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.
Economic Profit
Johnson & Johnson, economic profit calculation
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).
1 NOPAT. See details »
2 Cost of capital. See details »
3 Invested capital. See details »
4 2025 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= 28,330 – 8.71% × 138,153 = 16,298
The analysis of economic profit from 2021 to 2025 reveals a period of significant volatility followed by a robust recovery in value creation. After a sustained decline that reached a trough in 2023, there is a sharp upward trajectory in both operating performance and overall economic profit by the end of the period.
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- A substantial contraction is observed between 2021 and 2023, with NOPAT falling from 18,861 million USD to 8,905 million USD. This represents a decline of more than 50% over two years. However, a strong recovery follows, culminating in a peak of 28,330 million USD by December 28, 2025, indicating a significant expansion in operating efficiency or revenue growth in the final two years.
- Invested Capital and Cost of Capital
- The cost of capital remained remarkably stable throughout the five-year period, fluctuating minimally between 8.63% and 8.71%. Invested capital exhibited a general upward trend, increasing from 98,066 million USD in 2021 to 138,153 million USD in 2025, despite a temporary reduction in 2023. The increase in invested capital toward the end of the period suggests a period of strategic reinvestment or asset expansion.
- Economic Profit Performance
- Economic profit experienced severe compression, dropping from 10,394 million USD in 2021 to a near-breakeven point of 274 million USD in 2023. This indicates that during 2023, the return on invested capital barely exceeded the cost of capital. By 2025, economic profit surged to 16,298 million USD, the highest level in the period analyzed, signaling an aggressive acceleration in the creation of shareholder value above the required rate of return.
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Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)
Johnson & Johnson, NOPAT calculation
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).
1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »
2 Addition of increase (decrease) in allowances for doubtful accounts.
3 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net earnings.
4 2025 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= 1,400 × 3.54% = 50
5 2025 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense, net of portion capitalized = Adjusted interest expense, net of portion capitalized × Statutory income tax rate
= 1,021 × 21.00% = 214
6 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net earnings.
7 2025 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= 1,056 × 21.00% = 222
8 Elimination of after taxes investment income.
9 Elimination of discontinued operations.
The reported Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT) demonstrates considerable fluctuation over the five-year period. While net earnings exhibit volatility, NOPAT presents a distinct pattern of decline followed by recovery.
- Overall Trend
- NOPAT decreased from US$18,861 million in 2021 to US$8,905 million in 2023, representing a substantial reduction. However, a significant recovery is then observed, with NOPAT increasing to US$11,461 million in 2024 and further to US$28,330 million in 2025. This indicates a period of operational challenges followed by improved performance.
- Year-over-Year Changes
- A decrease in NOPAT of approximately 14.8% is noted between 2021 and 2022. The most significant decline occurred between 2022 and 2023, with a decrease of roughly 44.3%. Conversely, the largest increase in NOPAT was observed between 2024 and 2025, showing a growth of approximately 147.2%. The increase from 2023 to 2024 was approximately 28.7%.
- Relationship to Net Earnings
- While both NOPAT and net earnings fluctuate, they do not move in perfect correlation. For example, net earnings decreased substantially from 2021 to 2022, while the NOPAT decrease was less pronounced. In 2023, net earnings increased significantly, but NOPAT remained comparatively low. This divergence suggests factors beyond core operational profitability are influencing net earnings, such as non-operating items or accounting adjustments.
The substantial recovery in NOPAT during 2024 and 2025 suggests successful implementation of operational improvements, cost controls, or favorable market conditions. Further investigation into the drivers behind these changes is warranted to understand the sustainability of the recent performance.
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Cash Operating Taxes
Johnson & Johnson, cash operating taxes calculation
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).
The provision for taxes on income and cash operating taxes exhibited fluctuating behavior over the observed five-year period. A review of the figures reveals distinct patterns in both metrics, suggesting potential influences from changes in accounting practices, tax regulations, or operational performance.
