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
Fiserv Inc., economic profit calculation
US$ in millions
| 12 months ended: | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Dec 31, 2019 | Dec 31, 2018 | Dec 31, 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1 | ||||||
| Cost of capital2 | ||||||
| Invested capital3 | ||||||
| Economic profit4 | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).
1 NOPAT. See details »
2 Cost of capital. See details »
3 Invested capital. See details »
4 2021 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= – × =
The financial data reveals several significant trends over the analyzed period. Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) shows a consistent upward trajectory, increasing from $1,176 million in 2017 to $1,797 million in 2021. This demonstrates the company's ability to grow its operating profit after adjusting for taxes steadily over the years.
The cost of capital experienced a slight decline during the period, moving from 11.53% in 2017 to 10.27% in 2021. Although this decrease is modest, it signifies a marginal reduction in the company's required rate of return, possibly reflecting improved financing conditions or reduced risk.
Invested capital exhibits a dramatic change. It increased slightly from $9,201 million in 2017 to $9,909 million in 2018 but then surged substantially to $62,514 million in 2019. Following this peak, it gradually decreased to $60,165 million in 2020 and $59,700 million in 2021. The abrupt spike in 2019 suggests a major investment or acquisition, which was likely a strategic decision significantly expanding the capital base.
Despite the growth in NOPAT, economic profit, which accounts for the cost of capital and measures the true value created beyond capital costs, declined sharply. It was positive in 2017 and 2018, valued at $115 million and $176 million respectively. However, it turned negative in 2019, dropping to -$5,084 million and remained negative thereafter, at -$4,708 million in 2020 and -$4,332 million in 2021. This indicates that, despite increasing operating profit, the returns on the significantly higher invested capital were insufficient to cover the capital costs during these years.
Overall, the data suggests a period of expansion marked by significant capital deployment. While operational profitability increased, the scale of invested capital resulted in negative economic profits post-2018, implying that the incremental investments have yet to generate commensurate value beyond their cost of capital. Monitoring the future performance and returns on this invested capital will be crucial to assess whether the investments translate into sustainable value creation.
Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)
Fiserv Inc., NOPAT calculation
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).
1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »
2 Addition of increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts.
3 Addition of increase (decrease) in contract liabilities.
4 Addition of increase (decrease) in employee termination costs reserve.
5 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income attributable to Fiserv, Inc..
6 2021 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =
7 2021 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =
8 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income attributable to Fiserv, Inc..
9 2021 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =
10 Elimination of after taxes investment income.
11 Elimination of discontinued operations.
The analysis of the annual financial data reveals mixed trends in profitability measures over the five-year period ending December 31, 2021.
- Net Income Attributable to Fiserv, Inc.
- The net income shows some volatility throughout the years. From 2017 to 2018, it decreased slightly from 1246 million USD to 1187 million USD. A more significant decline occurred between 2018 and 2019, dropping to 893 million USD. However, this was followed by a modest recovery in 2020 to 958 million USD and a substantial increase in 2021 to 1334 million USD, surpassing the initial 2017 level. This pattern indicates a dip in profitability midway through the period, followed by a strong rebound in recent years.
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- NOPAT displayed a consistent upward trajectory over the entire five-year span. It increased from 1176 million USD in 2017 to 1322 million USD in 2018, with further growth to 1565 million USD in 2019. This positive trend persisted in 2020 at 1728 million USD and reached 1797 million USD by the end of 2021. The steady rise in NOPAT suggests improving operational efficiency and profitability after taxes despite fluctuations in net income.
Overall, while net income faced a decline mid-period before a recovery, NOPAT steadily improved year-over-year, indicating strengthening core operating performance. The divergence between net income and NOPAT trends could be attributed to factors such as non-operating items, tax effects, or one-time charges influencing net income figures differently than operating profit metrics.
Cash Operating Taxes
Fiserv Inc., cash operating taxes calculation
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).
The financial data reveals varying trends in tax-related expenses over the five-year period ending in 2021.
- Income Tax Provision
- The income tax provision exhibits fluctuations without a clear linear trend. Starting at 158 million USD in 2017, it more than doubled to 378 million USD in 2018. This was followed by a significant reduction to 198 million USD in 2019 and stability around 196 million USD in 2020. In 2021, there was a notable increase to 363 million USD, approaching the 2018 level. This pattern suggests variability in taxable income, tax rates, or tax planning outcomes over the years.
