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.

Economic Profit
Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)
Cash Operating Taxes
Invested Capital
Cost of Capital
Economic Spread Ratio
Economic Profit Margin

3M Co., economic profit calculation

US$ in millions

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	6,058)	5,797)	4,679)	5,630)	5,388)
Cost of capital²	14.24%	14.19%	14.00%	15.01%	15.18%
Invested capital³	39,156)	38,880)	38,698)	31,616)	32,308)

Economic profit⁴	483)	280)	(738)	883)	482)

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
= 6,058 – 14.24% × 39,156 = 483

The analysis of economic profit from 2017 to 2021 reveals a period of significant volatility, characterized by a sharp contraction in 2019 followed by a steady recovery in subsequent years.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT): NOPAT exhibited a general upward trajectory over the five-year period, increasing from 5,388 million in 2017 to 6,058 million in 2021. A significant deviation occurred in 2019, when profits declined to 4,679 million, representing the lowest point in the period before a strong recovery began in 2020.
Invested Capital and Cost of Capital: Invested capital remained stable between 2017 and 2018 but saw a substantial increase in 2019, rising from 31,616 million to 38,698 million. This higher capital base was maintained through 2021. During the same period, the cost of capital remained relatively stable, fluctuating within a narrow band between 14.00% and 15.18%.
Economic Profit Trends: Economic profit peaked in 2018 at 883 million before plummeting to a negative 738 million in 2019. This negative value was driven by a combination of declining operating profits and a sharp increase in the capital base, which expanded the cost of capital charge. Recovery occurred in 2020 and 2021, with economic profit returning to 483 million by the end of 2021.
Capital Efficiency Insights: By 2021, the economic profit level of 483 million nearly mirrored the 2017 result of 482 million. However, this return to baseline was achieved despite a significantly larger invested capital base, indicating that higher absolute operating profits were required in the later years to maintain the same level of economic value addition seen at the start of the period.

AI Ask an analyst for more

Download chart

3M Co., NOPAT calculation

US$ in millions

12 months ended:	Dec 31, 2021	Dec 31, 2020	Dec 31, 2019	Dec 31, 2018	Dec 31, 2017
Net income attributable to 3M	5,921)	5,384)	4,570)	5,349)	4,858)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)¹	(172)	(158)	(136)	(109)	253)
Increase (decrease) in allowances²	(44)	72)	66)	(8)	15)
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue³	31)	68)	(187)	104)	(16)
Increase (decrease) in product warranty liabilities⁴	—)	—)	3)	(2)	3)
Increase (decrease) in accrued restructuring action balances⁵	(63)	16)	39)	36)	82)
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents⁶	(248)	(2)	(215)	21)	337)
Interest expense	488)	529)	448)	350)	322)
Interest expense, operating lease liability⁷	15)	21)	27)	32)	8)
Adjusted interest expense	503)	550)	475)	382)	330)
Tax benefit of interest expense⁸	(106)	(115)	(100)	(80)	(116)
Adjusted interest expense, after taxes⁹	398)	434)	376)	301)	215)
Interest income	(26)	(29)	(80)	(70)	(50)
Investment income, before taxes	(26)	(29)	(80)	(70)	(50)
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income¹⁰	5)	6)	17)	15)	18)
Investment income, after taxes¹¹	(21)	(23)	(63)	(55)	(33)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	8)	4)	12)	14)	11)
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)	6,058)	5,797)	4,679)	5,630)	5,388)

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 allowances.

³ Addition of increase (decrease) in deferred revenue.

⁴ Addition of increase (decrease) in product warranty liabilities.

⁵ Addition of increase (decrease) in accrued restructuring action balances.

⁶ Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income attributable to 3M.

⁷ 2021 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= 854 × 1.80% = 15

⁸ 2021 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= 503 × 21.00% = 106

⁹ Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income attributable to 3M.

¹⁰ 2021 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= 26 × 21.00% = 5

¹¹ Elimination of after taxes investment income.

Net Income Attributable to 3M: The net income exhibits a fluctuating trend over the five-year period. Starting at 4,858 million USD in 2017, it increased to 5,349 million USD in 2018, indicating a positive growth. However, there was a decline in 2019, with net income falling to 4,570 million USD. This downward shift was followed by a recovery in 2020 and 2021, reaching 5,384 million USD and 5,921 million USD respectively, signaling an overall increasing trajectory towards the end of the period.
Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT): The NOPAT shows similar variability with a general upward movement. It rose from 5,388 million USD in 2017 to 5,630 million USD in 2018, before dropping to 4,679 million USD in 2019, reflecting a noticeable dip in operational profitability after taxes. Subsequently, NOPAT recovered significantly in 2020 and 2021, achieving 5,797 million USD and 6,058 million USD respectively. This rebound suggests improved operational efficiency and tax impact post-2019.
Overall Summary: Both the net income and NOPAT follow a similar pattern characterized by growth in the early years, a decline in 2019, and a strong rebound in the last two years. The dip in 2019 indicates potential challenges during that period, impacting both profitability and operational returns after taxes. The recovery phase through 2020 and 2021 suggests strategic or market conditions improving, leading to enhanced financial performance. The data implies resilience and a return to growth momentum after a temporary setback.

