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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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Booking Holdings Inc. pages available for free this week:
- Balance Sheet: Assets
- Balance Sheet: Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
- Cash Flow Statement
- Common-Size Balance Sheet: Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
- Analysis of Profitability Ratios
- Common Stock Valuation Ratios
- Selected Financial Data since 2005
- Operating Profit Margin since 2005
- Price to Operating Profit (P/OP) since 2005
- Price to Book Value (P/BV) since 2005
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Economic Profit
| 12 months ended: | Dec 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1 | ||||||
| Cost of capital2 | ||||||
| Invested capital3 | ||||||
| Economic profit4 | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 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).
1 NOPAT. See details »
2 Cost of capital. See details »
3 Invested capital. See details »
4 2025 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= – × =
The financial trajectory from 2021 to 2025 reflects a significant transition from value destruction to substantial value creation. A primary characteristic of this period is the recovery and subsequent expansion of operating profitability relative to the cost of the capital employed.
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- A strong upward trend is observed between 2021 and 2024, with NOPAT increasing from 671 million USD to a peak of 6,151 million USD. This represents a substantial expansion in operational efficiency and earnings power. A slight contraction occurred in 2025, with NOPAT declining to 5,449 million USD, though it remains significantly higher than the 2021 and 2022 levels.
- Invested Capital and Cost of Capital
- Invested capital demonstrated a downward trend from 2021 to 2023, falling from 15,004 million USD to 11,415 million USD, before stabilizing around 12,900 million USD in 2024 and 2025. Concurrently, the cost of capital remained remarkably stable, fluctuating within a narrow range between 17.90% and 18.27%. The combination of decreasing invested capital and rising NOPAT during the early part of the period accelerated the improvement in economic efficiency.
- Economic Profit
- The economic profit shifted from a negative value of -2,042 million USD in 2021 to a positive value of 523 million USD in 2022, signaling a pivot toward generating returns in excess of the required cost of capital. This positive trend accelerated through 2024, reaching a maximum of 3,781 million USD. While a decrease to 3,135 million USD is noted in 2025, the company continues to generate significant economic value, maintaining a position of positive economic profit for four consecutive years.
The overall analysis indicates that the growth in NOPAT has been the primary driver of economic profit, far outweighing the relative stability of the cost of capital and the moderate fluctuations in invested capital. The transition from a deficit in 2021 to a surplus in the following years demonstrates a successful alignment of operational returns with investor expectations.
Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 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).
1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »
2 Addition of increase (decrease) in allowance for expected credit losses.
3 Addition of increase (decrease) in restructuring liabilities.
4 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income.
5 2025 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =
6 2025 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.
8 2025 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 operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) demonstrates a significant upward trend over the observed period, though with a recent moderation. Initial values are substantially lower than subsequent years, indicating a period of growth. While net income also increased, the growth rate of NOPAT appears more pronounced in the earlier part of the period.
- Overall Trend
- NOPAT experienced substantial growth from 2021 to 2024. The value increased from US$671 million in 2021 to US$6,151 million in 2024, representing a considerable expansion. However, growth slowed in 2025, with NOPAT decreasing to US$5,449 million.
- Growth Rates
- The period between 2021 and 2022 saw a substantial increase in NOPAT. The growth rate decelerated between 2022 and 2023, but remained positive. The most significant growth occurred between 2023 and 2024. The decline in NOPAT between 2024 and 2025 warrants further investigation.
- Relationship to Net Income
- Both net income and NOPAT increased over the period. However, the magnitude of the increase in NOPAT was greater than that of net income in the initial years, suggesting changes in the company’s operating efficiency or capital structure. The difference in growth rates between the two metrics narrowed in 2025, coinciding with the decrease in NOPAT.
- Recent Performance
- The decrease in NOPAT from 2024 to 2025 is a notable development. While net income also decreased, the relative decline in NOPAT suggests potential issues with operational profitability or increased costs not fully reflected in net income. This recent trend breaks the previously established pattern of consistent growth.
Cash Operating Taxes
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 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).
Income tax expense and cash operating taxes both demonstrate increasing values over the observed period. However, the magnitude and pattern of change differ between the two metrics.
- Income Tax Expense
- Income tax expense increased from US$300 million in 2021 to US$1,428 million in 2025. The most substantial increase occurred between 2021 and 2022, rising by US$565 million. Growth moderated in subsequent years, with increases of US$327 million (2022-2023), US$218 million (2023-2024), and US$18 million (2024-2025). This suggests a decelerating rate of growth in reported income tax expense.
- Cash Operating Taxes
- Cash operating taxes also exhibited an upward trend, moving from US$758 million in 2021 to US$2,096 million in 2025. Similar to income tax expense, the largest increase was observed between 2021 and 2022, with a rise of US$404 million. A significant increase of US$488 million occurred between 2022 and 2023. The rate of increase slowed in 2024, with a decrease of US$105 million, before resuming growth with an increase of US$741 million in 2025. This pattern indicates potential fluctuations influenced by factors beyond simple proportional growth.
