Why EBITDA Isn’t Definitive
💡 Why EBITDA Isn’t Definitive — and What You Should Consider Instead
EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) has become a go-to metric in financial analysis. It’s simple, widely accepted, and offers a quick snapshot of a company’s profitability before non-operating costs. But here’s the catch: EBITDA is not the full story. Not even close.
🚫 What EBITDA Misses
Cash Flow Isn’t Guaranteed
EBITDA ignores changes in working capital, capital expenditures (CapEx), and debt repayments — all of which are critical to understanding actual cash flow.
Ignores Capital Intensity
A business with high depreciation may have significant capital requirements. EBITDA conveniently strips that out, painting a rosier picture than reality.
Masks Financial Risk
By excluding interest, EBITDA doesn’t account for leverage or the cost of financing. Two businesses with identical EBITDA could have radically different debt profiles.
No Tax Reality
Taxes are real, and they impact your bottom line. EBITDA skips over this, giving an incomplete view of net profitability.
Manipulable Metric
“Adjusted EBITDA” has become a playground for creative accounting. Addbacks can be subjective, and without transparency, EBITDA.
✅ What to Look At Instead
Free Cash Flow: Shows what’s actually left after expenses, CapEx, and changes in working capital.
Net Income + Quality of Earnings: It’s not just about how much — it’s how predictable and recurring those earnings are.
Return on Capital Employed (ROCE): Gives insight into how efficiently a company is generating profits from its capital.
💬 Bottom line: EBITDA is a starting point, not a destination. Dig deeper. Context is king, and cash is still the crown.
