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Glossary
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ROI (Return On Investment)

Return on Investment (ROI) is a financial metric used to evaluate the profitability of an investment relative to its cost. It measures the return or profit gained on an investment, expressed as a percentage of the initial investment.

Example #1

For example, if you invest $1,000 in stocks and after one year your investment is worth $1,200, your ROI would be 20%. ($200 profit / $1,000 initial investment x 100)

Example #2

Another example could be investing $10,000 in a small business venture and after two years receiving a total return of $12,000. In this case, your ROI would be 20%. ($2,000 profit / $10,000 initial investment x 100)

Misuse

Misusing ROI involves inflating the return figures or underestimating the investment costs to make an investment appear more profitable than it actually is. This can mislead consumers into making poor investment decisions based on false expectations of returns. It's crucial to protect against misuse by promoting transparency in financial reporting and ensuring that investment calculations are accurate and truthful.

Benefits

One of the key benefits of understanding ROI is that it allows consumers to assess the efficiency and profitability of their investments. By calculating ROI, individuals can make informed decisions about where to allocate their money, whether in stocks, real estate, or business ventures. This knowledge empowers consumers to evaluate the potential returns before committing their funds.

Conclusion

ROI is a valuable tool that empowers consumers to make informed investment decisions by measuring the profitability of their investments accurately. By understanding ROI, individuals can gauge the performance of their investments, avoid misleading claims, and make sound financial choices aligned with their goals and risk tolerance.

Related Terms

AssetsIncome StatementProfitFinancial Analysis

See Also

Capital Expenditure FinancingDividends

Last Modified: 4/29/2024
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