Which type of metric should you look at when deciding on methodologies for valuation?

When deciding on methodologies for valuation, focusing on revenue and net income is crucial because these metrics provide a clear picture of a company's financial performance and profitability. Revenue reflects the total income generated from sales before any expenses are deducted, serving as a top-line indicator of business growth and market demand. Net income, on the other hand, represents the profit remaining after all expenses, taxes, and costs have been accounted for.

Using these two metrics allows analysts to assess the overall health of a company, which is essential in various valuation approaches like Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), comparable company analysis, or precedent transactions. Revenue helps in understanding the scale of operations, while net income indicates efficiency and profitability, essential elements in determining a company's value and investment attractiveness. These factors can significantly influence investor decisions and valuation multiples applied in different methodologies.