Skip to content
SuperMoney logo
SuperMoney logo

Target Return: Examples, Strategies, and Success Tips

Last updated 03/28/2024 by

Bamigbola Paul

Edited by

Fact checked by

Summary:
Explore the intricacies of the Target Return pricing model, delving into the fusion of future value and investor profit expectations. This article navigates the distinctions from conventional pricing models, offering insights into the challenges and benefits inherent in this strategic approach.

Compare Investment Advisors

Compare the services, fees, and features of the leading investment advisors. Find the best firm for your portfolio.
Compare Investment Advisors

Target Return: decoding a strategic pricing paradigm

In the intricate realm of investment and valuation, the Target Return model emerges as a pivotal pricing paradigm. Uniquely incorporating investor profit expectations and the time-value of money, this model deviates from traditional methods, demanding a nuanced understanding for effective implementation.

Understanding target return

At its core, Target Return involves the calculation of invested capital merged with the desired profit, adjusted for the time value of money (TVM). As a return-on-investment (ROI) strategy, investors embark on a backward journey to ascertain the current price. However, challenges arise in choosing a realistic return and a timeframe for its realization.
Investors must strike a delicate balance; opting for a high return and a short timeframe demands swift and substantial profitability, while a lower return over an extended period allows for a more gradual ascent. This delicate dance requires strategic decision-making to ensure the venture’s financial viability.

Application in pricing strategy

Beyond its application in investment valuation, the Target Return model extends its reach to product pricing. Companies leverage this model to set product prices aligning with their profit objectives. In a hypothetical scenario, a flashlight company invests $10 million in developing a new product.
The manufacturing cost per unit stands at $12, with a targeted return of 15%. Expecting to sell at least 70,000 units within a specified timeframe, the company must price each flashlight at $33.43 and above to meet its desired return.
This approach diverges significantly from the cost-plus pricing strategy, where the product’s production cost takes precedence, and the price markup is independent of time or expected sales volume. The Target Return model injects a dynamic element, intertwining profitability with investment and development costs.

Comparisons with other pricing models

Contrasting with the cost-plus pricing strategy, which fixates on production costs, and value-based pricing, which commences with the product’s assigned value, Target Return stands as a hybrid, integrating profitability, time, and investment.
While cost-plus pricing simplifies the pricing structure by isolating production costs, the Target Return model introduces a multifaceted approach, accommodating both short-term and long-term profitability goals. In the realm of value-based pricing, which begins with a product’s assigned value, Target Return provides a distinctive alternative by considering the investment required to bring the product to market.
WEIGH THE RISKS AND BENEFITS
Here is a list of the benefits and the drawbacks to consider.
Pros
  • Strategic alignment of profitability and investment
  • Flexibility in pricing based on sales performance
  • Consideration of both short-term and long-term goals
Cons
  • Complexity in selecting realistic return and timeframe
  • Dependency on accurate sales projections
  • Adaptability required for unexpected market shifts

Real-world applications of target return

In the real-world application of Target Return, businesses strategically employ this model to optimize their pricing strategies. Let’s delve into a few examples:

Example 1: technology investment

A tech startup seeking investors may use Target Return to determine the future value they need to offer to attract funding. This involves calculating the desired profit, factoring in the time-value of money, and adjusting the current valuation to align with investor expectations.

Example 2: service-based industries

Service-oriented businesses, such as consulting firms, can utilize Target Return when pricing their services. By considering the investment in talent, technology, and overheads, they can strategically set prices that not only cover costs but also deliver the targeted return to stakeholders.

The evolving landscape: target return in modern markets

As markets evolve, so do pricing strategies. Target Return continues to play a crucial role in adapting to the dynamic landscape. Explore how this pricing paradigm adapts to modern market dynamics.

Market volatility and target return

With markets becoming increasingly volatile, the Target Return model provides companies with the flexibility to adjust their pricing based on unforeseen shifts. This adaptability ensures that businesses can navigate turbulent economic conditions while striving to achieve their profit objectives.

E-commerce and target return strategies

In the realm of e-commerce, where pricing agility is paramount, businesses employ Target Return strategies to set competitive prices. This involves considering factors like acquisition costs, customer lifetime value, and the constant need to balance profitability with market share.

The bottom line

Target Return emerges as a dynamic pricing paradigm that goes beyond conventional models. Its application extends from calculating investor returns to influencing product pricing strategies. The real-world examples illustrate its versatility, from technology investments to service-based industries, showcasing its adaptability in different sectors.

Frequently asked questions

What factors should businesses consider when determining a realistic return in target return pricing?

Businesses should consider various factors, including industry benchmarks, market conditions, and the overall financial health of the company when determining a realistic return in Target Return pricing. Striking a balance between ambition and achievability is crucial.

How does the target return model accommodate changes in market dynamics over time?

The Target Return model’s adaptability allows businesses to adjust their pricing strategies in response to changes in market dynamics. This flexibility ensures that companies can remain competitive and profitable even in the face of unforeseen shifts in the business landscape.

Can target return be applied to both tangible and intangible products or services?

Yes, Target Return is versatile and can be applied to both tangible and intangible products or services. Whether a company is selling physical products or offering consulting services, the model considers the investment and desired return, providing a comprehensive pricing strategy.

How can businesses effectively communicate the use of target return pricing to investors and customers?

Effectively communicating the use of Target Return pricing involves transparently sharing the factors considered in the pricing strategy. Businesses should articulate the balance between profitability, investment, and market conditions to both investors and customers to build trust and understanding.

What are some potential pitfalls businesses should be aware of when implementing target return pricing?

Businesses should be cautious of setting unrealistic returns or overly ambitious timeframes, as this can lead to financial strain. Additionally, accurate sales projections are crucial; falling short can necessitate adjustments. Regularly reassessing and recalibrating the pricing strategy based on actual performance is key to avoiding potential pitfalls.

Key takeaways

  • Target Return intricately combines investor profit expectations with the time-value of money.
  • The model extends beyond investment valuation, influencing product pricing strategies.
  • Challenges include selecting a realistic return and timeframe, with flexibility required for market dynamics.
  • Pros include strategic alignment, flexibility in pricing, and consideration of both short-term and long-term goals.
  • Cons involve complexity in decision-making and dependency on accurate sales projections.

SuperMoney may receive compensation from some or all of the companies featured, and the order of results are influenced by advertising bids, with exception for mortgage and home lending related products. Learn more

Loading results ...

Share this post:

You might also like