- Relationship between Metrics
- Cash operating taxes consistently exceeded income tax expense throughout the period. The difference between the two metrics varied annually. In 2021, cash operating taxes were approximately 2.5 times income tax expense (US$758 million vs. US$300 million). This ratio decreased over time, reaching approximately 1.47 times in 2025 (US$2,096 million vs. US$1,428 million). This narrowing gap suggests a potential shift in the timing of tax payments relative to reported income, or changes in non-cash tax items.
The observed trends suggest increasing tax obligations for the entity. The divergence in growth rates and the relationship between income tax expense and cash operating taxes warrant further investigation to understand the underlying drivers and potential implications for future financial performance.
Invested Capital
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 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).
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 restructuring liabilities.
5 Addition of equity equivalents to stockholders’ equity (deficit).
6 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.
7 Subtraction of building construction-in-progress.
8 Subtraction of marketable securities.
The composition of invested capital exhibits notable shifts over the five-year period. Total reported debt & leases consistently increased, while stockholders’ equity experienced a significant decline, ultimately resulting in a deficit by the end of 2023. Despite these underlying changes, invested capital itself demonstrates a more moderate fluctuation.
- Debt & Leases
- Total reported debt & leases increased steadily from US$11,430 million in 2021 to US$19,414 million in 2025. This represents a cumulative increase of approximately 70% over the period. The rate of increase appears relatively consistent year-over-year.
- Stockholders’ Equity
- Stockholders’ equity decreased substantially from US$6,178 million in 2021 to a deficit of US$5,578 million in 2025. The decline was particularly pronounced between 2022 and 2023, transitioning from a positive equity position to a negative one. This negative trend continued through 2024 and 2025, with the deficit widening each year.
- Invested Capital
- Invested capital decreased from US$15,004 million in 2021 to US$11,415 million in 2023, a decline of approximately 24%. It then showed a modest recovery, increasing to US$12,973 million in 2024 and remaining relatively stable at US$12,912 million in 2025. The fluctuations in invested capital appear to be influenced by the offsetting movements in debt and equity, but are less dramatic than the changes observed in either component individually.
The increasing reliance on debt financing, coupled with the erosion of stockholders’ equity, suggests a shift in the company’s capital structure. While invested capital has not mirrored the full extent of the equity decline, the trend warrants further investigation to understand the implications for financial risk and future performance.
Cost of Capital
Booking Holdings Inc., cost of capital calculations
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (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 Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (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 Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (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 Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (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 Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
Economic Spread Ratio
| Dec 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Invested capital2 | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic spread ratio3 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4 | ||||||
| Airbnb Inc. | ||||||
| Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. | ||||||
| DoorDash, Inc. | ||||||
| McDonald’s Corp. | ||||||
| Starbucks Corp. | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 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).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 Invested capital. See details »
3 2025 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × ÷ =
4 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The financial trajectory between 2021 and 2025 reflects a significant recovery in value creation and capital efficiency. A transition from negative economic profit to substantial positive gains indicates that the organization successfully shifted toward generating returns that exceed its cost of capital.
- Economic Profit Analysis
- A sharp recovery is observed, with economic profit rising from a deficit of US$ 2,042 million in 2021 to a peak of US$ 3,781 million in 2024. Although a moderate decrease to US$ 3,135 million occurred in 2025, the overall period represents a substantial increase in net value addition.
- Invested Capital Trends
- Invested capital decreased consistently from US$ 15,004 million in 2021 to a minimum of US$ 11,415 million in 2023. This reduction in the capital base, followed by stabilization at approximately US$ 12,900 million in 2024 and 2025, suggests capital optimization coinciding with the growth in profitability.
- Economic Spread Ratio Interpretation
- The economic spread ratio demonstrated a strong upward trend, rebounding from -13.61% in 2021 to a maximum of 29.14% in 2024. The subsequent adjustment to 24.28% in 2025 indicates that while value creation remains robust, the rate of expansion in the spread has moderated.
Economic Profit Margin
| Dec 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Revenues | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic profit margin2 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3 | ||||||
| Airbnb Inc. | ||||||
| Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. | ||||||
| DoorDash, Inc. | ||||||
| McDonald’s Corp. | ||||||
| Starbucks Corp. | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 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).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 2025 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Revenues
= 100 × ÷ =
3 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The financial performance from 2021 to 2025 is characterized by a substantial recovery in economic value creation and consistent top-line expansion. A transition from significant economic losses to sustained economic profit indicates an improvement in the capacity to generate returns that exceed the cost of capital.
- Revenue Trajectory
- A consistent upward trend in revenues is evident, increasing from 10,958 million US dollars in 2021 to 26,917 million US dollars by 2025. This demonstrates a steady expansion of business scale throughout the five-year period.
- Economic Profit Evolution
- Economic profit shifted from a deficit of 2,042 million US dollars in 2021 to a surplus of 523 million US dollars in 2022. This positive momentum accelerated through 2024, reaching a peak of 3,781 million US dollars, followed by a moderate decline to 3,135 million US dollars in 2025.
- Economic Profit Margin Performance
- The economic profit margin mirrored the recovery of absolute economic profit, rising from -18.64% in 2021 to 3.06% in 2022, and peaking at 15.93% in 2024. A contraction to 11.65% was observed in 2025, suggesting that although revenues continued to grow, the efficiency of economic value creation relative to sales decreased during the final year of the period.