Stock Analysis on Net

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ)

$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

Verizon Communications Inc., 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 period under review demonstrates fluctuating economic profit performance. Net operating profit after taxes exhibited an initial increase followed by a decline and subsequent recovery. Invested capital consistently increased throughout the period, while the cost of capital remained relatively stable. These factors combined to produce a varied economic profit trajectory.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
NOPAT increased from US$24,311 million in 2020 to US$29,903 million in 2021, representing a substantial gain. However, NOPAT decreased to US$28,039 million in 2022 and experienced a more significant decline to US$19,450 million in 2023. A recovery was observed in 2024, with NOPAT reaching US$24,675 million.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital decreased from 8.34% in 2020 to 7.86% in 2022, before modestly increasing to 8.05% in 2024. The fluctuations were relatively small, suggesting a stable capital structure and financing environment over the period.
Invested Capital
Invested capital showed a consistent upward trend, increasing from US$247,730 million in 2020 to US$307,881 million in 2024. This indicates ongoing investment in the business, potentially through capital expenditures or acquisitions.
Economic Profit
Economic profit mirrored the NOPAT trend. It rose from US$3,656 million in 2020 to a peak of US$6,238 million in 2021. It then decreased to US$4,338 million in 2022 and turned negative in 2023, reaching a loss of US$4,804 million. Economic profit remained negative in 2024, albeit significantly reduced to a loss of US$95 million. The negative economic profit in 2023 and 2024 suggests that the returns generated were insufficient to cover the cost of capital employed.

The divergence between increasing invested capital and declining economic profit in the later years warrants further investigation. While the company continued to invest, the returns on those investments did not keep pace with the cost of capital, resulting in value destruction. The recovery in NOPAT in 2024 offers a potential positive signal, but continued monitoring of economic profit is crucial.


Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Verizon Communications Inc., 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 attributable to Verizon
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1
Increase (decrease) in allowance for credit losses2
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents3
Interest expense
Interest expense, operating lease liability4
Adjusted interest expense
Tax benefit of interest expense5
Adjusted interest expense, after taxes6
(Gain) loss on marketable securities
Interest income
Investment income, before taxes
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income7
Investment income, 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 allowance for credit losses.

3 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income attributable to Verizon.

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 attributable to Verizon.

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.


The financial data indicate fluctuations in net income attributable to Verizon over the five-year period. Initially, net income rose from 17,801 million US dollars in 2020 to a peak of 22,065 million US dollars in 2021. It slightly declined in 2022 to 21,256 million US dollars, followed by a more pronounced decrease to 11,614 million US dollars in 2023. This was followed by a recovery in 2024, with net income increasing to 17,506 million US dollars, yet remaining below the 2020 and 2021 levels.

Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) exhibited a somewhat similar trend, with growth from 24,311 million US dollars in 2020 to a high of 29,903 million US dollars in 2021. It then decreased to 28,039 million US dollars in 2022 and experienced a substantial drop to 19,450 million US dollars in 2023. In 2024, NOPAT rebounded to 24,675 million US dollars, approaching the 2020 level but still below the 2021 and 2022 peaks.

Net Income Trends
There was an overall increase from 2020 to 2021, followed by a decline in 2022 and a sharper decrease in 2023, with partial recovery in 2024.
NOPAT Trends
The pattern mirrored net income, with growth until 2021, a slight reduction in 2022, a significant drop in 2023, and a recovery in 2024.
Comparative Observations
Net income showed more volatility compared to NOPAT, particularly noticeable in 2023 where the decline was more pronounced, suggesting potential non-operating factors affecting net income during that period.
Recovery in 2024
Both net income and NOPAT indicate a recovery from the 2023 downturn, though neither fully returned to the peak levels observed in 2021.

Overall, the data reveal a period of growth until 2021, followed by a two-year downturn, with partial recovery by 2024. This suggests operational and possibly market challenges during 2022 and 2023, with improving conditions or strategic adjustments reflected in the 2024 figures.


Cash Operating Taxes

Verizon Communications Inc., 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 provision
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Add: Tax savings from interest expense
Less: Tax imposed on investment income
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 indicates varying trends in both income tax provision and cash operating taxes over the five-year period.

Income Tax Provision
The income tax provision generally increased from 2020 to 2021, rising from $5,619 million to $6,802 million. It slightly decreased in 2022 to $6,523 million, followed by a more pronounced drop in 2023 to $4,892 million. In 2024, a moderate recovery is observed with the provision increasing to $5,030 million. Overall, the data reveals a peak in tax provision in 2021, after which there is a downward adjustment with some stabilization in the latest year.
Cash Operating Taxes
Cash operating taxes exhibited more volatility during the period. Starting relatively high at $5,100 million in 2020, there is a significant decline in 2021 to $3,436 million. This is followed by an increase in 2022 to $4,451 million, a subsequent decrease in 2023 to $3,774 million, and a sharp rise in 2024 to $5,750 million, the highest level in the five years. The fluctuations suggest variable cash tax payments, potentially influenced by operational performance, timing of payments, or tax planning measures.

In summary, while the income tax provision shows a general peak followed by stabilization at a lower level, cash operating taxes display more pronounced variability with a significant rebound in the final year of the series. These trends may reflect changes in earnings, tax policies, or cash management strategies impacting the company's tax obligations over time.


Invested Capital

Verizon Communications Inc., 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
Debt maturing within one year
Long-term debt, excluding maturing within one year
Operating lease liability1
Total reported debt & leases
Equity attributable to Verizon
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2
Allowance for credit losses3
Equity equivalents4
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax5
Noncontrolling interests
Adjusted equity attributable to Verizon
Work in progress6
Marketable securities7
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 equity equivalents to equity attributable to Verizon.

