation | 168.7M | 159.6M | 170.4M | 150.8M | 126.5M | 113.4M | 119.4M | 102.7M | 101.9M | 106.2M | 110.8M | 82.7M | 50M | 24.6M | 18.4M | 13.51M | 9.44M | 8.37M | 7.68M | 6.12M | 5.85B | 1.67B | 0 | 0 |
| Deferred Taxes | 188.3M | 182.2M | -43.8M | -55M | -21.6M | -4.9M | -277.3M | 4.2M | -80.1M | 0 | 1.3M | 300K | 300K | 300K | -1.3M | 32.16M | -814K | -8.12M | -7.68M | -6.12M | -5.85B | -1.67B | 0 | 0 |
| Other Non-Cash Items | -14.3M | -92.6M | -39.8M | -78M | 39.8M | 209.3M | 93.6M | 51.7M | 240.3M | 17.3M | 1M | 37.2M | 100K | 3.1M | 1.6M | -31.23M | 11.22M | 13.76M | 8.04M | 5.63M | 5.48M | 1.77M | 29.91K | 0 |
| Working Capital Changes | 250.5M | 103.4M | 108.8M | 3.2M | 27.7M | -132M | -20.8M | 6.1M | -40.9M | 2.6M | -6.3M | -24.4M | -12.8M | -2.8M | -3.9M | -3.58M | -9.79M | -2.24M | 6.11M | 3.71M | -5.31M | 5.38M | 552.44K | 99.31K |
| Change in Receivables | -177.6M | -201.9M | -35M | -260.1M | -199.9M | -75.5M | -142.3M | -60M | -93.2M | -31.8M | -27.2M | -31.7M | -16.3M | -6.5M | -7M | -5.88M | -3.18M | -2.37M | -903K | -95K | -120.48M | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Change in Inventory | -4.7M | -63.7M | 12.4M | -252.6M | 49.3M | -112.2M | -114.5M | -49.1M | -25.5M | 400K | -9.8M | -19.2M | -7M | -1.6M | 700K | -59K | -5.47M | -195K | -1.31M | 274K | -1.41M | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Change in Payables | 366.7M | 347M | 211.7M | 466.5M | 295.1M | 58M | 194.5M | 109M | 56.2M | 21.1M | 21.1M | 17.8M | 8.3M | 2.4M | 300K | 996K | -432K | 1.51M | -291K | 1.77M | -3.47B | 4.94B | 0 | 0 |
| Cash from Investing | 137.3M | 536M | -207.5M | -507.2M | -521.5M | -216.1M | -1.02B | -1.02B | -139.8M | -144.4M | -55.9M | -51.5M | -16.8M | 20.9M | 28.4M | -46.37M | -25.61M | -14.1M | 24.32M | -8.44M | -26.56M | -18.17M | -1.74M | 7.37M |
| Capital Expenditures | -353.1M | -363.5M | -358.8M | -236.6M | -364.8M | -389.2M | -199M | -180M | -67.1M | -66M | -55.7M | -33.3M | -16.2M | -7.9M | -9.5M | -8.01M | -6.86M | -2.99M | -2.49M | -3.44M | -3.35M | -4.68M | -1.76M | -408.61K |
| CapEx % of Revenue | 7.33% | 7.8% | 8.9% | 6.53% | 12.54% | 15.9% | 10.33% | 12.2% | 6.5% | 9.19% | 9.72% | 8.28% | 6.25% | 4.94% | 9.51% | 10.5% | 14.11% | 10.08% | 25.33% | 74.41% | 154.49% | - | - | - |
| Acquisitions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -3.9M | -30.2M | 0 | 835.2M | -11.3M | 0 | 300K | -500K | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Investments | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Other Investing | -400K | 600K | -15.5M | -17.6M | -14.3M | 10.1M | -11.3M | -835.2M | -61.4M | -78.4M | -500K | -17.7M | -600K | 28.8M | 37.9M | 4K | 6K | 302K | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20.06K | 9.06K |
| Cash from Financing | -1.72B | -1.69B | -734.8M | -318.6M | -552.5M | 10.4M | 912.1M | 10.7M | 710.4M | 399.1M | 8.1M | 16.8M | 21.8M | 11.8M | 10.2M | 74.18M | 69.65M | 44.38M | 2.71M | 46.6M | 51.21M | 50.74M | 21.38M | 33.44K |
| Debt Issued (Net) | 0 | -1.21B | 0 | 443.3M | 0 | 0 | 906.2M | 0 | 836.6M | 389M | -2.3M | -2.3M | -2.2M | -200K | 6.6M | -500K | -900K | -1.93M | 950K | 48.43M | 3.03M | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equity Issued (Net) | -509.2M | -471.9M | -721.8M | -662.1M | -535.2M | 20.3M | 15.3M | 11.9M | -89.2M | 10.1M | 10.4M | 19.1M | 24M | 12M | 3.6M | 74.7M | 70.55M | 46.31M | 1.76M | -1.83M | 48.19M | 50.74M | 21.38M | 33.44K |
| Dividends Paid | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Share Repurchases | -535.8M | -500M | -750M | -688.7M | -557.7M | 0 | 0 | 0 | -100M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2.73M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other Financing | -1.21B | -7M | -13M | -99.8M | -17.3M | -9.9M | -9.4M | -1.2M | -37M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -16K | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Net Change in Cash | 212.3M | 311.8M | 39.8M | -75.8M | -410.3M | 235.4M | 371.8M | -690.7M | 695.6M | 347M | 8.4M | 14.3M | 28.6M | 35.1M | 5.5M | -2.34M | 1.31M | -9.12M | -10.41M | 4.95M | -19.08M | 10.02M | 7.21M | -2.06M |
| Free Cash Flow | 1.43B | 1.08B | 630.7M | 511.9M | 304.7M | 53.3M | 276.6M | 134.5M | 56.1M | 26M | 500K | 15.7M | 7.4M | -5.5M | -42.6M | -38.13M | -49.54M | -42.38M | -39.94M | -36.65M | -47.09M | -27.23M | -14.19M | -9.87M |
| FCF Margin % | 29.67% | 23.11% | 15.64% | 14.13% | 10.47% | 2.18% | 14.36% | 9.11% | 5.44% | 3.62% | 0.09% | 3.91% | 2.85% | -3.44% | -42.64% | -50% | -101.86% | -142.73% | -406.01% | -792.09% | -2170.12% | - | - | - |
| FCF Growth % | 148.5% | 70.79% | 23.21% | 68% | 471.67% | -80.73% | 105.65% | 139.75% | 115.77% | 5100% | -96.82% | 112.16% | 234.55% | 87.09% | -11.72% | 23.02% | -16.88% | -6.1% | -8.98% | 22.17% | -72.92% | -91.95% | -43.72% | - |
