The phrase "a return of only" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the limited or minimal nature of a return, often in financial or investment contexts.
Example: "After reviewing the investment, I was disappointed to see a return of only 2% this year."
Alternatives: "a return of just" or "a return of merely".
He forecasts a return of only 4 to 5percentt in the broad fixed-income market.
Despite all that star power, Robert Luketic's film took just $13.5m£8.2m2m) at the global box office on a $35m£21.4m4m) budget, a return of only 39%.
That investment in overseas bonds was equal to nearly a tenth of China's entire economic output last year, even though Treasuries have a return of only 0.13 to 4.76 percent currently.
Now, thanks to its recent shopping spree, the firm can expect a return of only 10 to 12percentnt on its capital outlay as it focuses on developing new brands.
Two months ago, when Aegon, a Dutch life insurer known for taking care of its shareholders, bought Transamerica, a San Francisco-based insurer, Aegon said it was expecting a return of only 9% from the deal, well below the 11% "hurdle rate" it once proclaimed as its benchmark.
A return of only seven goals in 62 internationals for England – his goal in that 5-1 demofition of Germany in 2001 remains a career highlight – coupled with a strike-rate of less than one goal every four games throughout his club career conspired to make Heskey a target for those unimpressed by his strength, skill at holding the ball and work as provider.
One of the less well-known provisions of the Affordable Care Act, forced in by conservative lawmakers, calls for a return of abstinence-only sex education programs in public secondary education.
In 2007 when the S&P managed to eke out a total return of only 5%, it returned 80%.
In 2006, his funds streak was broken with a total return of only 5.85% vs.15.85% for the S&P, and so far in 2007, Legg Mason Value Trust, now classified as a large cap growth fund by Morningstar, is lagging again.
But even brushing aside the risk that P/E ratios just might be a lot lower 20 or 30 years from now (or whenever you get around to spending the money you are saving now), the 34 multiple strongly suggests that you can make a real return of only 2.9% on money you put into stocks today.
For example, the average worker retiring today receives a lifetime return of only about 2.2% on the taxes he or she has paid into the system, and workers retiring 20 years from now will actually get back less from Social Security than they paid into the system.
