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.
Economic Profit
Abbott Laboratories, economic profit calculation
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 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).
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
= 7,106 – 13.61% × 62,400 = -1,389
The analysis of economic profit over the five-year period reveals a consistent failure to generate returns above the cost of capital, as economic profit remained negative from 2021 through 2025. The most significant deterioration occurred between 2021 and 2023, followed by a recovery phase starting in 2024.
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- A U-shaped trend is observed in NOPAT. The figure declined from 7,014 million US$ in 2021 to a low of 5,289 million US$ in 2023. A subsequent recovery occurred, with profits rising to 7,106 million US$ by 2025, marking the highest point in the analyzed period.
- Cost of Capital
- The cost of capital exhibited a steady upward trajectory for the majority of the period, increasing from 13.22% in 2021 to a peak of 13.69% in 2024. A slight reduction to 13.61% was noted in 2025, though the overall cost of capital remained elevated compared to the 2021 baseline.
- Invested Capital
- Invested capital showed a moderate decline from 62,076 million US$ in 2021 to 59,651 million US$ in 2023. This was followed by a period of expansion, with capital increasing to 62,400 million US$ by 2025, suggesting a renewed phase of investment toward the end of the period.
- Economic Profit Trajectory
- Economic profit widened from a deficit of 1,195 million US$ in 2021 to a peak deficit of 2,771 million US$ in 2023. This decline aligns with the simultaneous drop in NOPAT and the increase in the cost of capital. From 2024 onward, the economic profit began to improve, narrowing the deficit to 1,389 million US$ by 2025, primarily driven by the significant rebound in operating profitability.
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Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)
Abbott Laboratories, NOPAT calculation
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 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).
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 2025 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= 1,207 × 3.90% = 47
6 2025 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= 540 × 21.00% = 113
7 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net earnings.
8 2025 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= 308 × 21.00% = 65
9 Elimination of after taxes investment income.
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) exhibited fluctuations over the five-year period. While generally tracking with net earnings, distinct patterns emerge upon closer examination. Initial declines were followed by a significant increase and then a subsequent decrease.
- Overall Trend
- NOPAT began at US$7,014 million in 2021 and decreased to US$5,289 million in 2023. A substantial increase was then observed in 2024, reaching US$5,543 million, followed by a further increase to US$7,106 million in 2025. This indicates a period of profitability challenges followed by recovery and growth.
- Year-over-Year Changes
- From 2021 to 2022, NOPAT decreased by US$296 million, representing a roughly 4.2% decline. The decrease from 2022 to 2023 was more pronounced, with a reduction of US$429 million, or approximately 6.4%. However, 2024 saw an increase of US$254 million, a 4.6% rise. The largest year-over-year change occurred between 2024 and 2025, with NOPAT increasing by US$1,563 million, or 28.2%.
- Relationship to Net Earnings
- NOPAT closely mirrored the trend of net earnings. Both metrics decreased from 2021 to 2023, experienced a large jump in 2024, and then decreased in 2025. The difference between net earnings and NOPAT remained relatively consistent throughout the period, suggesting a stable capital structure and financing costs. The slight differences observed could be attributed to non-operating items impacting net earnings.
The substantial increase in NOPAT in 2025 warrants further investigation to determine the underlying drivers, such as revenue growth, cost reductions, or changes in operational efficiency. The dip in 2023 also merits attention to understand the factors contributing to the reduced profitability during that year.
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Cash Operating Taxes
Abbott Laboratories, cash operating taxes calculation
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 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).
The reported values for taxes on earnings and cash operating taxes exhibit distinct patterns over the five-year period. Cash operating taxes demonstrate relative stability, while taxes on earnings fluctuate significantly, including a substantial negative value in 2024.
- Cash Operating Taxes
- Cash operating taxes increased from US$1,759 million in 2021 to US$2,118 million in 2022, representing a growth of approximately 20.4%. A subsequent decrease to US$1,463 million was observed in 2023. Values then rose to US$1,626 million in 2024 and concluded at US$1,550 million in 2025. Overall, the trend suggests a moderate level of volatility around the US$1,600 million mark, with no consistent upward or downward trajectory.
- Taxes on Earnings
- Taxes on earnings began at US$1,140 million in 2021 and increased to US$1,373 million in 2022. A decline to US$941 million followed in 2023. The most notable change occurred in 2024, with a reported negative value of -US$6,389 million. This suggests a significant tax benefit or accounting adjustment occurred during that year. The value recovered to US$1,942 million in 2025, exceeding the 2022 level. The substantial fluctuation indicates a sensitivity to factors impacting reported earnings and applicable tax rates.
The divergence between taxes on earnings and cash operating taxes is particularly pronounced in 2024. The negative taxes on earnings, contrasted with positive cash operating taxes, suggests the presence of deferred tax assets being realized, or other non-cash tax effects impacting reported earnings. Further investigation into the components of taxes on earnings is warranted to understand the drivers behind the 2024 anomaly.