5 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.

6 Subtraction of work in progress.

7 Subtraction of marketable securities.


Total Reported Debt & Leases
The total reported debt and leases show an initial increase from 150,547 million USD in 2020 to a peak of 177,930 million USD in 2021. Subsequently, there is a gradual decline reaching 168,357 million USD by 2024. This pattern suggests a period of increased borrowing or lease commitments followed by deleveraging or reduction in lease obligations in the most recent years.
Equity Attributable to Verizon
Equity attributable to Verizon demonstrates a consistent upward trend over the five-year period. Starting at 67,842 million USD in 2020, it rises steadily each year to reach 99,237 million USD by the end of 2024. This reflects an accumulation of retained earnings and/or capital infusion, indicating strengthening shareholder equity.
Invested Capital
Invested capital increases notably from 247,730 million USD in 2020 to 307,881 million USD in 2024. The rise is steady but slows in growth rate after 2022, suggesting ongoing investment activities with a moderation in expansion or capital expenditure intensity in the later years.
Overall Insights
The company's financial structure over this period indicates a strategic adjustment towards lowering debt and lease obligations after initial growth, while continuing to enhance equity and maintain steady invested capital accumulation. The trend of increasing equity alongside decreasing debt levels implies strengthening financial stability and possibly improved creditworthiness. Invested capital growth, albeit at a slower pace towards the end, signals maintenance of investment in the business operations and asset base.

Cost of Capital

Verizon Communications Inc., cost of capital calculations

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases3 ÷ = × × (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 Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases3 ÷ = × × (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 Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases3 ÷ = × × (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 Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases3 ÷ = × × (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 Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases3 ÷ = × × (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 Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »


Economic Spread Ratio

Verizon Communications Inc., 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
AT&T Inc.
T-Mobile US 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.


The economic spread ratio exhibited a fluctuating pattern over the five-year period. Initially positive, it declined significantly, eventually becoming negative. Economic profit demonstrated a similar trajectory, peaking in 2021 before experiencing substantial losses in subsequent years. Invested capital consistently increased throughout the period, despite the declining profitability metrics.

Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio began at 1.48% in 2020, indicating a positive spread between the return on invested capital and the cost of capital. This ratio increased to a high of 2.15% in 2021, suggesting improved profitability relative to the capital employed. However, a downward trend commenced in 2022, with the ratio decreasing to 1.44%. This decline accelerated in 2023, resulting in a negative ratio of -1.58%, signifying that the cost of capital exceeded the return generated from invested capital. The ratio remained negative in 2024, albeit less pronounced at -0.03%, indicating a minimal shortfall between returns and costs.
Economic Profit
Economic profit mirrored the trend observed in the economic spread ratio. It rose from US$3,656 million in 2020 to US$6,238 million in 2021, aligning with the higher economic spread. A subsequent decrease was observed in 2022, with economic profit falling to US$4,338 million. The most significant change occurred in 2023, where economic profit became negative at -US$4,804 million, reflecting a substantial loss. This negative trend continued into 2024, although the loss was reduced to -US$95 million.
Invested Capital
Invested capital consistently increased throughout the period, rising from US$247,730 million in 2020 to US$307,881 million in 2024. This continuous growth in capital employed occurred concurrently with the declining economic spread ratio and economic profit, suggesting that additional capital investments did not translate into proportional gains in profitability. The increasing invested capital base, coupled with decreasing returns, likely contributed to the negative economic profit observed in 2023 and 2024.

The observed trends suggest a weakening relationship between capital deployment and profitability. While the company continued to invest capital, its ability to generate returns exceeding the cost of that capital diminished over time, culminating in negative economic profit in recent years.


Economic Profit Margin

Verizon Communications Inc., 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
Operating revenues
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
AT&T Inc.
T-Mobile US 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 ÷ Operating revenues
= 100 × ÷ =

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The economic profit exhibited considerable fluctuation between 2020 and 2024. Initially, economic profit increased significantly before declining into negative territory. Operating revenues demonstrated a more stable, albeit modest, growth pattern over the same period. The economic profit margin reflects these underlying trends, showcasing a peak followed by substantial deterioration.

Economic Profit
Economic profit began at US$3,656 million in 2020 and rose to US$6,238 million in 2021, representing a substantial increase. This was followed by a decrease to US$4,338 million in 2022. A significant shift occurred in 2023, with economic profit turning negative at US$-4,804 million. This negative trend continued into 2024, though the loss was reduced to US$-95 million.
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues increased from US$128,292 million in 2020 to US$133,613 million in 2021. Growth continued, reaching US$136,835 million in 2022. A slight decrease was observed in 2023, with revenues falling to US$133,974 million, before recovering modestly to US$134,788 million in 2024. The revenue growth rate slowed considerably in the latter two years.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin mirrored the trend in economic profit. It increased from 2.85% in 2020 to 4.67% in 2021, then decreased to 3.17% in 2022. The margin became negative in 2023, reaching -3.59%, and remained negative in 2024, albeit significantly reduced to -0.07%. The substantial decline in the margin suggests that the company’s profitability, relative to its cost of capital, has deteriorated considerably.

The divergence between revenue trends and economic profit margin suggests that factors beyond revenue generation, such as increasing costs or a higher cost of capital, are significantly impacting overall profitability. The recent shift to negative economic profit and margin warrants further investigation to identify the underlying causes and potential corrective actions.