GROSS PROFIT MARGIN ON SALES Definition

GROSS PROFIT MARGIN ON SALES (GPM) is one of the key performance indicators. The gross profit margin gives an indication on whether the average markup on goods and services is sufficient to cover expenses and make a profit. GPM shows the relationship between sales and the direct cost of products/services sold. It measures the ability of both to control costs and to pass along price increases through sales to customers. The gross profit margin should be stable over time. A persistent gradual decrease is likely to indicate that productivity needs to be increased to return profitability back to previous levels. Generally:

>40% = Indicates a sustainable competitive advantage

< 40% = Indicates competition may be eroding margins

< 20% = There is likely no sustainable competitive advantage

Formula: Gross Profit / Net Revenue

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EXCESS OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES in the not-for-profit sector. There is a common misconception that not-for-profit organizations are not allowed to have a financial cushion as they are 'not-for-profit'. In this context it is useful to remember that not-for-profit organizations are also 'not-for-loss' organizations. An organization cannot sustain losses over the long term without ceasing to operate or going bankrupt. Excess of revenue over expenses is the planned financial position that there will always be a sufficient amount of funds on hand to continue to run the not-for-profit entity for some period without additional funding; usually 3-4 months.

SERVICE CHARGE is an additional charge for a service for which there is already a basic fee; also called service fee.

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