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What is the break-even point and how to manage it?

The break-even point is one of the key financial indicators that allows an entrepreneur or manager to determine the volume of sales needed for the company to reach a level where expenses and revenues are fully balanced. Knowing the break-even point enables informed decision-making in pricing, sales planning, and cost management.
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What is the break-even point

The break-even point is the volume of sales (expressed in units of products or monetary value) at which the company’s total revenues fully cover its fixed and variable costs. Upon reaching the break-even point, the company no longer incurs losses, but it has not yet achieved profitability.
If revenue exceeds the break-even point, the business generates profit; if it is below, the company incurs losses. That is why regularly reviewing and monitoring the break-even point is critically important, especially when there are changes in cost structure or pricing policies.

How to calculate the break-even point

To determine the break-even point, the following formula is used:
Break-even point (units of product) = Fixed costs ÷ (Selling price per unit – Variable costs per unit)
Let’s look at a specific example: if a company's fixed monthly costs are 200,000 MDL, the price of the product is 1,000 MDL, and the variable costs per unit are 600 MDL, then the break-even point is calculated as:

200,000 ÷ (1,000 – 600) = 500 units

Thus, selling 500 units enables the company to break even.

Why it is important to know the break-even point

Understanding the break-even point offers multiple practical advantages for business management:

  • Effective sales planning: setting realistic goals, monitoring the achievement of sales plans, and adjusting them in time.
  • Cost optimization: identifying which expenses most impact the break-even point.
  • Objective and informed pricing: assessing how price changes affect the company’s financial position.
  • Project analysis: determining the necessary sales volume or revenue required to launch a project without losses.

How to manage the break-even point

The break-even point is a dynamic indicator that can and should be managed. Managing the break-even point involves influencing its core components:

1. Managing fixed costs. Reducing fixed costs directly lowers the break-even point. This can be achieved through:

  • Optimizing rental payments.
  • Reviewing administrative and managerial expenses.
  • Eliminating inefficient costs through regular audits and controls.

2. Controlling variable costs. Optimizing the cost of goods sold or service delivery significantly influences the break-even point. This can be achieved by:

  • Negotiating better contracts with raw material suppliers.
  • Increasing employee productivity and efficiency of production processes.
  • Implementing new technologies and innovations that reduce production costs.

3. Revising pricing policy. Raising the price of a product or service, while maintaining or slightly reducing the sales volume, allows a business to reach the break-even point faster. However, it is crucial to consider market conditions and the elasticity of demand to avoid a decrease in overall sales.

4. Increasing contribution margin. Focusing on selling products or services with higher margins helps cover expenses and achieve profitability faster. Increasing the share of high-margin products in the company's portfolio is an effective tool for managing the break-even point.

5. Managing product assortment. Expanding the assortment with products of varying margin levels allows flexible management of the break-even point. A strategic approach to the product range, with an emphasis on high-margin items, reduces financial risks and ensures the company’s stability.

6. Improving sales and marketing efficiency. Enhancing sales and marketing strategies can significantly increase total product sales, helping to reach the break-even point more quickly. It is important to implement innovative marketing tools, strengthen the company brand, and expand sales channels.

7. Strategic planning and regular monitoring. Regular analysis and monitoring of key financial indicators, including the break-even point, allow businesses to respond promptly to market changes and internal dynamics. This reduces the likelihood of unexpected losses and helps maintain financial stability.

Conclusion

Knowing and managing the break-even point are essential skills in effective financial management. Properly handling this indicator provides a clear picture of the company’s revenues and expenses, enables timely and well-founded decisions, minimizes financial risks, and ensures stable business growth.
We offer comprehensive financial solutions and professional business support. We help build a sustainable financial model, manage key indicators, and make informed decisions for the growth of your company.
2025-07-22 14:00