For starters, the seller at the public auction was cheated out of the hidden profit realized in the second auction.

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They quickly realized KN could profit most by pooling its rights-of-way with rivals' to pave the way for a nationwide network.

FORBES: Other People's Money

On balance, firms that derive less than 10% of its sales through Wal-Mart averaged 39.1% in gross margin, or the percentage of profit realized before items like fixed costs and interest expense are considered.

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Marsh relies on insurance brokerage for 60% of revenue and two-thirds of operating profit (earnings excluding realized investment gains and losses and other unusual items).

FORBES: Pulling the Plug on Marsh

When Goldman Sachs realized the mortgage market was in decline, it took actions to profit from that decline at the expense of its clients.

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Since it remains unclear how these ideas might get realized, it is hard to know whether they will become big sources of revenue and profit.

FORBES: Apple's Innovation Problem