Stock Analysis on Net

Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN)

$24.99

Economic Value Added (EVA)

Microsoft Excel

Economic Profit

Amgen 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
= × =


The period under review demonstrates fluctuating financial performance as measured by economic profit. Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) initially decreased before recovering, while invested capital experienced a significant increase mid-period followed by a decline. The cost of capital remained relatively stable throughout the observed timeframe. These factors combined to produce a declining trend in economic profit, culminating in a negative value in the final year.

NOPAT Trend
Net operating profit after taxes decreased from US$7,889 million in 2020 to US$6,412 million in 2021, representing a decline of approximately 18.6%. A modest recovery occurred in 2022, with NOPAT reaching US$6,399 million. A more substantial increase was observed in 2023, rising to US$7,802 million. However, NOPAT decreased significantly in 2024, falling to US$5,377 million.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital exhibited relative stability. It began at 9.85% in 2020, decreased slightly to 9.74% in 2021, increased to 9.93% in 2022, then decreased to 9.43% in 2023, and finally rose to 9.63% in 2024. These fluctuations were within a narrow range, suggesting consistent financing conditions.
Invested Capital
Invested capital increased from US$38,776 million in 2020 to US$40,247 million in 2021. It experienced a slight decrease to US$39,722 million in 2022. A substantial increase was then observed in 2023, with invested capital reaching US$69,976 million. This was followed by a decrease in 2024, with invested capital falling to US$63,169 million.
Economic Profit
Economic profit demonstrated a clear downward trend. Starting at US$4,071 million in 2020, it decreased to US$2,493 million in 2021 and US$2,456 million in 2022. A further decline occurred in 2023, with economic profit reaching US$1,202 million. In 2024, economic profit turned negative, resulting in a loss of US$707 million. This indicates that the return generated on invested capital was less than the cost of that capital in the final year.

The significant increase in invested capital in 2023, without a corresponding proportional increase in NOPAT, appears to be a primary driver of the declining economic profit. While NOPAT increased in 2023, it did not increase sufficiently to offset the higher capital base and maintain prior levels of economic profit. The further decline in NOPAT in 2024 exacerbated this issue, leading to an economic loss.


Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Amgen 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
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1
Increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts2
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents3
Interest expense, net
Interest expense, operating lease liability4
Adjusted interest expense, net
Tax benefit of interest expense, net5
Adjusted interest expense, net, after taxes6
(Gain) loss on marketable securities
Investment income, before taxes
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income7
Investment income, after taxes8
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 equity equivalents to net income.

4 2024 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =

5 2024 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense, net = Adjusted interest expense, net × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

6 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income.

7 2024 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

8 Elimination of after taxes investment income.


Net Income
The net income experienced a decline from 7,264 million US dollars in 2020 to 5,893 million US dollars in 2021, representing a notable decrease. It then rebounded moderately to 6,552 million US dollars in 2022, followed by a slight increase to 6,717 million US dollars in 2023. However, net income dropped considerably to 4,090 million US dollars in 2024, the lowest level during the observed period.
Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
NOPAT showed a decreasing trend from 7,889 million US dollars in 2020 to 6,412 million US dollars in 2021. It remained relatively stable in 2022 at 6,399 million US dollars, then rose significantly to 7,802 million US dollars in 2023, reaching the highest point in the series. In 2024, NOPAT dropped sharply to 5,377 million US dollars, marking a substantial decline compared to the previous year.
Overall Trends and Insights
Both net income and NOPAT exhibited volatility throughout the five-year period. After declines in 2021, both metrics partially recovered in 2022 and 2023 before falling steeply in 2024. The divergence between net income and NOPAT in certain years is moderate, with both generally following similar downward and upward moves. The steep drops in 2024 for both indicators may suggest operational or external challenges impacting profitability during that year.

Cash Operating Taxes

Amgen 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 for income taxes
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Add: Tax savings from interest expense, net
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 for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes initially decreased from 869 million USD in 2020 to 808 million USD in 2021, followed by a further slight decline to 794 million USD in 2022. However, there was a noticeable increase in 2023, reaching 1,138 million USD, before dropping significantly to 519 million USD in 2024. This pattern indicates some volatility, with a peak in 2023 before a steep reduction in the latest year.
Cash Operating Taxes
Cash operating taxes showed a consistent upward trend from 1,493 million USD in 2020 to 1,497 million USD in 2021, then sharply increased to 2,368 million USD in 2022 and further to 2,963 million USD in 2023. However, in 2024, the amount fell to 2,426 million USD, indicating a partial decline after a period of substantial growth. Overall, cash operating taxes more than doubled over the five-year period despite the slight drop in the final year.
General Insights
The data reveals a divergence between provision for income taxes and cash operating taxes. While provision for income taxes fluctuated with a peak in 2023 and a marked decline in 2024, cash operating taxes demonstrated a generally strong upward trajectory with a moderate pullback towards the end. This could suggest variations in tax management strategies, timing differences, or changes in taxable income and cash tax payments over the periods analyzed.

Invested Capital

Amgen 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 long-term debt
Long-term debt, excluding current portion
Operating lease liability1
Total reported debt & leases
Stockholders’ equity
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2
Allowance for doubtful accounts3
Equity equivalents4
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax5
Adjusted stockholders’ equity
Construction in progress6
Marketable securities7
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 equity equivalents to stockholders’ equity.

