Look below the sales line
Margins show how much of the revenue remains after costs. Fast growth does not necessarily translate into similar growth in profits or cash.
Working capital matters
Inventory and customer payments can tie up cash as sales expand. Read the cash-flow statement alongside the income statement to see how growth is being funded.
Check delivery and reporting
Product availability, customer concentration and timely financial reporting are part of the assessment. Current filings are the place to check the latest facts.
A question to carry forward
What would the latest financial statements need to show for the business story to become more convincing? I would start with cash generation, capital needs and the assumptions behind management’s outlook.
