Introduction to the “Let’s Grade the Graphics” Blog

I am going to dedicate our initial blog to a topic central to our approach to advisory. That is the preparation and utilization of Variance and Trend analysis. You will see that while all Financial Planning & Analysis must to some extent address Variance and Trend, we are particularly vigilant in this area, believing that options and strategies emerge from them regularly.

But does this type of analysis influence results? Does it turn into something - like profit, cash flow and business value? And . . . if I believe yes, how do I explain it?

What follows is a 12-post series on graphics that pitch Variance and Trend as being essential. I will present each graphic and then write an assessment of it, up to and including how close or different it is than the Pace Car approach. If you will stay with this, you will see a series-ending wrap-up trying to draw conclusions from the exercise.

Looking forward to the journey. By the way, these are AI-generated graphics. The work is excellent - but is it always on point?