Stock Analysis on Net

Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE:XOM)

$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.

Paying user area


We accept:

Visa Mastercard American Express Maestro Discover JCB PayPal Apple Pay Google Pay
Visa Secure Mastercard Identity Check American Express SafeKey

Economic Profit

Exxon Mobil Corp., 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
= × =


The financial data exhibits significant fluctuations across the analyzed periods, reflecting variable operational performance and capital efficiency.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
NOPAT experienced a considerable turnaround from a negative value of -34,098 million US dollars in 2020 to a strong positive of 32,736 million US dollars in 2021. This upward trend continued into 2022, reaching a peak of 62,749 million US dollars. However, the subsequent years show a decline in NOPAT, descending to 37,855 million US dollars in 2023 and further to 31,476 million US dollars in 2024. This pattern suggests initial recovery and growth, followed by a weakening in profitability.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital displayed a gradual increase over the period, starting at 10.77% in 2020 and rising steadily to 12.79% by 2024. This upward trajectory indicates increasing costs associated with financing and investment risk over time, which could impact the company’s ability to generate value above its capital costs.
Invested Capital
Invested capital remained relatively stable between 2020 and 2021, with a slight decrease from 273,920 million to 272,673 million US dollars. From 2022 onwards, a marked increase is evident, with invested capital growing to 297,049 million in 2022, then to 307,196 million in 2023, and sharply rising to 378,995 million US dollars in 2024. This rise suggests increased deployment of funds into operational assets or growth initiatives, potentially aiming to enhance future earnings capacity.
Economic Profit
Economic profit, defined as NOPAT minus the cost of capital charge on invested capital, demonstrates considerable volatility and predominantly negative values. Starting with a significant loss of -63,598 million US dollars in 2020, it improved drastically to near zero (-13 million) in 2021, and achieved a positive value of 24,944 million in 2022, aligning with peak profitability. However, the economic profit deteriorated again into negative territory with -1,011 million in 2023 and -17,008 million in 2024. These shifts reveal challenges in consistently generating returns above the cost of capital, with only 2022 standing out as a year of clear economic value creation.

Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Exxon Mobil Corp., 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 income (loss) attributable to ExxonMobil
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1
Increase (decrease) in reserves2
Increase (decrease) in LIFO reserve3
Increase (decrease) in restructuring reserves4
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents5
Interest expense
Interest expense, operating lease liability6
Adjusted interest expense
Tax benefit of interest expense7
Adjusted interest expense, after taxes8
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
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 reserves.

3 Addition of increase (decrease) in LIFO reserve. See details »

4 Addition of increase (decrease) in restructuring reserves.

5 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income (loss) attributable to ExxonMobil.

6 2024 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =

7 2024 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

8 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income (loss) attributable to ExxonMobil.


The financial data reveals significant fluctuations in the profitability metrics over the five-year period ending December 31, 2024. Both net income and net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) demonstrate notable volatility, reflecting changing business dynamics and external factors impacting the company.

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ExxonMobil
The company experienced a substantial net loss in the year 2020, with a figure of negative $22.44 billion. This was followed by a strong recovery in 2021, marked by a sharp turnaround to a net income of $23.04 billion. The upward trend continued robustly into 2022, reaching a peak of $55.74 billion, which represents the highest profit in the examined period. However, the subsequent years showed a moderation in profitability, with net income declining to $36.01 billion in 2023 and further to $33.68 billion in 2024. Despite these decreases, profits remained significantly positive compared to the loss in 2020.
Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
Similar to net income, NOPAT followed a correlated pattern. The year 2020 registered a pronounced negative figure of $34.10 billion, indicating operational challenges and tax impacts during that period. Recovery commenced in 2021 with NOPAT switching to a positive $32.74 billion, followed by a peak in 2022 at $62.75 billion, surpassing the net income peak and underscoring efficient operational performance. Afterwards, NOPAT experienced a decline to $37.86 billion in 2023 and further contraction to $31.48 billion in 2024. These trends suggest the company maintained operational profitability after taxes but faced headwinds causing reduced returns post-2022.

Overall, the data indicates that the company underwent a significant turnaround after 2020, reflecting recovery from adverse conditions that year. The peak in 2022 represents a period of considerable profitability, although the subsequent decline in the following two years points to either reduced market conditions, increased costs, or other operational challenges. Despite the decline post-2022, the company remained profitable with both net income and NOPAT well above the negative values seen in 2020.


Cash Operating Taxes

Exxon Mobil Corp., 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
Income tax expense (benefit)
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Add: Tax savings from interest expense
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 financial data exhibits significant fluctuations in both income tax expense (benefit) and cash operating taxes over the observed five-year period.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
The income tax expense started with a substantial benefit of -5,632 million USD at the end of 2020, indicating a tax advantage or credit in that year. However, this shifted markedly in 2021, changing to a positive expense of 7,636 million USD. The upward trend continued into 2022, peaking at 20,176 million USD. Although there was a decline in 2023 to 15,429 million USD, the figure remained significantly elevated compared to 2021 and 2020. By 2024, the expense decreased slightly further to 13,810 million USD, yet maintaining a higher level than in the initial years.
Cash Operating Taxes
The cash operating taxes demonstrate a strong growth trajectory from 2,695 million USD in 2020 to 7,904 million USD in 2021. This upward momentum accelerated, reaching 16,789 million USD in 2022. Following this peak, cash operating taxes slightly declined to 14,713 million USD in 2023 but rebounded modestly to 14,916 million USD in 2024. The overall pattern suggests a multi-year increase with a peak in 2022, followed by stabilization at a high level.

