DuPont analysis

DuPont analysis (also known as the DuPont identity, DuPont equation, DuPont framework, DuPont model or the DuPont method) is a tool in financial analysis, where return on equity, ROE, is separated into its components, useful in several contexts.

Graphical representation of DuPont analysis.

This "decomposition" of ROE allows management to focus individually on the key metrics of financial performance, and thereby to identify strengths and weaknesses within the company that should be addressed. [1] It similalrly allows investors to compare the operational efficiency of two comparable firms. [1]

The name derives from the DuPont company, that began using this formula in the 1920s. A DuPont explosives salesman ,Donaldson Brown, submitted an internal efficiency report to his superiors in 1912 that contained the formula.[2]

Basic formula

The DuPont analysis breaks down ROE into three component parts, which may then be managed individually:

ROE = (Profit margin)×(Asset turnover)×(Equity multiplier) = Net profit/Sales×Sales/Average Total Assets×Average Total Assets/Average Equity = Net Profit/Equity

Or

ROE = Profit/Sales×Sales/Assets = Profit/Assets×Assets/Equity

Or

ROE = ROS×AT = ROA×Leverage

ROE analysis

The DuPont analysis breaks down ROE (that is, the returns that investors receive from a single dollar of equity) into three distinct elements. This analysis enables the manager or analyst to understand the source of superior (or inferior) return by comparison with companies in similar industries (or between industries). See Return on equity § The DuPont formula for further context.

The DuPont analysis is less useful for industries such as investment banking, in which the underlying elements are not meaningful. Variations of the DuPont analysis have been developed for industries where the elements are weakly meaningful. Examples follow:

High margin industries

Some industries, such as fashion, may derive a substantial portion of their competitive advantage from selling at a higher margin, rather than higher sales. For high-end fashion brands, increasing sales without sacrificing margin may be critical. The DuPont analysis allows analysts to determine which of the elements is dominant in any change of ROE.

High turnover industries

Certain types of retail operations, particularly stores, may have very low profit margins on sales, and relatively moderate leverage. In contrast, though, groceries may have very high turnover, selling a significant multiple of their assets per year. The ROE of such firms may be particularly dependent on performance of this metric, and hence asset turnover may be studied extremely carefully for signs of under-, or, over-performance. For example, same-store sales of many retailers is considered important as an indication that the firm is deriving greater profits from existing stores (rather than showing improved performance by continually opening stores).

High leverage industries

Some sectors, such as the financial sector, rely on high leverage to generate acceptable ROE. Other industries would see high levels of leverage as unacceptably risky. DuPont analysis enables third parties that rely primarily on their financial statements to compare leverage among similar companies.

ROA and ROE ratio

The return on assets (ROA) ratio developed by DuPont for its own use is now used by many firms to evaluate how effectively assets are used. It measures the combined effects of profit margins and asset turnover.[3]

The return on equity (ROE) ratio is a measure of the rate of return to stockholders.[4] Decomposing the ROE into various factors influencing company performance is often called the DuPont system.[5]

Where
  • Net Income = net income after taxes
  • Equity = shareholders' equity
  • EBIT = Earnings before interest and taxes
  • Pretax Income is often reported as Earnings Before Taxes or EBT

This decomposition presents various ratios used in fundamental analysis.

  • The company's tax burden is (Net income ÷ Pretax profit). This is the proportion of the company's profits retained after paying income taxes. [NI/EBT]
  • The company's interest burden is (Pretax income ÷ EBIT). This will be 1.00 for a firm with no debt or financial leverage. [EBT/EBIT]
  • The company's operating income margin or return on sales (ROS) is (EBIT ÷ Revenue). This is the operating income per dollar of sales. [EBIT/Revenue]
  • The company's asset turnover (ATO) is (Revenue ÷ Average Total Assets).
  • The company's equity multiplier is (Average Total Assets ÷ Average Total Equity). This is a measure of financial leverage.

References
  1. Marshall Hargrave (2022). Dupont Analysis, Investopedia.
  2. Phillips, Matt (9 December 2015). "The DuPont invention that changed how things work in the corporate world". Quartz (publication). Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  3. Groppelli, Angelico A.; Ehsan Nikbakht (2000). Finance, 4th ed. Barron's Educational Series, Inc. pp. 444–445. ISBN 0-7641-1275-9.
  4. Groppelli, Angelico A.; Ehsan Nikbakht (2000). Finance, 4th ed. Barron's Educational Series, Inc. p. 444. ISBN 0-7641-1275-9.
  5. Bodie, Zane; Alex Kane; Alan J. Marcus (2004). Essentials of Investments, 5th ed. McGraw-Hill Irwin. pp. 458–459. ISBN 0-07-251077-3.
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