Stock Analysis on Net

Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE:XOM)

$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

Exxon Mobil Corp., 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 demonstrates significant fluctuations in the company's profitability and invested capital over the analyzed period. A detailed review reveals the following trends and observations:

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
NOPAT experienced a substantial decline in 2020, reaching a negative value of approximately -34.1 billion US dollars. This was followed by a robust recovery in 2021, where NOPAT turned positive, rising sharply to about 32.7 billion US dollars. The upward trend continued into 2022, with NOPAT further increasing to approximately 62.7 billion US dollars, indicating a strong operational performance. However, in 2023 and 2024, NOPAT showed a decline, falling to around 37.9 billion and 31.5 billion US dollars respectively, suggesting some pressures on profitability or operational challenges in the more recent periods.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital steadily increased throughout the period, starting from 10.77% in 2020 and rising to 12.79% by 2024. This steady increase may imply rising risks perceived by investors or increased financing costs, which could exert pressure on the company's investment decisions and economic profit generation.
Invested Capital
Invested capital remained relatively stable between 2020 and 2021, around 273-274 billion US dollars. It increased moderately to about 297 billion US dollars in 2022, and further to approximately 307 billion US dollars in 2023. The most significant rise occurred in 2024, with invested capital reaching nearly 379 billion US dollars. The upward trend reflects ongoing investments or asset growth, suggesting an expansion of the company's operational base or capital structure.
Economic Profit
Economic profit, which reflects value creation after accounting for the cost of capital, was deeply negative in 2020 at around -63.6 billion US dollars, aligning with the negative NOPAT and indicating value destruction. In 2021, economic profit improved dramatically, nearly reaching break-even at -8 million US dollars. The year 2022 marked positive economic profit of 24.9 billion US dollars, signaling value creation. However, in 2023 and 2024, economic profit again declined sharply, registering negative values of approximately -1 billion and -17 billion US dollars respectively, suggesting that despite positive NOPAT figures in these years, the returns did not surpass the cost of capital, thus leading to value erosion.

In summary, the data reveals a volatile performance with strong operational recovery after 2020 but challenges in maintaining profitability relative to the cost of capital in the latest years. The rising invested capital indicates strategic expansion or investment, but the deteriorating economic profit in 2023 and 2024 highlights potential concerns about the efficiency and returns on these investments in the context of increasing capital costs.


Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Exxon Mobil Corp., 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 (loss) attributable to ExxonMobil
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1
Increase (decrease) in reserves2
Increase (decrease) in LIFO reserve3
Increase (decrease) in restructuring reserves4
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents5
Interest expense
Interest expense, operating lease liability6
Adjusted interest expense
Tax benefit of interest expense7
Adjusted interest expense, after taxes8
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
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 reserves.

3 Addition of increase (decrease) in LIFO reserve. See details »

4 Addition of increase (decrease) in restructuring reserves.

5 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income (loss) attributable to ExxonMobil.

6 2024 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =

7 2024 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

8 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income (loss) attributable to ExxonMobil.


The financial data reveals significant fluctuations in the profitability metrics over the five-year period ending December 31, 2024. Both net income and net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) demonstrate notable volatility, reflecting changing business dynamics and external factors impacting the company.

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ExxonMobil
The company experienced a substantial net loss in the year 2020, with a figure of negative $22.44 billion. This was followed by a strong recovery in 2021, marked by a sharp turnaround to a net income of $23.04 billion. The upward trend continued robustly into 2022, reaching a peak of $55.74 billion, which represents the highest profit in the examined period. However, the subsequent years showed a moderation in profitability, with net income declining to $36.01 billion in 2023 and further to $33.68 billion in 2024. Despite these decreases, profits remained significantly positive compared to the loss in 2020.
Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
Similar to net income, NOPAT followed a correlated pattern. The year 2020 registered a pronounced negative figure of $34.10 billion, indicating operational challenges and tax impacts during that period. Recovery commenced in 2021 with NOPAT switching to a positive $32.74 billion, followed by a peak in 2022 at $62.75 billion, surpassing the net income peak and underscoring efficient operational performance. Afterwards, NOPAT experienced a decline to $37.86 billion in 2023 and further contraction to $31.48 billion in 2024. These trends suggest the company maintained operational profitability after taxes but faced headwinds causing reduced returns post-2022.

Overall, the data indicates that the company underwent a significant turnaround after 2020, reflecting recovery from adverse conditions that year. The peak in 2022 represents a period of considerable profitability, although the subsequent decline in the following two years points to either reduced market conditions, increased costs, or other operational challenges. Despite the decline post-2022, the company remained profitable with both net income and NOPAT well above the negative values seen in 2020.


Cash Operating Taxes

Exxon Mobil Corp., 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
Income tax expense (benefit)
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Add: Tax savings from interest expense
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).


The financial data exhibits significant fluctuations in both income tax expense (benefit) and cash operating taxes over the observed five-year period.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
The income tax expense started with a substantial benefit of -5,632 million USD at the end of 2020, indicating a tax advantage or credit in that year. However, this shifted markedly in 2021, changing to a positive expense of 7,636 million USD. The upward trend continued into 2022, peaking at 20,176 million USD. Although there was a decline in 2023 to 15,429 million USD, the figure remained significantly elevated compared to 2021 and 2020. By 2024, the expense decreased slightly further to 13,810 million USD, yet maintaining a higher level than in the initial years.
Cash Operating Taxes
The cash operating taxes demonstrate a strong growth trajectory from 2,695 million USD in 2020 to 7,904 million USD in 2021. This upward momentum accelerated, reaching 16,789 million USD in 2022. Following this peak, cash operating taxes slightly declined to 14,713 million USD in 2023 but rebounded modestly to 14,916 million USD in 2024. The overall pattern suggests a multi-year increase with a peak in 2022, followed by stabilization at a high level.

