ROIC provides finance teams with a clear view of how effectively the organization converts invested capital into returns. And APQC’s research shows there’s a noticeable performance gap between average companies and top performers.
If you’re trying to improve financial productivity, it helps to focus on a metric that cuts through the noise and shows whether the business is truly creating value. That’s where Return on
Invested Capital (ROIC) comes in.
So, what does “good” ROIC look like?
APQC benchmarking data paints a clear picture:
- Median ROIC: 15%
- Top performers (75th percentile): ~20%
- Lower performers (25th percentile): ~10%
- Based on APQC benchmark data across 3,400+ organizations
That spread matters because it shows there’s real upside available, even for organizations that aren’t struggling, just operating in the middle of the pack.
Why ROIC is such a useful productivity signal
Here’s the simple way to think about it:
- A higher ROIC means the organization is generating stronger profit from the capital it uses
- A lower ROIC can be a sign that capital is tied up in the wrong places or not being used efficiently
In other words, ROIC isn’t just a finance metric. It’s a reality check on how well the business is running.
Where APQC says finance teams should focus
Once you know your ROIC performance, the next question is obvious: What can we actually do to improve it?
APQC highlights four practical focus areas that can move the needle:
- Capital allocation and governance
Make sure investments are aligned with strategy and not spread thin across low-return priorities. - Process efficiency
Identify inefficiencies in finance processes that slow work down or add cost without adding value. - Talent and skills
Ensure finance teams have the capabilities needed to support smarter decisions and stronger performance. - Technology and automation
Use tools that increase speed and accuracy, and reduce the effort spent on manual work.
How does this help finance leaders in the real world?
ROIC becomes even more valuable when it’s used consistently, not just reviewed once a year.
Finance teams can use it to:
- Benchmark performance against peers and set realistic improvement targets
- Track progress over time and see whether operational changes are paying off
- Focus attention on the areas that matter most for improving returns
Learn key strategies for improving ROIC in APQC’s Improving Financial Productivity: How to Realize Higher Return on Invested Capital.