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Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)

Economic Value Added (EVA)

Microsoft Excel

Economic Profit

Johnson & Johnson, economic profit calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 28, 2025 Dec 29, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1 28,330 11,461 8,905 16,117 18,861
Cost of capital2 9.16% 9.09% 9.16% 9.07% 9.09%
Invested capital3 138,153 106,513 99,118 113,818 98,066
 
Economic profit4 15,670 1,783 (179) 5,788 9,950

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 – 9.16% × 138,153 = 15,670


Analysis of economic profit indicates a period of significant volatility between 2021 and 2025, characterized by a transition from value creation to temporary value destruction, followed by a robust recovery.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
A downward trajectory was observed from 2021 to 2023, with NOPAT decreasing from 18,861 million to a period low of 8,905 million. A recovery began in 2024 and accelerated sharply in 2025, reaching 28,330 million, which represents a substantial increase in operational efficiency and profitability.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital remained nearly constant throughout the analyzed period, fluctuating minimally between 9.07% and 9.16%. This stability suggests that the volatility in economic profit was driven by internal operational performance and investment levels rather than shifts in external financing costs or risk premiums.
Invested Capital
Invested capital showed inconsistent growth, increasing to 113,818 million in 2022 before contracting to 99,118 million in 2023. A significant expansion of the capital base occurred in 2025, rising to 138,153 million, indicating a period of aggressive investment that coincided with the peak in NOPAT.
Economic Profit and Value Creation
Economic profit experienced a severe decline from 9,950 million in 2021 to a negative value of 179 million in 2023, indicating that the company failed to generate returns above its cost of capital during that year. The trend reversed in 2024, leading to a substantial surge in 2025 to 15,670 million, demonstrating a strong return to value creation and an improved ability to generate returns on invested capital.

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Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Johnson & Johnson, NOPAT calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 28, 2025 Dec 29, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Net earnings 26,804 14,066 35,153 17,941 20,878
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1 1,538 (2,183) (4,059) (1,663) (2,079)
Increase (decrease) in allowances for doubtful accounts2 16 1 (3) (27) (63)
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents3 1,554 (2,182) (4,062) (1,690) (2,142)
Interest expense, net of portion capitalized 971 755 772 276 183
Interest expense, operating lease liability4 50 42 35 44 28
Adjusted interest expense, net of portion capitalized 1,021 797 807 320 211
Tax benefit of interest expense, net of portion capitalized5 (214) (167) (169) (67) (44)
Adjusted interest expense, net of portion capitalized, after taxes6 806 629 637 253 166
Interest income (1,056) (1,332) (1,261) (490) (53)
Investment income, before taxes (1,056) (1,332) (1,261) (490) (53)
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income7 222 280 265 103 11
Investment income, after taxes8 (834) (1,052) (996) (387) (42)
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax9 — — (21,827) — —
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) 28,330 11,461 8,905 16,117 18,861

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

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 28, 2025 Dec 29, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Provision for taxes on income 5,777 2,621 1,736 3,784 1,898
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 1,538 (2,183) (4,059) (1,663) (2,079)
Add: Tax savings from interest expense, net of portion capitalized 214 167 169 67 44
Less: Tax imposed on investment income 222 280 265 103 11
Cash operating taxes 4,232 4,692 5,700 5,411 4,010

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

Microsoft Excel
Dec 28, 2025 Dec 29, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Loans and notes payable 8,495 5,983 3,451 12,771 3,766
Long-term debt, excluding current portion 39,438 30,651 25,881 26,888 29,985
Operating lease liability1 1,400 1,200 1,100 1,300 1,000
Total reported debt & leases 49,333 37,834 30,432 40,959 34,751
Shareholders’ equity 81,544 71,490 68,774 76,804 74,023
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2 (83) (8,013) (6,086) (2,749) (2,736)
Allowances for doubtful accounts3 183 167 166 203 230
Equity equivalents4 100 (7,846) (5,920) (2,546) (2,506)
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax5 14,930 11,741 12,527 12,967 13,058
Adjusted shareholders’ equity 96,574 75,385 75,381 87,225 84,575
Construction in progress6 (7,361) (6,289) (5,627) (4,974) (4,139)
Current marketable securities7 (393) (417) (1,068) (9,392) (17,121)
Invested capital 138,153 106,513 99,118 113,818 98,066

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 × 9.69% = 8.95%
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 9.16%

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 × 9.69% = 8.85%
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 9.09%

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 × 9.69% = 8.98%
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 9.16%

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 × 9.69% = 8.84%
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 9.07%

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 × 9.69% = 8.91%
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 9.09%

