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:
- Income Statement
- Analysis of Short-term (Operating) Activity Ratios
- Analysis of Reportable Segments
- Present Value of Free Cash Flow to Equity (FCFE)
- Selected Financial Data since 2005
- Return on Equity (ROE) since 2005
- Return on Assets (ROA) since 2005
- Price to Book Value (P/BV) since 2005
- Analysis of Revenues
- Analysis of Debt
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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 data reveals several notable trends and patterns concerning profitability, capital costs, invested capital, and economic profit over a five-year period.
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- The NOPAT showed a significant increase from 4838 million USD in 2020 to a peak of 7014 million USD in 2021. Following this peak, there was a decline to 6718 million USD in 2022 and a more pronounced drop to 5289 million USD in 2023. In 2024, a modest recovery is observed with an increase to 5601 million USD, though it remains below the levels recorded in 2021 and 2022.
- Cost of Capital
- The cost of capital exhibits a gradual upward trend over the period, rising steadily from 11.14% in 2020 to 11.55% in 2024. This incremental increase indicates a rising required return on invested capital, which could impact investment decisions and valuation metrics.
- Invested Capital
- Invested capital shows moderate fluctuation during the analyzed years. It increased slightly from 60387 million USD in 2020 to 62076 million USD in 2021, then declined marginally to 61288 million USD in 2022, followed by a further decrease to 59651 million USD in 2023. In 2024, there is a slight recovery to 60065 million USD. Overall, invested capital remains relatively stable but with a slight downward trajectory in the last three years.
- Economic Profit
- Economic profit, defined as the difference between NOPAT and the cost of capital applied to invested capital, demonstrates volatility and an overall negative trend throughout the period. Starting with a significant negative economic profit of -1890 million USD in 2020, it improves to a small positive value of 84 million USD in 2021, corresponding to the peak NOPAT and relatively stable invested capital. However, economic profit turns negative again in 2022 (-195 million USD) and worsens considerably in 2023 (-1511 million USD). Although there is a slight improvement in 2024 (-1335 million USD), economic profit remains well below zero, indicating that the returns generated are insufficient to cover the cost of capital in most years.
In summary, while operational profitability peaked in 2021 followed by declines, the cost of capital steadily increased, putting upward pressure on required returns. Invested capital showed minor fluctuations but was generally stable. Despite the peak in profitability in 2021, economic profit remained negative or marginally positive for most years, indicating that the company struggled to generate returns above its cost of capital through the period analyzed. The notable decline in economic profit after 2021 suggests reduced value creation, which warrants further investigation into operational efficiencies or strategic initiatives.
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 | ||||||
| CVS Health Corp. | ||||||
| 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.
- Economic Profit
- The economic profit exhibits considerable volatility over the five-year period. It begins with a substantial negative figure of -1890 million US dollars in 2020, sharply improves to a positive 84 million US dollars in 2021, then declines back to negative territory, with values of -195 million in 2022, -1511 million in 2023, and -1335 million in 2024. This pattern indicates short-lived profitability in 2021, followed by a return to significant losses in subsequent years, suggesting challenges in sustaining economic profit.
- Invested Capital
- The invested capital remains relatively stable across the periods evaluated. It slightly increases from 60,387 million US dollars in 2020 to 62,076 million in 2021, then gradually declines to 61,288 million in 2022, 59,651 million in 2023, and slightly rebounds to 60,065 million in 2024. This relatively stable capital base suggests consistent investment levels without major expansions or contractions.
- Economic Spread Ratio
- The economic spread ratio mirrors the trend observed in economic profit. It starts at a negative -3.13% in 2020, improves to a positive 0.14% in 2021, then deteriorates in the following years to -0.32% in 2022, -2.53% in 2023, and -2.22% in 2024. This ratio highlights an inability to generate returns above the cost of capital during most years, with only a marginal positive spread in 2021.
- Overall Insights
- The financial data reveals a company facing challenges in maintaining positive economic returns, as reflected by recurring negative economic profit and economic spread ratios in most years except 2021. The relatively stable invested capital indicates that fluctuations in economic profit are likely driven by operational performance rather than capital structure changes. The brief positive economic profit and spread in 2021 might be attributable to temporary factors or specific initiatives that were not sustained. The downward trajectory following 2021 suggests the need for strategic reassessment to enhance profitability and value creation.
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 | ||||||
| CVS Health Corp. | ||||||
| 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.
The financial data reveals several notable trends in the company's performance over the five-year period ending in 2024.
- Economic Profit
- The economic profit figures exhibit considerable volatility, starting with a significant loss of 1890 million US dollars in 2020, followed by an improvement to a positive economic profit of 84 million in 2021. However, this improvement was not sustained, as losses reemerged in subsequent years, with economic profit declining to -195 million in 2022 and further deteriorating to -1511 million and -1335 million in 2023 and 2024, respectively. This pattern indicates challenges in consistently generating economic value beyond the company's cost of capital.
- Net Sales
- Net sales demonstrate a generally positive trend, increasing from 34,608 million US dollars in 2020 to 43,075 million in 2021 and slightly higher to 43,653 million in 2022. However, there was a decline to 40,109 million in 2023 before a partial recovery to 41,950 million in 2024. Despite this fluctuation, net sales remain higher in the latter years compared to the initial year, suggesting overall top-line growth patterns with some recent volatility likely impacting profitability.
- Economic Profit Margin
- The economic profit margin follows a trajectory reflecting economic profit trends. Starting with a negative margin of -5.46% in 2020, the margin improved to a marginally positive 0.19% in 2021. Subsequently, it turned negative again, moving to -0.45% in 2022 and deteriorating further to -3.77% in 2023 and -3.18% in 2024. This confirms that despite revenue increases, the company has struggled to convert sales into economic profit consistently, largely operating under economic loss conditions after 2021.
In summary, the company experienced initial improvement in economic profitability in 2021, but this was not sustained in following years, despite growth in net sales. The decline in economic profit and its margin from 2022 onwards suggests rising costs, diminishing returns, or other operational challenges impacting the capacity to generate economic value beyond capital expenses. These patterns warrant further investigation into underlying cost structures and strategic adjustments to restore consistent economic profitability.