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
= × =


Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
The net operating profit after taxes exhibits a general upward trend from 2017 to 2018, increasing from 1,952 million US dollars to 2,286 million US dollars. However, after this peak in 2018, NOPAT declines to 2,119 million in 2019 and continues to decrease in 2020 to 2,018 million. In 2021, there is a slight recovery with NOPAT increasing marginally to 2,064 million. Overall, NOPAT shows fluctuations with a peak in 2018 followed by a downward trend and a minor rebound in the last observed year.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital demonstrates some variability over the analyzed period. It starts at 10.72% in 2017, rises slightly to 11.07% in 2018, and then decreases to 10.81% in 2019. It further declines to the lowest point of 10.31% in 2020, followed by an increase to 10.86% in 2021. The trend suggests fluctuations around a level close to 10.8%, with a notable dip in 2020.
Invested Capital
Invested capital shows a steady and significant increase from 2017 through 2020, rising from 17,686 million US dollars to 23,729 million US dollars. However, in 2021, the figure slightly decreases to 22,932 million US dollars. The data indicates an overall upward movement in invested capital, reaching a peak in 2020 before experiencing a mild reduction in 2021.
Economic Profit
Economic profit, calculated as the difference between net operating profit and the cost of capital applied to invested capital, reveals a concerning trend. In 2017, economic profit is modestly positive at 56 million US dollars and notably increases to 245 million in 2018. However, from 2019 onwards, economic profit turns negative and remains so over the last three years: -328 million in 2019, -428 million in 2020, and -426 million in 2021. This sustained negative economic profit suggests that the returns generated are insufficient to cover the cost of capital during this later period.
Summary of Financial Trends
The financial analysis reveals that although net operating profit experiences initial growth followed by volatility, invested capital steadily increases over most of the period, indicating continued investment in assets. Despite this, economic profit becomes negative and remains so from 2019 through 2021, highlighting potential challenges in generating value above the cost of capital. The fluctuations in the cost of capital, particularly its decrease in 2020, do not appear sufficient to offset the decline in economic profit. In summary, the company faces pressure on value creation despite significant invested capital and relatively stable operating profits.

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 × ÷ =


Economic Profit
The economic profit showed a positive trend at the beginning of the period, increasing significantly from 56 million US dollars in 2017 to 245 million US dollars in 2018. However, from 2019 onwards, the economic profit declined sharply, turning negative and reaching -328 million US dollars in 2019. This downward trend continued with increased negative values, reaching -428 million US dollars in 2020 and slightly improving to -426 million US dollars in 2021, indicating sustained economic losses during these years.
Invested Capital
Invested capital increased steadily from 17,686 million US dollars in 2017 to 23,729 million US dollars in 2020, reflecting ongoing investment growth. In 2021, invested capital slightly decreased to 22,932 million US dollars, indicating a minor reduction after four years of growth. Overall, the company has maintained a significant scale of invested capital with a general upward trend over the period.
Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio, which indicates the spread between return on invested capital and the cost of capital, began with a positive but low ratio in 2017 at 0.32%. It improved substantially in 2018 to 1.33%, suggesting that returns exceeded costs by a greater margin. However, from 2019 onwards, the ratio became negative and deteriorated further, falling to -1.45%, -1.80%, and -1.86% in subsequent years. This negative spread ratio highlights that the company’s returns on invested capital were insufficient to cover its cost of capital, consistent with the negative economic profit reported in those years.

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 × ÷ =


Adjusted Operating Revenues
The adjusted operating revenues showed a generally increasing trend over the five-year period. Starting at 14,495 million US dollars at the end of 2017, revenues rose steadily each year, peaking at 17,963 million US dollars by the end of 2021. Despite a slight dip in 2020 to 15,223 million US dollars from the previous year's 15,467 million US dollars, the overall revenue growth indicates an expanding business scale or an increase in service demand.
Economic Profit
The economic profit experienced notable volatility and a significant decline. In 2017 and 2018, economic profit was positive, increasing from 56 million US dollars to 245 million US dollars, reflecting improving profitability. However, from 2019 onwards, the company encountered losses in economic profit, with figures of -328 million US dollars in 2019, decreasing further to -428 million US dollars in 2020 and slightly improving but remaining negative at -426 million US dollars in 2021. This negative trend highlights challenges in maintaining profitability despite revenue growth.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin supports the observations noted in economic profit. It rose from a marginal 0.39% in 2017 to 1.64% in 2018, demonstrating an increase in efficiency or profitability relative to revenues. However, from 2019 to 2021, the margin turned negative, with values of -2.12%, -2.81%, and -2.37% respectively. The consistent negative margins over this period signify that the company generated losses on its economic profit basis, indicating potential issues with cost control or increased capital charges.