Stock Analysis on Net

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT)

$24.99

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

Abbott Laboratories, economic profit calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
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
= × =


Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
The NOPAT shows a significant increase from 4838 million US dollars in 2020 to a peak of 7014 million in 2021. Following this peak, there is a gradual decline over the subsequent years, reaching 5289 million in 2023 before a slight recovery to 5601 million in 2024. This indicates a strong performance in 2021, followed by a period of decreasing profitability, with a partial rebound in the most recent year.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital consistently rises throughout the period, starting at 11.16% in 2020 and increasing incrementally each year to reach 11.57% in 2024. This trend suggests a steadily increasing hurdle rate for investments, reflecting potentially higher risk or market conditions.
Invested Capital
Invested capital fluctuates modestly within a narrow range over the five years, starting at 60387 million US dollars in 2020 and peaking slightly at 62076 million in 2021. Subsequently, it declines to 59651 million in 2023, with a minor increase to 60065 million in 2024. Overall, the invested capital remains relatively stable, showing minor adjustments rather than significant expansion or contraction.
Economic Profit
Economic profit is negative for most years except for a small positive value of 71 million US dollars in 2021, the only year in which NOPAT exceeds the cost of capital sufficiently. Other years, including 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024, show losses ranging from -1903 million to -1349 million. This pattern indicates that the company's returns generally fail to cover the cost of capital, except in 2021, highlighting challenges in value creation despite fluctuations in operating profit.

Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Abbott Laboratories, NOPAT calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Net earnings
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1
Increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts2
Increase (decrease) in restructuring Plans, accrued balance3
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
Interest income
Investment income, before taxes
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income8
Investment income, after taxes9
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax10
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)

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

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Taxes on earnings from continuing operations
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: 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

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Short-term borrowings
Current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt, excluding current portion
Operating lease liability1
Total reported debt & leases
Total Abbott shareholders’ investment
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2
Allowance for doubtful accounts3
Restructuring Plans, accrued balance4
Equity equivalents5
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax6
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
Adjusted total Abbott shareholders’ investment
Construction in progress7
Marketable securities8
Invested capital

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

Microsoft Excel
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
CVS Health Corp.
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 demonstrated fluctuations over the five-year period. It started with a significant negative value in 2020 at -1903 million US dollars, improved markedly in 2021 to a positive 71 million US dollars, but then reverted to negative values subsequently. In 2022, it dropped to -208 million, followed by a sharper decline in 2023 to -1524 million, and slightly less negative at -1349 million in 2024. This pattern indicates an unstable economic performance with limited periods of profitability amidst predominantly negative returns.
Invested Capital
The invested capital exhibited relative stability, fluctuating within a narrow range from approximately 60,387 million US dollars in 2020 to 60,065 million US dollars in 2024. The peak was observed in 2021 at 62,076 million US dollars, after which there was a gradual decrease till 2023, followed by a modest increase in 2024. This trend suggests a stable capital base with minor adjustments over time.
Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio, representing the difference between return on invested capital and the cost of capital, showed a negative trend predominantly. While it was significantly negative at -3.15% in 2020, it marginally turned positive at 0.11% in 2021, paralleling the brief economic profit on that year. However, it slipped back into negative territory subsequently, recording -0.34% in 2022, worsening further to -2.56% in 2023, and slightly improving to -2.25% in 2024. This implies that, except for 2021, the company's returns on capital failed to exceed the associated costs consistently.

Economic Profit Margin

Abbott Laboratories, economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
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
CVS Health Corp.
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.


The analysis of the financial data reveals several key trends over the five-year period ending December 31, 2024.

Net Sales
Net sales experienced an overall upward trend from 34,608 million US dollars in 2020 to 43,653 million US dollars in 2022, representing significant revenue growth during the initial years. However, this growth plateaued and slightly reversed in 2023 with a decline to 40,109 million US dollars, followed by a modest recovery to 41,950 million US dollars in 2024. This pattern suggests a peak in sales in 2022, with some sales volatility or market challenges impacting subsequent years.
Economic Profit
The economic profit fluctuated considerably and remained largely negative throughout the period. Starting at a substantial loss of 1,903 million US dollars in 2020, a positive turnaround was briefly observed in 2021 with a profit of 71 million US dollars. However, this improvement was short-lived, as economic profit declined again to losses of 208 million in 2022, followed by more severe losses in 2023 and 2024 amounting to 1,524 million and 1,349 million US dollars respectively. This indicates persistent challenges in generating returns above the cost of capital despite varying sales levels.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin closely mirrors the trajectory of economic profit. It improved from a negative margin of -5.5% in 2020 to a slightly positive margin of 0.16% in 2021, reflecting relative efficiency or profitability gains that year. Thereafter, the margin deteriorated again into negative territory, declining to -0.48% in 2022, worsening further to -3.8% in 2023, and slightly improving but remaining negative at -3.22% in 2024. The consistent negative margins, particularly in the latter years, highlight ongoing profitability pressures despite the sales volume.

In summary, while net sales exhibited growth initially and maintained relatively high levels, economic profitability remained under strain with recurring losses after a brief positive interlude. The negative economic profit margins in recent years suggest that the company has faced difficulties in sustaining value creation relative to its invested capital, which warrants attention to operational efficiency and cost management going forward.