- Cash Operating Taxes
- The cash operating taxes show a different pattern characterized by an initial decrease from 471 million USD in 2017 to 288 million USD in 2018 and a further decline to 255 million USD in 2019. In 2020, the figure rose slightly to 278 million USD, followed by a sharp increase to 775 million USD in 2021, which represents a nearly threefold jump compared to the previous year. This sharp rise in 2021 might reflect changes in operational profitability, tax timing differences, or alterations in cash tax policy or payments.
Overall, while income tax provision levels remained relatively volatile with peaks in 2018 and 2021, cash operating taxes demonstrated a steady decline until 2019, a minor uptick in 2020, and a significant surge in 2021. The disparity between the trends in provision and cash taxes in recent years may indicate differences in accrued versus actual cash tax payments, suggesting the influence of tax deferrals, credits, or adjustments impacting cash flow differently from the provision expense.
Invested Capital
Fiserv Inc., invested capital calculation (financing approach)
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).
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 contract liabilities.
5 Addition of employee termination costs reserve.
6 Addition of equity equivalents to total Fiserv, Inc. shareholders’ equity.
7 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.
The financial data reveals several significant trends in the company’s capital structure and financial positioning over the five-year period.
- Total reported debt & leases
- The reported debt and leases displayed an increasing trend from 2017 through 2019, rising sharply from $5,266 million in 2017 to $22,642 million in 2019. This substantial increase indicates a significant leveraging or financing activity during that period. In 2020 and 2021, the reported debt & leases figures stabilized somewhat, with slight decreases and then a modest increase ending at $21,974 million in 2021, suggesting a relatively stable level of debt in the most recent years considered.
- Total shareholders’ equity
- Shareholders’ equity experienced a decline from $2,731 million in 2017 to $2,293 million in 2018, followed by a dramatic increase to $32,979 million in 2019. This surge aligns with the observed rise in debt, which may reflect an equity issuance, revaluation, or comprehensive income increase that boosted equity considerably. Subsequently, shareholders’ equity declined slightly but remained high at $32,330 million in 2020 and then decreased further to $30,952 million in 2021. Despite these decreases, equity levels remain substantially higher than the initial 2017-2018 amounts.
- Invested capital
- Invested capital followed a trend similar to that of total debt and shareholders’ equity. Beginning at $9,201 million in 2017 and increasing modestly to $9,909 million in 2018, it then surged to $62,514 million by the end of 2019. This jump reflects the substantial changes in both debt and equity levels noted previously. Despite the surge, invested capital slightly decreased in 2020 and 2021, ending at $59,700 million in 2021, suggesting moderate adjustments or repayments affecting the overall invested capital base during these last two years.
In summary, the data illustrates a period of significant capital restructuring or acquisition activity around 2019, characterized by sharp increases in both debt and equity components. Following this peak, the company maintained relatively stable but high financial leverage and equity levels, with minor declines in invested capital and equity in recent years. This pattern may indicate strategic investments or financing followed by a phase of consolidation or optimization of the capital structure.
Cost of Capital
Fiserv Inc., cost of capital calculations
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Debt3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Debt. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Debt3 | ÷ | = | × | × (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. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Debt3 | ÷ | = | × | × (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 Debt. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Debt3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Debt. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Debt3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 35.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 35.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Debt. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
Economic Spread Ratio
Fiserv Inc., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Dec 31, 2019 | Dec 31, 2018 | Dec 31, 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Invested capital2 | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic spread ratio3 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4 | ||||||
| Accenture PLC | ||||||
| Adobe Inc. | ||||||
| Cadence Design Systems Inc. | ||||||
| CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. | ||||||
| Datadog Inc. | ||||||
| Fair Isaac Corp. | ||||||
| International Business Machines Corp. | ||||||
| Intuit Inc. | ||||||
| Microsoft Corp. | ||||||
| Oracle Corp. | ||||||
| Palantir Technologies Inc. | ||||||
| Palo Alto Networks Inc. | ||||||
| Salesforce Inc. | ||||||
| ServiceNow Inc. | ||||||
| Synopsys Inc. | ||||||
| Workday Inc. | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 Invested capital. See details »
