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 NOPAT values demonstrate significant fluctuations over the observed periods. It increased from 24,183 million USD in 2020 to a peak of 37,525 million USD in 2021, indicating robust profitability growth. However, a notable decline occurred in 2022, with NOPAT turning negative to -5,619 million USD, suggesting operational challenges or increased costs. The profit recovered in 2023 to 31,856 million USD and further improved substantially in 2024 to 58,988 million USD, reflecting a strong rebound and enhanced operational efficiency.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital exhibited a mild downward trend from 15.34% in 2020 to 14.51% in 2022, potentially reflecting more favorable financing conditions or reduced risk. However, it slightly increased again in subsequent years, reaching 15.45% in 2024. The fluctuations in cost of capital remained relatively modest and stable around the 15% level throughout the period.
Invested Capital
Invested capital steadily increased across all periods, from 150,160 million USD in 2020 to 375,421 million USD in 2024. This continuous growth suggests ongoing investments in assets and resources to support business expansion or modernization. The sizeable increase in invested capital indicates a strategy focused on scaling operations and possibly preparing for future revenue generation.
Economic Profit
Economic profit demonstrated a highly volatile pattern. It rose initially from 1,146 million USD in 2020 to 6,942 million USD in 2021, reflecting value generation above the cost of capital. Thereafter, a sharp deterioration occurred with economic profit plunging to -44,712 million USD in 2022 and remaining negative at -17,611 million USD in 2023, signaling value destruction during these years. By 2024, economic profit marginally recovered to a positive 999 million USD, suggesting tentative improvement but still indicating limited value creation relative to invested capital.
Summary of Trends
The data shows a trajectory of growth in invested capital, accompanied by considerable variability in profitability measures. The marked downturn in 2022, evidenced by negative NOPAT and economic profit, implies significant operational or market challenges during that year. Despite this, the company demonstrated resilience with strong recovery in subsequent years, as seen by increased NOPAT and restored positive economic profit by 2024. The stable cost of capital suggests consistent financing conditions, allowing the company to focus on operational recovery and growth.

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 displayed significant volatility over the observed periods. It rose markedly from 1,146 million US dollars in 2020 to a peak of 6,942 million in 2021. Subsequently, there was a steep decline in 2022 to a negative figure of -44,712 million US dollars, reflecting considerable losses. Although still negative, the magnitude of loss decreased in 2023 to -17,611 million US dollars, indicating some recovery. By 2024, the economic profit returned to a positive value of 999 million US dollars, suggesting a turnaround in financial performance.
Invested Capital
Invested capital demonstrated a consistent upward trend throughout the period. The capital base increased steadily from 150,160 million US dollars in 2020 to 202,836 million in 2021 and continued to grow to 269,358 million in 2022. This expanding trend persisted with levels reaching 326,668 million in 2023 and 375,421 million in 2024. This steady increase in invested capital may reflect ongoing investments in assets or business expansion.
Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio mirrored the fluctuations seen in economic profit. In 2020, the ratio was positive at 0.76%, rising significantly to 3.42% in 2021, indicating strong returns on invested capital. However, it dropped sharply to negative values in 2022 and 2023, at -16.6% and -5.39% respectively, implying that the company's returns fell below its cost of capital during these years. By 2024, the ratio turned slightly positive again at 0.27%, which suggests a marginal improvement in profitability relative to capital cost.

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
There is a consistent upward trend in adjusted net sales over the five-year period. Starting at $387,482 million in 2020, sales increased significantly each year, reaching $641,635 million by the end of 2024. This represents a substantial growth in revenue generation capacity.
Economic Profit
The economic profit exhibits volatility across the analyzed years. Initially, in 2020, the economic profit was positive at $1,146 million, followed by a notable increase to $6,942 million in 2021. However, from 2022 onwards, the economic profit turned negative, showing a significant loss of $44,712 million in 2022 and a still negative $17,611 million in 2023. In 2024, the company returned to marginal economic profitability with an economic profit of $999 million.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin follows a similar pattern to the economic profit metric. Starting at 0.3% in 2020, it increased to 1.47% in 2021, indicating improved profitability relative to sales. This margin deteriorated substantially in 2022 to -8.66%, before slightly improving to -3.04% in 2023. The margin moved back into positive territory at 0.16% in 2024, reflecting the return to marginal economic profit.
Overall Analysis
Despite continuous growth in adjusted net sales, the company experienced significant challenges in maintaining economic profitability between 2022 and 2023, with large negative economic profits and margins. The sharp decline during these years suggests increased costs or inefficiencies impacting profitability. The partial recovery in 2024, with a small positive economic profit and margin, indicates efforts towards improved profitability, though the values remain modest relative to sales. Monitoring future trends will be critical to assess sustainability of profitability improvements amidst continued sales growth.