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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Abbott Laboratories pages available for free this week:
- Balance Sheet: Assets
- Cash Flow Statement
- Common-Size Balance Sheet: Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
- Analysis of Liquidity Ratios
- Dividend Discount Model (DDM)
- Net Profit Margin since 2005
- Return on Assets (ROA) since 2005
- Total Asset Turnover since 2005
- Price to Earnings (P/E) since 2005
- Price to Sales (P/S) since 2005
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Economic Profit
Abbott Laboratories, 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 analysis reveals diverse trends in the company's profitability and capital efficiency over the examined period.
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- NOPAT exhibited a substantial increase from 2020 to 2021, rising from $4,838 million to $7,014 million. However, a decline followed in 2022 to $6,718 million, with a more pronounced reduction in 2023 to $5,289 million. A slight recovery is observed in 2024, with NOPAT increasing to $5,601 million. This volatility indicates fluctuating operational efficiency or changes in market conditions affecting profitability.
- Cost of Capital
- The cost of capital shows a steady upward trend throughout the period, increasing incrementally each year from 11.22% in 2020 to 11.63% in 2024. This gradual rise suggests increasing expenses related to financing or higher risks associated with the company’s capital structure.
- Invested Capital
- Invested capital remained relatively stable, with small fluctuations around the range of $59,651 million to $62,076 million. A peak was noted in 2021 at $62,076 million, followed by a slight decrease in subsequent years, stabilizing around $60,065 million in 2024. This stability implies limited changes in the scale of capital invested in operations over time.
- Economic Profit
- The economic profit figures demonstrate a concerning pattern. After a negative value of -$1,935 million in 2020, there was a marginal improvement to a slightly positive $37 million in 2021. However, economic profit turned negative again in 2022 at -$241 million and deteriorated further in 2023 to -$1,557 million. The trend shows some improvement in 2024 to -$1,382 million, but still reflects a persistent value destruction relative to the cost of capital.
Overall, the data suggests that while operating profits peaked in 2021, the company has struggled to consistently generate returns above its capital cost in the following years. The steadily rising cost of capital, combined with relatively stable invested capital, has contributed to recurring economic losses, highlighting challenges in maximizing shareholder value despite operational profitability.
Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)
Abbott Laboratories, NOPAT calculation
US$ 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 allowance for doubtful accounts.
3 Addition of increase (decrease) in restructuring Plans, accrued balance.
4 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net earnings.
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 earnings.
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.
10 Elimination of discontinued operations.
The financial performance over the observed periods highlights variability in both net earnings and net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT), with distinct trends and fluctuations evident.
- Net Earnings
- Net earnings demonstrated significant growth from 2020 to 2021, increasing from 4,495 million US dollars to 7,071 million US dollars. Following this peak, there was a slight decline in 2022 to 6,933 million US dollars, and a more pronounced decrease in 2023 to 5,723 million US dollars. However, in 2024, net earnings surged substantially, reaching 13,402 million US dollars, representing the highest value in the entire period under review.
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- NOPAT also exhibited a rising trend from 2020 to 2021, increasing from 4,838 million US dollars to 7,014 million US dollars. Subsequently, NOPAT decreased each year through 2023, falling to 5,289 million US dollars. In 2024, there was a modest recovery, with NOPAT rising to 5,601 million US dollars, although this value remained below the peak observed in 2021.
The patterns indicate a strong performance improvement initially, peaking in 2021 for both profitability metrics, followed by a downturn over the next two years. Notably, net earnings exhibited a remarkable recovery and acceleration in 2024, far exceeding previous years' performance, whereas NOPAT showed only a slight improvement without returning to earlier peak levels. This divergence in 2024 suggests that factors impacting net earnings positively may not have equivalently affected operating efficiency or core profitability as measured by NOPAT.
Cash Operating Taxes
Abbott Laboratories, 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).
The data reveals notable fluctuations in both taxes on earnings from continuing operations and cash operating taxes over the five-year period analyzed.
- Taxes on earnings from continuing operations
-
This item shows an overall increasing trend from 497 million USD in 2020 to a peak of 1,373 million USD in 2022, followed by a decline to 941 million USD in 2023. Notably, 2024 exhibits a significant negative value of -6,389 million USD, indicating a substantial tax benefit or reversal relative to earnings taxation for that year.
- Cash operating taxes
-
Cash operating taxes also increased from 718 million USD in 2020 to 2,118 million USD in 2022. However, in contrast to taxes on earnings, cash operating taxes declined only slightly to 1,463 million USD in 2023, followed by a moderate increase to 1,626 million USD in 2024. The cash tax payments did not reflect the large negative swing seen in tax expenses on earnings for 2024.
This divergence in 2024 between taxes on earnings and cash operating taxes may suggest the presence of deferred tax assets, tax refunds, adjustments, or accounting reclassifications influencing reported earnings taxes without an immediate effect on cash taxes paid. The general increase in both tax metrics until 2022 aligns with growing taxable earnings or changes in tax rates but the pronounced changes in 2023 and especially 2024 highlight significant tax-related events or accounting impacts during these years.
Invested Capital
Abbott Laboratories, 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 allowance for doubtful accounts receivable.
4 Addition of restructuring Plans, accrued balance.
5 Addition of equity equivalents to total Abbott shareholders’ investment.
6 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.
7 Subtraction of construction in progress.
8 Subtraction of marketable securities.
- Total reported debt & leases
-
The total reported debt and leases demonstrate a consistent downward trend over the observed five-year period. Beginning at approximately 19,890 million US dollars in 2020, the debt level gradually decreased each year, reaching around 15,275 million US dollars by the end of 2024. This steady reduction suggests a focus on debt management or deleveraging initiatives, contributing to an improved financial structure.