Overall, both tax-related metrics indicate increased tax obligations and cash outflows in the recent years, especially from 2021 onwards. The simultaneous rise in income tax expense and cash operating taxes reflects heightened tax liabilities that stabilize but remain elevated compared to 2020 levels. The initial benefit observed in 2020 may represent one-time tax credits or adjustments, followed by normalization or growth in tax expenses consistent with business conditions in the subsequent years.


Invested Capital

Exxon Mobil Corp., 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
Notes and loans payable
Long-term debt, excluding due within one year
Operating lease liability1
Total reported debt & leases
Total ExxonMobil share of equity
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2
Reserves3
LIFO reserve4
Restructuring reserves5
Equity equivalents6
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax7
Noncontrolling interests
Adjusted total ExxonMobil share of equity
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 LIFO reserve. See details »

5 Addition of restructuring reserves.

6 Addition of equity equivalents to total ExxonMobil share of equity.

7 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.


Total reported debt & leases
The total reported debt and leases exhibit a significant downward trend from 2020 to 2022, decreasing from $72,802 million to $46,787 million. This reduction suggests a strategy of debt reduction or improved liability management. From 2022 onwards, the figure stabilizes, with a slight increase to $48,188 million by 2024, indicating a relatively steady level of debt in the most recent periods.
Total ExxonMobil share of equity
Shareholder equity shows a consistent upward trend over the entire period. Starting at $157,150 million in 2020, it increases steadily each year, reaching a notable $263,705 million in 2024. This growth reflects strengthening equity positions, possibly driven by retained earnings, asset appreciation, or additional capital infusion.
Invested capital
Invested capital remains relatively stable between 2020 and 2021, with a slight slight decline from $273,920 million to $272,673 million. From 2021 onwards, invested capital steadily rises, reaching $378,995 million in 2024. This upward trend may indicate increased investments in assets or expansion initiatives to support long-term operational growth.

Overall, the financial data indicates a strategic reduction and subsequent stabilization of debt, coupled with strong growth in shareholder equity. The increase in invested capital alongside equity growth suggests ongoing investment in operational capacity supported by a solid equity base, contributing to a potentially stronger financial position over the assessed period.


Cost of Capital

Exxon Mobil Corp., 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

Exxon Mobil Corp., 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
Chevron Corp.
ConocoPhillips
Occidental Petroleum Corp.

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 exhibits significant volatility over the observed periods. It started with a substantial negative value of -63,598 million US dollars in 2020, improved dramatically to a slight negative of -13 million in 2021, followed by a positive peak of 24,944 million in 2022. Subsequently, economic profit turned negative again, recording -1,011 million in 2023 and further declining to -17,008 million by 2024. This pattern suggests fluctuating profitability with a notable improvement in 2022, but a decline in more recent years.
Invested Capital
The invested capital demonstrates a consistent upward trend over the five-year period. Beginning at 273,920 million US dollars in 2020, it remains relatively stable through 2021 at 272,673 million, before increasing noticeably to 297,049 million in 2022. The investment continues to grow to 307,196 million in 2023 and sharply rises to 378,995 million by 2024. This indicates an ongoing expansion in the capital base over time.
Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio mirrors the fluctuations seen in economic profit but on a percentage basis. Starting at a negative -23.22% in 2020, it improves to near zero at -0% in 2021, and peaks positively at 8.4% in 2022. However, it turns negative again, recording -0.33% in 2023 and falling further to -4.49% in 2024. This trend reflects challenges in generating returns above the cost of capital during the majority of the period, despite a brief positive phase in 2022.
Overall Observations
The data reveals a pattern of fluctuating financial performance with a peak in economic profitability in 2022, followed by deterioration in subsequent years. The steady increase in invested capital suggests ongoing investments or asset acquisition. The declining economic spread ratio after 2022 underscores a reduction in the company's ability to generate value beyond its capital costs in recent years, pointing to potential operational or market challenges impacting financial returns.

Economic Profit Margin

Exxon Mobil Corp., 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
Sales and other operating revenue
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
Chevron Corp.
ConocoPhillips
Occidental Petroleum Corp.

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 ÷ Sales and other operating revenue
= 100 × ÷ =

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Sales and Other Operating Revenue
The data indicates a significant upward trend in sales and other operating revenue from 2020 through 2022, rising from approximately $178.6 billion to nearly $398.7 billion. However, this growth was not sustained in subsequent years, as revenue declined to about $334.7 billion in 2023 before showing a slight increase to $339.2 billion in 2024.
Economic Profit
The economic profit exhibits considerable volatility over the analyzed period. In 2020, the figure was significantly negative at -$63.6 billion, improving dramatically in 2021 to a near-neutral level. A notable positive peak occurred in 2022, reaching $24.9 billion. However, this was followed by a substantial decline back into negative territory in 2023 (-$1 billion) and further deterioration in 2024 (-$17 billion).
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin shows a pattern closely aligned with economic profit trends. Starting with a deeply negative margin of -35.61% in 2020, it improved sharply to approximately zero in 2021, then rose to a positive level of 6.26% in 2022. Subsequently, the margin reverted to negative values in 2023 (-0.3%) and 2024 (-5.01%), indicating declining profitability in the latter years.
Overall Analysis
The financial data reveals a period of strong recovery in 2021 and 2022 following a challenging 2020, characterized by increasing revenue and positive economic profit metrics. However, the downturn in economic profit and profit margin during 2023 and 2024 despite relatively stable revenue suggests increased costs, reduced efficiency, or other operational challenges impacting profitability negatively in these years.