5 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.

6 Subtraction of construction in progress.

7 Subtraction of marketable securities.


Total reported debt & leases
The total reported debt and leases show a general upward trend from 2020 to 2024. Beginning at 33,445 million USD in 2020, the figure rises slightly to 33,979 million USD in 2021, followed by a more pronounced increase to 39,640 million USD in 2022. A significant surge occurs in 2023, reaching 65,423 million USD, before slightly declining to 60,879 million USD in 2024. This pattern indicates increased leverage, particularly in 2023, potentially reflecting elevated borrowing or lease obligations during that period.
Stockholders’ equity
Stockholders’ equity demonstrates a declining trend over the analyzed years. Starting at 9,409 million USD in 2020, equity decreases sharply to 6,700 million USD in 2021 and continues downward to 3,661 million USD in 2022. A recovery is observed in 2023 with equity rising to 6,232 million USD, followed by a slight decrease to 5,877 million USD in 2024. Overall, the substantial reduction early in the period suggests diminished net assets, while the partial rebound in 2023 may indicate some restoration of equity value.
Invested capital
Invested capital remains relatively stable from 2020 through 2022, starting at 38,776 million USD in 2020, increasing slightly to 40,247 million USD in 2021, then marginally decreasing to 39,722 million USD in 2022. A significant increase occurs in 2023, with invested capital reaching 69,976 million USD, before declining to 63,169 million USD in 2024. This growth in 2023 aligns with the increase in reported debt and leases, suggesting substantial capital investment or acquisition activities funded by increased liabilities.

Cost of Capital

Amgen Inc., cost of capital calculations

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Borrowings3 ÷ = × × (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 Borrowings. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Borrowings3 ÷ = × × (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 Borrowings. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Borrowings3 ÷ = × × (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 Borrowings. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Borrowings3 ÷ = × × (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 Borrowings. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Borrowings3 ÷ = × × (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 Borrowings. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »


Economic Spread Ratio

Amgen 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
AbbVie Inc.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
Danaher Corp.
Eli Lilly & Co.
Gilead Sciences Inc.
Johnson & Johnson
Merck & Co. Inc.
Pfizer Inc.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals 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.


The economic spread ratio demonstrates a declining trend over the five-year period. Initially positive, the ratio transitions to a negative value by the end of the observed timeframe. This shift is accompanied by fluctuations in both economic profit and invested capital, which contribute to the changing spread.

Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio began at 10.50% in 2020, indicating a substantial difference between the company’s return on invested capital and its cost of capital. A decrease to 6.19% and 6.18% followed in 2021 and 2022, respectively, suggesting a narrowing of this difference. The ratio continued to decline, reaching 1.72% in 2023, and ultimately becoming negative at -1.12% in 2024. This negative value signifies that the company’s return on invested capital is less than its cost of capital.
Economic Profit
Economic profit, while positive for the first four years, decreased from US$4,071 million in 2020 to US$1,202 million in 2023. The most significant change occurred between 2023 and 2024, with economic profit becoming negative at -US$707 million. This decline in economic profit directly contributes to the decreasing economic spread ratio.
Invested Capital
Invested capital increased from US$38,776 million in 2020 to US$40,247 million in 2021, then experienced a slight decrease to US$39,722 million in 2022. A substantial increase occurred in 2023, reaching US$69,976 million, followed by a decrease to US$63,169 million in 2024. The large increase in invested capital in 2023, coupled with the declining economic profit, likely exacerbated the reduction in the economic spread ratio.

The combined effect of decreasing economic profit and fluctuating invested capital resulted in a consistent decline in the economic spread ratio. The transition to a negative economic spread ratio in 2024 warrants further investigation to understand the underlying drivers and potential implications for future performance.


Economic Profit Margin

Amgen 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
Product sales
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
AbbVie Inc.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
Danaher Corp.
Eli Lilly & Co.
Gilead Sciences Inc.
Johnson & Johnson
Merck & Co. Inc.
Pfizer Inc.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals 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 ÷ Product sales
= 100 × ÷ =

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The economic profit exhibited a declining trend over the five-year period. Initially strong, economic profit decreased significantly, culminating in a negative value in the most recent year. This decline occurred alongside increasing product sales, suggesting a weakening relationship between revenue generation and profitability when considering the cost of capital.

Economic Profit
Economic profit began at US$4,071 million in 2020 and decreased to a loss of US$707 million in 2024. The most substantial decrease occurred between 2022 and 2023, with a drop of US$1,254 million. This indicates increasing costs relative to returns, or potentially a higher cost of capital eroding profitability.
Product Sales
Product sales demonstrated consistent growth throughout the period, increasing from US$24,240 million in 2020 to US$32,026 million in 2024. This represents an overall increase of approximately 32.1% over the five years. However, this revenue growth did not translate into sustained economic profit.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin mirrored the trend in economic profit, declining from 16.79% in 2020 to -2.21% in 2024. The margin’s reduction suggests that the company’s ability to generate profit after accounting for the cost of capital is diminishing. The negative margin in 2024 signifies that the company is destroying economic value, as returns are not covering the cost of capital employed.

The divergence between increasing product sales and decreasing economic profit margin warrants further investigation. Potential factors contributing to this trend could include rising operating costs, increased cost of capital, less profitable product mix, or significant investments that are yet to yield returns. The shift to a negative economic profit margin in 2024 is a critical development that requires attention.