Overall, both tax-related metrics indicate increased tax obligations and cash outflows in the recent years, especially from 2021 onwards. The simultaneous rise in income tax expense and cash operating taxes reflects heightened tax liabilities that stabilize but remain elevated compared to 2020 levels. The initial benefit observed in 2020 may represent one-time tax credits or adjustments, followed by normalization or growth in tax expenses consistent with business conditions in the subsequent years.


Invested Capital

Exxon Mobil Corp., 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
Notes and loans payable
Long-term debt, excluding due within one year
Operating lease liability1
Total reported debt & leases
Total ExxonMobil share of equity
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2
Reserves3
LIFO reserve4
Restructuring reserves5
Equity equivalents6
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax7
Noncontrolling interests
Adjusted total ExxonMobil share of equity
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 allowance for doubtful accounts receivable.

4 Addition of LIFO reserve. See details »

5 Addition of restructuring reserves.

6 Addition of equity equivalents to total ExxonMobil share of equity.

7 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.


Total reported debt & leases
The total reported debt and leases exhibit a significant downward trend from 2020 to 2022, decreasing from $72,802 million to $46,787 million. This reduction suggests a strategy of debt reduction or improved liability management. From 2022 onwards, the figure stabilizes, with a slight increase to $48,188 million by 2024, indicating a relatively steady level of debt in the most recent periods.
Total ExxonMobil share of equity
Shareholder equity shows a consistent upward trend over the entire period. Starting at $157,150 million in 2020, it increases steadily each year, reaching a notable $263,705 million in 2024. This growth reflects strengthening equity positions, possibly driven by retained earnings, asset appreciation, or additional capital infusion.
Invested capital
Invested capital remains relatively stable between 2020 and 2021, with a slight slight decline from $273,920 million to $272,673 million. From 2021 onwards, invested capital steadily rises, reaching $378,995 million in 2024. This upward trend may indicate increased investments in assets or expansion initiatives to support long-term operational growth.

Overall, the financial data indicates a strategic reduction and subsequent stabilization of debt, coupled with strong growth in shareholder equity. The increase in invested capital alongside equity growth suggests ongoing investment in operational capacity supported by a solid equity base, contributing to a potentially stronger financial position over the assessed period.


Cost of Capital

Exxon Mobil Corp., 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

Exxon Mobil Corp., 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
Chevron Corp.
ConocoPhillips
Occidental Petroleum Corp.

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 demonstrates a volatile pattern over the observed period. It began with a significant negative value in 2020 at -63,593 million US dollars, sharply improving to near zero by 2021. The year 2022 showed a strong positive economic profit of 24,951 million US dollars, indicating a substantial turnaround. However, this positive trend did not sustain, as 2023 and 2024 reverted to negative values, with economic profit declining to -1,005 million and further dropping to -17,000 million US dollars respectively.
Invested Capital
Invested capital has exhibited a consistent upward trajectory throughout the period. Starting at 273,920 million US dollars in 2020, it slightly decreased in 2021 to 272,673 million but then increased steadily in the subsequent years, reaching 378,995 million US dollars by 2024. This indicates continual growth in the amount of capital employed in the business despite fluctuations in profitability.
Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio, which measures the difference between returns and cost of capital, fluctuates alongside economic profit. It was deeply negative in 2020 at -23.22%, improving to nearly zero in 2021, and becoming positive at 8.4% in 2022. This reflects an improved ability to generate returns above capital costs in that year. However, the ratio turned negative again in 2023 and worsened further in 2024, reaching -4.49%, signifying diminishing value creation relative to capital costs in the latter periods.

Economic Profit Margin

Exxon Mobil Corp., 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
Sales and other operating revenue
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
Chevron Corp.
ConocoPhillips
Occidental Petroleum Corp.

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 ÷ Sales and other operating revenue
= 100 × ÷ =

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Sales and Other Operating Revenue
The revenue exhibits a general upward trend from 178,574 million US$ in 2020 to 339,247 million US$ in 2024, indicating growth over the five-year period. There is a notable sharp increase from 2020 to 2022, reaching 398,675 million US$ in 2022. Following this peak, revenue declined in 2023 to 334,697 million US$ before experiencing a slight rise in 2024 to 339,247 million US$.
Economic Profit
The economic profit shows significant volatility during the period. It starts at a highly negative value of -63,593 million US$ in 2020, improves dramatically to -8 million US$ in 2021, and turns strongly positive to 24,951 million US$ in 2022. However, economic profit drops sharply again to -1,005 million US$ in 2023 and further declines to -17,000 million US$ in 2024. This pattern reflects instability in profitability despite the overall increase in revenue.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin mirrors the trend in economic profit, beginning at -35.61% in 2020 and improving substantially to nearly 0% in 2021. It reaches a positive margin of 6.26% in 2022, then deteriorates back to negative territory at -0.3% in 2023 and further to -5.01% in 2024. This ratio underscores the fluctuations in the company’s efficiency in generating economic profit relative to its sales.
Overall Analysis
The data reveals a period characterized by significant revenue growth alongside pronounced fluctuations in economic profitability. The peak in economic profit and margin in 2022 coincides with the highest revenue figure, suggesting a temporary alignment of sales growth and profitable operations. The subsequent declines in economic profit and margin in 2023 and 2024, despite relatively stable revenue levels, indicate challenges in maintaining profitability or increased costs or investments impacting economic returns.