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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
| 12 months ended: | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Dec 31, 2019 | Dec 31, 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1 | ||||||
| Cost of capital2 | ||||||
| Invested capital3 | ||||||
| Economic profit4 | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 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).
1 NOPAT. See details »
2 Cost of capital. See details »
3 Invested capital. See details »
4 2022 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= – × =
The period under review demonstrates a fluctuating financial performance as measured by economic profit. Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) initially increased significantly before declining substantially, while invested capital generally rose, then plateaued. The cost of capital remained relatively stable, with some variation year to year. Consequently, economic profit consistently remained negative throughout the analyzed timeframe, and the magnitude of the negative economic profit increased over the period.
- NOPAT Trend
- Net operating profit after taxes exhibited an upward trend from 2018 to 2021, increasing from US$2,342 million to US$5,241 million. However, a significant decrease was observed in 2022, with NOPAT falling to US$1,431 million. This represents a substantial decline from the prior year’s performance.
- Cost of Capital
- The cost of capital experienced a decrease from 16.44% in 2018 to 12.52% in 2019. It then increased to 16.13% in 2020, followed by decreases in 2021 (13.89%) and 2022 (13.88%). The cost of capital remained within a range of approximately 12.5% to 16.4% during the period.
- Invested Capital
- Invested capital showed a consistent increase from 2018 to 2021, rising from US$15,419 million to US$45,938 million. In 2022, invested capital decreased slightly to US$44,287 million, indicating a potential stabilization in capital deployment.
- Economic Profit
- Economic profit was negative in each year of the analyzed period. The negative economic profit widened from US$-193 million in 2018 to US$-4,715 million in 2022. This indicates that the company’s returns on invested capital were consistently below its cost of capital. The largest year-over-year increase in negative economic profit occurred between 2021 and 2022.
The combination of increasing invested capital and a decline in NOPAT in 2022 contributed to the most significant negative economic profit during the period. While the cost of capital experienced some fluctuation, it did not offset the impact of declining profitability relative to the capital employed.
Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).
1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »
2 Addition of increase (decrease) in allowance for credit losses.
3 Addition of increase (decrease) in deferred revenues.
4 Addition of increase (decrease) in restructuring liability.
5 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net earnings attributable to Paramount.
6 2022 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =
7 2022 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =
8 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net earnings attributable to Paramount.
9 2022 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =
10 Elimination of after taxes investment income.
11 Elimination of discontinued operations.
- Net Earnings Attributable to Paramount
- The net earnings displayed fluctuations over the observed period. Starting at 1,960 million US$ in 2018, the earnings increased significantly to 3,308 million US$ in 2019. In 2020, there was a decline to 2,422 million US$, followed by a marked recovery in 2021 reaching 4,543 million US$. However, by the end of 2022, net earnings experienced a sharp decrease to 1,104 million US$.
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- The NOPAT trend showed consistent growth from 2018 through 2021. Beginning at 2,342 million US$ in 2018, it rose steadily to 3,590 million US$ in 2019 and 3,726 million US$ in 2020, before peaking at 5,241 million US$ in 2021. In 2022, NOPAT declined significantly to 1,431 million US$.
- Overall Financial Performance Trend
- Both net earnings and NOPAT illustrate overall growth periods until 2021, suggesting improved operational efficiency and profitability. The substantial decrease in both indicators in 2022 could reflect adverse conditions impacting profitability, warranting further investigation into underlying causes during this period.
Cash Operating Taxes
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 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).
- Provision (benefit) for income taxes
- The provision for income taxes exhibited significant volatility over the observed period. In 2018, the provision was a positive amount of 273 million USD, which then notably shifted to a benefit (negative provision) of 9 million USD in 2019. This reversal indicates that the company likely recorded a tax credit or adjustment during that year. Subsequently, in 2020, the provision sharply increased to 535 million USD, followed by a further increase to 646 million USD in 2021. However, in 2022, the provision decreased substantially to 227 million USD, yet remained positive. These fluctuations suggest variations in taxable income, tax strategies, or changes in tax regulations impacting the company’s effective tax expense year over year.
- Cash operating taxes
- Cash operating taxes showed a rising trend from 2018 to 2019, increasing markedly from 322 million USD to 967 million USD, which reflects a substantial increase in cash taxes paid or payable. In 2020, this figure declined significantly to 633 million USD and then rose again to 766 million USD in 2021. The amount decreased once more in 2022 to 519 million USD. Despite the fluctuations, cash operating taxes remained considerably higher than the 2018 level throughout the remaining years, indicating sustained elevated tax payments on an operational cash basis despite some volatility.
- Overall Tax Trends
- The disparity between the provision for income taxes and cash operating taxes suggests possible timing differences, tax deferrals, or differences between book and taxable income recognition. The volatility in the provision for income taxes compared to the somewhat elevated but fluctuating cash operating taxes indicates complex tax positions and possibly varying tax credits or adjustments over the years. The data reflects an environment of changing tax expenses and cash outflows related to taxes, which should be monitored further for underlying causes such as changes in profitability, tax law, or tax planning initiatives.
Invested Capital
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 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).
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 restructuring liability.
6 Addition of equity equivalents to total Paramount stockholders’ equity.
7 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.
8 Subtraction of marketable securities.
The financial data reveals significant shifts in the company's capital structure and financial position over the five-year period ending December 31, 2022.
