Economic Value Added (EVA)
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
American Airlines Group Inc., economic profit calculation
US$ in millions
| 12 months ended: | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Dec 31, 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1 | ||||||
| Cost of capital2 | ||||||
| Invested capital3 | ||||||
| Economic profit4 | ||||||
Based on: 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), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31).
1 NOPAT. See details »
2 Cost of capital. See details »
3 Invested capital. See details »
4 2023 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= – × =
The financial performance from 2019 to 2023 exhibits a cycle of extreme volatility, characterized by a severe contraction in operating profitability and a subsequent gradual recovery. Economic profit transitioned from a positive state in 2019 to substantial value destruction between 2020 and 2022, before returning to a positive value in 2023.
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- A precipitous decline is observed in 2020, where NOPAT fell to -10,143 million US$. A consistent recovery trend followed this trough, with figures improving to -736 million US$ in 2021, 2,040 million US$ in 2022, and reaching 2,815 million US$ by the end of 2023.
- Invested Capital and Cost of Capital
- Invested capital experienced a downward trend from 35,495 million US$ in 2019 to a minimum of 29,074 million US$ in 2021, subsequently stabilizing at 30,476 million US$ in 2023. The cost of capital remained relatively stable throughout the period, fluctuating within a narrow range between 7.92% in 2021 and 8.89% in 2023.
- Economic Profit Analysis
- The economic profit reflects a period of significant value erosion following a modest surplus of 250 million US$ in 2019. The most severe impact occurred in 2020, with economic profit dropping to -12,797 million US$. While the losses narrowed in 2021 (-3,039 million US$) and 2022 (-685 million US$), the company returned to generating positive economic value in 2023, recording a profit of 105 million US$.
Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)
American Airlines Group Inc., NOPAT calculation
US$ in millions
Based on: 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), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31).
1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »
2 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income (loss).
3 2023 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =
4 2023 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense, net = Adjusted interest expense, net × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =
5 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income (loss).
6 2023 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =
7 Elimination of after taxes investment income.
- Net Income (Loss)
- The net income experienced a substantial decline from a profit of 1,686 million USD in 2019 to a significant loss of 8,885 million USD in 2020. This negative trend continued with a loss of 1,993 million USD in 2021. However, the company showed a recovery trend starting in 2022, reporting a slight profit of 127 million USD, which further increased to 822 million USD in 2023. This indicates a recovery phase following the sharp downturn experienced in 2020 and 2021.
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- The NOPAT followed a pattern similar to net income. It declined from 3,350 million USD in 2019 to a substantial loss of 10,143 million USD in 2020. Although the loss narrowed in 2021 to 736 million USD, the company returned to profitability in 2022 with 2,040 million USD and further increased profitability to 2,815 million USD in 2023. This improvement suggests enhanced operating efficiency and effective cost management efforts post-2021.
- Overall Trends and Insights
- Both profitability metrics highlight a severe impact on financial performance during 2020 and 2021, likely indicative of broad industry or economic challenges during that period. The subsequent years show a gradual but steady recovery in operational and net profitability. The profit levels in 2023, while improved compared to the losses in 2020 and 2021, have not yet returned to the high levels seen in 2019. This recovery trajectory suggests resilience and a positive outlook but indicates that full pre-crisis profitability has not been fully restored as of 2023.
Cash Operating Taxes
American Airlines Group Inc., cash operating taxes calculation
US$ in millions
Based on: 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), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31).
- Income Tax Provision (Benefit)
-
The income tax provision exhibited significant volatility over the five-year period. In 2019, it was a positive figure of $570 million, indicating tax expense for that year. However, in 2020, there was a notable shift to a substantial tax benefit of -$2,568 million, reflecting either tax credits, losses, or adjustments that reduced tax liabilities significantly. In 2021, the income tax provision remained negative at -$555 million, though the magnitude of the tax benefit decreased compared to 2020.
Beginning in 2022, the figure reverted to a positive income tax provision, indicating tax expense of $59 million, and then increased to $299 million in 2023. This trend suggests a recovery or return to profitability whereby the company is liable for taxes again after consecutive benefit years.
- Cash Operating Taxes
-
Cash operating taxes increased steadily from $303 million in 2019 to $348 million in 2020, followed by further increases to $482 million in 2021 and peaking at $485 million in 2022. There was a slight decline to $450 million in 2023.
This pattern indicates that despite variations in reported income tax provision, cash taxes paid have generally risen over the period, suggesting ongoing tax obligations tied to operational profits or other taxable activities independent from accounting income tax expense or benefits. The slight decline in the final year could imply adjustments in taxable income, changes in tax planning, or other operational modifications affecting cash tax outflows.
Invested Capital
American Airlines Group Inc., invested capital calculation (financing approach)
US$ in millions
Based on: 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), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31).
1 Addition of capitalized operating leases.
2 Elimination of deferred taxes from assets and liabilities. See details »
3 Addition of equity equivalents to stockholders’ deficit.
4 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.
5 Subtraction of short-term investments.
The financial data reveals several important trends regarding debt, equity position, and invested capital over the five-year period.
- Total Reported Debt & Leases
- The total reported debt and leases show an overall increasing trend from 2019 through 2021, rising from $33.4 billion to $46.2 billion. This suggests significant additional borrowing or lease obligations during this time. However, in the subsequent years 2022 and 2023, the debt level decreased to $43.7 billion and then to $40.7 billion, respectively. This indicates a deleveraging phase following the peak in 2021, possibly reflecting efforts to reduce leverage or repayments of obligations.
