Economic Value Added (EVA)
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.
Paying user area
Try for free
Abbott Laboratories pages available for free this week:
The data is hidden behind: . Unhide it.
Get full access to the entire website from $10.42/mo, or
get 1-month access to Abbott Laboratories for $24.99.
This is a one-time payment. There is no automatic renewal.
We accept:
Economic Profit
Abbott Laboratories, economic profit calculation
US$ in millions
| 12 months ended: | Dec 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1 | ||||||
| Cost of capital2 | ||||||
| Invested capital3 | ||||||
| Economic profit4 | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).
1 NOPAT. See details »
2 Cost of capital. See details »
3 Invested capital. See details »
4 2024 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= – × =
The financial data reveals several key trends related to operating performance and capital efficiency over the five-year period.
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- NOPAT increased significantly from 4,838 million US dollars in 2020 to a peak of 7,014 million in 2021. However, it subsequently declined to 6,718 million in 2022, followed by a sharper decrease to 5,289 million in 2023. A moderate recovery is noted in 2024, with NOPAT rising to 5,601 million, although it remains below the peak level observed in 2021.
- Cost of Capital
- The cost of capital exhibits a gradual upward trend throughout the period, increasing from 11.25% in 2020 to 11.66% in 2024. This steady rise suggests a growing expense associated with funding the enterprise, potentially reflecting changes in risk premiums, interest rates, or capital structure.
- Invested Capital
- Invested capital fluctuated mildly but overall showed a slight decreasing trend, beginning at 60,387 million US dollars in 2020 and declining to 59,651 million in 2023 before a slight uptick to 60,065 million in 2024. The relative stability indicates limited expansion or contraction in the asset base over the period.
- Economic Profit
- Economic profit, which accounts for the cost of capital, was negative in 2020 at -1,954 million, turned slightly positive in 2021 at 18 million, but reverted back to negative figures in the subsequent years. The decline intensified in 2023 to -1,576 million and remained significantly negative in 2024 at -1,402 million. This pattern indicates that the company's returns, after accounting for capital costs, have generally failed to generate value consistently, with only a brief reprieve in 2021.
In summary, while the company experienced a peak in operating profitability in 2021, the subsequent years showed a downward trajectory in net operating profit. Coupled with a rising cost of capital and relatively stable invested capital, the economic profit remained negative for most of the period, highlighting challenges in creating shareholder value above the capital charge. The negative economic profit in later years suggests that despite generating accounting profits, the company has struggled to cover its overall cost of capital consistently.
Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)
Abbott Laboratories, NOPAT calculation
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).
1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »
2 Addition of increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts.
3 Addition of increase (decrease) in restructuring Plans, accrued balance.
4 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net earnings.
5 2024 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =
6 2024 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =
7 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net earnings.
8 2024 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =
9 Elimination of after taxes investment income.
10 Elimination of discontinued operations.
The financial performance over the observed periods highlights variability in both net earnings and net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT), with distinct trends and fluctuations evident.
- Net Earnings
- Net earnings demonstrated significant growth from 2020 to 2021, increasing from 4,495 million US dollars to 7,071 million US dollars. Following this peak, there was a slight decline in 2022 to 6,933 million US dollars, and a more pronounced decrease in 2023 to 5,723 million US dollars. However, in 2024, net earnings surged substantially, reaching 13,402 million US dollars, representing the highest value in the entire period under review.
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- NOPAT also exhibited a rising trend from 2020 to 2021, increasing from 4,838 million US dollars to 7,014 million US dollars. Subsequently, NOPAT decreased each year through 2023, falling to 5,289 million US dollars. In 2024, there was a modest recovery, with NOPAT rising to 5,601 million US dollars, although this value remained below the peak observed in 2021.
The patterns indicate a strong performance improvement initially, peaking in 2021 for both profitability metrics, followed by a downturn over the next two years. Notably, net earnings exhibited a remarkable recovery and acceleration in 2024, far exceeding previous years' performance, whereas NOPAT showed only a slight improvement without returning to earlier peak levels. This divergence in 2024 suggests that factors impacting net earnings positively may not have equivalently affected operating efficiency or core profitability as measured by NOPAT.
Cash Operating Taxes
Abbott Laboratories, cash operating taxes calculation
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).
The data reveals notable fluctuations in both taxes on earnings from continuing operations and cash operating taxes over the five-year period analyzed.
- Taxes on earnings from continuing operations
-
This item shows an overall increasing trend from 497 million USD in 2020 to a peak of 1,373 million USD in 2022, followed by a decline to 941 million USD in 2023. Notably, 2024 exhibits a significant negative value of -6,389 million USD, indicating a substantial tax benefit or reversal relative to earnings taxation for that year.
- Cash operating taxes
-
Cash operating taxes also increased from 718 million USD in 2020 to 2,118 million USD in 2022. However, in contrast to taxes on earnings, cash operating taxes declined only slightly to 1,463 million USD in 2023, followed by a moderate increase to 1,626 million USD in 2024. The cash tax payments did not reflect the large negative swing seen in tax expenses on earnings for 2024.
This divergence in 2024 between taxes on earnings and cash operating taxes may suggest the presence of deferred tax assets, tax refunds, adjustments, or accounting reclassifications influencing reported earnings taxes without an immediate effect on cash taxes paid. The general increase in both tax metrics until 2022 aligns with growing taxable earnings or changes in tax rates but the pronounced changes in 2023 and especially 2024 highlight significant tax-related events or accounting impacts during these years.