AI Ask an analyst for more

Download chart

3M Co., cash operating taxes calculation

US$ in millions

12 months ended:	Dec 31, 2021	Dec 31, 2020	Dec 31, 2019	Dec 31, 2018	Dec 31, 2017
Provision for income taxes	1,285)	1,318)	1,130)	1,637)	2,679)
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(172)	(158)	(136)	(109)	253)
Add: Tax savings from interest expense	106)	115)	100)	80)	116)
Less: Tax imposed on investment income	5)	6)	17)	15)	18)
Cash operating taxes	1,557)	1,585)	1,349)	1,811)	2,524)

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 analysis of the provided financial data reveals a notable trend in the company's tax-related figures over a five-year period from 2017 to 2021.

Provision for Income Taxes: This figure shows a significant and consistent decline from 2017 through 2019, decreasing from US$2,679 million in 2017 to US$1,130 million in 2019. The trend then stabilizes somewhat in the following years, with a slight increase to US$1,318 million in 2020 before a marginal decrease to US$1,285 million in 2021.
Cash Operating Taxes: Cash operating taxes exhibit a similar downward pattern initially, falling from US$2,524 million in 2017 to US$1,349 million in 2019. After this period, the figure rises again in 2020 to US$1,585 million and remains relatively stable into 2021 at US$1,557 million. This suggests some recovery or stabilization in cash tax payments following the prior decline.

Overall, both provisions for income taxes and cash operating taxes experienced a marked reduction between 2017 and 2019. Subsequently, from 2020 onward, there appears to be a trend toward stabilization or slight recovery in tax-related expenses, although these amounts have not returned to the higher levels seen in 2017. This pattern could indicate changes in profitability, tax planning strategies, or tax law impacts over the examined period.

AI Ask an analyst for more

Download chart

3M Co., invested capital calculation (financing approach)

US$ in millions

	Dec 31, 2021	Dec 31, 2020	Dec 31, 2019	Dec 31, 2018	Dec 31, 2017
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	1,307)	806)	2,795)	1,211)	1,853)
Current obligations of finance leases	7)	22)	21)	17)	13)
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	16,056)	17,989)	17,518)	13,411)	12,096)
Finance leases, net of current obligations	93)	93)	111)	75)	60)
Operating lease liability¹	854)	865)	854)	1,000)	1,069)
Total reported debt & leases	18,317)	19,775)	21,299)	15,714)	15,091)
Total 3M Company shareholders’ equity	15,046)	12,867)	10,063)	9,796)	11,563)
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities²	(124)	(538)	(220)	(86)	(276)
Allowances³	189)	233)	161)	95)	103)
Deferred revenue⁴	529)	498)	430)	617)	550)
Product warranty liabilities⁵	—)	—)	51)	48)	50)
Accrued restructuring action balances⁶	116)	179)	163)	124)	88)
Equity equivalents⁷	710)	372)	585)	798)	515)
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax⁸	6,750)	7,661)	8,139)	6,866)	7,026)
Noncontrolling interest	71)	64)	63)	52)	59)
Adjusted total 3M Company shareholders’ equity	22,577)	20,964)	18,850)	17,512)	19,163)
Construction in progress⁹	(1,510)	(1,425)	(1,310)	(1,193)	(843)
Marketable securities¹⁰	(228)	(434)	(141)	(417)	(1,103)
Invested capital	39,156)	38,880)	38,698)	31,616)	32,308)

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 revenue.

⁵ Addition of product warranty liabilities.

⁶ Addition of accrued restructuring action balances.

⁷ Addition of equity equivalents to total 3M Company shareholders’ equity.

⁸ Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.

⁹ Subtraction of construction in progress.

¹⁰ Subtraction of marketable securities.

