At the same time, the report also noted, most marketers are under intense pressure to show tangible returns on the money they spend.

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It should be remembered that parents may also get tangible returns from their adult children in time, such as financial resources and caregiving, Prof.

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Even so, reckons Mr Milunovich, firms have now entered a phase of assimilation, with the emphasis on making tangible returns on their technology investments, past and present.

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The company also said returns on tangible common equity during the quarter were disappointing.

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They may not bring the best returns, but they can deliver less tangible benefits like excitement, prestige, contacts and a high profile.

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The market price of each of his top three financial holdings have made significant gains, contributing to his returns last year, but still have a distance to meet their tangible book value.

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