- Relationship between Metrics
- In 2021, 2022, and 2023, cash operating taxes were consistently higher than taxes on earnings. This difference could be attributed to timing differences between when taxes are accrued for financial reporting purposes and when they are actually paid in cash. The 2024 and 2025 periods demonstrate a reversal of this pattern, with taxes on earnings exceeding cash operating taxes in 2025, and being significantly negative in 2024.
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Invested Capital
Abbott Laboratories, invested capital calculation (financing approach)
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 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).
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.
The composition of invested capital demonstrates notable shifts over the five-year period. Total reported debt & leases consistently decreased, while total shareholders’ investment generally increased. These movements have influenced the overall trend in invested capital.
- Total Reported Debt & Leases
- A clear downward trend is observed in total reported debt & leases, decreasing from US$19,251 million in 2021 to US$14,136 million in 2025. The largest single-year decrease occurred between 2021 and 2022, with a reduction of US$1,305 million. Subsequent annual decreases were more moderate, suggesting a consistent, but slowing, debt reduction strategy.
- Total Abbott Shareholders’ Investment
- Total shareholders’ investment exhibited an overall increasing trend, rising from US$35,802 million in 2021 to US$52,130 million in 2025. A significant increase is apparent between 2023 and 2024, with an addition of US$8,961 million. This suggests substantial equity financing or retained earnings accumulation during that period. The increase from 2024 to 2025, while still positive, was smaller at US$4,466 million.
- Invested Capital
- Invested capital initially decreased from US$62,076 million in 2021 to US$59,651 million in 2023, reflecting the greater reduction in debt compared to the increase in shareholders’ investment. However, it stabilized and slightly increased in 2024 to US$60,086 million, and continued to rise to US$62,400 million in 2025. This stabilization and subsequent increase indicate a shift towards utilizing more capital, potentially for growth initiatives, despite the continued reduction in debt. The overall change in invested capital from 2021 to 2025 was a modest increase of US$324 million.
The interplay between decreasing debt and increasing shareholders’ investment suggests a strategic shift in capital structure. The company appears to be reducing its reliance on debt financing while simultaneously strengthening its equity base. The recent stabilization and slight growth in invested capital, coupled with these changes, warrants further investigation into the company’s capital allocation decisions and their impact on future performance.
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Cost of Capital
Abbott Laboratories, cost of capital calculations
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | 194,985) | 194,985) | ÷ | 208,964) | = | 0.93 | 0.93 | × | 14.37% | = | 13.41% | ||
| Long-term debt, including current maturities3 | 12,772) | 12,772) | ÷ | 208,964) | = | 0.06 | 0.06 | × | 3.83% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.18% | ||
| Operating lease liability4 | 1,207) | 1,207) | ÷ | 208,964) | = | 0.01 | 0.01 | × | 3.90% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.02% | ||
| Total: | 208,964) | 1.00 | 13.61% | ||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | 233,995) | 233,995) | ÷ | 248,855) | = | 0.94 | 0.94 | × | 14.37% | = | 13.51% | ||
| Long-term debt, including current maturities3 | 13,710) | 13,710) | ÷ | 248,855) | = | 0.06 | 0.06 | × | 3.82% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.17% | ||
| Operating lease liability4 | 1,150) | 1,150) | ÷ | 248,855) | = | 0.00 | 0.00 | × | 3.60% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.01% | ||
| Total: | 248,855) | 1.00 | 13.69% | ||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | 197,828) | 197,828) | ÷ | 213,791) | = | 0.93 | 0.93 | × | 14.37% | = | 13.30% | ||
| Long-term debt, including current maturities3 | 14,769) | 14,769) | ÷ | 213,791) | = | 0.07 | 0.07 | × | 3.63% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.20% | ||
| Operating lease liability4 | 1,194) | 1,194) | ÷ | 213,791) | = | 0.01 | 0.01 | × | 3.40% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.02% | ||
| Total: | 213,791) | 1.00 | 13.51% | ||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | 185,508) | 185,508) | ÷ | 202,994) | = | 0.91 | 0.91 | × | 14.37% | = | 13.13% | ||
| Long-term debt, including current maturities3 | 16,313) | 16,313) | ÷ | 202,994) | = | 0.08 | 0.08 | × | 3.43% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.22% | ||
| Operating lease liability4 | 1,173) | 1,173) | ÷ | 202,994) | = | 0.01 | 0.01 | × | 2.90% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.01% | ||
| Total: | 202,994) | 1.00 | 13.37% | ||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | 205,957) | 205,957) | ÷ | 228,310) | = | 0.90 | 0.90 | × | 14.37% | = | 12.97% | ||
| Long-term debt, including current maturities3 | 21,152) | 21,152) | ÷ | 228,310) | = | 0.09 | 0.09 | × | 3.36% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.25% | ||
| Operating lease liability4 | 1,201) | 1,201) | ÷ | 228,310) | = | 0.01 | 0.01 | × | 2.70% × (1 – 21.00%) | = | 0.01% | ||
| Total: | 228,310) | 1.00 | 13.22% | ||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt, including current maturities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
Economic Spread Ratio
Abbott Laboratories, economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Dec 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | (1,389) | (2,686) | (2,771) | (1,474) | (1,195) | |
| Invested capital2 | 62,400) | 60,086) | 59,651) | 61,288) | 62,076) | |
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic spread ratio3 | -2.23% | -4.47% | -4.65% | -2.40% | -1.92% | |
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4 | ||||||
| Elevance Health Inc. | -0.93% | -0.52% | -0.85% | 0.18% | 1.50% | |
| Intuitive Surgical Inc. | 0.88% | 3.46% | -2.99% | -3.27% | 12.34% | |
| Medtronic PLC | -4.71% | -6.50% | -6.29% | -5.04% | -6.68% | |
| UnitedHealth Group Inc. | -0.94% | 0.17% | 5.07% | 4.11% | 3.96% | |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 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).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 Invested capital. See details »
3 2025 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × -1,389 ÷ 62,400 = -2.23%
4 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The financial performance from 2021 through 2025 is characterized by persistent negative economic value added, indicating that the returns generated on invested capital have consistently remained below the company's cost of capital throughout the observed period.
