Stock Analysis on Net

Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)

$24.99

Economic Value Added (EVA)

Microsoft Excel

EVA is registered trademark of Stern Stewart.

Economic value added or economic profit is the difference between revenues and costs,where costs include not only expenses, but also cost of capital.

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Economic Profit

Amazon.com Inc., economic profit calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1
Cost of capital2
Invested capital3
 
Economic profit4

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).

1 NOPAT. See details »

2 Cost of capital. See details »

3 Invested capital. See details »

4 2024 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= × =


Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
The net operating profit after taxes demonstrates a fluctuating pattern over the five-year period. It increased substantially from approximately $24.2 billion to $37.5 billion between 2020 and 2021, indicating improved operational efficiency or revenue growth. However, there was a significant decline into negative territory in 2022, with a NOPAT of approximately -$5.6 billion, suggesting operational challenges or increased expenses during that year. The company rebounded in the subsequent two years, recording $31.9 billion in 2023 and further increasing to nearly $59.0 billion in 2024, reflecting a strong recovery and enhanced profitability.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital displayed a declining trend from 15.6% in 2020 to a low of 14.76% in 2022, which could imply favorable financing conditions or reduced risk premiums during this period. However, this was followed by a gradual increase to 15.4% and then to 15.71% in the following years, indicating rising capital costs. This volatility in cost of capital can impact investment decisions and economic profit calculations.
Invested Capital
Invested capital consistently increased over the observed period, rising from approximately $150.2 billion in 2020 to $375.4 billion in 2024, more than doubling in five years. This steady growth signals ongoing investments in the business, possibly through asset acquisitions, expansion initiatives, or working capital build-up, contributing to the scaling of operations.
Economic Profit
Economic profit trends reflect considerable volatility and challenges in generating value above the cost of capital. In 2020, a modest positive economic profit of $757 million was noted, increasing significantly to $6.4 billion in 2021. Thereafter, economic profit turned sharply negative to -$45.4 billion in 2022, correlating with the negative NOPAT and suggesting significant underperformance relative to the cost of capital. Although it remained negative in 2023 at approximately -$18.4 billion, a substantial improvement was recorded, culminating in a near breakeven point with a slight positive economic profit of $22 million in 2024. This indicates a cautious recovery in value creation.
Summary
Overall, the financial data reveals significant volatility in profitability and economic value generation during the five-year span. The company's invested capital increased steadily, indicating continued expansion or reinvestment. Operational profitability experienced a strong rise initially, a severe setback in 2022, and a robust recovery thereafter. The cost of capital showed moderate fluctuation, which, combined with variations in profits, impacted economic profit outcomes. The economic profit figures suggest challenges in consistently delivering returns above capital costs, with a marked recovery toward the end of the period. These patterns may warrant close monitoring of operational efficiency, capital allocation, and market conditions affecting profitability.

Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Amazon.com Inc., NOPAT calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Net income (loss)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1
Increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts2
Increase (decrease) in unearned revenue3
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents4
Interest expense
Interest expense, operating lease liability5
Adjusted interest expense
Tax benefit of interest expense6
Adjusted interest expense, after taxes7
(Gain) loss on marketable securities
Interest income
Investment income, before taxes
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income8
Investment income, after taxes9
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).

1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »

2 Addition of increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts.

3 Addition of increase (decrease) in unearned revenue.

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

5 2024 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =

6 2024 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

7 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income (loss).

8 2024 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

9 Elimination of after taxes investment income.


Net Income (Loss)
The net income fluctuated significantly over the five-year period. Beginning at $21,331 million in 2020, there was a substantial increase to $33,364 million in 2021. However, 2022 marked a notable downturn with a net loss of $2,722 million. This negative performance rebounded sharply in the subsequent years, reaching $30,425 million in 2023 and further rising to $59,248 million in 2024. The data indicates a strong recovery and growth trajectory after the loss experienced in 2022.
Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
NOPAT followed a similar pattern to net income, starting at $24,183 million in 2020 and rising to $37,525 million in 2021. It then experienced a sharp decline to a negative $5,619 million in 2022, deeper than the net income loss in the same year, indicating challenges in operating profitability. However, a significant recovery occurred in 2023 with NOPAT increasing to $31,856 million, followed by a strong increase to $58,988 million in 2024. This suggests an improvement in the company's core operational efficiency and profitability in the last two years.
Overall Analysis
The financial results reveal volatility, with a peak in 2021, a pronounced downturn in 2022, and substantial recovery and growth by 2024. The presence of negative figures in 2022 for both net income and NOPAT indicates operational and profitability challenges during that year. The subsequent rebound in 2023 and 2024 demonstrates strong adaptive or strategic measures resulting in enhanced earnings and operating profit, achieving new highs at the end of the evaluated period.

