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How to read a listed company’s results, without being an accountant

A results statement can look intimidating. Yet a few figures are enough to understand the essentials. Here is which ones, and what they mean.

Editorial team BoursimpleUpdated 2 min read
Financial newspaper showing a stock chart
Financial newspaper showing a stock chart · Illustrative photo : Unsplash

In short

  • Revenue measures sales, and net profit what is left at the end.
  • Debt and cash show financial strength.
  • A figure should always be read with a comparison and its context.

From revenue to net profit

Here is how the figures flow, using a made-up company:

LineAmountWhat it means
Revenue1,000 million MADTotal sales for the period.
EBITDA200 million MADBusiness result before depreciation, interest and taxes.
Operating profit140 million MADWhat the business earns, after depreciation.
Net profit80 million MADWhat is left after interest and taxes.

In this example, the net margin is 8%: 80 million dirhams of net profit for 1,000 million dirhams of sales.

Debt and cash

A company can show a profit and still lack available money, for example if its customers pay late. That is why people also look at:

  • Cash: the money available.
  • Net debt: financial debt minus cash.
  • Cash flow: the money the business really generates.

The case of banks

Banks are not read like other companies. Instead of revenue, they report net banking income. People also look at the cost of risk, meaning losses linked to loans that are not repaid.

Four reading habits

  1. Compare with the same period

    A first half is compared with the first half of the previous year.

  2. Spot one-off items

    A sale or one-time income can inflate profit for a single year.

  3. Look at the scope

    An acquisition can increase sales even if the existing business is not growing.

  4. Read the explanations

    The statement often gives the reasons for the change and the risks.

Where to find these documents

Listed companies publish their statements and accounts. You can find them on their website, on the Casablanca Stock Exchange website and on the AMMC website. Our article on first-half 2026 profits shows how a total can be driven by a few companies.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between net profit and group share?

Net profit, group share, is the part of profit that goes to the listed company’s shareholders, after the share of other shareholders in subsidiaries.

Does higher profit always push up the price?

No. The price also depends on what the market expected and on the general context.

This article is for information and educational purposes only. It is not investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Investing in shares involves a risk of capital loss. Check figures against official sources (Casablanca Stock Exchange, AMMC) and consult a licensed professional. Read the full disclaimer.