| FCF per Share | 3.63 | 2.66 | 1.53 | 1.20 | 0.71 | 0.12 | 0.71 | 0.36 | 0.16 | 0.08 | 0.00 | 0.05 | 0.02 | -0.02 | -0.16 | -0.15 | -0.22 | -0.24 | -0.34 | -0.32 | -0.43 | -0.36 | -1.55 | -1.14 |
| FCF Conversion (FCF/Net Income) | 1.54x | 1.72x | 1.72x | 1.38x | 1.96x | 2.04x | 0.96x | 3.11x | -0.97x | -1.83x | -0.86x | -0.85x | -1.05x | -0.08x | 0.61x | 0.67x | 0.77x | 0.74x | 0.68x | 0.72x | 0.94x | 0.73x | 0.89x | 0.95x |
| Interest Paid | 0 | 11.4M | 11.4M | 12.4M | 12.2M | 11.6M | 10.6M | 10.4M | 3.6M | 2.4M | 100K | 300K | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Taxes Paid | 0 | 94.4M | 198M | 212.3M | 114.2M | 16.8M | 3.6M | 4.8M | 2.3M | 1.4M | 100K | 100K | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Channel shift margin compression
As reported in recent financial statements, DexCom consistently generates operating cash flow significantly exceeding net income, with an OCF/NI ratio reaching 2.63 in 2026Q1, which suggests that non-cash charges and working capital movements are playing a substantial role in the company's reported cash-generative capacity.
The persistent gap between net income and operating cash flow indicates that accounting earnings may be a conservative proxy for actual cash generation. Investors should monitor whether this divergence is driven by sustainable operational efficiencies or temporary fluctuations in non-cash accruals and deferred tax items.
Based on quarterly data, free cash flow margins have exhibited extreme variance, swinging from a low of 7.8% in 2023Q4 to a peak of 47.9% in 2025Q3, which suggests that the company's cash trajectory is highly sensitive to the timing of large-scale manufacturing and commercial investments.
The lack of a stable FCF margin trend implies that the business is still in a heavy investment phase where capital intensity fluctuates with product cycle transitions. This volatility warrants caution, as it complicates the predictability of cash available for shareholder returns or debt reduction.
According to SEC filings, the company's capital expenditure as a percentage of revenue has fluctuated between 5.1% and 11.2% over the last ten quarters, indicating that maintaining a competitive manufacturing edge requires consistent and significant reinvestment into automated production facilities and sensor assembly infrastructure.
The elevated CapEx levels suggest that DexCom is prioritizing long-term capacity expansion over immediate cash preservation. This capital intensity appears necessary to support the G7 ramp-up, though it may continue to exert pressure on free cash flow until manufacturing yields reach a more mature, steady state.
As evidenced by the $151.0 million outflow in 2025Q4 followed by a $231.6 million inflow in 2025Q3, working capital dynamics are highly erratic, which suggests that inventory management and the timing of pharmacy channel collections are creating significant, non-linear impacts on the company's quarterly cash flow profile.
These sharp reversals in working capital suggest that the company's cash position is vulnerable to the timing of large-scale inventory builds and channel-specific payment cycles. Analysts should investigate whether these swings are indicative of underlying supply chain inefficiencies or merely the result of seasonal demand patterns.
Based on reported figures, the company has utilized significant cash for share repurchases, including a $750 million outlay in 2024Q3, which suggests that management is prioritizing capital returns to shareholders despite the ongoing need for heavy reinvestment in its core CGM manufacturing and R&D capabilities.
The decision to deploy substantial cash toward buybacks while simultaneously funding high capital expenditures may indicate management's confidence in long-term cash flow stability. However, investors should monitor if this capital allocation strategy limits the company's flexibility to pursue strategic acquisitions or respond to competitive pricing pressures.
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying DXCM stock.
DexCom, Inc. (DXCM) generated $1.44B in net cash from operating activities in 2025. This reflects the cash generated directly from core business operations.
DexCom, Inc. (DXCM) generated $1.08B in free cash flow in 2025. Free cash flow is the cash left over after capital expenditures, which can be used to pay dividends, repurchase shares, or pay down debt.
DexCom, Inc. (DXCM) spent $363.5M on capital expenditures in 2025. CapEx represents the cash invested in physical assets like property, plant, and equipment to maintain or grow the business.
In 2025, DexCom, Inc. (DXCM) spent $500.0M on share repurchases. This shows the company's commitment to returning capital to its equity investors.