Invested Capital
Abbott Laboratories, invested capital calculation (financing approach)
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).
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 restructuring Plans, accrued balance.
5 Addition of equity equivalents to total Abbott shareholders’ investment.
6 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.
7 Subtraction of construction in progress.
8 Subtraction of marketable securities.
- Total reported debt & leases
-
The total reported debt and leases demonstrate a consistent downward trend over the observed five-year period. Beginning at approximately 19,890 million US dollars in 2020, the debt level gradually decreased each year, reaching around 15,275 million US dollars by the end of 2024. This steady reduction suggests a focus on debt management or deleveraging initiatives, contributing to an improved financial structure.
- Total Abbott shareholders’ investment
-
Shareholders’ investment exhibits a steady increase across the years. Starting at 32,784 million US dollars in 2020, this figure rose progressively to 47,664 million US dollars by 2024. The growth reflects a strengthening equity base, possibly due to accumulated earnings, retained profits, or new equity infusions, enhancing the company's financial stability and shareholder value.
- Invested capital
-
Invested capital shows a relatively stable pattern with slight fluctuations throughout the period. The value starts at 60,387 million US dollars in 2020 and peaks near 62,076 million in 2021 before slightly declining and stabilizing around 60,065 million by 2024. This relative stability indicates consistent investment levels in the business operations and assets, with minor adjustments potentially reflecting operational changes or capital expenditure variations.
- Overall Insights
-
The financial data highlights a strategic decrease in debt concurrent with increasing shareholder equity, indicating a strengthening financial position. The reduction in debt paired with rising equity suggests improved solvency and reduced financial risk. Stability in invested capital implies maintained operational capacity, supporting sustainable growth. Collectively, these trends point to robust financial management and a focus on enhancing the company’s balance sheet quality over the observed period.
Cost of Capital
Abbott Laboratories, 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: 2024-12-31).
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: 2023-12-31).
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: 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 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| 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 »
Economic Spread Ratio
Abbott Laboratories, economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Dec 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Invested capital2 | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic spread ratio3 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4 | ||||||
| Elevance Health Inc. | ||||||
| Intuitive Surgical Inc. | ||||||
| Medtronic PLC | ||||||
| UnitedHealth Group Inc. | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 Invested capital. See details »
3 2024 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × ÷ =
4 Click competitor name to see calculations.
- Economic Profit
- The economic profit exhibited considerable volatility over the five-year span. It started at a significant negative value of -1,954 million US dollars in 2020, improved to a slight positive profit of 18 million US dollars in 2021, then declined again to negative figures in the subsequent years. Specifically, economic profit was -261 million in 2022, further deteriorating to -1,576 million in 2023, and slightly recovering but remaining negative at -1,402 million in 2024. This pattern indicates intermittent profitability with an overall trend of losses following the brief positive outcome in 2021.
- Invested Capital
- Invested capital displayed relative stability across the analyzed years, with values ranging from approximately 59,651 to 62,076 million US dollars. The highest invested capital was recorded in 2021 at 62,076 million, followed by a gradual decrease to 59,651 million in 2023, and a slight increase to 60,065 million in 2024. This suggests a fairly consistent level of capital allocated to the business operations, with minor fluctuations but no evident large-scale expansions or contractions.
- Economic Spread Ratio
- The economic spread ratio showed a negative trend for most of the reporting periods, indicating that the returns on invested capital were generally below the cost of capital. It began strongly negative at -3.24% in 2020, improved to a marginally positive 0.03% in 2021, but reverted to negative figures thereafter: -0.43% in 2022, -2.64% in 2023, and -2.33% in 2024. The ratio’s movement reflects a brief period of minimal positive economic spread in 2021, followed by sustained negative spreads, which corresponds with the periods of negative economic profit.
Economic Profit Margin
Abbott Laboratories, economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Dec 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Net sales | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic profit margin2 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3 | ||||||
| Elevance Health Inc. | ||||||
| Intuitive Surgical Inc. | ||||||
| Medtronic PLC | ||||||
| UnitedHealth Group Inc. | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 2024 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Net sales
= 100 × ÷ =
3 Click competitor name to see calculations.
- Net Sales Trend
- Net sales demonstrated an overall positive trajectory, increasing from US$34,608 million in 2020 to a peak of US$43,653 million in 2022. Despite a decline to US$40,109 million in 2023, sales rebounded to US$41,950 million in 2024. This indicates moderate volatility but generally healthy revenue generation over the observed periods.
- Economic Profit Analysis
- Economic profit showed significant fluctuations, starting with a substantial loss of US$1,954 million in 2020. It temporarily improved to a slight positive value of US$18 million in 2021, before reverting to negative figures in subsequent years: -US$261 million in 2022, then worsening markedly to -US$1,576 million in 2023 and -US$1,402 million in 2024. This pattern reflects challenges in generating returns above the cost of capital, despite overall revenue growth.
- Economic Profit Margin Insights
- The economic profit margin closely mirrored the economic profit trend, moving from -5.65% in 2020 to a marginally positive 0.04% in 2021. This improvement was short-lived, as the margin declined again to -0.6% in 2022 and further dipped to -3.93% in 2023, before slightly recovering to -3.34% in 2024. This suggests persistent difficulties in achieving optimal profitability relative to sales, with negative margins indicating that earnings did not sufficiently cover the opportunity costs over the period.