Using Non-GAAP Measures to Strengthen Your Financial Story
U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is widely perceived as the “gold standard” in financial reporting. While public companies are required to issue GAAP financial statements, many private businesses also leverage these standards. However, they don’t always tell the whole story. Non-GAAP metrics can provide additional context that helps stakeholders better understand a company’s operations, profitability and cash flow. Here’s how to ensure consistency and transparency when using these supplemental metrics.
The Value of Supplemental Metrics
GAAP is a set of rules and procedures accountants typically follow to record and summarize business transactions. These guidelines provide the foundation for consistent, fair and accurate financial reporting. Businesses that issue GAAP financial statements use the accrual method of accounting. Under this method, revenue is recognized when earned (regardless of when cash is received), and expenses are recognized when incurred (not necessarily when bills are paid). Lenders and investors often prefer GAAP financials because they make it easier to compare your financial results over time and with those of other businesses.
But the use of non-GAAP measures has grown over the years. Beyond helping your management team understand your financial results, these supplemental measures can be useful when applying for financing and evaluating mergers and acquisitions. In fact, some investors and executives argue that certain unaudited figures provide a more meaningful proxy of financial performance than customary earnings figures reported under GAAP. Before relying on non-GAAP metrics, it’s important to understand what’s included and excluded to avoid making misinformed business decisions.
EBITDA: A Widely Used Performance Metric
One popular example of a non-GAAP metric is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA). Developed in the 1970s to help investors project a business’s long-term profitability and cash flow, the figure is considered one of the most valuable yardsticks investors use when a business is being bought or sold.
Because non-GAAP measures aren’t governed by a single set of accounting standards, some businesses may calculate EBITDA and related metrics differently, or enhance EBITDA figures by excluding certain costs, such as stock- or option-based compensation, that are plainly costs of doing business.
This trend has made it difficult for investors and lenders to make fair comparisons and understand the items left out. As a result, stakeholders should carefully review how these figures are derived, what adjustments have been made, why those adjustments are needed and how management uses non-GAAP metrics for internal purposes. Transparent, detailed disclosures are essential for reliable comparisons across organizations and industries.
Keeping Supplemental Metrics Credible
Non-GAAP measures can provide valuable insight into your business’s performance when used alongside traditional financial statements. But they should complement — not replace — GAAP reporting. Look to our assurance accounting pros for guidance on presenting EBITDA and other non-GAAP metrics consistently and transparently.
