What’s a Breakeven Margin?

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Breakeven margin is a calculation that focuses on identifying the margin factor needed to break even between production and revenue generation. A ratio of this type is calculated by determining the total expenses associated with the operation and dividing this figure by the net revenues that apply to the same period. The resulting figure is then multiplied by 100 to determine the breakeven margin percentage.

Taking the time to determine break-even margin is helpful in several essential businesses. Having a solid understanding of how much revenue is needed to offset expenses, entrepreneurs find it easier to set prices on goods and services sold. By using the percentage as a basis for pricing, you can balance the need to offer consumers rates that are competitive with similar products sold by other companies, yet still make enough of a return to cover your costs and make even a small profit.

Another benefit of determining breakeven margin is that the process requires identification of all related expenses. In case the ratio is not favorable, this can be a sign that a significant amount of waste is occurring during the manufacturing process. From this perspective, a poor break-even margin can provide the motivation to take a closer look at how the operation works, identifying areas where improvement will increase efficiency and reduce waste, enabling the company to produce each unit at a lower cost and increase the net income realized from the sale of those units.

Since preparing to calculate break-even margin requires identifying all expenses, both fixed and variable, the results can also help give insight into what impact strategies, such as entering into volume purchase agreements with several vendors are having on the bottom line. The assumption is that such contracts result in savings on raw materials and other goods consumed as part of the production process, allowing the company to benefit from higher profits from each unit sold. In that case, the break-even margin for each accounting period will become more favorable, due to the incremental impact of those lower manufacturing costs.

The frequency of calculating breakeven margin varies from one business setting to another. Some companies may determine current margin on a yearly or semi-annual basis, while others may calculate margin monthly or even on a weekly basis. Determining frequency often depends on how quickly changes occur within the operation, including new policies and procedures that could reduce waste or reduce the cost of production, making sure those changes are saving money without creating a decline in quality which could ultimately mean a loss of customers.

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