Accounting

Operating Profit Margin

The percentage of revenue remaining after deducting operating expenses, showing profitability from core business operations.

Formula

Operating Profit = Gross Profit - Operating Expenses

Operating Margin = (Operating Profit / Revenue) ร— 100

Operating Expenses include: salaries, rent, marketing, R&D, G&A

Definition

What is Operating Profit Margin?

Operating margin measures profitability from regular business operations before interest and taxes. It reveals how efficiently management runs the company and controls operating costs.

Operating Margin Significance

This metric isolates operational efficiency from financing decisions and tax strategies. Investors use it to evaluate management performance independent of capital structure.

Improving Operating Margin

Increase revenue while holding costs flat, automate processes, renegotiate vendor contracts, eliminate waste, or improve employee productivity.

Example

SaaS company quarterly results:

  • Revenue: $400,000
  • Gross Profit: $320,000 (80%)
  • Sales & Marketing: $120,000
  • R&D: $80,000
  • G&A: $60,000

Operating Expenses = $260,000

Operating Profit = $320K - $260K = $60,000

Operating Margin = $60K / $400K = 15%

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