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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Intuitive Surgical Inc. pages available for free this week:
- Common-Size Balance Sheet: Assets
- Common-Size Balance Sheet: Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
- Analysis of Liquidity Ratios
- Analysis of Solvency Ratios
- Analysis of Long-term (Investment) Activity Ratios
- Common Stock Valuation Ratios
- Present Value of Free Cash Flow to Equity (FCFE)
- Return on Assets (ROA) since 2005
- Total Asset Turnover since 2005
- Price to Sales (P/S) since 2005
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Economic Profit
Intuitive Surgical Inc., economic profit calculation
US$ in thousands
| 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 performance, as measured by economic profit, exhibits considerable fluctuation over the five-year period. Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) demonstrates an initial decline followed by a strong recovery and subsequent growth. Invested capital consistently increased throughout the period, while the cost of capital remained stable. These factors combined to produce a volatile economic profit trajectory.
- Economic Profit Trend
- Economic profit began at US$544.838 thousand in 2021. A significant decrease was observed in 2022, resulting in an economic loss of US$-191.678 thousand. This negative trend continued into 2023, with economic profit reaching US$-234.129 thousand. A substantial turnaround occurred in 2024, as economic profit became positive again, reaching US$247.704 thousand. However, growth slowed in 2025, with economic profit decreasing to US$68.363 thousand.
- NOPAT Performance
- NOPAT decreased from US$1,700.018 thousand in 2021 to US$1,187.823 thousand in 2022. A recovery was then seen in 2023, with NOPAT increasing to US$1,596.933 thousand. Further growth occurred in 2024 and 2025, reaching US$2,242.154 thousand and US$2,976.548 thousand respectively. This upward trend in NOPAT contributed to the positive economic profit observed in later years.
- Invested Capital and Cost of Capital
- Invested capital increased steadily throughout the period, from US$4,517.800 thousand in 2021 to US$11,374.500 thousand in 2025. This consistent growth in capital employed suggests ongoing investment and expansion. The cost of capital remained constant at 25.57% across all five years, indicating a stable financing environment and consistent risk assessment.
The initial economic losses in 2022 and 2023, despite positive NOPAT in 2023, suggest that the rate of return on invested capital was insufficient to cover the cost of capital during those periods. The subsequent return to positive economic profit in 2024 and 2025 indicates improved capital allocation efficiency and/or increased profitability. However, the slowing growth of economic profit in 2025, despite continued NOPAT growth, warrants further investigation to determine if the increasing invested capital is generating commensurate returns.
Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)
Intuitive Surgical Inc., NOPAT calculation
US$ in thousands
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 allowances.
3 Addition of increase (decrease) in deferred revenue.
4 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc..
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 attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc..
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 income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc. and Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT) both demonstrate fluctuating performance over the five-year period. While both metrics generally trend upwards, significant variations are observed, particularly in 2022.
- NOPAT Trend
- NOPAT experienced a notable decrease from US$1,700,018 thousand in 2021 to US$1,187,823 thousand in 2022, representing a substantial decline. A subsequent recovery is evident in 2023, with NOPAT reaching US$1,596,933 thousand. Continued growth is observed in 2024 and 2025, with NOPAT increasing to US$2,242,154 thousand and US$2,976,548 thousand respectively. This indicates a strong upward trajectory in recent years following the 2022 dip.
- Relationship between Net Income and NOPAT
- The values for Net Income and NOPAT are closely aligned throughout the period. The difference between the two metrics remains relatively consistent, suggesting minimal adjustments are being made between net income and operating profit after taxes. This consistency implies that non-operating items or accounting adjustments have a limited impact on the overall profitability picture.
- Growth Rates
- The largest percentage increase in NOPAT occurred between 2024 and 2025, with a growth rate of approximately 32.7%. The decline in 2022 represents the most significant percentage decrease in NOPAT over the observed period. The recovery from 2022 to 2023 shows a growth rate of approximately 34.4%.
Overall, the observed trends suggest a period of disruption in 2022 followed by a robust recovery and continued expansion in subsequent years. The strong correlation between net income and NOPAT indicates that core operating performance is the primary driver of overall profitability.
Cash Operating Taxes
Intuitive Surgical Inc., cash operating taxes calculation
US$ in thousands
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).
The reported income tax expense and cash operating taxes demonstrate distinct patterns over the five-year period. Income tax expense fluctuates, while cash operating taxes exhibit a more complex trend with an initial increase followed by stabilization and a slight decline.