- Stockholders’ Deficit
- The stockholders’ deficit worsened dramatically from a minor negative $118 million in 2019 to substantial deficits of approximately $6.9 billion and $7.3 billion in 2020 and 2021, respectively. After peaking in 2021, the deficit began a gradual improvement, declining to about $5.8 billion in 2022 and further to $5.2 billion in 2023. This trend indicates that while the company faced heavy equity erosion likely due to losses or impairments during 2020-2021, it started to stabilize or recover its equity base in the following years.
- Invested Capital
- Invested capital decreased steadily from $35.5 billion in 2019 to $29.1 billion in 2021, reflecting contraction or write-downs in invested assets or net working capital components. From 2021 onwards, invested capital showed a modest recovery, increasing to $30.9 billion in 2022 before slightly declining to $30.5 billion in 2023. This pattern suggests some stabilization or reinvestment activities after the initial decline.
Overall, the data signals a company that expanded its debt significantly in the early years of the period analyzed, likely under challenging conditions around 2020 and 2021, as reflected by the sharply increased deficit and reduced invested capital. The trend reverses partially after 2021, with reductions in debt and improvements in equity deficit indicating a phase of financial repair and stabilization. The relatively stable invested capital in later years suggests cautious reinvestment or asset base recovery.
Cost of Capital
American Airlines Group Inc., cost of capital calculations
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities, including current maturities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities, including current maturities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (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 and finance lease liabilities, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities, including current maturities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (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 and finance lease liabilities, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities, including current maturities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (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 and finance lease liabilities, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities, including current maturities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (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 and finance lease liabilities, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
Economic Spread Ratio
American Airlines Group Inc., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Dec 31, 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Invested capital2 | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic spread ratio3 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4 | ||||||
| FedEx Corp. | ||||||
| Uber Technologies Inc. | ||||||
| Union Pacific Corp. | ||||||
| United Airlines Holdings Inc. | ||||||
| United Parcel Service Inc. | ||||||
Based on: 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), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 Invested capital. See details »
3 2023 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × ÷ =
4 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The financial trajectory between 2019 and 2023 is characterized by a severe contraction in economic value creation followed by a consistent multi-year recovery. After generating a modest economic profit in 2019, the entity experienced a substantial deficit in 2020, which transitioned into a steady upward trend, eventually returning to positive territory by the end of 2023.
- Economic Spread Ratio Analysis
- A significant volatility is observed in the economic spread ratio, which plummeted from 0.70% in 2019 to -40.75% in 2020. This sharp decline indicates that the return on invested capital fell drastically below the required cost of capital. However, a consistent recovery pattern is evident from 2021 through 2023, with the ratio improving to -10.45%, -2.22%, and finally 0.34%, respectively. This trend signifies a gradual restoration of the entity's ability to generate returns exceeding its capital costs.
- Invested Capital Trends
- Invested capital exhibited a downward trend during the initial phase of the downturn, decreasing from 35,495 million USD in 2019 to a low of 29,074 million USD in 2021. Following this period of contraction, the capital base stabilized, fluctuating slightly to end at 30,476 million USD in 2023. This suggests a period of capital reduction or asset optimization during the height of the financial distress, followed by a phase of relative stability.
- Economic Profit Trajectory
- The economic profit reflects a deep V-shaped recovery. The peak deficit of 12,797 million USD recorded in 2020 was sequentially reduced to 3,039 million USD in 2021 and 685 million USD in 2022. The transition to a positive economic profit of 105 million USD in 2023 confirms that the entity has resumed the creation of economic value above its cost of capital, marking the end of a four-year period of value erosion.
Economic Profit Margin
American Airlines Group Inc., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Dec 31, 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Operating revenues | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic profit margin2 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3 | ||||||
| FedEx Corp. | ||||||
| Uber Technologies Inc. | ||||||
| Union Pacific Corp. | ||||||
| United Airlines Holdings Inc. | ||||||
| United Parcel Service Inc. | ||||||
Based on: 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), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 2023 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Operating revenues
= 100 × ÷ =
3 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The financial performance from 2019 to 2023 is characterized by a severe contraction in economic value followed by a steady, multi-year recovery. While the company experienced a period of significant value destruction starting in 2020, a return to positive economic profit was achieved by the end of 2023, although the absolute figures remain below 2019 levels.
- Economic Profit Trends
- Economic profit shifted from a positive 250 million USD in 2019 to a substantial deficit of 12,797 million USD in 2020, marking a period of extreme value erosion. A consistent recovery trend followed, with losses narrowing to 3,039 million USD in 2021 and 685 million USD in 2022. This trajectory culminated in a return to profitability in 2023, with an economic profit of 105 million USD.
- Operating Revenue Recovery
- A sharp decline in operating revenues was observed in 2020, falling to 17,337 million USD from 45,768 million USD in 2019. Revenue growth resumed steadily thereafter, reaching 29,882 million USD in 2021 and exceeding pre-pandemic levels in 2022 with 48,971 million USD. By 2023, operating revenues reached a five-year peak of 52,788 million USD.
- Economic Profit Margin Analysis
- The economic profit margin exhibited extreme volatility, plunging from 0.55% in 2019 to -73.81% in 2020. The margin showed progressive improvement over the subsequent three years, moving to -10.17% in 2021 and -1.40% in 2022. The cycle concluded with a positive margin of 0.20% in 2023, indicating that the company has once again begun to generate returns exceeding its cost of capital.