RETURN ON ASSETS Definition

RETURN ON ASSETS (ROA) shows the after tax earnings of assets. Return on assets is an indicator of how profitable a company is. Use this ratio annually to compare a business performance to the industry norms: The higher the ratio the greater the return on assets. However this has to be balanced against such factors as risk, sustainability and reinvestment in the business through development costs. 

Higher ROA is better, but extremely high ROA may be an indicator of vulnerability as to any sustainable competitive advantage.

Formula: Earnings After Tax (EAITDA) / Total Assets

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OTCBB is an electronic quotation medium for unlisted, over-the-counter securities. The OTC Bulletin Board allows Market Makers to display firm prices for domestic securities, foreign securities, and ADRs that can be updated on a real-time basis. The service also permits the display of non-firm prices for DPPs, unpriced indications of interest, and telephone numbers for participating Market Makers.

IN THE RED means losing money; the opposite of "in the black."

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