Cash Operating Taxes

Amazon.com Inc., cash operating taxes calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Provision (benefit) for income taxes, net
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Add: Tax savings from interest expense
Less: Tax imposed on investment income
Cash operating taxes

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).


Provision (benefit) for income taxes, net
The net provision for income taxes showed considerable volatility over the observed periods. In 2020 and 2021, the provision increased significantly from 2,863 million USD to 4,791 million USD. However, the year 2022 presented an unusual pattern with a net tax benefit of -3,217 million USD, indicating a reversal or tax benefit situation rather than a conventional tax expense. Subsequently, the provision rose again sharply to 7,120 million USD in 2023 and further to 9,265 million USD in 2024, reflecting a substantial increase in tax obligations or adjustments during these years.
Cash operating taxes
Cash operating taxes exhibited a steadily increasing trend from 3,844 million USD in 2020 to 5,646 million USD in 2021, followed by a more moderate rise to 5,689 million USD in 2022. In 2023, there was a notable surge to 13,583 million USD, nearly doubling the previous year's amount. This upward momentum continued in 2024 with cash operating taxes reaching 14,023 million USD. The substantial increase observed in the last two years suggests significant growth in actual tax payments, potentially correlated with rising taxable income or changes in tax rates and regulations.

Invested Capital

Amazon.com Inc., invested capital calculation (financing approach)

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Current portion of lease liabilities, finance leases
Current portion of long-term debt
Long-term lease liabilities, finance leases, excluding current portion
Long-term debt, excluding current portion
Operating lease liability1
Total reported debt & leases
Stockholders’ equity
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2
Allowance for doubtful accounts3
Unearned revenue4
Equity equivalents5
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax6
Adjusted stockholders’ equity
Construction in progress7
Marketable securities8
Invested capital

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).

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 unearned revenue.

5 Addition of equity equivalents to stockholders’ equity.

6 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.

7 Subtraction of construction in progress.

8 Subtraction of marketable securities.


Total reported debt & leases

Over the five-year period, total reported debt and leases exhibited an overall increasing trend from 100,504 million US dollars in 2020 to a peak of 154,972 million in 2022. This increase suggests a significant rise in the company's leverage or obligations during these years. However, this peak level of debt was relatively maintained in 2023, with a slight decrease to 154,556 million, followed by a further moderate reduction to 147,838 million in 2024. The slight decline in the last two years might indicate strategic deleveraging or improved debt management efforts.

Stockholders’ equity

Stockholders' equity demonstrated strong and consistent growth throughout the period under review. Starting at 93,404 million US dollars in 2020, equity levels increased markedly year over year, reaching 138,245 million in 2021 and continuing upward to 146,043 million in 2022. This growth accelerated significantly during 2023 and 2024, culminating in a sizable equity base of 285,970 million by the end of 2024. The substantial rise in equity in the final years suggests enhanced retained earnings, possible equity issuances, or asset revaluations, which strengthen the company's net asset position and financial stability.

Invested capital

Invested capital showed a continuous and pronounced increase across the five years. Beginning at 150,160 million US dollars in 2020, it increased substantially to 202,836 million in 2021, then accelerated its upward trajectory to 269,358 million in 2022. The growth sustained momentum through 2023 and 2024, reaching 326,668 million and 375,421 million respectively. This pattern indicates significant expansion in the company's total capital employed in operations, possibly due to investments in long-term assets, acquisitions, or business growth initiatives.


