Shia LaBeouf Tops Forbes’ Best-Bang-for-the-Buck List

“Transformers” star’s movies have earned an average of $81 for every $1 spent on him; Anne Hathaway comes in second

shia labeoufAttention studio moguls: In case you didn't already know, Shia LaBeouf is a good value. At least according to Forbes magazine, which this week ranked the "Transformers" star No. 1 on its list of Hollywood's Best Actors for the Buck.

It is the second year in a row LaBeouf tops the list. Anne Hathaway is ranked second, with Daniel Radcliffe third.

Forbes calculated its rankings based largely on the ratio of salary and other earnings to box office grosses. For example, LaBeouf movies have earned an average of $81 of profit for every $1 studios have spent on the actor. Besides the "Transformers" movies, he also benefits from 2008's "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."

In order to qualify for the list, each actor had to have starred in at least three movies in the past five years through June 1 of this year that opened in more than 500 theaters, not including animated films. Data examined on each star's estimated earnings included upfront pay and future profit participation. Each movie's estimated budget, excluding marketing, as well as box office and other receipts such as from TV and DVD sales were weighed in.

The magazine examined Hollywood's top 36 earners. Here's the top 10 with their profit scores:

1. Shia LaBeouf ($81)

2. Anne Hathaway ($64)

3. Daniel Radcliffe ($61)

4. Robert Downey Jr. ($33)

5. Cate Blanchett ($27)

6. Jennifer Aniston ($21)

7. Meryl Streep ($21)

8. Johnny Depp ($18)

9. Nicolas Cage ($17)

10. Sarah Jessica Parker ($17)

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