The rule companies use to determine this formula is called the profit maximization rule. In economics, the profit maximization rule is represented as MC = MR, where MC stands for marginal costs ...

As a result, many profit maximization strategies seek out new efficiencies or potential savings on current operations. An important profit formula for this process is Marginal Cost = Marginal Revenue.

In justifying his attacks on Bain Capital, President Obama argues that “profit maximization” might be an appropriate goal for a private-equity firm, but not for more general public policy.

In justifying his attacks on Bain Capital, President Obama argues that "profit maximization" might be an appropriate goal for a private-equity firm, but not for more general public policy.