Stock Analysis on Net

Activision Blizzard Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI)

$22.49

This company has been moved to the archive! The financial data has not been updated since July 31, 2023.

Economic Value Added (EVA)

Microsoft Excel

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Economic Profit

Activision Blizzard Inc., economic profit calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1
Cost of capital2
Invested capital3
 
Economic profit4

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 NOPAT. See details »

2 Cost of capital. See details »

3 Invested capital. See details »

4 2022 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= × =


Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
The net operating profit after taxes experienced fluctuations over the period from 2018 to 2022. It declined from 1,379 million USD in 2018 to 980 million USD in 2019, followed by a significant increase to 2,485 million USD in 2020. Thereafter, it decreased slightly to 2,162 million USD in 2021, with a modest rise to 2,208 million USD in 2022. Overall, NOPAT showed a recovery and upward trend after the initial decline in 2019.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital exhibited a gradual increase from 8.49% in 2018 to 8.7% in 2022. The changes were relatively small but consistent, indicating a modestly rising cost of financing or required returns over the five-year period.
Invested Capital
The invested capital showed an overall upward trend from 16,084 million USD in 2018 to a peak of 22,243 million USD in 2021. However, it declined to 19,837 million USD in 2022. This suggests a period of increased investment or asset accumulation until 2021, followed by a reduction in invested capital during 2022.
Economic Profit
The economic profit data indicates variability throughout the years. In 2018, the economic profit was positive but low at 14 million USD. It turned significantly negative in 2019 with a loss of 488 million USD, then sharply recovered to 722 million USD in 2020. It decreased again to 241 million USD in 2021 but rose to 482 million USD in 2022. This pattern reflects fluctuating value creation relative to capital costs, with periods of loss and gain correlating with changes in NOPAT and invested capital.
Summary
The data reveals that despite the increasing cost of capital and fluctuations in invested capital, the company managed to improve NOPAT substantially after 2019, contributing to positive economic profits in most years after that downturn. The peak in invested capital in 2021 coincides with a dip in both NOPAT and economic profit, suggesting efficiency challenges in that year. The subsequent reduction in invested capital in 2022 aligns with a stabilization in economic profit and NOPAT, indicating a possible strategic adjustment toward more efficient capital utilization.

Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Activision Blizzard Inc., NOPAT calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Net income
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1
Increase (decrease) in allowances for sales returns and price protection and other allowances2
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues3
Increase (decrease) in accrued restructuring and related costs4
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents5
Interest expense from debt
Interest expense, operating lease liability6
Adjusted interest expense from debt
Tax benefit of interest expense from debt7
Adjusted interest expense from debt, after taxes8
(Gain) loss on marketable securities
Interest income
Investment income, before taxes
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income9
Investment income, after taxes10
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »

2 Addition of increase (decrease) in allowances for sales returns and price protection and other allowances.

3 Addition of increase (decrease) in deferred revenues.

4 Addition of increase (decrease) in accrued restructuring and related costs.

5 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income.

6 2022 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =

7 2022 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense from debt = Adjusted interest expense from debt × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

8 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income.

9 2022 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

10 Elimination of after taxes investment income.


Net Income
The net income exhibited volatility over the five-year period. Starting at 1,813 million US dollars in 2018, it declined to 1,503 million in 2019. This was followed by a substantial increase in 2020, reaching 2,197 million. The upward trend continued in 2021, culminating in a peak of 2,699 million. However, in 2022, net income dropped sharply to 1,513 million, almost reverting to the 2019 level.
Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
NOPAT demonstrated an inconsistent trend throughout the timeline. It started at 1,379 million US dollars in 2018, decreased substantially to 980 million in 2019, then sharply increased to 2,485 million in 2020. Unlike net income, NOPAT decreased in 2021, reaching 2,162 million, but showed a slight rebound in 2022 to 2,208 million. Despite fluctuations, the overall level of NOPAT in the latter years remained higher than the initial years.
Comparative Insights
While both net income and NOPAT fluctuated, their trends did not move entirely in tandem, especially notable in 2021 and 2022. Net income reached its highest point in 2021, but saw a steep decline the following year, whereas NOPAT remained relatively stable in those two years. The divergence suggests variations in operational efficiency and the impact of other financial factors such as non-operating income or expenses.
Overall Interpretation
The data reflects a period of considerable financial fluctuation with some years of strong profitability followed by significant declines. The volatility might imply external market impacts, changing operational conditions, or other elements influencing profitability both at the operational and net levels. Further investigation into the underlying causes of these trends would be necessary for comprehensive understanding and strategic decision-making.

