"Competition is the final price determinant and competitive prices may result in profits which force you to accept a rate of return less than you hoped for, or for that matter to accept temporary losses"

In this quote, Alfred P. Sloan is highlighting the value of competitors in identifying rates. He recommends that in a competitive market, costs are ultimately figured out by the level of competitors. This can result in earnings for companies, but it may also imply that they need to accept a lower rate of return than they had actually hoped for. In some cases, organizations might even experience temporary losses in order to stay competitive. Sloan's words act as a pointer that in a competitive market, businesses should be prepared to adapt and make sacrifices in order to stay afloat and ultimately be successful.