A similar approach may be required when there are differences in functions performed by the parties being compared. Assume that the facts are the same as in the example at paragraph 2.44 except that it is the comparable independent enterprises that perform the additional function of technical support and not the associated enterprise, and that these costs are reported in the cost of goods sold but cannot be separately identified. Because of product and market differences it may not be possible to find a CUP, and a resale price method would be unreliable since the gross margin of the independent enterprises would need to be higher than that of the associated enterprise in order to reflect the additional function and to cover the unknown additional costs. In this example, it may be more reliable to examine net margins in order to assess the difference in the transfer price that would reflect the difference in function. The use of net margins in such a case needs to take account of comparability and may not be reliable if there would be a material effect on net margin as a result of the additional function or as a result of market differences.
TPG2022 Chapter II paragraph 2.112
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By OECD
Category: OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines (2022), TPG 2022 Chapter II: Transfer Pricing Methods | Tag: Example - TNMM, Functional differences, Net Profit Indicator/Profit Level Indicator (PLI), Transactional net margin method (TNMM), Transfer pricing methods
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Supplemental Guidance
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