3 2021 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × ÷ =
4 Click competitor name to see calculations.
- Economic Profit
- The economic profit exhibited a significant decline over the analyzed period. It increased moderately from 115 million USD in 2017 to 176 million USD in 2018. However, from 2019 onwards, the figures turned negative, with substantial losses of -5,084 million USD in 2019, -4,708 million USD in 2020, and -4,332 million USD in 2021. Despite some improvement after 2019, economic profit remained deeply negative, indicating diminished profitability or substantial economic costs during these years.
- Invested Capital
- Invested capital showed a notable increase between 2018 and 2019, jumping from 9,909 million USD to 62,514 million USD, a more than sixfold rise. This elevated level of invested capital remained relatively stable afterward, with slight decreases to 60,165 million USD in 2020 and 59,700 million USD in 2021. The dramatic rise in invested capital coincides with the period when economic profit turned negative, suggesting a significant reallocation of resources or acquisitions impacting the capital base.
- Economic Spread Ratio
- The economic spread ratio followed a trend consistent with economic profit. It improved from 1.25% in 2017 to 1.78% in 2018 before plummeting sharply into negative territory from 2019 onward. The ratio dropped to -8.13% in 2019 and showed marginal recovery to -7.83% in 2020 and -7.26% in 2021. This persistent negative spread indicates that the returns on invested capital were insufficient to cover the cost of capital during these years, undermining value creation.
Economic Profit Margin
Fiserv Inc., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Dec 31, 2019 | Dec 31, 2018 | Dec 31, 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Revenue | ||||||
| Add: Increase (decrease) in contract liabilities | ||||||
| Adjusted revenue | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic profit margin2 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3 | ||||||
| Accenture PLC | ||||||
| Adobe Inc. | ||||||
| Cadence Design Systems Inc. | ||||||
| CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. | ||||||
| Datadog Inc. | ||||||
| Fair Isaac Corp. | ||||||
| International Business Machines Corp. | ||||||
| Intuit Inc. | ||||||
| Microsoft Corp. | ||||||
| Oracle Corp. | ||||||
| Palantir Technologies Inc. | ||||||
| Palo Alto Networks Inc. | ||||||
| Salesforce Inc. | ||||||
| ServiceNow Inc. | ||||||
| Synopsys Inc. | ||||||
| Workday Inc. | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 2021 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Adjusted revenue
= 100 × ÷ =
3 Click competitor name to see calculations.
- Adjusted Revenue
- The adjusted revenue demonstrates a significant upward trend over the analyzed periods. Starting at $5,765 million in 2017, it slightly declined to $5,662 million in 2018, then markedly increased to $10,365 million in 2019. This growth continued through 2020 and 2021, reaching $14,938 million and $16,303 million respectively, indicating substantial top-line expansion.
- Economic Profit
- Economic profit initially improved from $115 million in 2017 to $176 million in 2018. However, a sharp reversal occurred beginning in 2019, where economic profit dropped dramatically to a negative $5,084 million. While the losses slightly decreased in 2020 and 2021, recording negative $4,708 million and $4,332 million respectively, the company remained substantially unprofitable on an economic profit basis throughout this period.
- Economic Profit Margin
- The economic profit margin aligns with the trend in economic profit, showing positive margins in 2017 (2%) and 2018 (3.11%), followed by a significant decline into negative territory starting in 2019. The margin fell sharply to minus 49.05%, improved marginally to minus 31.52% in 2020, and then slightly worsened to minus 26.57% in 2021. Despite the slight improvements after 2019, the company sustained considerable negative margins, highlighting challenges in translating revenue growth into economic profit.
- Overall Insights
- The data reveals a disconnect between revenue growth and economic profitability. While the company experienced robust revenue expansion beginning in 2019, this was accompanied by substantial economic losses and negative margins, suggesting increased costs, investments, or inefficiencies impacting profit generation. Although economic losses moderated somewhat in 2020 and 2021, profitability metrics remained below breakeven levels, indicating ongoing financial challenges despite the growing revenue base.