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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Economic Profit
United Parcel Service Inc., 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
= – × =
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- There was a significant increase in NOPAT from 1,136 million USD in 2020 to a peak of 15,125 million USD in 2021. Following this peak, NOPAT declined steadily over the next three years, reaching 6,582 million USD in 2024. This indicates a strong profit performance in 2021, followed by a noticeable downward trend thereafter.
- Cost of Capital
- The cost of capital showed slight fluctuations over the five-year period. It increased from 12.34% in 2020 to a peak of 13.03% in 2022, before gradually decreasing to 12.27% by 2024. This suggests a marginal rise in the expense of capital until 2022, with a moderate easing in subsequent years.
- Invested Capital
- Invested capital rose consistently from 33,181 million USD in 2020 to 48,150 million USD in 2024. The growth was steady but relatively moderate in annual increments, reflecting ongoing investment or asset base expansion over time.
- Economic Profit
- Economic profit, which represents value creation after accounting for the cost of capital, was negative in 2020 at -2,959 million USD. It turned positive and reached a high of 9,400 million USD in 2021, then declined significantly over the following years to 673 million USD by 2024. This trend mirrors the pattern observed in NOPAT, indicating diminishing profitability relative to the cost of capital after 2021.
- Overall Analysis
- The data points to a peak performance year in 2021 across key profitability metrics (NOPAT and economic profit), followed by a pronounced decrease through 2024. Despite steady growth in invested capital, the returns generated on that capital have diminished over time. The slight decrease in cost of capital after 2022 may have partially offset profit declines but has not reversed the downward trend. These trends suggest challenges in sustaining high profitability and economic value creation in recent years.
Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)
United Parcel Service Inc., 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 credit losses.
3 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income.
4 2024 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =
5 2024 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =
6 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income.
7 2024 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =
8 Elimination of after taxes investment income.
- Net Income Trend
- The net income shows significant volatility over the analyzed period. It started relatively low at 1,343 million USD in 2020, then experienced a sharp increase to 12,890 million USD in 2021. Following that peak, net income declined to 11,548 million USD in 2022, and continued to decrease more substantially in 2023 and 2024, reaching 6,708 million USD and 5,782 million USD respectively. This indicates a strong peak in profitability in 2021 followed by a steady decline, though it remains above the initial 2020 level.
- NOPAT (Net Operating Profit After Taxes) Trend
- The NOPAT also exhibits a similar pattern to net income, beginning at 1,136 million USD in 2020. Thereafter, it rose markedly to 15,125 million USD in 2021, representing the highest value within the period. It then experienced a decrease, falling to 12,726 million USD in 2022, and continued to decline in the subsequent years to 7,622 million USD in 2023 and 6,582 million USD in 2024. Despite the decline after 2021, the NOPAT levels in the later years remain notably higher than those at the start of the period.
- Overall Pattern
- Both key profitability metrics—net income and NOPAT—reflect a peak in 2021 followed by a downward trend through 2024. The declines from the peak values are quite pronounced, suggesting that the company faced challenges impacting profitability after 2021. Nevertheless, profitability metrics have not returned to the low levels seen in 2020, indicating retained periodic strength despite the decreases.
Cash Operating Taxes
United Parcel Service Inc., 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).
- Income Tax Expense
- The income tax expense exhibits significant volatility across the observed periods. There is a substantial increase from 501 million USD in 2020 to 3,705 million USD in 2021, indicating a sharp rise in tax liabilities or taxable income during that year. Subsequently, the tax expense decreases slightly but remains elevated at 3,277 million USD in 2022. Following 2022, a notable downward trend occurs with the tax expense falling to 1,865 million USD in 2023 and further down to 1,660 million USD in 2024. This pattern suggests a peak in tax expense in the early years followed by a considerable reduction towards the later years.
- Cash Operating Taxes
- Cash operating taxes show a more consistent upward movement initially, rising from 1,520 million USD in 2020 to 2,219 million USD in 2021, and further increasing to 2,913 million USD in 2022. Despite the initial rise, the trend reverses after 2022, with cash operating taxes decreasing to 1,861 million USD in 2023. However, there is a slight increase again in 2024 to 1,889 million USD. Overall, cash operating taxes demonstrate a growing burden through the first three years, followed by a reduction and a minor rebound in the final year.
- Comparison and Insights
- While both income tax expense and cash operating taxes start at relatively lower levels in 2020 and rise significantly in the subsequent years, income tax expense peaks higher and declines more sharply than cash operating taxes. The divergence in their trajectories after 2022 indicates possible changes in tax strategies, timing differences between accrued tax expense and actual cash paid, or adjustments related to deferred tax assets or liabilities. The fluctuations suggest a dynamic tax environment with a shift toward lower reported tax expenses and cash taxes in the recent years, potentially reflecting changes in profitability, tax planning measures, or regulatory impacts.
Invested Capital
United Parcel Service Inc., 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 equity equivalents to equity for controlling interests.
5 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.
