Stock Analysis on Net

Waste Management Inc. (NYSE:WM)

$22.49

This company has been moved to the archive! The financial data has not been updated since February 15, 2022.

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

Waste Management Inc., economic profit calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1
Cost of capital2
Invested capital3
 
Economic profit4

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 NOPAT. See details »

2 Cost of capital. See details »

3 Invested capital. See details »

4 2021 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= × =


The period between 2017 and 2021 demonstrates a consistent pattern of negative economic profit. While net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) fluctuated, it did not generate sufficient returns to exceed the cost of capital during any of the observed years. Invested capital generally increased over the period, contributing to the sustained negative economic profit.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
NOPAT increased from US$1,952 million in 2017 to US$2,286 million in 2018, representing a positive change. However, it subsequently declined to US$2,018 million in 2020 before a slight recovery to US$2,064 million in 2021. This indicates some volatility in operational profitability.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital experienced minor fluctuations throughout the period, ranging from 11.88% to 12.75%. It decreased in 2020, but increased again in 2021. These changes, while present, do not appear to be the primary driver of the negative economic profit.
Invested Capital
Invested capital generally trended upward, increasing from US$17,686 million in 2017 to US$23,729 million in 2020. A slight decrease was observed in 2021, with invested capital falling to US$22,932 million. The increasing capital base, combined with a cost of capital exceeding NOPAT, exacerbated the negative economic profit.
Economic Profit
Economic profit remained negative throughout the entire period. The magnitude of the negative economic profit increased from US$-234 million in 2017 to a peak of US$-814 million in 2021. This consistent negative trend suggests that the company’s investments are not generating returns sufficient to cover the cost of capital. The decline in economic profit from 2017 to 2021 is particularly noteworthy, despite the initial increase in NOPAT in 2018.

The consistent negative economic profit suggests a need for evaluation of capital allocation strategies and operational efficiency. Further investigation into the drivers of NOPAT and the components of invested capital is warranted to identify areas for improvement.


Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Waste Management Inc., NOPAT calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1
Increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts2
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues3
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents4
Interest expense
Interest expense, operating lease liability5
Adjusted interest expense
Tax benefit of interest expense6
Adjusted interest expense, after taxes7
(Gain) loss on marketable securities
Interest income
Investment income, before taxes
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income8
Investment income, after taxes9
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »

2 Addition of increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts.

3 Addition of increase (decrease) in deferred revenues.

4 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc..

5 2021 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =

6 2021 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

7 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc..

8 2021 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

9 Elimination of after taxes investment income.


The financial data indicates fluctuations and trends in the profitability measures of the entity over the five-year period ending December 31, 2021.

Net Income Attributable to the Company
The net income shows a declining trend from 2017 through 2020, starting at 1,949 million US dollars in 2017, slightly decreasing to 1,925 million in 2018, followed by a more pronounced decrease to 1,670 million in 2019 and further down to 1,496 million in 2020. However, there is a rebound in 2021, with net income rising to 1,816 million, indicating a recovery after the decline in prior years.
Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
The NOPAT figures reveal a different pattern. Starting at 1,952 million US dollars in 2017, NOPAT increased substantially in 2018 to 2,286 million, peaking in that year. Afterward, it declined over the next two years to 2,119 million in 2019 and 2,018 million in 2020. By 2021, NOPAT experienced a slight increase to 2,064 million, indicating some stabilization or modest recovery in operating profitability after taxes.

In summary, while both net income and NOPAT exhibit declines starting around 2018 or 2019, net income shows a more significant decrease and a notable rebound by 2021, whereas NOPAT peaked earlier in 2018, followed by declines with a slight recovery by 2021. These patterns may reflect variations in non-operating income, expenses, taxes, or other adjustments impacting net income differently compared to operating profit.


Cash Operating Taxes

Waste Management Inc., cash operating taxes calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Income tax expense
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: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).


The financial data over the five-year period ending December 31, 2021, shows distinct trends in both income tax expense and cash operating taxes.

Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense experienced a general increase from 2017 to 2021, with fluctuations during the intermediate years. The value rose significantly from $242 million in 2017 to $453 million in 2018. It then slightly decreased to $434 million in 2019 and further declined to $397 million in 2020. However, in 2021, there was a notable increase to $532 million, marking the highest expense in the period analyzed.
Cash Operating Taxes
Cash operating taxes demonstrated a downward trend from 2017 through 2020, followed by a sharp rise in 2021. Specifically, cash operating taxes decreased from $626 million in 2017 to $511 million in 2018 and further to $424 million in 2019. This downward trajectory continued with a reduction to $324 million in 2020. In 2021, this trend reversed dramatically as cash operating taxes surged to $689 million, surpassing all previous years in the data set.

Overall, while the income tax expense shows variability with an eventual upward movement to reach its peak in 2021, cash operating taxes reveal a more pronounced downward trend until 2020, followed by a significant increase in the last year. The contrasting movements in these two tax-related financial items in 2021 may indicate changes in tax policy application, operational performance, or other tax-related accounting factors impacting the company’s tax obligations.


Invested Capital

Waste Management Inc., invested capital calculation (financing approach)

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt, less current portion
Operating lease liability1
Total reported debt & leases
Total Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2
Allowance for doubtful accounts3
Deferred revenues4
Equity equivalents5
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax6
Noncontrolling interests
Adjusted total Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity
Available-for-sale securities7
Invested capital

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

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 deferred revenues.

