U.S. Corporate Profits, 19502024: Operating Profit Markups in Leading Firms

This book offers a regression-based analysis of corporate profitability in the United States over the period 1950 to 2024. Drawing on detailed analysis of 71 leading corporations across 11 key industries—from petroleum and natural gas to high-tech and government contracting—this book reveals a striking pattern: operating-profit markups have remained both high and remarkably stable over the past seven decades. Using a clear and accessible regression-based methodology, the author demonstrates how corporations have consistently maintained their ability to pass through costs, challenging common assumptions about volatility in profit margins. Written by a seasoned expert for professionals in corporate accounting, corporate law, finance, taxation, and economic policy, this book provides: A robust empirical framework for analyzing long-term profitability Industry-specific insights into pricing power and cost pass-through A valuable resource for understanding corporate behavior across economic cycles Whether you're advising clients, shaping policy, or conducting research, this book offers essential insights into the enduring dynamics of corporate profitability.