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.
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Waste Management Inc. pages available for free this week:
- Balance Sheet: Assets
- Common-Size Income Statement
- Common-Size Balance Sheet: Assets
- Analysis of Profitability Ratios
- Analysis of Short-term (Operating) Activity Ratios
- Enterprise Value (EV)
- Enterprise Value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA)
- Dividend Discount Model (DDM)
- Selected Financial Data since 2005
- Net Profit Margin since 2005
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Economic Profit
Waste Management Inc., economic profit calculation
US$ in millions
| 12 months ended: | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Dec 31, 2019 | Dec 31, 2018 | Dec 31, 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1 | ||||||
| Cost of capital2 | ||||||
| Invested capital3 | ||||||
| Economic profit4 | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).
1 NOPAT. See details »
2 Cost of capital. See details »
3 Invested capital. See details »
4 2021 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= – × =
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- The NOPAT increased from 1,952 million USD in 2017 to a peak of 2,286 million USD in 2018, marking a positive growth trend. However, from 2019 onwards, it declined to 2,119 million USD and continued to decrease in 2020 to 2,018 million USD, before a slight recovery to 2,064 million USD in 2021. This indicates a weakening profitability trend after 2018 with some stabilization occurring in the most recent year.
- Cost of Capital
- The cost of capital showed moderate fluctuations over the five-year period. It started at 10.65% in 2017, briefly rising to 11% in 2018, then slightly decreasing to 10.74% in 2019 and further to 10.24% in 2020. In 2021, it increased again to 10.79%. These variations suggest a somewhat volatile capital cost environment but generally stayed within a narrow range around 10 to 11%.
- Invested Capital
- Invested capital exhibited a consistent upward trend from 17,686 million USD in 2017 to a peak of 23,729 million USD in 2020, representing a substantial increase in capital deployment. However, there was a slight decrease to 22,932 million USD in 2021. This pattern indicates continued investment over time with a minor reduction in the most recent year.
- Economic Profit
- Economic profit experienced significant volatility and a negative trend after 2018. Starting with a modest positive value of 68 million USD in 2017, it increased substantially to 258 million USD in 2018. However, it turned negative in 2019, dropping to -312 million USD and further declining to -413 million USD in 2020, with a marginal improvement but still deeply negative at -410 million USD in 2021. This trend suggests that the returns generated did not sufficiently exceed the cost of capital in the latter years, indicating value erosion despite positive accounting profits.
- Summary Insights
- Overall, the data reflects an initial phase of profitability improvement and capital investment growth followed by a period characterized by declining net operating profits and economic profits, alongside continuing significant invested capital. The persistent negative economic profit from 2019 onwards points to challenges in generating returns above the cost of capital. Additionally, the relative stability of the cost of capital amidst fluctuating profitability and capital levels suggests external factors impacting performance rather than changes in financing costs. The slight recovery in NOPAT and the decrease in invested capital in 2021 may indicate early signs of operational adjustment or capital efficiency efforts.
Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)
Waste Management Inc., NOPAT calculation
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).
1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »
2 Addition of increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts.
3 Addition of increase (decrease) in deferred revenues.
4 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc..
5 2021 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =
6 2021 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =
7 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc..
8 2021 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =
9 Elimination of after taxes investment income.
The financial data indicates fluctuations and trends in the profitability measures of the entity over the five-year period ending December 31, 2021.
- Net Income Attributable to the Company
- The net income shows a declining trend from 2017 through 2020, starting at 1,949 million US dollars in 2017, slightly decreasing to 1,925 million in 2018, followed by a more pronounced decrease to 1,670 million in 2019 and further down to 1,496 million in 2020. However, there is a rebound in 2021, with net income rising to 1,816 million, indicating a recovery after the decline in prior years.
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- The NOPAT figures reveal a different pattern. Starting at 1,952 million US dollars in 2017, NOPAT increased substantially in 2018 to 2,286 million, peaking in that year. Afterward, it declined over the next two years to 2,119 million in 2019 and 2,018 million in 2020. By 2021, NOPAT experienced a slight increase to 2,064 million, indicating some stabilization or modest recovery in operating profitability after taxes.
In summary, while both net income and NOPAT exhibit declines starting around 2018 or 2019, net income shows a more significant decrease and a notable rebound by 2021, whereas NOPAT peaked earlier in 2018, followed by declines with a slight recovery by 2021. These patterns may reflect variations in non-operating income, expenses, taxes, or other adjustments impacting net income differently compared to operating profit.
Cash Operating Taxes
Waste Management Inc., cash operating taxes calculation
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).
The financial data over the five-year period ending December 31, 2021, shows distinct trends in both income tax expense and cash operating taxes.
- Income Tax Expense
- Income tax expense experienced a general increase from 2017 to 2021, with fluctuations during the intermediate years. The value rose significantly from $242 million in 2017 to $453 million in 2018. It then slightly decreased to $434 million in 2019 and further declined to $397 million in 2020. However, in 2021, there was a notable increase to $532 million, marking the highest expense in the period analyzed.
- Cash Operating Taxes
- Cash operating taxes demonstrated a downward trend from 2017 through 2020, followed by a sharp rise in 2021. Specifically, cash operating taxes decreased from $626 million in 2017 to $511 million in 2018 and further to $424 million in 2019. This downward trajectory continued with a reduction to $324 million in 2020. In 2021, this trend reversed dramatically as cash operating taxes surged to $689 million, surpassing all previous years in the data set.
