Stock Analysis on Net

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)

$24.99

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
Cost of capital2
Invested capital3
 
Economic profit4

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
= × =


The period demonstrates fluctuating economic profit alongside changes in net operating profit after taxes, cost of capital, and invested capital. A notable pattern emerges when examining the relationship between these components.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
NOPAT experienced a decline from US$18,861 million in 2021 to US$16,117 million in 2022. A significant decrease followed in 2023, reaching US$8,905 million. A partial recovery was observed in 2024, with NOPAT increasing to US$11,461 million, before a substantial rise to US$28,330 million in 2025.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital remained relatively stable at 8.57% in both 2021 and 2022. A slight increase to 8.65% was recorded in 2023, followed by a decrease to 8.58% in 2024, and then returning to 8.65% in 2025. These fluctuations were minimal and did not appear to have a drastic impact on economic profit.
Invested Capital
Invested capital increased from US$98,066 million in 2021 to US$113,818 million in 2022. A decrease was then observed in 2023, falling to US$99,118 million. It rose again in 2024 to US$106,513 million, and experienced a considerable increase in 2025, reaching US$138,153 million. The trend in invested capital does not directly correlate with the economic profit trend.
Economic Profit
Economic profit mirrored the NOPAT trend to some extent. It decreased from US$10,453 million in 2021 to US$6,368 million in 2022, and then dramatically to US$334 million in 2023. A modest recovery occurred in 2024, with economic profit reaching US$2,326 million, followed by a substantial increase to US$16,382 million in 2025. The largest decline in economic profit coincided with the lowest NOPAT value in 2023, while the largest increase in economic profit coincided with the highest NOPAT value in 2025.

The significant increase in both NOPAT and invested capital in 2025 resulted in the highest economic profit observed during the period. Conversely, the combination of declining NOPAT and a relatively stable cost of capital led to the lowest economic profit in 2023. The period highlights the sensitivity of economic profit to changes in NOPAT, even with a consistent cost of capital.


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
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1
Increase (decrease) in allowances for doubtful accounts2
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents3
Interest expense, net of portion capitalized
Interest expense, operating lease liability4
Adjusted interest expense, net of portion capitalized
Tax benefit of interest expense, net of portion capitalized5
Adjusted interest expense, net of portion capitalized, after taxes6
Interest income
Investment income, before taxes
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income7
Investment income, after taxes8
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax9
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)

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
= × =

5 2025 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense, net of portion capitalized = Adjusted interest expense, net of portion capitalized × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

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
= × 21.00% =

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.


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
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Add: Tax savings from interest expense, net of portion capitalized
Less: Tax imposed on investment income
Cash operating taxes

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.

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
Long-term debt, excluding current portion
Operating lease liability1
Total reported debt & leases
Shareholders’ equity
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2
Allowances for doubtful accounts3
Equity equivalents4
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax5
Adjusted shareholders’ equity
Construction in progress6
Current marketable securities7
Invested capital

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.


Cost of Capital

Johnson & Johnson, cost of capital calculations

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Borrowings3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

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 ÷ = × =
Borrowings3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

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 ÷ = × =
Borrowings3 ÷ = × × (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 Borrowings. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Borrowings3 ÷ = × × (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 Borrowings. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Borrowings3 ÷ = × × (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 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
Invested capital2
Performance Ratio
Economic spread ratio3
Benchmarks
Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4
AbbVie Inc.
Amgen Inc.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
Danaher Corp.
Eli Lilly & Co.
Gilead Sciences Inc.
Merck & Co. Inc.
Pfizer Inc.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.

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 × ÷ =

4 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The economic spread ratio exhibited considerable fluctuation over the five-year period. Initial values were strong, followed by a significant decline, and then a substantial recovery. A detailed examination of the trends reveals key insights into the company’s performance and capital allocation efficiency.

Economic Spread Ratio Trend
In 2021, the economic spread ratio stood at 10.66%. This figure decreased substantially to 5.59% in 2022, representing a decline in the return generated on invested capital relative to the cost of that capital. The ratio continued to fall dramatically in 2023, reaching a low of 0.34%, indicating a minimal spread between economic profit and the cost of invested capital. A recovery began in 2024, with the ratio increasing to 2.18%. This positive trend accelerated in 2025, culminating in a ratio of 11.86%, surpassing the 2021 level and suggesting improved capital efficiency.

The economic spread ratio’s movement closely mirrors the changes in economic profit. The substantial decrease in economic profit from 2021 to 2023 directly contributed to the decline in the economic spread ratio. The subsequent increase in economic profit in 2024 and 2025 drove the ratio’s recovery. However, the invested capital also experienced fluctuations, influencing the overall ratio.

Invested Capital and Ratio Interaction
Invested capital increased from US$98,066 million in 2021 to US$113,818 million in 2022. While the economic spread ratio decreased in 2022, the increase in invested capital suggests the company was deploying more capital, even if the returns were lower relative to the cost. Invested capital decreased slightly in 2023 to US$99,118 million, coinciding with the lowest economic spread ratio. Further increases in invested capital were observed in 2024 (US$106,513 million) and 2025 (US$138,153 million). The significant increase in invested capital in 2025, coupled with a substantial rise in economic profit, resulted in the highest economic spread ratio of the period.

The observed patterns suggest a complex relationship between profitability, capital deployment, and the economic spread ratio. The company experienced a period of diminished returns on invested capital, followed by a recovery driven by both improved profitability and increased capital efficiency. The substantial growth in both economic profit and invested capital in 2025 indicates a potentially positive shift in the company’s ability to generate value from its investments.


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
Sales to customers
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
AbbVie Inc.
Amgen Inc.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
Danaher Corp.
Eli Lilly & Co.
Gilead Sciences Inc.
Merck & Co. Inc.
Pfizer Inc.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.

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 × ÷ =

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The economic profit exhibited substantial fluctuation over the five-year period. Initially strong, it experienced a significant decline before recovering to levels exceeding the initial value. This pattern is mirrored in the economic profit margin, which demonstrates a corresponding volatility.

Economic Profit
Economic profit began at US$10,453 million in 2021, then decreased to US$6,368 million in 2022. A dramatic reduction occurred in 2023, falling to US$334 million. A partial recovery was noted in 2024, with economic profit reaching US$2,326 million, followed by a substantial increase to US$16,382 million in 2025.
Sales to Customers
Sales to customers showed a modest increase from US$93,775 million in 2021 to US$94,943 million in 2022. A decrease was observed in 2023, with sales falling to US$85,159 million. Sales partially recovered in 2024 to US$88,821 million, and continued to rise in 2025, reaching US$94,193 million. The sales trend does not fully explain the fluctuations in economic profit.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin began at 11.15% in 2021, declining to 6.71% in 2022. A significant decrease was observed in 2023, reaching 0.39%. The margin improved to 2.62% in 2024, and then experienced a substantial increase to 17.39% in 2025. The margin’s volatility suggests a sensitivity to changes in economic profit relative to sales.

The most notable observation is the sharp decline in both economic profit and margin in 2023, followed by a strong recovery in 2025. Further investigation would be required to determine the underlying drivers of these fluctuations, such as changes in cost of capital, operating expenses, or revenue recognition policies. The 2025 results indicate a significant improvement in value creation relative to prior years.