
#39 The Optimizer
Behind the Balance Sheet
Align Accounting with Economics for True Value
Private capital views companies differently than public market investors due to the impact of accounting practices, particularly regarding depreciation. Non-economic depreciation can misrepresent a company's value, as long-term investments are expensed too quickly, skewing financial statements. Furthermore, significant customer acquisition costs, crucial for long-term retention, are immediately expensed, further concealing the company's true economic potential. Adjusting accounting to better reflect actual economics enables a clearer picture of profitability and growth, revealing that these companies can be valued reasonably against market P-E multiples, highlighting the importance of aligning financial practices with underlying economic realities.