- Provision for Taxes on Income
- The provision for taxes on income increased significantly from US$1,898 million in 2021 to US$3,784 million in 2022. This was followed by a substantial decrease to US$1,736 million in 2023. A moderate increase occurred in 2024, reaching US$2,621 million, before a considerable rise to US$5,777 million in 2025. This pattern indicates considerable volatility, potentially linked to one-time gains or losses, changes in tax rates, or alterations in deferred tax assets and liabilities.
- Cash Operating Taxes
- Cash operating taxes demonstrated an upward trend from US$4,010 million in 2021 to US$5,411 million in 2022, mirroring the increase observed in the provision for taxes on income. A further increase to US$5,700 million occurred in 2023, representing the highest value in the observed period. Subsequently, cash operating taxes decreased to US$4,692 million in 2024 and continued to decline to US$4,232 million in 2025. This suggests a potential decoupling from the provision for taxes on income in the later years, possibly due to timing differences in tax payments or changes in tax credits utilized.
The divergence between the provision for taxes on income and cash operating taxes is particularly noticeable in 2024 and 2025. While the provision for taxes on income increased substantially in 2025, cash operating taxes decreased. This discrepancy warrants further investigation to determine the underlying causes, such as changes in the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards, installment payments, or other tax planning strategies. The fluctuations observed in both metrics suggest a dynamic tax environment and the potential for significant impacts on future financial performance.
- Relationship between Metrics
- In 2021, 2022, and 2023, cash operating taxes were consistently higher than the provision for taxes on income. However, this relationship shifted in 2024 and 2025, with the provision for taxes on income exceeding cash operating taxes. This reversal could indicate a build-up of deferred tax liabilities or a change in the timing of tax payments relative to reported income.
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Invested Capital
Johnson & Johnson, invested capital calculation (financing approach)
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).
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 shareholders’ equity.
5 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.
6 Subtraction of construction in progress.
7 Subtraction of current marketable securities.
The invested capital of the company exhibited a fluctuating pattern over the five-year period. Total reported debt & leases and shareholders’ equity, the components of invested capital, both demonstrated variability during this time. An initial increase in invested capital was followed by a period of decline and subsequent growth.
- Invested Capital Trend
- Invested capital increased from US$98,066 million in 2021 to US$113,818 million in 2022, representing a substantial rise. This was followed by a decrease to US$99,118 million in 2023. A further increase was observed in 2024, reaching US$106,513 million, before a significant jump to US$138,153 million in 2025. This suggests a period of expansion followed by consolidation and then renewed growth.
- Debt & Leases
- Total reported debt & leases increased from US$34,751 million in 2021 to US$40,959 million in 2022. A notable decrease occurred in 2023, with debt falling to US$30,432 million. Debt levels then rose again in 2024 to US$37,834 million, and continued to increase substantially in 2025, reaching US$49,333 million. This indicates a dynamic debt management strategy, potentially influenced by investment opportunities or financing needs.
- Shareholders’ Equity
- Shareholders’ equity showed a modest increase from US$74,023 million in 2021 to US$76,804 million in 2022. A decline was then recorded in 2023, with equity decreasing to US$68,774 million. Equity recovered somewhat in 2024, reaching US$71,490 million, and experienced a more significant increase in 2025, rising to US$81,544 million. These fluctuations may be attributable to profitability, dividend payouts, and share repurchase activities.
The substantial increase in invested capital in 2025 appears to be driven by a combination of increased debt and shareholders’ equity. The relative contributions of each component to the overall invested capital change over time, suggesting shifts in the company’s capital structure.
