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The same ROE from different factors

Net margin, turnover and equity multiplier can differ while their product gives the same ROE.

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Compare two fictional factor sets

Original equal-ROE example
FactorIssuer AIssuer B
Net margin10%5%
Asset turnover1.0×2.0×
Equity multiplier2.0×2.0×
ROE product20%20%

Describe the mathematical distinction

Issuer B has half the margin and twice the turnover in this example. Equal products do not mean the statements, operating risks or earnings quality are identical.

Investigate persistence separately

The factor values alone do not prove which company has a more sustainable return. Accounting scope, business conditions and the causes of each factor need further evidence.

Keep a comparison note reproducible

Show the selected bases and the product. State which questions remain open rather than ranking the issuers solely from these three numbers.

Further references