- Income Tax Expense
- Income tax expense increased significantly from 2021 to 2022, rising from US$162.2 million to US$262.4 million. A substantial decrease was then observed in 2023, with expense falling to US$141.6 million. This was followed by increases in both 2024 and 2025, reaching US$336.3 million and US$434.8 million respectively. The overall trend indicates volatility, with a clear upward movement in the latter two years of the observed period.
- Cash Operating Taxes
- Cash operating taxes show a pronounced increase from 2021 to 2022, moving from US$226.7 million to US$448.3 million. The rate of increase slowed in 2023, with taxes reported at US$423.0 million. Values for 2024 and 2025 are US$472.97 million and US$417.4 million, respectively. While remaining relatively high, the 2025 figure represents a slight decrease from the 2024 level, suggesting a potential stabilization or minor reduction in cash tax outflows.
The difference between income tax expense and cash operating taxes is notable throughout the period. Cash operating taxes consistently exceed income tax expense, indicating the presence of timing differences or non-cash tax effects. The magnitude of this difference varies annually, potentially impacting the calculation of economic value added (EVA) and requiring further investigation into the underlying causes of these discrepancies.
- Relationship between Income Tax Expense and Cash Taxes
- The consistent difference between the two measures suggests the influence of deferred tax assets or liabilities. The larger cash tax payments relative to reported income tax expense could be due to factors such as accelerated depreciation for tax purposes, or the recognition of taxable temporary differences. Understanding these factors is crucial for accurate EVA calculation and financial performance assessment.
The observed trends in both income tax expense and cash operating taxes warrant continued monitoring to assess their impact on future financial performance and the company’s ability to generate economic value.
Invested Capital
Intuitive Surgical Inc., invested capital calculation (financing approach)
US$ in thousands
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 deferred revenue.
5 Addition of equity equivalents to total Intuitive Surgical, Inc. stockholders’ equity.
6 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.
7 Subtraction of construction-in-process.
8 Subtraction of available-for-sale marketable securities.
The invested capital of the company demonstrates a consistent upward trend over the five-year period. Simultaneously, the composition of capital sources has shifted, with a notable increase in reported debt and leases alongside growth in stockholders’ equity.
- Invested Capital Trend
- Invested capital increased from US$4,517.8 million in 2021 to US$11,374.5 million in 2025. This represents a cumulative increase of 151.8% over the period. The growth rate appears to be accelerating, with larger absolute increases observed in the later years of the period, particularly between 2023 and 2025.
- Debt & Leases
- Total reported debt and leases exhibited an overall increasing trend. While a slight decrease was observed between 2022 and 2023, the amount rose significantly from US$87.0 million in 2021 to US$170.9 million in 2025, representing a 96.4% increase. The most substantial increase occurred between 2023 and 2024, jumping from US$89.8 million to US$146.0 million.
- Stockholders’ Equity
- Total stockholders’ equity also increased over the period, moving from US$11,901.1 million in 2021 to US$17,824.0 million in 2025, a 49.8% increase. There was a decrease between 2021 and 2022, but equity then increased consistently through 2025. The rate of increase in equity appears to be relatively stable compared to the more volatile changes in debt.
- Capital Structure Shift
- The relative contribution of debt to invested capital has increased. In 2021, debt and leases represented approximately 2.0% of invested capital. By 2025, this proportion had risen to approximately 1.5%. While the percentage appears small, the absolute increase in debt suggests a growing reliance on debt financing to fund growth, despite a larger overall increase in equity.
The observed trends suggest the company is actively investing in its operations and expansion, funded by a combination of debt and equity. The increasing reliance on debt warrants further investigation to assess associated financial risks and sustainability.
Cost of Capital
Intuitive Surgical Inc., cost of capital calculations
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Operating lease liability3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31).
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Operating lease liability3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31).
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Operating lease liability3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31).
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Operating lease liability3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31).
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Operating lease liability3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).
Economic Spread Ratio
Intuitive Surgical Inc., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Dec 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Invested capital2 | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic spread ratio3 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4 | ||||||
| Abbott Laboratories | ||||||
| Elevance Health Inc. | ||||||
| Medtronic PLC | ||||||
| UnitedHealth Group Inc. | ||||||
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 economic spread ratio exhibited significant fluctuations over the five-year period. Initially positive, it transitioned to negative values before recovering, albeit to a lower positive level. This movement correlates with changes in economic profit and invested capital.
