Investors don’t just look at your top-line growth. They’re reading between the lines – so your numbers need to speak their language.

If you’re raising money, planning an exit, or reporting to existing investors, your monthly numbers are doing more talking than you realise.

And it’s not just the revenue or EBITDA figure that matters.

Here’s what experienced investors and PE firms are really looking for – and what sends up red flags:

What impresses them:

Consistency – Not just in the numbers, but in format, timelines, and structure. If your board pack changes every month, it suggests instability.

Granularity – Site or department-level performance shows operational control. Investors want to see you know what’s working – and what isn’t.

Cash clarity – Strong P&L with vague cashflow? Worrying. You need to show exactly how revenue translates into cash, and how you’re planning ahead.

Controls and commentary – The best reports come with clear owner commentary, explaining any swings and showing awareness of risk.

What puts them off:

• Delayed month-ends or inconsistent reporting
• Overly complex packs with no summary
• Lack of site/segment breakdowns
• Gaps in reconciliations or large unexplained adjustments
• No link to budget or forecast

Your reports don’t just report the past. They reveal how you run the business.

And if they look messy, inconsistent, or late – it raises questions far beyond the numbers.

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