- Economic Profit Trends
- Economic profit remained negative for the entire five-year duration, exhibiting a significant decline between 2021 and 2023. The deficit expanded from -1,195 million US dollars in 2021 to a peak loss of -2,771 million US dollars in 2023. A recovery trend emerged thereafter, with economic profit improving to -2,686 million US dollars in 2024 and further recovering to -1,389 million US dollars by December 31, 2025.
- Invested Capital Stability
- Invested capital remained relatively stable, fluctuating within a narrow range between 59,651 million US dollars and 62,400 million US dollars. A slight contraction is noted through 2023, followed by a gradual increase in the final two years of the period. This stability suggests that the volatility in economic profit was driven by operational performance or changes in the cost of capital rather than significant fluctuations in the capital base.
- Economic Spread Ratio Analysis
- The economic spread ratio mirrored the trajectory of economic profit, maintaining negative values throughout the period. The ratio deteriorated from -1.92% in 2021 to its lowest point of -4.65% in 2023, signaling a widening gap between the return on invested capital and the weighted average cost of capital. However, a corrective trend is evident in the subsequent years, with the ratio improving to -4.47% in 2024 and reaching -2.23% by the end of 2025.
Overall, the data indicates a period of value erosion that peaked in 2023, followed by a consistent trend toward recovery in both absolute economic profit and the economic spread ratio by 2025.
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Economic Profit Margin
Abbott Laboratories, economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Dec 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | (1,389) | (2,686) | (2,771) | (1,474) | (1,195) | |
| Net sales | 44,328) | 41,950) | 40,109) | 43,653) | 43,075) | |
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic profit margin2 | -3.13% | -6.40% | -6.91% | -3.38% | -2.77% | |
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3 | ||||||
| Elevance Health Inc. | -0.38% | -0.23% | -0.35% | 0.08% | 0.70% | |
| Intuitive Surgical Inc. | 0.99% | 3.22% | -2.98% | -2.82% | 9.71% | |
| Medtronic PLC | -9.88% | -13.78% | -14.19% | -11.06% | -16.04% | |
| UnitedHealth Group Inc. | -0.42% | 0.09% | 2.52% | 2.10% | 1.94% | |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 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).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 2025 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Net sales
= 100 × -1,389 ÷ 44,328 = -3.13%
3 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The analysis of economic value added metrics reveals a sustained period of negative economic profit from 2021 through 2025. While the company failed to generate returns exceeding its cost of capital throughout the observed period, the data indicates a significant volatility peak in 2023 followed by a gradual recovery trend toward the end of the period.
- Economic Profit Trends
- Economic profit remained negative across all five years, indicating that the company's net operating profit after taxes was insufficient to cover its cost of capital. A downward trajectory is observed from 2021 to 2023, with losses widening from -1,195 million US$ to a peak deficit of -2,771 million US$. However, a recovery phase began in 2024, with economic profit improving to -2,686 million US$ and further recovering to -1,389 million US$ by December 31, 2025.
- Net Sales Performance
- Net sales exhibited fluctuations, starting at 43,075 million US$ in 2021 and peaking at 44,328 million US$ in 2025. A notable contraction occurred in 2023, where sales declined to 40,109 million US$. The subsequent years showed a steady rebound, with revenue increasing by approximately 4.6% in 2024 and another 5.7% in 2025, suggesting a stabilization of top-line growth.
- Economic Profit Margin Analysis
- The economic profit margin mirrors the volatility of the absolute economic profit figures. The margin compressed from -2.77% in 2021 to its lowest point of -6.91% in 2023, reflecting a period of heightened inefficiency relative to the cost of capital. Following this trough, the margin improved to -6.40% in 2024 and further strengthened to -3.13% in 2025. This improvement indicates that the company is narrowing the gap between its operational returns and its capital requirements.
The correlation between the dip in net sales and the widening of economic losses in 2023 suggests that the decline in revenue had a compounded negative effect on the company's ability to create economic value. The recovery seen in 2024 and 2025 indicates a positive trend in operational efficiency and revenue growth, although the company has yet to return to a positive economic profit state.
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