- Economic Spread Ratio Trend
- In 2021, the economic spread ratio stood at 12.06%. This represents a substantial spread, indicating a strong ability to generate returns exceeding the cost of capital. A sharp decline followed in 2022, with the ratio falling to -3.55%, signifying that returns were insufficient to cover the cost of capital. This negative trend continued into 2023, reaching -3.27%. A positive shift occurred in 2024, with the ratio rebounding to 3.18%, suggesting improved profitability relative to invested capital. However, the recovery was limited, as the ratio decreased to 0.60% in 2025, indicating a considerably smaller spread than observed in 2021.
The economic spread ratio’s volatility suggests a dynamic relationship between profitability and capital deployment. The initial high ratio indicates efficient capital allocation and strong operational performance. The subsequent negative values suggest either a decline in profitability, an increase in the cost of capital, or a substantial rise in invested capital without a corresponding increase in economic profit. The partial recovery in 2024 and subsequent decline in 2025 suggest ongoing challenges in maintaining a robust economic spread.
- Relationship to Economic Profit
- The economic spread ratio’s movement closely mirrors that of economic profit. The positive ratio in 2021 aligns with the substantial economic profit of US$544,838 thousand. The negative ratios in 2022 and 2023 correspond with the negative economic profits of US$191,678 thousand and US$234,129 thousand, respectively. The return to positive economic profit in 2024 (US$247,704 thousand) is reflected in the positive economic spread ratio. The lower economic profit in 2025 (US$68,363 thousand) is consistent with the reduced economic spread ratio.
- Relationship to Invested Capital
- Invested capital increased consistently throughout the period, rising from US$4,517,800 thousand in 2021 to US$11,374,500 thousand in 2025. While increased investment can drive future growth, the economic spread ratio indicates that the returns on this investment were not consistently sufficient to cover the cost of capital, particularly in 2022 and 2023. The lower economic spread ratio in 2025, despite positive economic profit, suggests that the significant increase in invested capital may be diluting returns.
Economic Profit Margin
Intuitive Surgical Inc., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Dec 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Revenue | ||||||
| Add: Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue | ||||||
| Adjusted revenue | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic profit margin2 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3 | ||||||
| Abbott Laboratories | ||||||
| Elevance Health Inc. | ||||||
| Medtronic PLC | ||||||
| UnitedHealth Group Inc. | ||||||
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 ÷ Adjusted revenue
= 100 × ÷ =
3 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The economic profit margin exhibited significant fluctuation over the five-year period. Initial profitability declined, followed by a return to positive margins, and then a subsequent decrease. A detailed examination of the trends is presented below.
- Economic Profit Margin Trend
- In 2021, the economic profit margin stood at 9.49%. This represents a substantial level of economic value creation relative to adjusted revenue. However, the margin experienced a sharp decline in 2022, falling to -3.07%, indicating economic loss. This negative trend continued into 2023, with the margin reaching -3.26%, the lowest point in the observed period.
- A notable reversal occurred in 2024, as the economic profit margin rebounded to 2.95%, signifying a return to economic profit. While positive, this margin was considerably lower than that of 2021. The upward trend did not persist into 2025, as the margin decreased to 0.67%, representing a substantial reduction from the prior year and a return towards economic loss.
- Relationship to Adjusted Revenue
- Adjusted revenue consistently increased throughout the period, rising from US$5,741.8 million in 2021 to US$10,139.9 million in 2025. Despite this revenue growth, the economic profit margin did not consistently benefit. The decline in margin during 2022 and 2023 occurred concurrently with increasing revenue, suggesting that increases in costs or a reduction in returns on capital outweighed the benefits of higher sales.
- The positive economic profit margin in 2024 coincided with a significant increase in adjusted revenue, indicating improved efficiency or cost management during that year. However, the subsequent decline in margin in 2025, despite continued revenue growth, suggests that this improvement was not sustained.
- Economic Profit Trend
- The economic profit itself mirrored the fluctuations observed in the economic profit margin. A positive economic profit of US$544.838 million was recorded in 2021. This was followed by negative economic profits in both 2022 (US$-191.678 million) and 2023 (US$-234.129 million). The trend reversed in 2024, with a positive economic profit of US$247.704 million, but decreased again in 2025 to US$68.363 million.
In summary, while adjusted revenue demonstrated consistent growth, the economic profit margin experienced considerable volatility, transitioning from strong profitability to economic loss and back to limited profitability. The relationship between revenue and margin suggests that factors beyond revenue generation significantly impacted economic value creation during this period.