Total Reported Debt & Leases: The total reported debt and leases increased notably from 15,091 million USD at the end of 2017 to 21,299 million USD by the end of 2019. However, a declining trend is observed afterward, with the total reducing to 19,775 million USD in 2020 and further to 18,317 million USD in 2021. This indicates an initial period of increased leverage followed by a consistent effort to reduce debt and lease obligations over the last two years.
Total 3M Company Shareholders’ Equity: Shareholders’ equity showed a downward trend from 11,563 million USD in 2017 to 9,796 million USD in 2018, indicating a reduction in net assets during that period. From 2018 onwards, equity exhibited a recovery and growth, climbing to 10,063 million USD in 2019, then more significantly increasing to 12,867 million USD in 2020 and reaching 15,046 million USD in 2021. This reflects improving retained earnings or capital infusions contributing to the strengthening of the equity base over the latter years.
Invested Capital: Invested capital was relatively stable between 2017 and 2018, with marginal decrease from 32,308 million USD to 31,616 million USD. In 2019, a considerable increase occurred, bringing the invested capital to 38,698 million USD. This level was maintained with slight increments through 2020 and 2021, totaling 38,880 million USD and 39,156 million USD respectively. This pattern suggests significant new investments or assets acquisition in 2019, followed by stabilization of capital deployment in subsequent years.
Overall Insights: The combined analysis suggests a strategic shift over the reported period. After increasing debt levels through 2019, the company appears to focus on deleveraging in 2020 and 2021, coinciding with rising shareholders' equity and steady invested capital. This could imply improved profitability, asset management, or capital restructuring efforts enhancing the company's financial stability and reducing reliance on borrowed funds.

AI Ask an analyst for more

Download chart

3M Co., cost of capital calculations

Dec 31, 2021

	Capital (fair value)¹	Weights					Cost of capital
Equity²	93,455)	93,455)	÷	113,317)	=	0.82	0.82	×	16.82%	=	13.87%
Debt and finance lease liabilities³	19,008)	19,008)	÷	113,317)	=	0.17	0.17	×	2.70% × (1 – 21.00%)	=	0.36%
Operating lease liability⁴	854)	854)	÷	113,317)	=	0.01	0.01	×	1.80% × (1 – 21.00%)	=	0.01%
Total:	113,317)					1.00					14.24%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

¹ US$ in millions

² Equity. See details »

³ Debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »

⁴ Operating lease liability. See details »

Dec 31, 2020

	Capital (fair value)¹	Weights					Cost of capital
Equity²	102,559)	102,559)	÷	124,841)	=	0.82	0.82	×	16.82%	=	13.82%
Debt and finance lease liabilities³	21,417)	21,417)	÷	124,841)	=	0.17	0.17	×	2.68% × (1 – 21.00%)	=	0.36%
Operating lease liability⁴	865)	865)	÷	124,841)	=	0.01	0.01	×	2.40% × (1 – 21.00%)	=	0.01%
Total:	124,841)					1.00					14.19%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).

¹ US$ in millions

² Equity. See details »

³ Debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »

⁴ Operating lease liability. See details »

Dec 31, 2019

	Capital (fair value)¹	Weights					Cost of capital
Equity²	93,759)	93,759)	÷	116,015)	=	0.81	0.81	×	16.82%	=	13.59%
Debt and finance lease liabilities³	21,402)	21,402)	÷	116,015)	=	0.18	0.18	×	2.67% × (1 – 21.00%)	=	0.39%
Operating lease liability⁴	854)	854)	÷	116,015)	=	0.01	0.01	×	3.20% × (1 – 21.00%)	=	0.02%
Total:	116,015)					1.00					14.00%

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

¹ US$ in millions

² Equity. See details »

³ Debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »

⁴ Operating lease liability. See details »

Dec 31, 2018

	Capital (fair value)¹	Weights					Cost of capital
Equity²	115,068)	115,068)	÷	130,957)	=	0.88	0.88	×	16.82%	=	14.78%
Debt and finance lease liabilities³	14,889)	14,889)	÷	130,957)	=	0.11	0.11	×	2.43% × (1 – 21.00%)	=	0.22%
Operating lease liability⁴	1,000)	1,000)	÷	130,957)	=	0.01	0.01	×	3.15% × (1 – 21.00%)	=	0.02%
Total:	130,957)					1.00					15.01%

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

¹ US$ in millions

² Equity. See details »

³ Debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »

⁴ Operating lease liability. See details »

Dec 31, 2017

	Capital (fair value)¹	Weights					Cost of capital
Equity²	132,731)	132,731)	÷	148,261)	=	0.90	0.90	×	16.82%	=	15.06%
Debt and finance lease liabilities³	14,461)	14,461)	÷	148,261)	=	0.10	0.10	×	1.97% × (1 – 35.00%)	=	0.12%
Operating lease liability⁴	1,069)	1,069)	÷	148,261)	=	0.01	0.01	×	0.75% × (1 – 35.00%)	=	0.00%
Total:	148,261)					1.00					15.18%

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

¹ US$ in millions

² Equity. See details »

³ Debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »

⁴ Operating lease liability. See details »

3M Co., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks

	Dec 31, 2021	Dec 31, 2020	Dec 31, 2019	Dec 31, 2018	Dec 31, 2017
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit¹	483)	280)	(738)	883)	482)
Invested capital²	39,156)	38,880)	38,698)	31,616)	32,308)
Performance Ratio
Economic spread ratio³	1.23%	0.72%	-1.91%	2.79%	1.49%
Benchmarks
Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors⁴
Boeing Co.	-19.02%	—	—	—	—
Caterpillar Inc.	-5.78%	—	—	—	—
Eaton Corp. plc	-9.31%	—	—	—	—
GE Aerospace	-18.68%	—	—	—	—
Honeywell International Inc.	-1.91%	—	—	—	—
Lockheed Martin Corp.	15.48%	—	—	—	—
RTX Corp.	-4.01%	—	—	—	—

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 × 483 ÷ 39,156 = 1.23%

⁴ Click competitor name to see calculations.

