by
Rabea Ataya , CEO, Chairman, CoFounder , Bayt.com
I love the question. It is particularly relevant in the internet business world where most companies seem to be focused on revenue growth maximization with no consideration to profitability. Often times they remain in a vicious cycle of cash burning, fundraising, and trying to validate increased valuations purely on the basis of revenue growth with no clear path to profitability. This is naturally a risky strategy that may pay off if you are fortunate enough to keep raising funds or are able to exit the business and" pass on the buck" to someone else.
I personally believe that revenue growth is always important but it should always be done with a consideration and clear plan to achieve profitability.
I think growth maximization is more important, since its indirectly increases profit by increasing company valuation. But in case the company is facing cash flow problem then it should focus on profit maximization.
It depend on what stage business is running and its goals. In initial stages growth maximization may be the best way. But if current resources can be more efficiently managed and bring more profit , profit maximization is the path until a level reaches where new resources in the long run bring more profits so the organization changes its ways to growth maximization. So a Finance Manager now a days no more only fund raiser , but also an efficient and effective user of fund.
its a managerial decision depends on 1- The profitability of the company . 2- managments 3- market 4- investments.
its not about which is better ! its depends on the case it self and whats the stratgic plan for the compnay .