Cash Operating Taxes

Activision Blizzard Inc., cash operating taxes calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Income tax expense
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Add: Tax savings from interest expense from debt
Less: Tax imposed on investment income
Cash operating taxes

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).


The financial data reveals notable fluctuations in both income tax expenses and cash operating taxes over the five-year period from 2018 to 2022.

Income Tax Expense
The income tax expense demonstrates a significant upward trend from 2018 to 2021, increasing from $64 million in 2018 to a peak of $465 million in 2021. This represents a more than sevenfold increase over the four-year span. However, in 2022, income tax expense dropped sharply to $231 million, approximately half of the 2021 level, indicating a substantial reduction.
Cash Operating Taxes
The cash operating taxes present a different pattern, with a steep increase observed between 2018 and 2019, from $54 million to $478 million. This level remained relatively stable in 2020 and 2021, with values of $535 million and $473 million respectively. In 2022, there was a noticeable decrease to $384 million, indicating a downward adjustment following the previous high-pressure tax years.

Overall, the data suggests a period of escalating tax-related expenses through 2019 to 2021, with both income tax expense and cash operating taxes reaching their highest points during this time. The subsequent decline in 2022 could imply changes in profitability, tax planning strategies, or external tax regulations impacting the company's tax liabilities. The divergence in the scale and timing of changes between income tax expenses and cash operating taxes highlights different components that contribute to the company’s overall tax burden.


Invested Capital

Activision Blizzard Inc., invested capital calculation (financing approach)

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Long-term debt, net
Operating lease liability1
Total reported debt & leases
Shareholders’ equity
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2
Allowances for sales returns and price protection and other allowances3
Deferred revenues4
Accrued restructuring and related costs5
Equity equivalents6
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax7
Adjusted shareholders’ equity
U.S. treasuries, government agency securities, and equity securities8
Invested capital

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 Addition of capitalized operating leases.

2 Elimination of deferred taxes from assets and liabilities. See details »

3 Addition of allowance for doubtful accounts receivable.

4 Addition of deferred revenues.

5 Addition of accrued restructuring and related costs.

6 Addition of equity equivalents to shareholders’ equity.

7 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.

8 Subtraction of u.S. treasuries, government agency securities, and equity securities.


Total reported debt & leases
The reported debt and leases remained relatively stable from 2018 to 2019, with a slight decrease from 2,984 million USD to 2,948 million USD. However, there was a notable increase in 2020, rising to 3,895 million USD. The debt level then plateaued in 2021 at 3,897 million USD and marginally decreased to 3,856 million USD in 2022. Overall, debt showed moderate growth peaking in 2020 and 2021 before slightly declining.
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity demonstrated a consistent upward trend throughout the period analyzed. It increased steadily from 11,357 million USD in 2018 to 12,805 million USD in 2019, then to 15,037 million USD in 2020. This growth continued into 2021 with equity reaching 17,599 million USD and further expanded to 19,243 million USD in 2022. The rising equity suggests strengthening of the company's net asset base over time.
Invested capital
Invested capital showed an overall increasing trend from 16,084 million USD in 2018 to a peak of 22,243 million USD in 2021. Notably, invested capital grew each year from 2018 through 2021. However, in 2022, there was a decline to 19,837 million USD, indicating a reduction in total capital invested in the business after several years of growth.
Summary Insights
Between 2018 and 2021, the company exhibited growth in both shareholders’ equity and invested capital, reflecting expansion and possibly reinvestment into the business. The relatively stable but elevated debt levels from 2020 onwards may indicate increased borrowing or lease obligations supporting this expansion. The decline in invested capital in 2022 despite continued growth in equity could signal asset disposals, capital restructuring, or efficiency improvements. Meanwhile, the slight reduction in debt in 2022 suggests cautious management of financial leverage following the prior increase.