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Cost of Capital
Johnson & Johnson, cost of capital calculations
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | 580,448) | 580,448) | ÷ | 628,081) | = | 0.92 | 0.92 | × | 9.19% | = | 8.50% | ||
| Borrowings3 | 46,233) | 46,233) | ÷ | 628,081) | = | 0.07 | 0.07 | × | 3.54% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.21% | ||
| Operating lease liability4 | 1,400) | 1,400) | ÷ | 628,081) | = | 0.00 | 0.00 | × | 3.54% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.01% | ||
| Total: | 628,081) | 1.00 | 8.71% | ||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-28).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Borrowings. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | 378,598) | 378,598) | ÷ | 414,432) | = | 0.91 | 0.91 | × | 9.19% | = | 8.40% | ||
| Borrowings3 | 34,634) | 34,634) | ÷ | 414,432) | = | 0.08 | 0.08 | × | 3.48% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.23% | ||
| Operating lease liability4 | 1,200) | 1,200) | ÷ | 414,432) | = | 0.00 | 0.00 | × | 3.48% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.01% | ||
| Total: | 414,432) | 1.00 | 8.64% | ||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-29).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Borrowings. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | 377,093) | 377,093) | ÷ | 406,525) | = | 0.93 | 0.93 | × | 9.19% | = | 8.53% | ||
| Borrowings3 | 28,332) | 28,332) | ÷ | 406,525) | = | 0.07 | 0.07 | × | 3.14% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.17% | ||
| Operating lease liability4 | 1,100) | 1,100) | ÷ | 406,525) | = | 0.00 | 0.00 | × | 3.14% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.01% | ||
| Total: | 406,525) | 1.00 | 8.71% | ||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Borrowings. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | 412,102) | 412,102) | ÷ | 451,461) | = | 0.91 | 0.91 | × | 9.19% | = | 8.39% | ||
| Borrowings3 | 38,059) | 38,059) | ÷ | 451,461) | = | 0.08 | 0.08 | × | 3.38% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.23% | ||
| Operating lease liability4 | 1,300) | 1,300) | ÷ | 451,461) | = | 0.00 | 0.00 | × | 3.38% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.01% | ||
| Total: | 451,461) | 1.00 | 8.63% | ||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Borrowings. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | 436,958) | 436,958) | ÷ | 474,909) | = | 0.92 | 0.92 | × | 9.19% | = | 8.46% | ||
| Borrowings3 | 36,951) | 36,951) | ÷ | 474,909) | = | 0.08 | 0.08 | × | 2.76% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.17% | ||
| Operating lease liability4 | 1,000) | 1,000) | ÷ | 474,909) | = | 0.00 | 0.00 | × | 2.76% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.00% | ||
| Total: | 474,909) | 1.00 | 8.63% | ||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Borrowings. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
Economic Spread Ratio
Johnson & Johnson, economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Dec 28, 2025 | Dec 29, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | 16,298) | 2,262) | 274) | 6,299) | 10,394) | |
| Invested capital2 | 138,153) | 106,513) | 99,118) | 113,818) | 98,066) | |
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic spread ratio3 | 11.80% | 2.12% | 0.28% | 5.53% | 10.60% | |
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4 | ||||||
| AbbVie Inc. | 0.94% | -2.00% | -3.71% | 5.70% | 5.06% | |
| Amgen Inc. | 6.43% | -0.37% | 2.44% | 6.99% | 6.98% | |
| Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | 5.87% | -21.81% | 1.75% | -0.98% | 1.30% | |
| Danaher Corp. | -10.61% | -10.78% | -11.55% | -6.54% | -5.71% | |
| Eli Lilly & Co. | 30.40% | 14.74% | 1.67% | 8.77% | 10.43% | |
| Gilead Sciences Inc. | 12.84% | -10.25% | 3.06% | -0.06% | 6.94% | |
| Merck & Co. Inc. | 10.74% | 13.61% | -8.68% | 11.50% | 11.65% | |
| Pfizer Inc. | -3.53% | -3.21% | -9.33% | 18.17% | 11.34% | |
| Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 14.06% | 16.88% | 13.68% | 19.05% | 62.80% | |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. | -7.36% | -8.16% | -8.63% | -6.88% | -4.86% | |
| Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 21.07% | -22.58% | 11.37% | 14.12% | 15.33% | |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 Invested capital. See details »
3 2025 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × 16,298 ÷ 138,153 = 11.80%
4 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The analysis of economic value creation reveals a period of significant volatility characterized by a severe contraction between 2021 and 2023, followed by a robust recovery through 2025.