The analysis of economic value creation from 2017 to 2021 reveals a period of significant volatility, characterized by a sharp contraction in 2019 followed by a phased recovery in subsequent years.

Economic Profit Trends: Economic profit experienced a notable increase from 482 million US$ in 2017 to a peak of 883 million US$ in 2018. A substantial reversal occurred in 2019, with economic profit falling to negative 738 million US$, signaling that the returns generated were insufficient to cover the cost of capital. A recovery trend emerged in 2020 and 2021, with profits rising to 280 million US$ and 483 million US$, respectively.
Invested Capital Dynamics: Invested capital remained relatively stable between 2017 and 2018, moving from 32,308 million US$ to 31,616 million US$. A significant expansion of the capital base occurred in 2019, where invested capital rose to 38,698 million US$. This growth continued modestly through 2021, reaching 39,156 million US$, indicating a larger scale of invested resources compared to the 2017-2018 period.
Economic Spread Ratio Analysis: The economic spread ratio mirrored the volatility of economic profit, peaking at 2.79% in 2018. The ratio dropped to -1.91% in 2019, coinciding with the period of value destruction. A steady upward trajectory was observed thereafter, with the ratio improving to 0.72% in 2020 and 1.23% in 2021. While the ratio returned to positive territory, it did not regain the peak efficiency levels observed in 2018, despite the overall increase in invested capital.

AI Ask an analyst for more

Download chart

3M Co., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks

	Dec 31, 2021	Dec 31, 2020	Dec 31, 2019	Dec 31, 2018	Dec 31, 2017
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit¹	483)	280)	(738)	883)	482)

Net sales	35,355)	32,184)	32,136)	32,765)	31,657)
Add: Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue	31)	68)	(187)	104)	(16)
Adjusted net sales	35,386)	32,252)	31,949)	32,869)	31,641)
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin²	1.37%	0.87%	-2.31%	2.69%	1.52%
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors³
Boeing Co.	-15.10%	—	—	—	—
Caterpillar Inc.	-6.67%	—	—	—	—
Eaton Corp. plc	-13.98%	—	—	—	—
GE Aerospace	-18.86%	—	—	—	—
Honeywell International Inc.	-2.67%	—	—	—	—
Lockheed Martin Corp.	6.61%	—	—	—	—
RTX Corp.	-6.96%	—	—	—	—

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 net sales
= 100 × 483 ÷ 35,386 = 1.37%

³ Click competitor name to see calculations.

The five-year period from 2017 to 2021 is characterized by significant volatility in economic value generation, featuring a marked contraction in 2019 followed by a multi-year recovery phase.

Economic Profit Trends: Economic profit experienced an initial increase, rising from 482 million US$ in 2017 to a peak of 883 million US$ in 2018. This growth was reversed in 2019, with a sharp decline to negative 738 million US$, signifying a period where returns did not cover the cost of capital. A recovery trend followed, with profit returning to positive territory at 280 million US$ in 2020 and reaching 483 million US$ by 2021, effectively returning to 2017 levels.
Adjusted Net Sales Performance: Net sales exhibited relative stability and a general upward trajectory. Following a peak of 32,869 million US$ in 2018 and a slight correction in 2019, sales grew consistently through 2021, ending the period at 35,386 million US$. The divergence between the stability of sales and the volatility of economic profit suggests that the 2019 downturn was driven by factors other than revenue loss, such as increased capital charges or compressed operational margins.
Economic Profit Margin Analysis: The economic profit margin closely tracked the fluctuations of absolute economic profit. The margin expanded from 1.52% in 2017 to 2.69% in 2018, before falling to a trough of -2.31% in 2019. While the margin recovered to 0.87% in 2020 and 1.37% in 2021, it remained below the 2018 peak despite the higher sales volume achieved in 2021, indicating that the efficiency of value creation has not yet returned to its highest historical level within this dataset.

AI Ask an analyst for more

Download chart

3M Co. (NYSE:MMM)

Economic Value Added (EVA)

Economic Profit

Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Cash Operating Taxes

Invested Capital

Cost of Capital

Economic Spread Ratio

Economic Profit Margin