Low Profitability (2024)

Low Profitability
Low profitability may be considered to be the operators’ problem, and of no concern of the authorities. However, an unprofitable operation is unsustainable, and if the alternative is an inferior service, then the matter is one of general concern.

Profitability may be measured by the cost recovery ratio, which is the ratio of revenue over costs . An acceptable ratio will normally lie within the range 1:10 – 1:15. (Learn more about measuring affordability.)

If the low profitability is due to inefficiency on the part of the operator, competition from more efficient operators will benefit users. It may force the inefficient operator to become more efficient or, if this cannot be achieved, put him out of business altogether, with all services provided by the more efficient operators.

Low profitability is primarily a result of excessive operating costs, inadequate revenue, or, in most cases, a combination of both.

Inefficient operating practices, which result in poor vehicle utilization, excessive fleet strength, and overstaffing, are common causes of excessive cost in developing countries.

Inadequate revenue may be due to low fare levels or poor revenue integrity.

The revenue, and hence the profitability, of formal bus operators is often reduced through Competition from the informal sector. In many cases, informal operators do not conform with relevant regulations, including those governing safety standards. As a result of such competition, the formal operator is often forced to increase fares, reduce service levels, or both, so that in the long run the public is forced to pay higher fares for an inferior service.

Low Profitability (2024)

FAQs

What is low level of profitability? ›

Low profitability is primarily a result of excessive operating costs, inadequate revenue, or, in most cases, a combination of both. Inefficient operating practices, which result in poor vehicle utilization, excessive fleet strength, and overstaffing, are common causes of excessive cost in developing countries.

What does a low profitability ratio mean? ›

Low profitability ratios are undesirable. This means the company has missed opportunities. These opportunities could increase profits through better asset management. High profitability ratios are always good.

Is a higher or lower profitability better? ›

Net profit margin

It provides insight into a company's overall profitability and ability to generate profits for its shareholders. A higher net profit margin indicates better efficiency and profitability, while a lower margin suggests potential financial issues.

How do you comment on profitability ratios? ›

A higher ratio or value is commonly sought-after by most companies, as this usually means the business is performing well by generating revenues, profits, and cash flow. The ratios are most useful when they are analyzed in comparison to similar companies or compared to previous periods.

What is a good level of profitability? ›

As a rule of thumb, 5% is a low margin, 10% is a healthy margin, and 20% is a high margin.

What are the 4 levels of profitability? ›

These profit margins include gross margin, operating margin, pretax margin, and net profit margin.

What are the disadvantages of low profitability? ›

Profit margin, the ratio of profit to revenue, is a crucial indicator of a company's financial health and sustainability. When this ratio remains persistently low, it signals a series of challenges that can impede growth, hinder operational efficiency, and threaten the long-term viability of the business.

What is an example of profitability? ›

In terms of profitability, gross profit margin calculates how much a producer spends to produce a sold product. The ratio includes gross profit and net sales. Gross profit is divided by net sales and is then multiplied by 100. For example, AIBC makes $2 million in gross profit from net sales of $11 million.

What is an example of a profitability analysis? ›

For example, a business may have $50 in net income and $100 in revenue. Their net profit margin would be $50/$100=0.5 or 50%. A higher net profit margin means a business retains a larger percentage of its revenue as profit.

What are 3 ways to increase profit? ›

The top profit drivers common to most businesses include:
  • increasing sales (turnover)
  • improving gross profit by either increasing price or reducing input costs.
  • reducing overhead expenses by improving efficiency.
Oct 25, 2023

How to calculate profitability? ›

The simplest measure of profitability is net income, which is revenue minus expenses. This shows the amount of income you generate from your business after accounting for all expenses.

Is profitability ratio good or bad? ›

These ratios are useful in understanding a company's business, evaluating a company's performance based on its history, and comparing multiple companies in the same industry. Higher profitability ratios mean a company is more efficient at producing profits for its shareholders.

How do you write a profitability report? ›

Follow these steps to write an effective profitability analysis report:
  1. Distinguish the business' financial qualities.
  2. Distinguish organizational techniques and strategies.
  3. Evaluate the nature of the association's fiscal statements.
  4. Investigate current benefits and hazards.
  5. Plan anticipated budgetary reports.
Mar 5, 2022

What is the summary of profitability ratio? ›

The profitability ratio shows how successful a business is in earning profits over a period of time in relation to operation costs, revenue, and shareholders' equity. The higher the ratio, the better it is for the company because it shows that the business is highly capable of generating profits regularly.

What does profitability level mean? ›

Profitability is a measure of an organization's profit relative to its expenses. Organizations that are more efficient will realize more profit as a percentage of its expenses than a less-efficient organization, which must spend more to generate the same profit.

What is level of profitability in business? ›

Profitability is the ratio between a business's income and its expenses. A business determines its income by calculating the money the business generates through its operations and activities.

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