- Total Abbott shareholders’ investment
-
Shareholders’ investment exhibits a steady increase across the years. Starting at 32,784 million US dollars in 2020, this figure rose progressively to 47,664 million US dollars by 2024. The growth reflects a strengthening equity base, possibly due to accumulated earnings, retained profits, or new equity infusions, enhancing the company's financial stability and shareholder value.
- Invested capital
-
Invested capital shows a relatively stable pattern with slight fluctuations throughout the period. The value starts at 60,387 million US dollars in 2020 and peaks near 62,076 million in 2021 before slightly declining and stabilizing around 60,065 million by 2024. This relative stability indicates consistent investment levels in the business operations and assets, with minor adjustments potentially reflecting operational changes or capital expenditure variations.
- Overall Insights
-
The financial data highlights a strategic decrease in debt concurrent with increasing shareholder equity, indicating a strengthening financial position. The reduction in debt paired with rising equity suggests improved solvency and reduced financial risk. Stability in invested capital implies maintained operational capacity, supporting sustainable growth. Collectively, these trends point to robust financial management and a focus on enhancing the company’s balance sheet quality over the observed period.
Cost of Capital
Abbott Laboratories, 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: 2024-12-31).
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: 2023-12-31).
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: 2022-12-31).
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: 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 »
Economic Spread Ratio
Abbott Laboratories, 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 | ||||||
| Elevance Health Inc. | ||||||
| Intuitive Surgical Inc. | ||||||
| Medtronic PLC | ||||||
| UnitedHealth Group Inc. | ||||||
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 analysis of the financial trends reveals several key insights over the five-year period under review. The economic profit exhibited considerable volatility, starting with a significant loss in 2020, followed by a brief positive result in 2021, before returning to negative figures in the subsequent years. Specifically, the economic profit was negative in 2020, modestly positive in 2021, and then negative again in 2022, 2023, and 2024, with the losses deeply pronounced in 2023 and slightly improving in 2024, yet still remaining negative.
Invested capital showed relative stability over the same period, experiencing minor fluctuations but generally maintaining a value around 60 billion US dollars. The capital slightly increased from 60.4 billion in 2020 to a peak of 62.1 billion in 2021, then decreased gradually, stabilizing around 60.1 billion by 2024.
The economic spread ratio mirrored the pattern of economic profit, reflecting a negative return on invested capital relative to the cost of capital in most years. The ratio was notably negative in 2020, slightly positive in 2021, and then reverted to negative values from 2022 onward, with the deepest negative spread recorded in 2023, followed by a marginal improvement in 2024.
- Economic Profit
- Displayed a highly fluctuating trend, with the only positive value observed in 2021. The company experienced significant economic losses in 2020, 2023, and 2024, indicating challenges in generating returns above the cost of capital during these years.
- Invested Capital
- Remained relatively consistent, suggesting steady asset base and investment levels over the years. Minor increases and decreases suggest measured adjustments without significant expansion or contraction of capital invested.
- Economic Spread Ratio
- Consistently weighed negative except for a marginal positive spike in 2021. The negative spread in most years highlights that the returns on capital did not suffice to cover the cost of capital, implying value erosion during these periods.
In summary, the company faced challenges maintaining positive economic returns over the period, with only one year showing value creation. The stability in invested capital indicates that the negative profitability was not driven by large-scale capital shifts, but potentially by operational or market conditions impacting returns. The persistent negative economic spread ratio in the majority of years points towards ongoing struggles to effectively generate returns above the cost of capital.
Economic Profit Margin
Abbott Laboratories, 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 | ||||||
| Net sales | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic profit margin2 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3 | ||||||
| Elevance Health Inc. | ||||||
| Intuitive Surgical Inc. | ||||||
| Medtronic PLC | ||||||
| UnitedHealth Group Inc. | ||||||
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 ÷ Net sales
= 100 × ÷ =
3 Click competitor name to see calculations.
- Net Sales Trend
- Net sales demonstrated an overall upward trend from 2020 to 2022, increasing from 34,608 million US dollars to 43,653 million US dollars. In 2023, net sales experienced a decline to 40,109 million US dollars, followed by a partial recovery in 2024, reaching 41,950 million US dollars.
- Economic Profit Trend
- The economic profit values showed significant volatility throughout the period. In 2020, economic profit was notably negative at -1,935 million US dollars. It improved sharply in 2021 to a positive 37 million US dollars but declined again in subsequent years to negative values of -241 million in 2022, -1,557 million in 2023, and -1,382 million in 2024. This indicates challenges in maintaining economic profitability despite fluctuations in sales.
- Economic Profit Margin Behavior
- The economic profit margin followed a similar pattern to economic profit, beginning with a negative margin of -5.59% in 2020. The margin improved to a marginally positive 0.09% in 2021, then reverted to negative levels in the following years: -0.55% in 2022, -3.88% in 2023, and -3.3% in 2024. This shift suggests the company struggled to convert sales growth into sustained economic profit, with profitability margins deteriorating after 2021.
- Overall Insights
- The company experienced an increase in net sales early in the period, yet this growth did not translate into consistent economic profitability. The positive economic profit in 2021 appears to be an anomaly, with subsequent years showing a return to significant economic losses. The decline in economic profit margin after 2021 highlights increasing costs or inefficiencies relative to sales. Strategic measures may be necessary to address these profitability challenges in the last years analyzed.