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.
Paying user area
Try for free
Steel Dynamics Inc. pages available for free this week:
- Balance Sheet: Assets
- Balance Sheet: Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
- Common-Size Income Statement
- Common-Size Balance Sheet: Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
- Analysis of Profitability Ratios
- Analysis of Liquidity Ratios
- Analysis of Long-term (Investment) Activity Ratios
- Analysis of Reportable Segments
- Return on Equity (ROE) since 2005
- Total Asset Turnover since 2005
The data is hidden behind: . Unhide it.
Get full access to the entire website from $10.42/mo, or
get 1-month access to Steel Dynamics Inc. for $22.49.
This is a one-time payment. There is no automatic renewal.
We accept:
Economic Profit
| 12 months ended: | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Dec 31, 2019 | Dec 31, 2018 | Dec 31, 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1 | ||||||
| Cost of capital2 | ||||||
| Invested capital3 | ||||||
| Economic profit4 | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).
1 NOPAT. See details »
2 Cost of capital. See details »
3 Invested capital. See details »
4 2021 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= – × =
The financial performance from 2017 through 2021 is characterized by significant volatility in value creation, transitioning from periods of economic loss to a substantial surge in economic profit by the end of the period.
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- NOPAT exhibited substantial fluctuations over the five-year period. After an initial increase from 755,373 thousand US$ in 2017 to 1,420,457 thousand US$ in 2018, a downward trend occurred through 2020, where profit reached a period low of 696,079 thousand US$. This was followed by an exponential increase in 2021, with NOPAT rising to 3,611,424 thousand US$, representing a sharp recovery and expansion in operational profitability.
- Invested Capital and Cost of Capital
- Invested capital demonstrated a consistent upward trajectory, growing from 5,964,900 thousand US$ in 2017 to 8,550,168 thousand US$ in 2021. This indicates a steady expansion of the asset base. Concurrently, the cost of capital remained relatively stable, fluctuating within a narrow range between 16.76% and 19.72%. The relative stability of the cost of capital suggests that the hurdles for value creation remained constant, while the capital base expanded.
- Economic Profit Analysis
- Economic profit remained predominantly negative for the majority of the period, indicating that the returns on invested capital frequently failed to exceed the cost of capital. Losses were recorded in 2017, 2019, and 2020, with the most significant deficit occurring in 2020 at -506,177 thousand US$. However, the trend reversed sharply in 2021, yielding a positive economic profit of 1,966,790 thousand US$. This shift indicates that by 2021, the company achieved a return on invested capital that significantly outperformed its weighted average cost of capital, resulting in substantial shareholder value creation.
Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)
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 allowances for credit losses.
3 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income attributable to Steel Dynamics, Inc..
4 2021 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =
5 2021 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense, net of capitalized interest = Adjusted interest expense, net of capitalized interest × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =
6 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income attributable to Steel Dynamics, Inc..
- Net income attributable to Steel Dynamics, Inc.
- The net income shows a volatile trend over the period analyzed. It increased significantly from 812,741 thousand USD in 2017 to a peak of 1,258,379 thousand USD in 2018. However, this was followed by a sharp decline to 671,103 thousand USD in 2019 and a further decrease to 550,822 thousand USD in 2020. In 2021, net income experienced a remarkable surge, reaching 3,214,066 thousand USD, the highest level in the five-year span.
- Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)
- The NOPAT values exhibit a similar pattern to net income, indicating operational profitability dynamics. Starting at 755,373 thousand USD in 2017, NOPAT rose substantially to 1,420,457 thousand USD in 2018. Subsequently, it experienced a decline, reaching 827,375 thousand USD in 2019 and decreasing slightly to 696,079 thousand USD in 2020. In 2021, NOPAT showed a significant increase to 3,611,424 thousand USD, surpassing prior years and indicating improved operational efficiency or favorable business conditions.
- Insights
- Both net income and NOPAT demonstrate a pattern of considerable increase in 2018, followed by a decline over the next two years, and then a substantial recovery in 2021. The pronounced increases in 2021 suggest that the company may have benefited from external or internal factors that significantly enhanced profitability. However, the volatility in prior years highlights potential operational challenges or market fluctuations impacting earnings. The alignment between net income and NOPAT trends suggests that both operational performance and overall profitability were similarly affected throughout the period.
Cash Operating Taxes
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).
- Income tax expense
- The income tax expense exhibited significant fluctuation over the five-year period. Starting at approximately $129 million in 2017, it sharply increased to nearly $364 million in 2018. This was followed by a marked reduction to about $197 million in 2019 and further declined to approximately $135 million in 2020. However, in 2021, there was a dramatic spike to over $962 million, representing the highest value in the observed timeframe.
- Cash operating taxes
- Cash operating taxes showed a different pattern compared to the income tax expense. Initially, there was a moderate rise from roughly $317 million in 2017 to $332 million in 2018. This was succeeded by a substantial decrease to about $176 million in 2019, continuing downward to $110 million in 2020. In 2021, cash operating taxes reversed the downward trend, surging significantly to around $656 million, though still below the 2017 and 2018 levels.
