Stock Analysis on Net

Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META)

$24.99

Economic Value Added (EVA)

Microsoft Excel

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

Meta Platforms 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 financial data presents a mixed but generally positive trend across the five-year period ending December 31, 2024. Key financial indicators such as net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT), economic profit, invested capital, and cost of capital reveal insights into the company's operational efficiency and value creation over time.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
NOPAT experienced significant fluctuations during the period. It increased from $27,980 million in 2020 to a peak of $40,147 million in 2021, followed by a sharp decline to $20,828 million in 2022. Subsequently, the figure recovered substantially to reach $56,844 million by 2024, indicating improved profitability and operational performance in the latter years.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital remained relatively stable throughout the period, fluctuating slightly between 16.17% and 16.67%. This stability suggests consistent financing costs and risk premiums without significant variation in the market or capital structure.
Invested Capital
Invested capital steadily increased year over year, from $80,951 million in 2020 to $165,969 million in 2024. The rate of growth accelerated considerably after 2022, reflecting increased asset base or capital investments during the last two years. This growth signals expansion or investment in long-term assets aimed at supporting future operations.
Economic Profit
Economic profit showed substantial volatility. It rose from $14,485 million in 2020 to a high of $24,777 million in 2021 but then plunged to $4,373 million in 2022. After this low point, economic profit rebounded to $29,421 million by 2024, indicating improved efficiency in generating returns above the cost of capital. This trend aligns with the NOPAT recovery and increased invested capital.

In summary, despite a dip in profitability and economic profit in 2022, the company demonstrated strong recovery and growth in subsequent years. The steady rise in invested capital coupled with improved NOPAT and economic profit suggests successful strategic investments and enhanced operational outcomes. The consistent cost of capital implies stable financing conditions that did not adversely impact value creation over the period.


Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Meta Platforms 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 deferred revenue2
Increase (decrease) in accrued severance and other personnel liabilities3
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents4
Interest expense
Interest expense, operating lease liability5
Adjusted interest expense
Tax benefit of interest expense6
Adjusted interest expense, after taxes7
Interest income
Investment income, before taxes
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income8
Investment income, after taxes9
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 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

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
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 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

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Finance lease liabilities, current
Long-term debt
Finance lease liabilities, non-current
Operating lease liability1
Total reported debt & leases
Stockholders’ equity
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2
Deferred revenue3
Accrued severance and other personnel liabilities4
Equity equivalents5
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax6
Adjusted stockholders’ equity
Construction in progress7
Marketable securities8
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 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

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
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.


Economic Profit
The economic profit exhibited a fluctuating pattern over the analyzed periods. Starting at 14,485 million US dollars at the end of 2020, it increased significantly to 24,777 million US dollars by the end of 2021. However, there was a notable decline in 2022, dropping to 4,373 million US dollars, after which it partially recovered to 15,018 million in 2023 and substantially rose again to 29,421 million in 2024. This volatility indicates variability in the company's value creation after accounting for the cost of capital, with a substantial rebound observed in the most recent year.
Invested Capital
Invested capital shows a consistent upward trend across the years. Beginning at 80,951 million US dollars in 2020, it increased steadily each year, reaching 92,809 million in 2021, 101,764 million in 2022, 141,324 million in 2023, and finally 165,969 million in 2024. This continuous growth suggests ongoing investments and asset accumulation which may support future operational capacity and profitability.
Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio, which measures the difference between the return on invested capital and the cost of capital, experienced significant fluctuations. It was 17.89% in 2020, improved considerably to 26.7% in 2021, then sharply declined to 4.3% in 2022. In subsequent years, the ratio recovered to 10.63% in 2023 and further to 17.73% in 2024. This pattern reflects changing efficiency in generating returns above capital costs, with a sharp deterioration in 2022 followed by a partial recovery in the succeeding years.
Overall Insights
The company experienced cyclical performance over the five years, evidenced by fluctuating economic profit and economic spread ratio despite a steadily growing invested capital base. The sharp drop in both economic profit and spread in 2022 suggests a period of reduced profitability or increased capital costs, which was followed by recovery phases. The upward trend in invested capital indicates long-term investment strategies, while the economic spread ratio's fluctuations highlight changing effectiveness in utilizing that capital to generate returns above its costs. The recent positive trend in economic profit and spread in 2024 suggests improved operational performance and value generation relative to prior years.

Economic Profit Margin

Meta Platforms 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
 
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.


The financial data indicates several notable trends over the five-year period ending in 2024. Adjusted revenue demonstrates a generally increasing trajectory, moving from $86,066 million in 2020 to $164,598 million in 2024. This suggests growth in the company's core operations despite some fluctuations. Specifically, the revenue increased substantially between 2020 and 2021, slightly declined in 2022, and then resumed growth in the subsequent years through 2024.

Economic profit, representing the company's residual income after accounting for the cost of capital, exhibits a more volatile pattern. It rose significantly from $14,485 million in 2020 to a peak of $24,777 million in 2021. However, it dropped sharply to $4,373 million in 2022 before recovering to $15,018 million in 2023 and increasing further to $29,421 million in 2024. This fluctuation hints at variability in operational efficiency, cost structures, or capital costs over time.

The economic profit margin, which measures economic profit as a percentage of adjusted revenue, aligns with the trends seen in economic profit. Starting at 16.83% in 2020, it rose to a high of 20.97% in 2021, dipped sharply to 3.75% in 2022, then improved to 11.12% in 2023, and reached 17.87% in 2024. The margin's decline in 2022 is pronounced, indicating a period where profitability relative to revenue was substantially lower, followed by a recovery phase.

Revenue Growth
Exhibits an overall upward trend with minor fluctuation in 2022.
Economic Profit Volatility
Peaks in 2021, significant drop in 2022, then recovery and growth through 2024.
Economic Profit Margin
Reflects the volatility of economic profit, with a notable dip in 2022 and a strong rebound thereafter.

In summary, while revenue growth is consistent and positive over the period, economic profit and its margin experienced volatility, particularly in 2022. The recovery in 2023 and growth in 2024 indicate improved profitability and capital efficiency following the downturn, suggesting effective management responses or improved market conditions in these later years.