Overall, while the income tax expense shows variability with an eventual upward movement to reach its peak in 2021, cash operating taxes reveal a more pronounced downward trend until 2020, followed by a significant increase in the last year. The contrasting movements in these two tax-related financial items in 2021 may indicate changes in tax policy application, operational performance, or other tax-related accounting factors impacting the company’s tax obligations.
Invested Capital
Waste Management Inc., invested capital calculation (financing approach)
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).
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 deferred revenues.
5 Addition of equity equivalents to total Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity.
6 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.
7 Subtraction of available-for-sale securities.
The financial data reveals distinct trends in key balance sheet components over the five-year period ending December 31, 2021.
- Total Reported Debt & Leases
- The total reported debt and leases exhibit an overall upward trend from 2017 through 2020, increasing from approximately $9,976 million in 2017 to a peak near $14,326 million in 2020. This represents a significant increase of roughly 43% over three years. In 2021, a slight decline to $13,928 million is noted, indicating a minor reduction in indebtedness or lease obligations after reaching the high point the prior year.
- Total Stockholders’ Equity
- Stockholders' equity also shows a general increase over the reviewed period, rising from about $6,019 million in 2017 to a maximum of $7,452 million in 2020. This growth suggests accumulated retained earnings and possible capital contributions enhancing the company’s net asset base. However, equity decreases slightly in 2021 to $7,124 million, indicating some erosion following the peak, which could be due to net losses, dividends, or other equity-reducing activities.
- Invested Capital
- Invested capital follows a similar pattern to total debt and equity, with steady growth from $17,686 million in 2017 to $23,729 million in 2020. This growth, amounting to approximately 34%, reflects increased deployment of financial resources into the company's operations, likely contributing to expansion or asset acquisition. The figure slightly contracts to $22,932 million in 2021, aligning with the modest declines in both debt and equity components.
Overall, the data depicts growth in the company’s financial size and capital structure through 2020, with a slight retrenchment in debt, equity, and invested capital during 2021. This trend suggests a period of expansion followed by cautious tightening or normalization of the balance sheet in the most recent year.
Cost of Capital
Waste Management Inc., cost of capital calculations
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Debt3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).
1 US$ 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 »
| 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: 2019-12-31).
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: 2018-12-31).
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 – 35.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 35.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Debt. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
Economic Spread Ratio
Waste Management Inc., economic spread ratio calculation
| Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Dec 31, 2019 | Dec 31, 2018 | Dec 31, 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Invested capital2 | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic spread ratio3 | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 Invested capital. See details »
3 2021 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × ÷ =
- Economic Profit
- The economic profit shows a notable decline over the period. It began at a positive value of 68 million US dollars in 2017, significantly increased to 258 million in 2018, but then sharply dropped to negative values in subsequent years. From 2019 onward, the economic profit remained negative, with losses of -312 million in 2019, -413 million in 2020, and slightly improved but still negative at -410 million in 2021. This indicates a deterioration in profitability relative to the cost of capital during the latter years.
- Invested Capital
- The invested capital exhibited a steady upward trend from 2017 to 2020, increasing from 17,686 million US dollars in 2017 to a peak of 23,729 million in 2020. In 2021, there was a slight decrease to 22,932 million. Overall, the company's asset base expanded over the five-year period, although the reduction in 2021 may suggest some level of divestment or asset optimization.
- Economic Spread Ratio
- The economic spread ratio reflects the efficiency of capital utilization and cost coverage. The ratio improved from a low 0.39% in 2017 to a higher 1.4% in 2018, indicating a favorable spread between returns and cost of capital. However, from 2019 onwards, the ratio turned negative, worsening from -1.38% in 2019 to -1.74% in 2020 and further to -1.79% in 2021. This trend aligns with the negative economic profit figures, signifying increasing challenges in generating adequate returns above the capital cost.
Economic Profit Margin
Waste Management Inc., economic profit margin calculation
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 2021 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Adjusted operating revenues
= 100 × ÷ =
- Economic Profit
- The economic profit demonstrated significant volatility over the analyzed period. Initially, there was a positive value of 68 million USD in 2017, which increased substantially to 258 million USD in 2018. However, from 2019 onward, the economic profit turned negative, declining sharply to -312 million USD in 2019, further decreasing to -413 million USD in 2020, and remaining relatively stable but still negative at -410 million USD in 2021. This trend indicates a substantial deterioration in the company’s ability to generate economic profit after 2018.
- Adjusted Operating Revenues
- The adjusted operating revenues exhibited a generally upward trend over the analyzed years, rising from 14,495 million USD in 2017 to 17,963 million USD in 2021. There was consistent growth from 2017 through 2019, with a slight dip noted in 2020, potentially reflecting adverse conditions during that year. Revenues rebounded strongly in 2021, surpassing previous years' figures.
- Economic Profit Margin
- Economic profit margin followed a similar trajectory to the economic profit values. It increased from 0.47% in 2017 to 1.73% in 2018, indicating improved profitability relative to revenues. However, from 2019 onwards, the margin turned negative, declining to -2.02% in 2019, -2.71% in 2020, and slightly recovering to -2.28% in 2021, consistent with the decrease in economic profit despite growing revenues.
- Overall Analysis
- The data reveals a concerning divergence between revenue growth and profitability. Despite the steady increase in adjusted operating revenues across the period (with a temporary dip in 2020), the company experienced a marked decline in economic profit and profit margins after 2018. This suggests rising costs, inefficiencies, or other factors eroding value generation despite higher sales. The persistence of negative economic profit and margins in the last three years highlights ongoing challenges in translating revenue growth into economic value.