Cost of Capital

Activision Blizzard Inc., cost of capital calculations

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Long-term debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Long-term debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Long-term debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Long-term debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Long-term debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Long-term debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Long-term debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Long-term debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Long-term debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Long-term debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »


Economic Spread Ratio

Activision Blizzard Inc., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1
Invested capital2
Performance Ratio
Economic spread ratio3
Benchmarks
Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4
Alphabet Inc.
Comcast Corp.
Meta Platforms Inc.
Netflix Inc.
Trade Desk Inc.
Walt Disney Co.

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 Invested capital. See details »

3 2022 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × ÷ =

4 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Economic Profit
The economic profit shows significant fluctuations over the analyzed period. It begins with a positive value of 14 million USD at the end of 2018, sharply falls to a negative 488 million USD in 2019, then reverses to a strong positive 722 million USD in 2020. Afterward, it decreases to 241 million USD in 2021 but increases again to 482 million USD in 2022. This pattern indicates considerable volatility, with a notable recovery after the steep decline in 2019, followed by moderate variations in subsequent years.
Invested Capital
Invested capital demonstrates a general upward trend from 16,084 million USD in 2018 to 22,243 million USD in 2021, reflecting an expansion or increased investment during this period. However, in 2022, there is a decline to 19,837 million USD, suggesting a possible reduction in capital employed or divestment after several years of growth.
Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio follows a trajectory consistent with the economic profit trends. It starts at a marginally positive 0.09% in 2018, turns negative to -2.86% in 2019, indicating a period of value destruction or underperformance relative to the cost of capital. The ratio then improves substantially to 3.55% in 2020, decreases to 1.08% in 2021, and rebounds to 2.43% in 2022. This ratio's movement reflects fluctuations in returns relative to investment cost, with periods of both negative and solid positive spreads.

Economic Profit Margin

Activision Blizzard Inc., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1
 
Net revenues
Add: Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues
Adjusted net revenues
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
Alphabet Inc.
Comcast Corp.
Meta Platforms Inc.
Netflix Inc.
Trade Desk Inc.
Walt Disney Co.

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 2022 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Adjusted net revenues
= 100 × ÷ =

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Adjusted Net Revenues
The adjusted net revenues have shown general growth over the period analyzed. Starting at 7,064 million US dollars in 2018, revenues decreased to 6,371 million US dollars in 2019. Subsequently, there was a significant increase to 8,400 million US dollars in 2020. Revenues slightly declined to 8,232 million US dollars in 2021 but rose again to 8,498 million US dollars in 2022. Overall, the trend indicates recovery and growth after a dip in 2019.
Economic Profit
The economic profit experienced considerable fluctuation throughout the period. In 2018, the economic profit was a positive 14 million US dollars, but it dramatically fell to a negative 488 million US dollars in 2019. The company recovered to a substantial positive figure of 722 million US dollars in 2020. This profit declined to 241 million US dollars in 2021 before increasing again to 482 million US dollars in 2022. The data suggests a volatile but generally improving economic profitability after a significant loss in 2019.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin showed a parallel pattern to the economic profit itself. Starting at a marginal positive 0.2% in 2018, it fell to a negative 7.65% in 2019, indicating considerable inefficiency or loss that year. The margin rebounded strongly to 8.6% in 2020, then decreased to 2.92% in 2021, before strengthening again to 5.68% in 2022. This variation underscores fluctuations in profitability relative to revenue, with a marked recovery following the 2019 downturn.
Overall Financial Performance
The financial performance over the five-year period reflects significant volatility, especially around 2019. The sharp decline in economic profit and negative profit margin in 2019 suggests operational or market challenges during that year. However, the subsequent recovery in 2020 and sustained profitability through 2022 indicate effective measures were likely taken to restore and enhance financial health. Despite some dips, the upward trend in adjusted net revenues and economic profit margin in the later years suggests improving operational efficiency and profitability.