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.

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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
= × =


Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)
The NOPAT exhibited significant volatility over the five-year period. Beginning with a substantial negative value of -34,098 million USD in 2020, the profit rebounded sharply to 32,736 million USD in 2021. This upward trend continued, peaking at 62,749 million USD in 2022. However, the following years saw a decline, with NOPAT decreasing to 37,855 million USD in 2023 and further to 31,476 million USD in 2024. This pattern suggests a strong recovery post-2020, but a reduction in operating profitability in the more recent years.
Cost of capital
The cost of capital showed a gradual increase throughout the period, starting at 10.86% in 2020 and reaching 12.9% by 2024. This steady upward trend indicates a rising required rate of return, which may reflect increased risk perceptions or changes in market conditions affecting the company’s capital costs.
Invested capital
The invested capital steadily increased from 273,920 million USD in 2020 to 378,995 million USD in 2024. There was a slight decrease from 2020 to 2021, but subsequently, invested capital grew consistently each year, suggesting ongoing capital investments or asset accumulation by the company over the period.
Economic profit
Economic profit experienced significant fluctuations. It was deeply negative in 2020 at -63,844 million USD, improved dramatically to near neutrality at -290 million USD in 2021, and turned positive to 24,622 million USD in 2022. However, there was a reversal in 2023 and 2024, with economic profit declining into negative territory again (-1,342 million USD in 2023 and -17,421 million USD in 2024). This indicates that, while the company at times generated returns above its cost of capital, recent years reflect a failure to cover the capital charge, potentially eroding shareholder value.

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

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 company's economic profit demonstrated significant fluctuations over the observed periods. In 2020, the economic profit was deeply negative at -63,844 million US dollars, indicating substantial value erosion. This figure improved dramatically in 2021 to -290 million US dollars and turned positive in 2022 with a value of 24,622 million US dollars, suggesting a strong recovery and value creation during that year. However, this positive trend was not sustained, as economic profit declined sharply again in 2023 to -1,342 million US dollars and further decreased to -17,421 million US dollars in 2024, reflecting renewed value destruction.
Invested Capital
Invested capital exhibited a consistent upward trend throughout the period. Starting at 273,920 million US dollars in 2020, it remained relatively stable in 2021 with a slight decrease to 272,673 million US dollars. Thereafter, it increased steadily over the succeeding years, reaching 297,049 million in 2022, 307,196 million in 2023, and peaking at 378,995 million US dollars in 2024. This growth indicates ongoing capital deployment and expansion of the company’s asset base.
Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio, which measures the return on invested capital relative to its cost, mirrored the volatility observed in economic profit. It started at a strongly negative value of -23.31% in 2020, suggesting returns well below the cost of capital. There was a marked improvement by 2021 to nearly zero (-0.11%), and a positive peak in 2022 at 8.29%. This positive performance was reversed in subsequent years, declining to -0.44% in 2023 and further to -4.60% in 2024. The pattern indicates the company was unable to consistently generate returns above its cost of capital except in 2022.

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

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.


Economic Profit
The economic profit exhibited notable volatility over the presented periods. In 2020, the company recorded a significant loss amounting to -63,844 million USD. This loss sharply diminished in 2021 to -290 million USD, indicating a substantial improvement. The year 2022 marked a positive shift with an economic profit of 24,622 million USD, suggesting enhanced operational efficiency or profitability. However, this gain was not sustained as economic profit turned negative again in 2023 with a loss of -1,342 million USD, followed by a deeper loss of -17,421 million USD in 2024. The pattern indicates inconsistency in generating economic profit and possible challenges in maintaining profitability in recent years.
Sales and Other Operating Revenue
Sales and other operating revenue showed a generally upward trend throughout the five-year period. Starting at 178,574 million USD in 2020, revenue increased significantly to 276,692 million USD in 2021 and further to a peak of 398,675 million USD in 2022. Despite a decline in 2023 to 334,697 million USD, revenue slightly rebounded in 2024 to 339,247 million USD. Overall, the data reflects growth in sales and operating revenue with some fluctuations, particularly the drop after 2022, which may suggest market or operational factors impacting revenue streams.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin mirrored the fluctuations observed in economic profit. The margin was deeply negative at -35.75% in 2020, improving dramatically to nearly zero at -0.1% in 2021. It then rose to a positive 6.18% in 2022, indicating a period of profitability relative to revenue. Subsequently, the margin fell into negative territory again, with -0.4% in 2023 and a more pronounced decline to -5.14% in 2024. This pattern suggests difficulty in sustaining profit margins despite growing revenues, pointing toward issues with cost management or other economic factors affecting profitability.