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Return on Investment (ROI)

Business analysisFinancial analysis

Reference model

Return on Investment (ROI) ScaleA scale of 3 levels rising from the lowest to the highest: 1, Negative ROI; 2, Break-even; 3, Positive ROI.Negative ROIInvestment costs exceed returns.Break-evenInvestment returns equal costs.Positive ROIInvestment returns exceed costs.

ROI is expressed as a percentage and provides insight into the profitability of an investment.

About this model

A financial metric used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment by comparing the gain or loss from an investment relative to its cost.

Originator not stated.

How to read it

  • A higher ROI indicates a more profitable investment.
  • Compare ROI across different investments to determine the best option.

What this does

Calculates the financial return generated from an investment relative to its cost, helping to assess the profitability of an investment.

When to use it

Use it when evaluating the financial performance of an investment or project to determine its effectiveness.

Not when: Do not use it when the investment's benefits are non-financial or when the time frame is not clearly defined.

What happens next

Consider a detailed financial analysis for deeper insights into cash flow and profitability.

Golden thread

Builds on ←

    A starting point: it needs no earlier tool.

    Feeds into →

    • Investment analysis report

    Use this tool, free

    Sign in to open the worksheet. Your work saves as you type, the AI can draft the parts you have not filled in, and you finish with an analysis and a 30/60/90-day action plan.

    Drafted with AI and reviewed by Eccellere on 04/11/2026. Guidance, not advice: apply your own judgement.