- Total Reported Debt & Leases
- The total reported debt and leases initially increased sharply from $11,083 million in 2018 to a peak of $21,622 million in 2020. After this peak, a downward trend is evident, as the figure declined to $19,632 million in 2021 and further to $17,566 million in 2022. This suggests a partial deleveraging strategy following a period of increasing debt levels.
- Total Paramount Stockholders’ Equity
- Stockholders' equity exhibited a marked rise throughout the timeframe. It grew substantially from $2,804 million in 2018 to $13,207 million in 2019, followed by a steady increase each year, reaching $23,036 million by 2022. This consistent equity growth indicates strengthening capitalization and possibly improved retained earnings or equity infusions over the period.
- Invested Capital
- Invested capital expanded dramatically from $15,419 million in 2018 to $41,069 million in 2020, continuing upward to a peak of $45,938 million in 2021 before slightly decreasing to $44,287 million in 2022. The general upward trend reflects substantial investment in assets or operational scaling, with a minor contraction in the final year.
In summary, the company significantly increased its equity base and invested capital over the five years, alongside an initial expansion and subsequent reduction in debt levels. The reduction in debt combined with rising equity suggests improved financial stability and potentially enhanced capacity for future investment or debt management.
Cost of Capital
Paramount Global, cost of capital calculations
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| 5.75% Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Debt3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Debt. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| 5.75% Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| 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 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| 5.75% Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| 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 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| 5.75% Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| 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 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| 5.75% Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| 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 »
Economic Spread Ratio
| Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Dec 31, 2019 | Dec 31, 2018 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Invested capital2 | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic spread ratio3 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4 | ||||||
| Alphabet Inc. | ||||||
| Comcast Corp. | ||||||
| Meta Platforms Inc. | ||||||
| Netflix Inc. | ||||||
| Trade Desk Inc. | ||||||
| Walt Disney Co. | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 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).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 Invested capital. See details »
3 2022 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × ÷ =
4 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The economic spread ratio demonstrates a consistently negative trend over the five-year period. Initially negative at -1.25% in 2018, the ratio declined substantially to -10.65% by 2022. This indicates a widening gap between the return generated from invested capital and the cost of that capital.
- Economic Spread Ratio
- The economic spread ratio experienced significant volatility. From 2018 to 2019, the ratio nearly tripled in negativity, moving from -1.25% to -2.88%. The most dramatic decline occurred between 2019 and 2020, with the ratio more than doubling to -7.06%. While there was a partial recovery in 2021, reaching -2.48%, the ratio resumed its downward trajectory in 2022, falling to -10.65% – the lowest value observed during the analyzed period.
The negative economic profit consistently observed alongside the declining economic spread ratio suggests that invested capital is not generating returns sufficient to cover its cost. The increasing magnitude of economic profit losses mirrors the worsening economic spread ratio, reinforcing this observation. The invested capital itself increased significantly from 2018 to 2019, then plateaued and slightly decreased in later years, but this increase did not translate into improved profitability relative to the cost of capital.
- Relationship between Economic Profit and Economic Spread Ratio
- A strong correlation exists between economic profit and the economic spread ratio. As the economic spread ratio becomes more negative, economic profit also decreases. This indicates that the lower the return generated on invested capital relative to its cost, the greater the absolute value of the economic loss.
The consistent negativity and worsening trend of the economic spread ratio raise concerns about the efficiency of capital allocation and the company’s ability to generate value for its investors. Further investigation into the drivers of the increasing cost of capital and the declining returns on invested capital is warranted.
Economic Profit Margin
| Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Dec 31, 2019 | Dec 31, 2018 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Revenues | ||||||
| Add: Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues | ||||||
| Adjusted revenues | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic profit margin2 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3 | ||||||
| Alphabet Inc. | ||||||
| Comcast Corp. | ||||||
| Meta Platforms Inc. | ||||||
| Netflix Inc. | ||||||
| Trade Desk Inc. | ||||||
| Walt Disney Co. | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 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).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 2022 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Adjusted revenues
= 100 × ÷ =
3 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The economic profit margin demonstrates a consistently negative trend over the observed five-year period. While economic profit itself fluctuates in absolute terms, the margin consistently indicates that the company’s returns are less than its cost of capital.
- Economic Profit Margin Trend
- In 2018, the economic profit margin was -1.33%. This figure deteriorated significantly to -3.84% in 2019, representing a substantial decline in profitability relative to capital employed. The most pronounced decrease occurred in 2020, with the margin reaching -11.37%. A partial recovery was seen in 2021, with the margin improving to -3.97%, though remaining negative. However, this improvement proved short-lived, as the margin worsened again in 2022, reaching -15.71%, the lowest point in the observed period.
The relationship between adjusted revenues and economic profit margin is not directly proportional. While adjusted revenues increased from 2018 to 2022, the economic profit margin decreased. This suggests that revenue growth alone was insufficient to offset increases in the cost of capital or declines in operational efficiency, resulting in a widening gap between revenues and economic profit.
- Magnitude of Decline
- The largest single-year decline in economic profit margin occurred between 2019 and 2020, decreasing by 7.53 percentage points. The decline from 2021 to 2022 was also significant, at 11.74 percentage points. These substantial decreases indicate periods of considerable underperformance relative to the company’s cost of capital.
The consistently negative and declining economic profit margin suggests a persistent issue with value creation. The company is not generating returns sufficient to cover its cost of capital, which may warrant further investigation into the underlying drivers of profitability and capital allocation.