Stock Analysis on Net

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ)

$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

Verizon Communications Inc., 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 reveals several notable trends in the company's performance and capital efficiency over the five-year period.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
NOPAT increased from 24,311 million USD in 2020 to a peak of 29,903 million USD in 2021, indicating improved operational profitability. However, in 2022 and 2023, NOPAT declined to 28,039 million USD and sharply to 19,450 million USD, respectively. A recovery is observed in 2024, with NOPAT rising to 24,675 million USD, though still below the 2021 peak. This pattern suggests volatility in operational income, with a significant dip particularly in 2023.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital gradually decreased from 7.67% in 2020 to 7.27% in 2022, suggesting a slight reduction in the company's capital expenses or perceived risk during this period. This trend reversed slightly in 2023 and 2024, where the cost of capital increased modestly to 7.39% and 7.44%, respectively, indicating a potential rise in financing costs or risk perception in the most recent years.
Invested Capital
Invested capital consistently increased from 247,730 million USD in 2020 to 307,881 million USD in 2024. This steady growth reflects ongoing investment in the business’s assets or operations, demonstrating an expansion of the capital base over time. The incremental increases, however, appear to slow after 2022, showing smaller increments each year.
Economic Profit
Economic profit shows a positive trend initially, increasing from 5,311 million USD in 2020 to 8,058 million USD in 2021. In 2022, economic profit declined to 6,127 million USD, followed by a significant negative turnaround in 2023 with a loss of 3,032 million USD. The company partially rebounded in 2024 with a positive economic profit of 1,761 million USD. This fluctuation indicates periods when the company's returns on invested capital fell below the cost of capital, especially pronounced in 2023, signaling challenges in value creation during that year.

Overall, the data reflects a period of operational and financial volatility. Despite growth in invested capital, the challenges in maintaining consistent economic profit and fluctuating NOPAT suggest variability in the company's ability to generate value above its cost of capital, particularly in recent years. While the recovery in 2024 is a positive sign, economic profit remains below earlier peaks, highlighting the need for continued focus on operational efficiency and capital management.


Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Verizon Communications Inc., 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 attributable to Verizon
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1
Increase (decrease) in allowance for credit losses2
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents3
Interest expense
Interest expense, operating lease liability4
Adjusted interest expense
Tax benefit of interest expense5
Adjusted interest expense, after taxes6
(Gain) loss on marketable securities
Interest income
Investment income, before taxes
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income7
Investment income, 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 allowance for credit losses.

3 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income attributable to Verizon.

4 2024 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =

5 2024 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

6 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income attributable to Verizon.

7 2024 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

8 Elimination of after taxes investment income.


The financial data indicate fluctuations in net income attributable to Verizon over the five-year period. Initially, net income rose from 17,801 million US dollars in 2020 to a peak of 22,065 million US dollars in 2021. It slightly declined in 2022 to 21,256 million US dollars, followed by a more pronounced decrease to 11,614 million US dollars in 2023. This was followed by a recovery in 2024, with net income increasing to 17,506 million US dollars, yet remaining below the 2020 and 2021 levels.

Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) exhibited a somewhat similar trend, with growth from 24,311 million US dollars in 2020 to a high of 29,903 million US dollars in 2021. It then decreased to 28,039 million US dollars in 2022 and experienced a substantial drop to 19,450 million US dollars in 2023. In 2024, NOPAT rebounded to 24,675 million US dollars, approaching the 2020 level but still below the 2021 and 2022 peaks.

Net Income Trends
There was an overall increase from 2020 to 2021, followed by a decline in 2022 and a sharper decrease in 2023, with partial recovery in 2024.
NOPAT Trends
The pattern mirrored net income, with growth until 2021, a slight reduction in 2022, a significant drop in 2023, and a recovery in 2024.
Comparative Observations
Net income showed more volatility compared to NOPAT, particularly noticeable in 2023 where the decline was more pronounced, suggesting potential non-operating factors affecting net income during that period.
Recovery in 2024
Both net income and NOPAT indicate a recovery from the 2023 downturn, though neither fully returned to the peak levels observed in 2021.

Overall, the data reveal a period of growth until 2021, followed by a two-year downturn, with partial recovery by 2024. This suggests operational and possibly market challenges during 2022 and 2023, with improving conditions or strategic adjustments reflected in the 2024 figures.


Cash Operating Taxes

Verizon Communications Inc., 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 provision
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 financial data indicates varying trends in both income tax provision and cash operating taxes over the five-year period.

Income Tax Provision
The income tax provision generally increased from 2020 to 2021, rising from $5,619 million to $6,802 million. It slightly decreased in 2022 to $6,523 million, followed by a more pronounced drop in 2023 to $4,892 million. In 2024, a moderate recovery is observed with the provision increasing to $5,030 million. Overall, the data reveals a peak in tax provision in 2021, after which there is a downward adjustment with some stabilization in the latest year.
Cash Operating Taxes
Cash operating taxes exhibited more volatility during the period. Starting relatively high at $5,100 million in 2020, there is a significant decline in 2021 to $3,436 million. This is followed by an increase in 2022 to $4,451 million, a subsequent decrease in 2023 to $3,774 million, and a sharp rise in 2024 to $5,750 million, the highest level in the five years. The fluctuations suggest variable cash tax payments, potentially influenced by operational performance, timing of payments, or tax planning measures.

In summary, while the income tax provision shows a general peak followed by stabilization at a lower level, cash operating taxes display more pronounced variability with a significant rebound in the final year of the series. These trends may reflect changes in earnings, tax policies, or cash management strategies impacting the company's tax obligations over time.


