What is Return On Investment (ROI)?

Meaning & Definition

Return On Investment (ROI)

Return on Investment (ROI) is a financial metric used to evaluate the profitability or efficiency of an investment or business activity. It measures the return or gain generated relative to the cost of the investment. ROI is typically expressed as a percentage and is widely used in business and finance to assess the success of investments, projects, marketing campaigns, and other financial endeavors.
The ROI formula is:

ROI=(Net Gain or ProfitCost of Investment)×100%ROI=(Cost of InvestmentNet Gain or Profit​)×100%

Key components of the ROI formula:

• Net Gain or Profit

This represents the total earnings or benefits generated from the investment or activity. It is calculated by subtracting the initial cost of the investment from the final value or return it provides.

• Cost of Investment

This is the initial investment or expense required to undertake the investment or activity. It includes all relevant costs associated with the endeavor.

• Multiplier (100%)

To express ROI as a percentage, the result is multiplied by 100%.

Key points to consider about ROI:

• A positive ROI indicates that the investment or activity generated a profit or return greater than the initial cost, making it financially beneficial.
• A negative ROI implies that the investment or activity resulted in a loss or a return less than the cost, suggesting financial underperformance.
• An ROI of 0% means that the return is exactly equal to the cost, resulting in no profit or loss.
• ROI is a relative measure and is often used for comparing multiple investments or activities to determine which one is more financially attractive.
• It’s important to consider the time frame over which ROI is calculated, as different time periods may yield different ROI values.

ROI is a versatile financial metric used in various applications, such as business investments, marketing campaigns, real estate, stock investments, and capital expenditures. It helps individuals and organizations make informed decisions by assessing the potential return on capital or resources invested in different opportunities. It’s a valuable tool for measuring and optimizing the allocation of resources to achieve financial objectives.