Return on Tangible Equity (ROTE)

Financial metric definition and guide.

Return on Tangible Equity (ROTE)

ROE adjusted for goodwill — a more conservative profitability measure.

Definition

ROTE removes goodwill from the equity base, providing a clearer picture of returns on tangible capital. Companies with large acquisition-driven goodwill may show inflated ROE; ROTE corrects for this.

Formula

Interpretation

Range Assessment
> 15% Strong tangible returns
10% – 15% Adequate
< 10% Weak — or heavy goodwill load

ROTE > ROE when goodwill is significant, indicating that tangible capital is being used efficiently but the company carries intangible acquisition premium.

Industry Routing

Available for all industries (Industrial, Banking, Insurance).

In Finsco

Computed by the audit returns command alongside ROE.

Related Metrics

  • ROE — includes goodwill in equity base
  • ROIC — capital-based return metric