Cost of Capital

Amazon.com Inc., cost of capital calculations

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt and finance leases3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt and finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt and finance leases3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt and finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt and finance leases3 ÷ = × × (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 Debt and finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt and finance leases3 ÷ = × × (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 Debt and finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt and finance leases3 ÷ = × × (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 Debt and finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »


Economic Spread Ratio

Amazon.com Inc., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1
Invested capital2
Performance Ratio
Economic spread ratio3
Benchmarks
Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4
Home Depot Inc.
Lowe’s Cos. Inc.
TJX Cos. Inc.

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 Invested capital. See details »

3 2024 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × ÷ =

4 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Economic Profit
The economic profit exhibited significant fluctuation over the observed periods. Initially, it grew from 757 million USD at the end of 2020 to a peak of 6,427 million USD by the end of 2021, indicating robust profitability during that year. However, a sharp decline followed, with economic profit plunging to a substantial negative value of -45,363 million USD in 2022. Although there was an improvement in 2023, with the economic loss reducing to -18,441 million USD, the figure barely returned to positive territory by 2024, reaching a minimal gain of 22 million USD. This pattern points to a severe challenge in generating returns above the cost of capital during the middle years, with only marginal recovery thereafter.
Invested Capital
The total invested capital consistently increased each year, reflecting ongoing and substantial capital deployment. The invested capital rose from 150,160 million USD at the end of 2020 to 375,421 million USD by the close of 2024. This steady increase suggests a strategy of continued investment and asset expansion during the period, which correlates with the initial surge and subsequent decline in economic profit, highlighting that despite greater investment, returns did not proportionally improve, especially in 2022 and 2023.
Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio mirrors the trend observed in economic profit, with positive figures in 2020 (0.5%) and a notable increase to 3.17% in 2021. A dramatic reversal occurred in 2022, with the ratio falling sharply to -16.84%, indicating that the company’s returns were well below its cost of capital during that year. Although the negative spread improved to -5.65% in 2023, it remained below zero, signaling continued underperformance. By 2024, the ratio marginally turned positive at 0.01%, indicating that the company just about managed to cover its cost of capital but without generating significant economic value. The trajectory demonstrates a period of significant value destruction followed by a tentative recovery phase.

Economic Profit Margin

Amazon.com Inc., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1
 
Net sales
Add: Increase (decrease) in unearned revenue
Adjusted net sales
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
Home Depot Inc.
Lowe’s Cos. Inc.
TJX Cos. Inc.

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 2024 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Adjusted net sales
= 100 × ÷ =

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Adjusted Net Sales
The adjusted net sales demonstrate a consistent and significant upward trend over the five-year period. Starting at approximately 387.5 billion USD in 2020, sales increased to 472.2 billion USD in 2021, followed by steady growth reaching 641.6 billion USD by 2024. This indicates strong revenue expansion and possibly growing market share or enhanced product offerings.
Economic Profit
The economic profit exhibited considerable volatility during the analyzed years. Initially, there was growth from 757 million USD in 2020 to a peak of 6.4 billion USD in 2021, indicating improved profitability. However, from 2022 onward, the company faced a significant decline, registering negative economic profit figures: -45.4 billion USD in 2022 and -18.4 billion USD in 2023. By 2024, economic profit nearly returned to breakeven at 22 million USD. This suggests challenges that impacted cost management or capital efficiency during the middle years before some recovery in the latest period.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin closely mirrors the trend in economic profit, reflecting changes in profitability relative to sales. The margin rose from 0.2% in 2020 to a peak of 1.36% in 2021, indicating an improvement in profit generation efficiency. A sharp deterioration followed in 2022, with margins falling to -8.79%, and partially recovering to -3.18% in 2023. By 2024, the margin stabilized at around 0%, signaling a return to a neutral economic profit position relative to sales.
Summary of Financial Performance Trends
Overall, the data reveals robust sales growth over the five-year span, demonstrating strong market demand or effective sales strategies. However, the decline and subsequent recovery in economic profit and its margin point to periods of operational or capital management challenges that temporarily eroded economic value. The near-zero economic profit and margin in the latest year suggest that the company may be at a breakeven point concerning value creation, with opportunities to improve profitability further as sales continue to grow.