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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- Analysis of Liquidity Ratios
- Analysis of Solvency Ratios
- Analysis of Geographic Areas
- Enterprise Value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA)
- Selected Financial Data since 2012
- Current Ratio since 2012
- Total Asset Turnover since 2012
- Price to Earnings (P/E) since 2012
- Price to Sales (P/S) since 2012
- Analysis of Debt
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Economic Profit
Meta Platforms Inc., economic profit calculation
US$ in millions
| 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 financial performance and capital efficiency of the company over the five-year period exhibit notable fluctuations and trends. The net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) shows a significant increase from 27,980 million USD in 2020 to 40,147 million USD in 2021, followed by a sharp decline to 20,828 million USD in 2022. Subsequently, it rebounds strongly, reaching 38,290 million USD in 2023 and further increasing to 56,844 million USD by 2024.
The cost of capital remains relatively stable throughout the period, fluctuating marginally between 16.19% and 16.69%. This consistency suggests that the company's risk profile and capital structure have not undergone major changes impacting the cost of financing.
Invested capital demonstrates a steady upward trajectory, growing from 80,951 million USD in 2020 to 165,969 million USD in 2024. This indicates ongoing investment and expansion in the company's asset base, which more than doubles over the five years.
Economic profit, which measures the value created over the cost of capital, reflects significant variation. It peaks at 24,755 million USD in 2021 before dropping sharply to only 4,350 million USD in 2022. Despite this downturn, economic profit recovers to 14,986 million USD in 2023 and surges to a high of 29,383 million USD in 2024, exceeding previous highs and indicating strong value creation in the most recent years.
- Key Observations:
- - The volatility in NOPAT and economic profit between 2021 and 2022 suggests operational challenges or extraordinary factors affecting profitability during that period.
- - The consistent increase in invested capital implies the company is expanding its asset base, potentially positioning for future growth.
- - Despite fluctuations in profit metrics, the cost of capital remains stable, providing a consistent benchmark for evaluating performance.
- - The substantial recovery and growth in economic profit by 2024 signal improved efficiency and superior value generation compared to prior years.
Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)
Meta Platforms Inc., NOPAT calculation
US$ in millions
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 deferred revenue.
3 Addition of increase (decrease) in accrued severance and other personnel liabilities.
4 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income.
5 2024 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =
6 2024 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 2024 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
- The net income demonstrates variability over the analyzed period. It increased significantly from 29,146 million US dollars in 2020 to 39,370 million US dollars in 2021. However, in 2022, there is a notable decline to 23,200 million US dollars. This downward trend reverses in 2023, with net income rising sharply to 39,098 million US dollars and continuing the upward trajectory to reach 62,360 million US dollars in 2024. Overall, the trend reflects periods of both volatility and robust growth, culminating in a substantial increase by the end of the period.
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- NOPAT follows a similar pattern to net income, with an increase from 27,980 million US dollars in 2020 to 40,147 million US dollars in 2021. Subsequently, it decreases to 20,828 million US dollars in 2022, which aligns with the downturn observed in net income for the same year. In 2023, NOPAT recovers significantly to 38,290 million US dollars, and continues to improve, reaching 56,844 million US dollars in 2024. This trend suggests operational profitability experienced fluctuations but ultimately improved substantially by the end of the period, indicating enhanced operational efficiency or favorable business conditions in the latter years.
Cash Operating Taxes
Meta Platforms Inc., cash operating taxes calculation
US$ in millions
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 exhibited a fluctuating trend over the analyzed periods. It increased significantly from 4,034 million US dollars in 2020 to 7,914 million US dollars in 2021, indicating higher estimated tax obligations. Subsequently, it declined to 5,619 million in 2022, showing a reduction in estimated tax expense. However, the provision rose again to 8,330 million in 2023 and slightly decreased to 8,303 million in 2024, stabilizing at a higher level compared to earlier years. This pattern suggests variability in taxable income or changes in tax regulations impacting the company's tax liabilities.
- Cash Operating Taxes
- Cash operating taxes demonstrated an overall upward trajectory with some volatility. Beginning at 4,959 million US dollars in 2020, the cash taxes paid increased to 7,290 million in 2021. An increase continued in 2022 reaching 8,950 million, followed by a decrease to 8,095 million in 2023. In 2024, cash operating taxes rose sharply to 12,827 million, marking the highest value in the series. The sharp increase in the final period suggests stronger cash outflows related to tax payments, possibly due to tax timing differences, higher taxable income, or changes in tax payment schedules.
- Comparative Observations
- While the provision for income taxes reflects estimated tax expenses, cash operating taxes represent actual cash paid. The data shows instances where cash taxes surpassed the provision, notably in 2022 and 2024, which may point to timing differences or adjustments based on prior estimates. The significant rise in cash operating taxes in 2024 contrasts with the relatively stable provision, highlighting a potential shift in cash tax management or tax obligations becoming due. Overall, the tax-related expenses and payments show variability but an increasing trend, especially on a cash basis, which could affect the company's liquidity and cash flow management.
Invested Capital
Meta Platforms Inc., invested capital calculation (financing approach)
US$ in millions
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 deferred revenue.
4 Addition of accrued severance and other personnel liabilities.
5 Addition of equity equivalents to stockholders’ equity.
6 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.