5 Addition of equity equivalents to total Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity.

6 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.

7 Subtraction of available-for-sale securities.


The financial data reveals distinct trends in key balance sheet components over the five-year period ending December 31, 2021.

Total Reported Debt & Leases
The total reported debt and leases exhibit an overall upward trend from 2017 through 2020, increasing from approximately $9,976 million in 2017 to a peak near $14,326 million in 2020. This represents a significant increase of roughly 43% over three years. In 2021, a slight decline to $13,928 million is noted, indicating a minor reduction in indebtedness or lease obligations after reaching the high point the prior year.
Total Stockholders’ Equity
Stockholders' equity also shows a general increase over the reviewed period, rising from about $6,019 million in 2017 to a maximum of $7,452 million in 2020. This growth suggests accumulated retained earnings and possible capital contributions enhancing the company’s net asset base. However, equity decreases slightly in 2021 to $7,124 million, indicating some erosion following the peak, which could be due to net losses, dividends, or other equity-reducing activities.
Invested Capital
Invested capital follows a similar pattern to total debt and equity, with steady growth from $17,686 million in 2017 to $23,729 million in 2020. This growth, amounting to approximately 34%, reflects increased deployment of financial resources into the company's operations, likely contributing to expansion or asset acquisition. The figure slightly contracts to $22,932 million in 2021, aligning with the modest declines in both debt and equity components.

Overall, the data depicts growth in the company’s financial size and capital structure through 2020, with a slight retrenchment in debt, equity, and invested capital during 2021. This trend suggests a period of expansion followed by cautious tightening or normalization of the balance sheet in the most recent year.


Cost of Capital

Waste Management Inc., cost of capital calculations

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt3 ÷ = × × (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 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt3 ÷ = × × (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 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 35.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 35.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »


Economic Spread Ratio

Waste Management Inc., economic spread ratio calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1
Invested capital2
Performance Ratio
Economic spread ratio3

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 Invested capital. See details »

3 2021 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × ÷ =


The period between 2017 and 2021 demonstrates a consistent pattern of negative economic profit, coupled with an increasing negative economic spread ratio. Invested capital exhibited growth initially, peaking in 2021 before a slight decrease.

Economic Profit
Economic profit consistently remained negative throughout the analyzed period. The magnitude of the negative economic profit increased from US$234 million in 2017 to US$814 million in 2021. This indicates that the company’s returns on invested capital were consistently below its cost of capital.
Invested Capital
Invested capital generally increased from US$17,686 million in 2017 to US$23,729 million in 2020. A slight decrease was observed in 2021, with invested capital falling to US$22,932 million. This suggests a period of capital investment followed by a potential stabilization or reallocation of resources.
Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio, expressed as a percentage, exhibited a consistent downward trend. Starting at -1.32% in 2017, it deteriorated to -3.55% in 2021. This worsening ratio directly reflects the increasing gap between the company’s return on invested capital and its cost of capital. The negative values confirm that the company is not generating returns sufficient to cover its capital costs.

The combined trends suggest a growing challenge in generating value from invested capital. While invested capital increased for a portion of the period, the company’s ability to generate returns above its cost of capital diminished, resulting in larger economic losses and a widening negative economic spread.


Economic Profit Margin

Waste Management Inc., economic profit margin calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1
 
Operating revenues
Add: Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues
Adjusted operating revenues
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 2021 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Adjusted operating revenues
= 100 × ÷ =


The period between 2017 and 2021 demonstrates a volatile, generally negative trend in economic profit, coupled with increasing adjusted operating revenues. The economic profit margin reflects this, exhibiting a worsening performance over the majority of the analyzed timeframe.

Economic Profit
Economic profit consistently remained negative throughout the five-year period. Initial values of negative US$234 million in 2017 improved to negative US$65 million in 2018, before significantly declining to negative US$699 million in 2019. Further deterioration occurred in 2020, reaching negative US$802 million, followed by a slight decrease to negative US$814 million in 2021. This indicates a persistent inability to generate returns exceeding the cost of capital.
Adjusted Operating Revenues
Adjusted operating revenues exhibited a consistent upward trend. From US$14,495 million in 2017, revenues increased to US$14,933 million in 2018 and continued to rise to US$15,467 million in 2019. A slight decrease was observed in 2020, with revenues falling to US$15,223 million, but a substantial increase occurred in 2021, reaching US$17,963 million. This suggests growth in core business activities despite the negative economic profit.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin mirrored the trend in economic profit, remaining negative throughout the period. It began at -1.61% in 2017, improved to -0.43% in 2018, then experienced a substantial decline to -4.52% in 2019. The margin worsened further to -5.27% in 2020, before a modest improvement to -4.53% in 2021. The negative and generally declining margin indicates that the company’s profitability, when considering the cost of capital, is underperforming. The increase in revenues in 2021 did not translate into a proportional improvement in the economic profit margin, suggesting potential issues with cost control or capital efficiency.

In summary, while adjusted operating revenues increased over the period, the company consistently failed to generate positive economic profit. The economic profit margin demonstrates a concerning trend of underperformance, despite revenue growth, indicating a need for strategic review of cost of capital and operational efficiency.