- Comparison and analysis
- Both income tax expense and cash operating taxes experienced fluctuations with a notable peak in 2021. Income tax expense showed more volatility with its lowest value in 2017 and highest in 2021, while cash operating taxes maintained a relatively higher baseline in the earlier years before a marked decline and subsequent increase in 2021. The considerable rise in both metrics in 2021 might indicate higher taxable income or changes in tax policy or company financial structure. The differing trajectories from 2017 to 2020 between the two measures suggest variations in timing or recognition of tax-related cash flows versus accrued tax expenses.
Invested Capital
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 equity equivalents to total Steel Dynamics, Inc. equity.
5 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.
6 Subtraction of construction in progress.
7 Subtraction of trading securities.
- Total reported debt & leases
- The total reported debt and leases show a generally increasing trend over the analyzed period. Starting at approximately 2.43 billion USD in 2017, the figure rose steadily each year up to around 3.21 billion USD by the end of 2021. This indicates a growing leverage or financing through debt and lease obligations over time.
- Total Steel Dynamics, Inc. equity
- Equity values exhibit consistent growth throughout the five-year span. Beginning at approximately 3.35 billion USD in 2017, equity increased to about 6.30 billion USD by 2021, with a notable acceleration between 2020 and 2021. This substantial rise in equity suggests significant retained earnings, capital infusions, or revaluation impacts that strengthened the company’s equity base.
- Invested capital
- Invested capital experienced steady growth from 5.96 billion USD in 2017 to 8.55 billion USD in 2021. The increase is somewhat consistent year over year, with a marked jump in the final year analyzed. This growth reflects an expansion in the total capital allocated in the business, combining both debt and equity financing sources, which supports the company’s operational capacity and potential for value creation.
- Overall trend and insights
- The data reveals a balanced expansion financed through both higher liabilities and substantially increased equity, leading to larger invested capital over the five years. The proportionally higher increase in equity compared to debt may indicate a strategic emphasis on strengthening the financial position and reducing financial risk. The rising invested capital underscores ongoing investments in operational assets or business growth initiatives. Such trends typically reflect robust financial health and an upward trajectory in the company’s scale and capital structure sophistication.
Cost of Capital
Steel Dynamics Inc., cost of capital calculations
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, including current maturities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).
1 US$ in thousands
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, including current maturities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).
1 US$ in thousands
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, including current maturities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31).
1 US$ in thousands
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, including current maturities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).
1 US$ in thousands
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, including current maturities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 35.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 35.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).
1 US$ in thousands
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
Economic Spread Ratio
| Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Dec 31, 2019 | Dec 31, 2018 | Dec 31, 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Invested capital2 | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic spread ratio3 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4 | ||||||
| Freeport-McMoRan 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.
The financial performance regarding economic value added between 2017 and 2021 is characterized by significant volatility in profit generation alongside a consistent expansion of the invested capital base.
- Economic Spread Ratio Trends
- The economic spread ratio exhibited substantial fluctuations, remaining negative for three of the five analyzed years. A contraction was observed in 2017 at -7.06%, followed by a brief recovery to 3.11% in 2018. Performance declined again through 2019 and 2020, reaching a period low of -7.46%. However, 2021 marked a sharp reversal, with the ratio ascending to 23.00%, indicating a substantial increase in returns relative to the cost of capital.
- Invested Capital Growth
- Invested capital grew steadily from US$ 5,964,900 thousand in 2017 to US$ 6,781,124 thousand in 2020. A more pronounced acceleration occurred in 2021, where invested capital rose to US$ 8,550,168 thousand. This expansion of the capital base coincided with the most significant period of value creation observed in the dataset.
- Economic Profit Analysis
- Economic profit followed a trajectory mirrored by the spread ratio. Negative values were recorded in 2017, 2019, and 2020, with the most significant deficit occurring in 2020 at -US$ 506,177 thousand. The transition to a positive economic profit of US$ 1,966,790 thousand in 2021 suggests a successful alignment of operating returns with the cost of the expanded capital base, shifting the organization from value destruction to significant value creation.
Economic Profit Margin
| Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Dec 31, 2019 | Dec 31, 2018 | Dec 31, 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Net sales | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic profit margin2 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3 | ||||||
| Freeport-McMoRan 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 ÷ Net sales
= 100 × ÷ =
3 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The financial performance from 2017 to 2021 is characterized by significant volatility in value creation, culminating in a substantial expansion of economic profitability in the final year of the period.
- Economic Profit Trends
- Economic profit remained inconsistent for the majority of the analyzed period. After a deficit in 2017, a brief recovery occurred in 2018, followed by two consecutive years of negative economic profit, reaching a low of -506,177 thousand USD in 2020. This trend reversed sharply in 2021, with economic profit rising to 1,966,790 thousand USD, marking a transition from value destruction to significant value creation.
- Net Sales Growth
- Net sales fluctuated between 2017 and 2020, remaining within a range of approximately 9.5 billion to 11.8 billion USD. A substantial escalation occurred in 2021, where net sales surged to 18,408,850 thousand USD, representing a nearly 92% increase over the previous year's figures.
- Economic Profit Margin Analysis
- The economic profit margin mirrored the volatility of the absolute economic profit. The margin fluctuated between a peak of 1.69% in 2018 and a trough of -5.27% in 2020. The period concluded with a dramatic improvement in 2021, as the margin reached 10.68%, indicating a high level of efficiency in generating returns above the cost of capital relative to sales volume.