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Combining Profitability Ratios Into a Single Metric

Have you ever wondered if there’s a single metric that could give you a complete picture of your company’s profitability? What if you could combine the strengths of various financial ratios into one powerful tool to drive smarter business decisions?


When you develop a new profitability metric, you face significant challenges but also stand to gain substantial rewards. By integrating established profitability ratios, you can create a holistic indicator that accurately reflects your company's overall profitability. This involves careful consideration and thorough analysis to ensure its accuracy and usefulness in financial assessments.


Profitability Ratios

Here’s a potential new profitability metric:

 

 

Comprehensive Profitability Index (CPI)


CPI = ((ROE + ROA + Gross Margin + Net Profit Margin + Operating Profit Margin + EBITDA Margin)) / 6


Creating a new profitability metric like the Comprehensive Profitability Index (CPI) isn’t just a task - it’s an opportunity to transform how you understand and drive your company’s success.



Components

Formula

Description

Return on Equity (ROE) = Net Income / Shareholders’ Equity

Measures the profitability relative to shareholders' equity.

Return on Assets (ROA) = Net Income / Total Assets 

Indicates how efficiently a company uses its assets to generate profit.

Gross Margin = (Revenue−COGS) / Revenue 

Shows the percentage of revenue that exceeds the cost of goods sold.

Net Profit Margin = Net Income / Revenue

Represents the percentage of revenue left after all expenses.

Operating Profit Margin = Operating Income / Revenue

Reflects the percentage of revenue remaining after operating expenses.

EBITDA Margin = EBITDA / Revenue

Indicates the percentage of revenue that becomes EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation).


Adjustments


  • Averaging the Ratios: By averaging these six key profitability ratios, CPI provides a holistic view of a company's profitability. This average mitigates the risk of relying too heavily on one specific metric.

  • Balanced Perspective: Each component measures a different aspect of profitability, from asset efficiency (ROA) and equity returns (ROE) to various profit margins.

  • Flexibility: The CPI can be tailored to emphasise different ratios depending on industry specifics or company goals.



Example Calculation


Let’s see how this new approach can simplify your financial analysis and empower you with a more comprehensive view of profitability.


We assume the following values for a hypothetical company:


  • ROE: 15%

  • ROA: 10%

  • Gross Margin: 30%

  • Net Profit Margin: 8%

  • Operating Profit Margin: 12%

  • EBITDA Margin: 20%


CPI = (15+10+30+8+12+20) / 6 = 95 / 6 ≈ 15.83%


This CPI of 15.83% gives a comprehensive indicator of the company's overall profitability, combining the strengths of various financial ratios into a single metric.


As you explore the potential of CPI, consider how adapting this metric to your unique industry needs can provide new insights and drive your strategic goals.



"Profitability is the sovereign criterion of the enterprise." - Peter Drucker


When you create a new profitability metric such as the Comprehensive Profitability Index (CPI), it's about combining analysis and innovation to gain a comprehensive view of your financial health. CPI integrates various key ratios, giving you a balanced understanding of profitability - from equity returns to operational efficiencies.


Are you ready to take your financial analysis to the next level? How will you adapt the Comprehensive Profitability Index (CPI) to gain new insights and achieve sustainable growth in your business?


I recommend adapting CPI to fit your industry and business objectives. Experiment with different weightings or additional metrics to refine its relevance and effectiveness in your financial assessments. Embracing innovative metrics like CPI not only improves decision-making but also strategically positions your company in a competitive market, driving sustainable growth and profitability.

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