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profit

Definition

Best known measure of the success of an enterprise, it is the surplus remaining after total costs are deducted from total revenue, and the basis on which tax is computed and dividend is paid. Profit is reflected in reduction in liabilities, increase in assets, and/or increase in owners' equity. It furnishes resources for investing in future operations, and its absence may result in the extinction of the firm. As an indicator of comparative performance, however, it is less valuable than return on investment (ROI). In economics, total costs must include a cost to cover the normal profit for the firm. Also called earnings, gain, or income.

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