---
id: "quote-profit-vs-cashflow"
type: "quote"
source_timestamps: ["Reel 30"]
tags: ["accounting", "valuation"]
related: ["concept-cashflow-vs-profit", "claim-profit-standard-not-actual", "action-use-cashflow-statement"]
speakers: ["Condel Bowen"]
---
# Stop valuing stocks off profits

> *"Stop valuing STOCKS off PROFITS... sure, it gives you a profit value, which is a standard under accounting principles of how much this company made. But that's not actual. That's a standard. If you want to know actual, you gotta take a look at the statement of cash flows."*

— Condel Bowen, Reel 30

## Context

The two-word distinction at the heart of Bowen's accounting position: **"standard"** vs. **"actual."** This anchors [[concept-cashflow-vs-profit]] and [[claim-profit-standard-not-actual]]. The actionable consequence is [[action-use-cashflow-statement]].