# Breakeven Point (BEP)

« Back to Glossary Index

## What Is the Breakeven Point (BEP)?

In accounting, the breakeven point formula is determined by dividing the total fixed costs associated with production by the revenue per individual unit minus the variable costs per unit. In this case, fixed costs refer to those which do not change depending upon the number of units sold. Put differently, the breakeven point is the production level at which total revenues for a product equal total expenses.

The term is also used in investing. The breakeven point formula for a stock or futures trade is determined by comparing the market price of an asset to the original cost; the breakeven point is reached when the two prices are equal.

For options trading, the breakeven point is the market price that an underlying asset must reach for an option buyer to avoid a loss if they exercise the option. For a call buyer, the breakeven point is reached when the underlying is equal to the strike price plus the premium paid, while the BEP for a put position is reached when the underlying is equal to the strike price minus the premium paid. The breakeven point doesn’t typically factor in commission costs, although these fees could be included if desired.

### Key Takeaways

• In accounting, the breakeven point is calculated by dividing the fixed costs of production by the price per unit minus the variable costs of production.
• The breakeven point is the level of production at which the costs of production equal the revenues for a product.
• In investing, the breakeven point is said to be achieved when the market price of an asset is the same as its original cost.

1:33

## Understanding Breakeven Point (BEP)

Traders have a BEP on trades, and businesses also have breakeven points. A company’s breakeven is calculated by taking fixed costs and dividing that figure by the gross profit margin percentage.

Business Breakeven=Fixed CostsGross Profit Margin\begin{aligned} &\text{Business Breakeven} = \frac { \text{Fixed Costs} }{ \text{Gross Profit Margin} } \\ \end{aligned}​Business Breakeven=Gross Profit Margin

Fixed Costs​​﻿﻿

The breakeven formula provides a dollar figure they need to breakeven. This can be converted into units by calculating the contribution margin (unit sale price less variable costs). Dividing the fixed costs by the contribution margin will provide how many units are needed to breakeven.

## Stock Market Breakeven Point (BEP) Example

Assume an investor buys Microsoft stock at $110. That is now their breakeven point on the trade. If the price moves above$110, the investor is making money. If the stock drops below $110, they are losing money. If the price stays right at$110, they are at the BEP, because they are not making or losing anything.

## Call Option Breakeven Point Example

Assume that an investor pays a $5 premium for an Apple stock call option with a$170 strike price. That means the investor has the right to buy 100 shares of Apple at $170 per share at any time before the options expire. The breakeven point for the call option is the$170 strike price plus the $5 call premium, or$175. If the stock is trading below this, the benefit of the option has not exceeded its cost.

If the stock is trading at $190 per share, the call owner buys Apple at$170 and sells the securities at the $190 market price. The profit is$190 minus the $175 breakeven price, or$15 per share.

## Put Option Breakeven Point Example

Assume an investor pays a $4 premium for a Facebook put option with a$180 strike price. That allows the put buyer to sell 100 shares of Facebook stock at $180 per share until the option’s expiration date. The put position’s breakeven price is$180 minus the $4 premium, or$176. If the stock is trading above that price, the benefit of the option has not exceeded its cost.

If the stock is trading at a market price of $170, for example, the trader has a profit of$6 (breakeven of $176 minus the current market price of$170).

## Business Breakeven Point (BEP) Example

The information required to calculate a business’s BEP can be found on their financial statements. The first pieces of information required are the fixed costs and the gross margin percentage.

Assume a company has $1 million in fixed costs and a gross margin of 37%. Its breakeven point is$2.7 million ($1 million / 0.37). In this breakeven point example, the company must generate$2.7 million in revenue to cover their fixed and variable costs. If they generate more sales, the company will have a profit. If they generate fewer sales, they will have a loss.

It is also possible to calculate how many units need to be sold to cover the fixed costs, which will result in the company breaking even. To do this, calculate the contribution margin, which is the sale price of the product less variable costs.

### How do you calculate a break even point in options trading?

Consider the following example in which an investor pays a $10 premium for a stock call option, and the strike price is$100. The break even point would equal the $10 premium plus the$100 strike price, or $110. On the other hand, if this were applied to a put option, the break even point would be calculated as the$100 strike price minus the $10 premium paid, amounting to$90.

### Compete Risk Free with \$100,000 in Virtual Cash

Put your trading skills to the test with our FREE Stock Simulator. Compete with thousands of Investopedia traders and trade your way to the top! Submit trades in a virtual environment before you start risking your own money. Practice trading strategies so that when you’re ready to enter the real market, you’ve had the practice you need. Try our Stock Simulator today >>

« Back to Glossary Index