Stock Analysis on Net
Stock Analysis on Net

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)

$24.99

Economic Value Added (EVA)

Microsoft Excel

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Economic Profit

Apple Inc., economic profit calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Sep 27, 2025 Sep 28, 2024 Sep 30, 2023 Sep 24, 2022 Sep 25, 2021 Sep 26, 2020
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1
Cost of capital2
Invested capital3
 
Economic profit4

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-09-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-09-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-09-24), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-09-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-09-26).

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
= × =


Economic profit remained consistently positive throughout the period from 2020 to 2025, indicating that the company generated returns significantly in excess of its cost of capital. While the trajectory experienced fluctuations between 2022 and 2024, the overall trend reflects a strong capacity for value creation.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
A substantial increase in NOPAT is observed from 2020 to 2022, rising from US$ 58,673 million to a peak of US$ 101,652 million. A period of moderate contraction followed in 2023 and 2024, with values stabilizing around US$ 92,000 million. However, a significant recovery occurred in 2025, with NOPAT reaching its highest point in the period at US$ 112,234 million.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital exhibited a steady and incremental upward trend over the six-year span. Starting at 18.50% in 2020, it increased annually to reach 19.21% by 2025. This consistent rise suggests an increasing threshold for the required rate of return on invested capital.
Invested Capital
Invested capital showed a general upward trajectory with notable volatility. After a steady increase between 2020 and 2022, there was a sharp rise to US$ 60,243 million in 2023, followed by a reduction to US$ 50,072 million in 2024. The period concluded with a substantial expansion in 2025, where invested capital climbed to US$ 88,915 million, marking a significant increase in the capital base.
Economic Profit
Economic profit mirrored the growth of NOPAT during the initial phase, peaking at US$ 92,861 million in 2022. A decline is observed in 2023 and 2024, where profit levels stabilized near US$ 82,000 million, influenced by the combination of slightly lower NOPAT and a rising cost of capital. The trend reversed in 2025, with economic profit ascending to US$ 95,152 million, confirming that the surge in NOPAT effectively offset both the higher cost of capital and the expanded invested capital base.


Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Apple Inc., NOPAT calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Sep 27, 2025 Sep 28, 2024 Sep 30, 2023 Sep 24, 2022 Sep 25, 2021 Sep 26, 2020
Net income
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue2
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 and dividend income
Investment income, before taxes
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income7
Investment income, after taxes8
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-09-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-09-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-09-24), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-09-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-09-26).

1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »

2 Addition of increase (decrease) in deferred revenue.

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

4 2025 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =

5 2025 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 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.


Net Income Trend
Over the observed periods, net income exhibits an overall upward trajectory with some fluctuations. Starting at 57,411 million USD in 2020, there is a substantial increase to 94,680 million USD in 2021. This growth continues moderately to 99,803 million USD in 2022. However, a decline is noted in 2023 and 2024, with net income decreasing to 96,995 million USD and then further to 93,736 million USD, respectively. By 2025, net income rebounds strongly to reach a new peak of 112,010 million USD, indicating recovery and growth surpassing previous highs.
Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT) Development
NOPAT follows a pattern generally similar to net income but with higher values each year, suggesting efficient operational profitability. Beginning at 58,673 million USD in 2020, there is an increase to 91,407 million USD in 2021. Growth continues, peaking at 101,652 million USD in 2022. A decline follows in 2023 and 2024, with NOPAT reducing to 94,296 million USD and 91,849 million USD, respectively. By 2025, NOPAT increases significantly to 112,234 million USD, slightly exceeding net income, which reflects enhanced operational efficiency and profitability.
Comparative Observations
Both net income and NOPAT demonstrate strong growth from 2020 to 2022, followed by a moderate downtrend in 2023 and 2024. The consistent lead of NOPAT over net income across all periods implies effective cost and tax management at the operational level. The sharp rise in 2025 for both metrics indicates a robust financial performance recovery and enhancement relative to prior years, suggesting strengthened earnings capability and possibly improved operational strategies or market conditions.


