Which step is the final one in a return on investment (ROI) analysis?

Dividing benefits by costs is indeed the final step in a return on investment (ROI) analysis. This step is essential because it quantifies the financial return relative to the amount invested, providing a clear metric that stakeholders can use to assess the effectiveness of an investment. By dividing the total benefits—often expressed in monetary terms—by the total costs incurred, you arrive at the ROI ratio. This ratio indicates how much return is generated for each dollar spent, making it a crucial piece of information for decision-making.

Prior steps in the ROI analysis process lay the groundwork for this final calculation. Gathering data involves collecting all relevant financial and operational information that pertains to the investment. Estimating future benefits requires anticipating the monetary value that the investment will yield over time, while calculating total costs accounts for all expenditures associated with the investment. These earlier steps are vital but culminate in the ROI ratio's calculation, which ultimately determines whether the investment was beneficial. This final output is used for comparison with other potential investments or projects, thereby guiding strategic business decisions.