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 exhibited notable fluctuations over the observed period. Initially, NOPAT decreased significantly from 1,379 million USD in 2018 to 980 million USD in 2019. This was followed by a strong recovery and peak at 2,485 million USD in 2020. After this peak, NOPAT showed a slight decline in 2021 to 2,162 million USD, but then marginally increased again to 2,208 million USD in 2022. Overall, the trend indicates volatility with a strong rebound and stabilization above 2,000 million USD in the last two years.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital demonstrated a gradually increasing trend throughout the period, starting at 8.55% in 2018 and rising steadily to 8.77% in 2022. The increase, although moderate, suggests a slowly rising expense or required return on invested capital.
Invested Capital
Invested capital grew consistently from 16,084 million USD in 2018 to a peak of 22,243 million USD in 2021, indicating an expansion of the investment base. However, there was a contraction in 2022, with invested capital declining to 19,837 million USD. This pattern suggests that after a period of investment growth, the company possibly consolidated or restructured its capital allocation in the most recent year.
Economic Profit
Economic profit showed considerable volatility, beginning near zero at 4 million USD in 2018. It then turned negative in 2019 with a loss of 499 million USD, coinciding with the drop in NOPAT and increasing cost of capital. The company rebounded strongly in 2020, achieving 709 million USD in economic profit. Subsequent years saw a decline to 226 million USD in 2021, followed by a rebound to 469 million USD in 2022. The oscillations in economic profit reflect changes in operating profitability relative to the cost of capital and invested capital, with the company maintaining positive economic value creation except for the single year of 2019.

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 exhibited significant fluctuations over the analyzed periods. It started with a modest positive value of 4 million US dollars at the end of 2018, sharply declined to a substantial negative figure of -499 million in 2019, then recovered strongly to 709 million in 2020. Subsequently, the economic profit decreased to 226 million in 2021 but rose again to 469 million by the end of 2022. This pattern indicates considerable volatility with a notable rebound after the 2019 downturn.
Invested Capital
Invested capital showed a general upward trend, increasing from 16,084 million US dollars in 2018 to a peak of 22,243 million in 2021. However, there was a decline to 19,837 million in 2022. This suggests an overall growth in capital investments over the initial four years, followed by a reduction in the final year, which may reflect strategic divestments or asset reallocation.
Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio mirrored the fluctuations seen in economic profit. It began at a low positive 0.02% in 2018, dropped sharply to -2.93% in 2019, indicating negative value creation during that year. The ratio then improved to 3.49% in 2020, decreased to 1.02% in 2021, and increased again to 2.36% by 2022. This trend reflects variable profitability relative to invested capital, with periods of both value destruction and creation.
Summary of Trends
Overall, the data reveals cyclical performance marked by a significant downturn in 2019, followed by recovery and growth phases. Invested capital largely expanded until 2021 before contracting in 2022, while economic profit and spread ratio exhibit correlated volatility with notable rebounds after 2019. These patterns may imply responses to external market conditions or internal strategic shifts affecting profitability and capital efficiency.

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
Over the five-year period, adjusted net revenues exhibited a fluctuating but generally upward trend. Starting at 7,064 million US dollars at the end of 2018, revenues decreased to 6,371 million in 2019, before experiencing a notable increase to 8,400 million in 2020. The subsequent years showed a slight decline to 8,232 million in 2021, followed by a rise to 8,498 million in 2022. Overall, the data reflects resilience with a net increase in revenues between 2018 and 2022.
Economic Profit
The economic profit displayed significant volatility throughout the period. In 2018, economic profit was minimal but positive at 4 million US dollars, followed by a sharp decline to -499 million in 2019, indicating a loss from an economic profit perspective. This was reversed dramatically in 2020 with a substantial increase to 709 million. In 2021 and 2022, economic profit continued to be positive, though at lower levels than 2020, recording 226 million and 469 million respectively. The trend suggests recovery and improvement after the loss experienced in 2019.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin displayed a pattern consistent with economic profit. Beginning near zero at 0.05% in 2018, it fell sharply to -7.83% in 2019, reflecting the negative economic profit of that year. A significant rebound occurred in 2020 with the margin rising to 8.44%, then decreasing to 2.74% in 2021, and increasing again to 5.52% in 2022. This margin fluctuation indicates variable profitability in terms of economic profit relative to net revenues, with a marked recovery after 2019 and moderate volatility in subsequent years.