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

Microsoft Excel
Dec 28, 2025 Dec 29, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1 15,670 1,783 (179) 5,788 9,950
Invested capital2 138,153 106,513 99,118 113,818 98,066
Performance Ratio
Economic spread ratio3 11.34% 1.67% -0.18% 5.09% 10.15%
Benchmarks
Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4
AbbVie Inc. 0.54% -2.40% -4.11% 5.32% 4.71%
Amgen Inc. 6.11% -0.67% 2.15% 6.66% 6.66%
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 5.48% -22.18% 1.38% -1.40% 0.91%
Danaher Corp. -10.72% -10.89% -11.66% -6.65% -5.82%
Eli Lilly & Co. 29.94% 14.28% 1.21% 8.31% 9.99%
Gilead Sciences Inc. 12.42% -10.66% 2.68% -0.45% 6.60%
Merck & Co. Inc. 10.27% 13.14% -9.17% 11.01% 11.20%
Pfizer Inc. -3.81% -3.50% -9.60% 17.82% 10.99%
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. 13.62% 16.44% 13.24% 18.61% 62.36%
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. -7.47% -8.27% -8.74% -6.99% -4.97%
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. 20.56% -23.09% 10.85% 13.60% 14.81%

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 × 15,670 ÷ 138,153 = 11.34%

4 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The financial performance from 2021 through 2025 is characterized by a distinct V-shaped recovery in value creation. After a period of diminishing returns and temporary value destruction, a significant expansion in economic surplus was achieved.

Economic Spread Ratio Analysis
The economic spread ratio exhibited a severe contraction, falling from 10.15% in 2021 to -0.18% in 2023. This negative spread signifies that the operating return on invested capital was insufficient to cover the cost of that capital during 2023. The ratio subsequently rebounded to 1.67% in 2024 and reached a five-year high of 11.34% by late 2025, indicating a substantial improvement in capital efficiency.
Economic Profit Trends
Economic profit shifted from a strong positive position of US$ 9,950 million in 2021 to a negative US$ 179 million in 2023. The recovery phase began in 2024 with a return to profitability at US$ 1,783 million, followed by an exponential increase to US$ 15,670 million in 2025. This trajectory suggests a successful turnaround in the generation of value above the required return.
Invested Capital Deployment
Invested capital grew from US$ 98,066 million in 2021 to US$ 138,153 million in 2025. While the capital base fluctuated between 2021 and 2024, the significant jump in 2025 corresponds with the peak in economic profit and spread, suggesting that the most recent capital allocations have yielded disproportionately higher returns.

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Economic Profit Margin

Johnson & Johnson, economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 28, 2025 Dec 29, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1 15,670 1,783 (179) 5,788 9,950
Sales to customers 94,193 88,821 85,159 94,943 93,775
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2 16.64% 2.01% -0.21% 6.10% 10.61%
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
AbbVie Inc. 0.54% -2.95% -5.16% 7.52% 8.04%
Amgen Inc. 10.18% -1.32% 5.60% 10.67% 11.04%
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 6.74% -28.77% 2.07% -2.18% 1.57%
Danaher Corp. -32.86% -33.60% -38.27% -16.51% -14.53%
Eli Lilly & Co. 22.79% 11.35% 1.04% 7.07% 9.22%
Gilead Sciences Inc. 18.38% -16.51% 4.56% -0.76% 11.67%
Merck & Co. Inc. 15.48% 16.26% -10.67% 13.73% 16.26%
Pfizer Inc. -8.52% -7.44% -24.97% 19.50% 11.73%
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. 12.58% 14.42% 12.08% 18.73% 42.17%
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. -15.79% -15.83% -17.45% -12.89% -10.11%
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. 18.13% -18.96% 14.56% 20.07% 18.36%

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 × 15,670 ÷ 94,193 = 16.64%

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The analysis of economic value creation from 2021 through 2025 reveals a period of significant volatility followed by a substantial recovery. A downward trajectory in economic profit and margins was observed between 2021 and 2023, culminating in a negative economic profit in 2023. However, the subsequent two years demonstrate a sharp reversal, with 2025 marking a peak in both absolute economic profit and the economic profit margin.

Economic Profit Trend
Economic profit decreased from US$ 9,950 million in 2021 to US$ 5,788 million in 2022, before dropping to a negative US$ 179 million in 2023. A recovery began in 2024 with a profit of US$ 1,783 million, followed by a surge to US$ 15,670 million by December 28, 2025.
Sales Performance
Sales to customers exhibited less volatility than economic profit, peaking at US$ 94,943 million in 2022 and reaching a low of US$ 85,159 million in 2023. By 2025, sales returned to US$ 94,193 million. The fact that economic profit in 2025 significantly exceeded 2021 levels while sales remained comparable suggests that the increase was driven by improved capital efficiency or a reduction in the cost of capital rather than top-line growth alone.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin mirrored the absolute economic profit trend, declining from 10.61% in 2021 to -0.21% in 2023. This negative margin indicates that the company failed to generate returns exceeding its cost of capital during the 2023 fiscal year. The margin subsequently recovered to 2.01% in 2024 and expanded dramatically to 16.64% in 2025, representing the highest level of value creation within the analyzed timeframe.

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