6 Subtraction of construction-in-progress.
7 Subtraction of marketable securities.
- Total reported debt & leases
- The total reported debt and leases exhibit a fluctuating but generally declining trend over the five-year period. Starting from $27,754 million at the end of 2020, the figure decreased to $23,521 million by the end of 2022, followed by a rise to $26,729 million in 2023, before dipping again to $25,652 million in 2024. This pattern suggests some variability in debt management, possibly influenced by financing activities or capital expenditure requirements.
- Equity for controlling interests
- Equity for controlling interests shows a significant increase between 2020 and 2021, rising sharply from $657 million to $14,253 million. This upward trajectory continued, albeit at a slower pace, reaching $19,786 million in 2022. However, equity decreased moderately in the subsequent years to $17,306 million in 2023 and further to $16,718 million in 2024. The initial surge might reflect strong retained earnings or capital injections, while the later decline could suggest share repurchases, dividends, or losses impacting shareholder equity.
- Invested capital
- Invested capital demonstrates a consistent upward trend throughout the period. Starting at $33,181 million in 2020, it increased steadily each year, reaching $44,780 million in 2022 and continuing to rise to $48,150 million by the end of 2024. This gradual growth indicates ongoing investment in the company’s assets, potentially reflecting expansion or enhancement of operational capacity.
Cost of Capital
United Parcel Service Inc., cost of capital calculations
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, including current maturities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, including current maturities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (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 Long-term debt, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, including current maturities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (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 Long-term debt, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, including current maturities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (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 Long-term debt, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, including current maturities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (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 Long-term debt, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
Economic Spread Ratio
United Parcel Service Inc., 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 | ||||||
| FedEx Corp. | ||||||
| Uber Technologies Inc. | ||||||
| Union Pacific Corp. | ||||||
| United Airlines Holdings 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 demonstrated substantial volatility over the analyzed period. Starting with a significant loss of 2,959 million US dollars in 2020, the company recorded a notable turnaround in 2021 with a positive economic profit of 9,400 million US dollars. This positive trend continued in 2022, although the amount decreased to 6,892 million US dollars. Subsequently, economic profit showed a declining pattern, falling sharply to 1,917 million US dollars in 2023 and further down to 673 million US dollars in 2024. This indicates a weakening in the incremental profits after covering the cost of capital in the most recent years.
- Invested Capital
- The invested capital experienced a steady increase throughout the period. From 33,181 million US dollars in 2020, it rose to 44,396 million US dollars in 2021, followed by a moderate increase to 44,780 million US dollars in 2022. The growth continued at a slower pace, reaching 45,460 million US dollars in 2023, and then further increasing to 48,150 million US dollars in 2024. This consistent rise suggests ongoing investment and asset accumulation over the years.
- Economic Spread Ratio
- The economic spread ratio, reflecting the difference between the return on invested capital and the cost of capital, showed a marked shift. Beginning with a negative ratio of -8.92% in 2020, it jumped to a high positive level of 21.17% in 2021, indicating a strong capacity to generate returns above the cost of capital. However, the ratio declined in the following years to 15.39% in 2022, then sharply decreased to 4.22% in 2023, and further reduced to 1.4% in 2024. This trend points to a diminishing spread and weakening profitability on invested capital in recent years.
Economic Profit Margin
United Parcel Service Inc., 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 | ||||||
| Revenue | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic profit margin2 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3 | ||||||
| FedEx Corp. | ||||||
| Uber Technologies Inc. | ||||||
| Union Pacific Corp. | ||||||
| United Airlines Holdings 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 ÷ Revenue
= 100 × ÷ =
3 Click competitor name to see calculations.
- Revenue Trend
- The revenue displays an overall upward trend from 2020 to 2022, increasing from approximately 84.6 billion to over 100.3 billion US dollars. However, there is a noticeable decline in revenue in 2023, dropping to about 90.9 billion, followed by a minor increase to approximately 91.1 billion in 2024. This pattern suggests a peak in revenue around 2022, with a subsequent reduction and slight stabilization.
- Economic Profit
- There is a significant fluctuation in economic profit over the period. In 2020, the economic profit was negative, at about -2.96 billion US dollars, indicating a loss in value creation during that year. In 2021, economic profit soared sharply to 9.4 billion, highlighting a strong improvement in value generation. Following this peak, economic profit declines steadily over the next three years to 6.9 billion in 2022, 1.9 billion in 2023, and further down to 0.7 billion in 2024. This suggests that while profitability was restored and strengthened after 2020, economic profit has faced pressure and diminishing returns more recently.
- Economic Profit Margin
- The economic profit margin aligns with the pattern observed in economic profit, showing initial improvement from a negative margin of -3.5% in 2020 to a positive peak of 9.66% in 2021. This margin decreases progressively in the following years, dropping to 6.87% in 2022, then down to 2.11% and finally to 0.74% in 2024. The diminishing margin despite relatively stable revenue post-2021 points to decreasing efficiency or increasing costs impacting the company's ability to convert revenue into economic profit.