Cash Operating Taxes

Apple Inc., cash operating taxes calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Sep 27, 2025 Sep 28, 2024 Sep 30, 2023 Sep 24, 2022 Sep 25, 2021 Sep 26, 2020
Provision for income taxes
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: 2025-09-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-09-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-09-24), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-09-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-09-26).


Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes shows an overall increasing trend from 9,680 million USD in 2020 to a peak of 29,749 million USD in 2024, followed by a decline to 20,719 million USD in 2025. This pattern suggests variability in taxable income or changes in tax rates over the period. The sharp rise between 2023 and 2024 indicates a significant increase in tax expense, which substantially decreases the following year.
Cash Operating Taxes
Cash operating taxes also exhibit a rising trend from 9,729 million USD in 2020 to 32,898 million USD in 2024, aligning with the upward movement in income tax provision. The cash taxes peak in 2024 and then decrease to 22,234 million USD in 2025. This correlation with the provision for income taxes highlights increased tax payments matching the higher tax expense recorded, with both showing a marked increase in the 2023-2024 timeframe before receding.
Insights and Comparison
The close movement of provision for income taxes and cash operating taxes indicates consistency between tax accruals and actual tax payments over time. The notable spikes in both metrics during 2023-2024 suggest either a period of elevated profitability, changes in tax legislation, or other factors influencing taxable income and cash outflows related to taxes. The subsequent decline in 2025 may reflect adjustments, reductions in taxable income, or deferred tax strategies.
Conclusion
The tax-related financial data reveal a pattern of rising tax expenses and payments over most of the observed period, peaking in 2024 before decreasing in the final year. Continuous monitoring is advisable to understand the underlying causes of these fluctuations and their impact on the company's effective tax rate and cash flow management.


Invested Capital

Apple Inc., invested capital calculation (financing approach)

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
Sep 27, 2025 Sep 28, 2024 Sep 30, 2023 Sep 24, 2022 Sep 25, 2021 Sep 26, 2020
Current portion of finance leases
Commercial paper
Current portion of term debt
Non-current portion of term debt
Non-current portion of finance leases
Operating lease liability1
Total reported debt & leases
Shareholders’ equity
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2
Deferred revenue3
Equity equivalents4
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax5
Adjusted shareholders’ equity
Marketable securities6
Invested capital

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-09-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-09-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-09-24), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-09-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-09-26).

1 Addition of capitalized operating leases.

2 Elimination of deferred taxes from assets and liabilities. See details »

3 Addition of deferred revenue.

4 Addition of equity equivalents to shareholders’ equity.

5 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.

6 Subtraction of marketable securities.


Total Reported Debt & Leases
The total reported debt and leases demonstrate a fluctuating downward trend over the six-year period. Starting at US$122,278 million in 2020, the value peaks in 2021 at US$136,522 million, then generally declines each subsequent year, reaching US$112,377 million in 2025. This indicates a progressive reduction in the company's debt and lease obligations after 2021, suggesting an improvement in leverage management or a shift in financing strategy.
Shareholders' Equity
Shareholders' equity exhibits variability throughout the examined period. It begins at US$65,339 million in 2020 and decreases slightly to US$63,090 million in 2021. A more pronounced drop occurs in 2022, with equity declining to US$50,672 million. However, this is followed by a recovery in 2023 to US$62,146 million, a slight decrease in 2024, and a significant increase to US$73,733 million in 2025. The volatility in equity suggests periods of share repurchases, dividend payments, or other equity transactions impacting the book value.
Invested Capital
Invested capital shows a consistent upward trend with some fluctuations. Starting at US$36,252 million in 2020, it increases steadily through 2021 and 2022, reaching US$46,661 million. There is a notable rise in 2023 to US$60,243 million, followed by a drop to US$50,072 million in 2024. The figure peaks significantly at US$88,915 million in 2025. This overall growth in invested capital could indicate increased asset investments or changes in working capital, reflecting expansion or reinvestment strategies.