7 Subtraction of construction in progress.
8 Subtraction of marketable securities.
The financial data reveals notable trends in the company’s leverage, equity base, and invested capital over the five-year period from 2020 to 2024.
- Total Reported Debt & Leases
- This item exhibits a substantial and accelerating increase over the years. From $11,177 million in 2020, the debt and leases almost doubled by 2022 to $27,278 million and then continued to rise sharply to reach $49,769 million in 2024. This trend indicates a significant expansion in the company's liabilities, suggesting increased borrowing or leasing commitments, which could be aimed at financing growth, acquisitions, or capital expenditures.
- Stockholders’ Equity
- Stockholders' equity shows some fluctuations initially, with a slight decrease from $128,290 million in 2020 to $124,879 million in 2021, then a small rise to $125,713 million in 2022. From 2022 onwards, there is a strong upward trend, culminating in a value of $182,637 million in 2024. This pattern reflects an overall strengthening in the company’s net asset base, which may result from retained earnings growth, successful profitability, or equity issuances.
- Invested Capital
- Invested capital consistently grows over the period, increasing from $80,951 million in 2020 to $165,969 million in 2024. The growth pace accelerates especially after 2021, indicating that the company is increasing its long-term investments and assets base substantially. This could correspond with strategic initiatives to enhance operational capacity, assets acquisition, or overall expansion.
Overall, the data illustrates a company that is increasing its financial leverage considerably while simultaneously growing its equity base and invested capital. This combination may suggest an aggressive growth strategy supported by both debt financing and equity strength, potentially positioning the company for expanded operations or investment in new opportunities. However, the rising debt levels also imply greater financial risk that should be managed carefully.
Cost of Capital
Meta Platforms Inc., cost of capital calculations
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term 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 Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term 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 Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term 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 Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (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. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
Economic Spread Ratio
Meta Platforms Inc., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| 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 | ||||||
| Alphabet Inc. | ||||||
| Comcast Corp. | ||||||
| Netflix Inc. | ||||||
| Trade Desk Inc. | ||||||
| Walt Disney Co. | ||||||
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 financial data reveals several noteworthy trends in the company's performance over the five-year span.
- Economic Profit
- The economic profit experienced significant fluctuations. It increased from 14,466 million US dollars at the end of 2020 to a peak of 24,755 million in 2021. However, there was a sharp decline in 2022 to 4,350 million, followed by a recovery to 14,986 million in 2023 and a further increase to 29,383 million by the end of 2024. This pattern suggests variability in the company’s ability to generate returns exceeding its cost of capital, with a substantial rebound after a dip in 2022.
- Invested Capital
- The invested capital shows a steady upward trajectory over the period. Starting at 80,951 million US dollars in 2020, it rose consistently each year to reach 165,969 million by the end of 2024. This indicates ongoing investment in the company’s operational and growth assets, nearly doubling the capital base within five years.
- Economic Spread Ratio
- The economic spread ratio, which measures the excess return relative to the cost of capital, displays volatility aligning with the trends in economic profit. It peaked at 26.67% in 2021, dropped sharply to 4.27% in 2022, and then recovered over the next two years to 17.7% by 2024. This variability reflects changes in profitability efficiency relative to the invested capital.
In summary, the financial indicators suggest that while the company has been increasing its invested capital steadily, the returns on that capital have seen periods of both strong performance and notable decline. The recovery in both economic profit and spread ratio in the later years indicates a potential improvement in operational efficiency or market conditions after the downturn in 2022.
Economic Profit Margin
Meta Platforms Inc., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Dec 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Revenue | ||||||
| Add: Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue | ||||||
| Adjusted revenue | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic profit margin2 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3 | ||||||
| Alphabet Inc. | ||||||
| Comcast Corp. | ||||||
| Netflix Inc. | ||||||
| Trade Desk Inc. | ||||||
| Walt Disney Co. | ||||||
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 ÷ Adjusted revenue
= 100 × ÷ =
3 Click competitor name to see calculations.
- Economic Profit
- The economic profit exhibits a fluctuating pattern over the analyzed periods. It increased notably from 14,466 million USD in 2020 to 24,755 million USD in 2021, reflecting a strong growth phase. However, in 2022, it experienced a significant drop to 4,350 million USD, indicating a substantial decline in profitability or increased economic costs during that year. The figure rebounded in 2023 to 14,986 million USD and further improved in 2024 to 29,383 million USD, surpassing previous highs and suggesting recovery and growth in value creation.
- Adjusted Revenue
- The adjusted revenue reflects a generally upward trend with some variability. Starting at 86,066 million USD in 2020, revenue grew considerably to 118,154 million USD in 2021. It then slightly decreased to 116,539 million USD in 2022, which aligns with the drop in economic profit in the same year. In 2023, revenue increased again to 135,051 million USD and continued its growth into 2024, reaching 164,598 million USD. This pattern indicates ongoing expansion with a minor dip in 2022.
- Economic Profit Margin
- The economic profit margin shows a pattern consistent with the economic profit and revenue trends. It started at 16.81% in 2020, increased to 20.95% in 2021, reflecting improving profitability relative to revenue. The margin then dropped sharply to 3.73% in 2022, indicating decreased efficiency or higher costs affecting profitability. Recovery was noted in 2023 with the margin rising to 11.1%, followed by a further increase to 17.85% in 2024. This suggests improved operational efficiency and profitability towards the end of the period analyzed.