When it comes to running a business, one of the most common and crucial questions that arises is, “What should my target net profit percentage be?” It’s an excellent question and one that deserves a clear and concise answer. So, let’s get straight to the point and explore the concept of pre-tax profit percentage and why it’s vital for your business.

At PROTRADE United, our primary goal for clients is achieving a pre-tax profit of 15%. Now, you might have heard accountants refer to this as Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA), but to keep it simple and call it pre-tax profit. So, why the emphasis on 15%? Let’s break it down.

10% Pre-Tax Profit: The New Breakeven

In today’s business landscape, we consider a pre-tax profit of 10% as the new breakeven point. It’s no longer a comfortable cushion; it is the absolute minimum that every business should aim for. Many business owners in the trading and construction sectors live on the edge, just one bad month away from potential challenging situation, including the dreaded possibility of shutting down their operations or enter a financial situation to support the business.

Why 15%? The Importance of Flexibility

Let’s delve into why we advocate for a pre-tax profit target of 15%. This percentage offers flexibility, which is essential for sustainable growth as it allows some fluctuation. When your business is in a growing phase and you’re eager to seize new opportunities or expand your team to support increased demand, these endeavors can impact your profitability in the short term.
Consider this scenario: You decide to hire someone for an overhead role, which may not directly generate income. There’s a lag period where the new hire needs time to get up to speed, make a substantial impact in their role, and thus yielding better efficiencies or better productivity in the area they’re working on. During this adjustment phase, your profitability might drop to 13%, 12%, or even 10%.
15% pre-tax profit allows you to navigate this transitional period by accommodating lower profitability for a month or two as the new hire adjusts and eventually increases productivity. We firmly believe that you must earn the right to grow your business. It’s not about saying yes to every opportunity that comes your way. Without a pre-tax profit of at least 10%, embracing new opportunities may lead to disaster instead of the intended benefits.

Planning for Unforeseen Circumstances

Another compelling reason to aim for 15% pre-tax profit is risk mitigation. Businesses sometimes face unexpected challenges, such as sudden slowdowns or project delays. Having cash reserves and a pre-tax profit buffer ensures that you can navigate these turbulent waters with less financial strain. You have the peace of mind knowing that you can drop back to 10% for a month or two and then ramp up again.
If you’re operating at or below 10% pre-tax profit, your business becomes more vulnerable. A couple of unfavorable months, you could drop back down to zero and below. Furthermore, keep in mind that profit on paper doesn’t always translate into cash in the bank. Therefore, maintaining a pre-tax profit of 15% not only offers financial security but also the ability to handle fluctuations and seize growth opportunities moving forward.

Securing Your Business’s Financial Future

In conclusion, the ideal net profit percentage for your business should be 15% or higher, coupled with a healthy cash reserve. This combination not only safeguards your financial future but also empowers you to thrive in a dynamic and often unpredictable business environment. At PROTRADE United, we’re committed to helping you achieve and maintain this pre-tax profit percentage, guiding you on your journey to lasting business success. If you’re seeking support to fortify your business financials, please be in touch.

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