Cost of Capital

Apple Inc., cost of capital calculations

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Commercial paper, term debt, and finance leases3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-09-27).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Commercial paper, term debt, and finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Commercial paper, term debt, and finance leases3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-09-28).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Commercial paper, term debt, and finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Commercial paper, term debt, and finance leases3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2023-09-30).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Commercial paper, term debt, and finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Commercial paper, term debt, and finance leases3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-09-24).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Commercial paper, term debt, and finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Commercial paper, term debt, and finance leases3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-09-25).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Commercial paper, term debt, and finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Commercial paper, term debt, and finance leases3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2020-09-26).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Commercial paper, term debt, and finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »



Economic Spread Ratio

Apple Inc., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Sep 27, 2025 Sep 28, 2024 Sep 30, 2023 Sep 24, 2022 Sep 25, 2021 Sep 26, 2020
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1
Invested capital2
Performance Ratio
Economic spread ratio3
Benchmarks
Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4
Arista Networks Inc.
Cisco Systems Inc.
Dell Technologies Inc.
Lumentum Holdings Inc.
Super Micro Computer Inc.

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-09-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-09-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-09-24), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-09-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-09-26).

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 financial performance from September 2020 to September 2025 demonstrates a general expansion in absolute economic value, though the efficiency of capital deployment has exhibited significant volatility over this period.

Economic Profit Trends
Economic profit experienced a strong upward trajectory between 2020 and 2022, rising from 51,966 million to a peak of 92,861 million. Following a period of relative stagnation in 2023 and 2024, where values remained within the 82,000 million range, a significant increase occurred in 2025, reaching a period high of 95,152 million.
Invested Capital Dynamics
Invested capital grew steadily from 36,252 million in 2020 to 46,661 million in 2022. A notable increase to 60,243 million was observed in 2023, followed by a contraction to 50,072 million in 2024. The most substantial expansion occurred in 2025, with invested capital escalating to 88,915 million, marking a significant increase in the total capital base.
Economic Spread Ratio Analysis
The economic spread ratio peaked in September 2022 at 199.01%, reflecting high efficiency in value creation relative to the capital employed. A sharp contraction followed in 2023, dropping to 137.50%, with a partial recovery to 164.31% in 2024. By September 2025, the ratio declined to its lowest point in the period at 107.01%. This decline occurs despite the record economic profit achieved in 2025, indicating that the rapid expansion of invested capital has outpaced profit growth, thereby compressing the economic spread.


Economic Profit Margin

Apple Inc., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Sep 27, 2025 Sep 28, 2024 Sep 30, 2023 Sep 24, 2022 Sep 25, 2021 Sep 26, 2020
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1
 
Net sales
Add: Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue
Adjusted net sales
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
Arista Networks Inc.
Cisco Systems Inc.
Dell Technologies Inc.
Lumentum Holdings Inc.
Super Micro Computer Inc.

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-09-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-09-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-09-24), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-09-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-09-26).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 2025 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Adjusted net sales
= 100 × ÷ =

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The financial trajectory from 2020 to 2025 indicates a consistent capacity for value creation, characterized by an overall increase in both absolute economic profit and adjusted net sales, despite a period of marginal volatility between 2023 and 2024.

Economic Profit Trend
Economic profit exhibited significant growth in the initial phase of the analysis, rising from 51,966 million USD in 2020 to 92,861 million USD in 2022. A subsequent correction occurred in 2023 and 2024, where values stabilized at 82,832 million USD and 82,272 million USD, respectively. The period concluded with a peak value of 95,152 million USD in 2025, representing a substantial increase over the 2020 baseline.
Adjusted Net Sales Performance
Adjusted net sales followed a general upward trend, expanding from 276,615 million USD in 2020 to 417,061 million USD in 2025. Growth was most pronounced between 2020 and 2022. A slight contraction was observed in 2023, with sales decreasing to 382,985 million USD, before returning to a growth trajectory in 2024 and 2025.
Economic Profit Margin Analysis
The economic profit margin, which measures the efficiency of generating value relative to sales, increased from 18.79% in 2020 to a peak of 23.52% in 2022. This was followed by a period of margin compression, falling to 21.63% in 2023 and further to 21.00% in 2024. A recovery is observed in 2025, with the margin rising to 22.81%, signaling a return to higher operational efficiency in value creation.