The difference between a company’s sales revenue and its variable costs is a crucial figure in managerial accounting. It represents the amount of revenue available to cover fixed costs and generate profit. As an example, if a product sells for $100 and its variable costs (direct materials, direct labor, variable overhead) total $60, the resulting value is $40 per unit.
This figure plays a significant role in several business decisions. It allows businesses to assess the profitability of individual products or services, identify areas for cost reduction, and make informed decisions about pricing strategies. Historically, its use has evolved from simple cost-volume-profit analysis to a key metric in more sophisticated business modeling techniques.