- Economic Profit Trends
- A substantial decline in economic profit was observed from 2021 to 2023, falling from 10,394 million US$ to a low of 274 million US$. This downward trend reversed in 2024, with profit increasing to 2,262 million US$, and accelerated sharply in 2025 to reach a period high of 16,298 million US$.
- Invested Capital Dynamics
- Invested capital showed fluctuations during the analyzed period. After an initial increase to 113,818 million US$ in 2022, a contraction occurred in 2023 to 99,118 million US$. Subsequently, capital investment expanded steadily, concluding at 138,153 million US$ by December 2025.
- Economic Spread Ratio Analysis
- The economic spread ratio mirrored the trajectory of economic profit, exhibiting a steep decline from 10.60% in 2021 to a near-breakeven point of 0.28% in 2023. This indicates a period where the return on invested capital only marginally exceeded the cost of capital. A strong recovery followed, with the ratio rising to 2.12% in 2024 and peaking at 11.80% in 2025, suggesting a significant improvement in value creation efficiency.
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Economic Profit Margin
Johnson & Johnson, economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Dec 28, 2025 | Dec 29, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | 16,298) | 2,262) | 274) | 6,299) | 10,394) | |
| Sales to customers | 94,193) | 88,821) | 85,159) | 94,943) | 93,775) | |
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic profit margin2 | 17.30% | 2.55% | 0.32% | 6.63% | 11.08% | |
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3 | ||||||
| AbbVie Inc. | 0.94% | -2.46% | -4.66% | 8.07% | 8.64% | |
| Amgen Inc. | 10.72% | -0.73% | 6.36% | 11.19% | 11.56% | |
| Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | 7.22% | -28.29% | 2.63% | -1.52% | 2.25% | |
| Danaher Corp. | -32.52% | -33.26% | -37.91% | -16.24% | -14.27% | |
| Eli Lilly & Co. | 23.13% | 11.71% | 1.44% | 7.46% | 9.62% | |
| Gilead Sciences Inc. | 19.02% | -15.88% | 5.21% | -0.10% | 12.29% | |
| Merck & Co. Inc. | 16.19% | 16.85% | -10.10% | 14.35% | 16.92% | |
| Pfizer Inc. | -7.87% | -6.83% | -24.25% | 19.89% | 12.10% | |
| Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 12.98% | 14.80% | 12.48% | 19.18% | 42.46% | |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. | -15.56% | -15.61% | -17.23% | -12.68% | -9.89% | |
| Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 18.58% | -18.54% | 15.26% | 20.83% | 18.99% | |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-29), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 2025 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Sales to customers
= 100 × 16,298 ÷ 94,193 = 17.30%
3 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The financial performance from 2021 through 2025 is characterized by significant volatility in economic value creation, despite relatively stable top-line revenue. A profound contraction in economic profit occurred between 2021 and 2023, followed by a rapid and substantial recovery ending in a five-year peak in 2025.
- Economic Profit Trends
- Economic profit experienced a sharp decline from 10,394 million USD in 2021 to a low of 274 million USD in 2023. This represents a near-total erosion of economic value added over a two-year period. However, a recovery trend began in 2024 with a rise to 2,262 million USD, culminating in a substantial surge to 16,298 million USD by December 28, 2025, marking the highest value creation in the analyzed period.
- Sales to Customers Performance
- Revenue remained comparatively stable, fluctuating within a narrow range. After a slight increase to 94,943 million USD in 2022, sales dipped to 85,159 million USD in 2023. A gradual recovery followed, with sales returning to 94,193 million USD by 2025, effectively returning to 2021 levels.
- Economic Profit Margin Analysis
- The economic profit margin exhibits a volatile trajectory that mirrors the absolute economic profit. The margin fell from 11.08% in 2021 to a marginal 0.32% in 2023, indicating that the company barely exceeded its cost of capital during that year. This was followed by a modest increase to 2.55% in 2024 and a significant expansion to 17.30% in 2025. The disparity between the stability of sales and the volatility of the margin suggests that the changes in economic profit were driven by factors other than revenue volume, such as shifts in operating costs or changes in the capital charge.
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