Invested Capital

Verizon Communications Inc., 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
Debt maturing within one year
Long-term debt, excluding maturing within one year
Operating lease liability1
Total reported debt & leases
Equity attributable to Verizon
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2
Allowance for credit losses3
Equity equivalents4
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax5
Noncontrolling interests
Adjusted equity attributable to Verizon
Work in progress6
Marketable securities7
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 equity equivalents to equity attributable to Verizon.

5 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.

6 Subtraction of work in progress.

7 Subtraction of marketable securities.


Total Reported Debt & Leases
The total reported debt and leases show an initial increase from 150,547 million USD in 2020 to a peak of 177,930 million USD in 2021. Subsequently, there is a gradual decline reaching 168,357 million USD by 2024. This pattern suggests a period of increased borrowing or lease commitments followed by deleveraging or reduction in lease obligations in the most recent years.
Equity Attributable to Verizon
Equity attributable to Verizon demonstrates a consistent upward trend over the five-year period. Starting at 67,842 million USD in 2020, it rises steadily each year to reach 99,237 million USD by the end of 2024. This reflects an accumulation of retained earnings and/or capital infusion, indicating strengthening shareholder equity.
Invested Capital
Invested capital increases notably from 247,730 million USD in 2020 to 307,881 million USD in 2024. The rise is steady but slows in growth rate after 2022, suggesting ongoing investment activities with a moderation in expansion or capital expenditure intensity in the later years.
Overall Insights
The company's financial structure over this period indicates a strategic adjustment towards lowering debt and lease obligations after initial growth, while continuing to enhance equity and maintain steady invested capital accumulation. The trend of increasing equity alongside decreasing debt levels implies strengthening financial stability and possibly improved creditworthiness. Invested capital growth, albeit at a slower pace towards the end, signals maintenance of investment in the business operations and asset base.

Cost of Capital

Verizon Communications Inc., cost of capital calculations

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases3 ÷ = × × (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 Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases3 ÷ = × × (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 Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases3 ÷ = × × (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 Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases3 ÷ = × × (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 Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases3 ÷ = × × (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 Short-term and long-term debt, including finance leases. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »


Economic Spread Ratio

Verizon Communications Inc., 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
AT&T Inc.
T-Mobile US 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 notable fluctuations over the observed periods. Starting at 5,311 million US dollars in 2020, it increased significantly to 8,058 million in 2021, followed by a decline to 6,127 million in 2022. A substantial negative value of -3,032 million was recorded in 2023, indicating a loss or value destruction during that year. However, there was a partial recovery in 2024, with economic profit rising to 1,761 million.
Invested Capital
Invested capital showed a consistent increasing trend over the five-year period. It rose from 247,730 million US dollars in 2020 to 290,004 million in 2021, then continued to grow steadily each year, reaching 307,881 million by the end of 2024. This suggests ongoing investments or capital deployment in the business.
Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio, reflecting the difference between return on invested capital and cost of capital, mostly followed the pattern of economic profit, with some volatility. It started at 2.14% in 2020, increased to 2.78% in 2021, then fell to 2.03% in 2022. A significant negative spread of -1% in 2023 aligns with the economic profit loss in that year, suggesting the company’s returns failed to cover capital costs. By 2024, the spread ratio had partially recovered to 0.57%, indicating modest positive value creation.
Overall Analysis
Over the reported period, the company experienced growth in invested capital accompanied by fluctuations in economic profit and economic spread ratio. The peak in economic profit and spread ratio in 2021 indicates a period of strong value generation. The decline and negative values in 2023 highlight challenges impacting profitability and capital efficiency. The partial recovery in 2024 suggests efforts to regain positive value creation, though the margins remain lower than the earlier years. The steady increase in invested capital despite volatility in economic profit may imply continued strategic investments despite periods of reduced returns.

Economic Profit Margin

Verizon Communications Inc., 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
Operating revenues
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
AT&T Inc.
T-Mobile US 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 ÷ Operating revenues
= 100 × ÷ =

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Economic Profit
The economic profit values exhibit variability over the analyzed period. Starting at 5,311 million US dollars in 2020, there is a significant increase to 8,058 million in 2021, reflecting strong performance improvement. However, in 2022, economic profit declines to 6,127 million, indicating some reduction in value creation. In 2023, the figure turns negative, with an economic loss of 3,032 million US dollars, suggesting a challenging year with economic value destruction. The trend partially recovers in 2024, with a positive economic profit of 1,761 million, though still well below the highs observed in 2021.
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues show a generally increasing trend from 128,292 million US dollars in 2020 to 136,835 million in 2022. This upward movement indicates steady revenue growth over the initial three years. However, revenues decline slightly to 133,974 million in 2023, followed by a minor recovery to 134,788 million in 2024. Despite fluctuations, revenues remain within a relatively narrow band around the mid-130 billion range, suggesting stable top-line performance without substantial growth or contraction during the last two years.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin follows a pattern similar to the economic profit figures. It improves from 4.14% in 2020 to a peak of 6.03% in 2021, reflecting enhanced efficiency in generating economic value from revenues. In 2022, the margin declines to 4.48%, which is still positive but notably lower than the peak. The margin turns negative in 2023 at -2.26%, reinforcing the occurrence of economic losses that year. A subsequent return to a positive margin of 1.31% in 2024 indicates some recovery in profitability and value creation, although the margin remains considerably below early-period levels.
Summary
The financial data reveals a period of growth and strong economic value generation during 2020 and 2021, followed by a gradual decline in 2022, culminating in a notable setback in 2023 with negative economic profit and margin. Operating revenues maintain relative stability with modest fluctuations, suggesting revenue consistency but possibly increasing cost or capital pressures affecting profitability. The partial rebound in economic profit and margin in 2024 indicates an effort toward recovery, yet the values remain subdued compared to the peak in 2021. Overall, the data implies challenges in sustaining economic profitability despite stable revenue streams.