June 24, 2024 | U.S. Growth and Core Equity

Embracing the Qualitative

Speaker

We believe cashflow, financial returns, and other traditional quantitative markers of performance provide a good picture of present-day quality, but more difficult-to-quantify qualitative attributes indicate a company’s enduring quality.


Many investors lead with quantitative metrics, such as margins, returns, and cash flow. They are certainly easier to come by than qualitative insights. But it is the understanding of the qualitative aspects of the business that allow us to project where the quantitative metrics will be going into the future. Qualitative attributes are much more difficult to assess, but they are ultimately what give us confidence in the durability of a business.


Filmed May 2024

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the speaker(s) as of the date of publication, are subject to change without notice as economic and market conditions dictate, and may not reflect the views and opinions of other investment teams within William Blair. Factual information has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable, but its accuracy, completeness, or interpretation cannot be guaranteed. This material may include estimates, outlooks, projections, and other forward-looking statements. Due to a variety of factors, actual events may differ significantly from those presented. This video has been provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular strategy or investment product, or as an offer to buy or sell any securities or related financial instruments in any jurisdiction. Investment advice and recommendations can be provided only after careful consideration of an investor’s objectives, guidelines, and restrictions.

Copyright © 2024 William Blair. “William Blair” refers to William Blair Investment Management, LLC. William Blair is a registered trademark of William Blair & Company, L.L.C.

Topics: Culture

Subscribe Now

Want the latest insights on the economy and other forces shaping the investment landscape?

Subscribe to our Investing Insights newsletter. 

Moderated by Hugo Scott-Gall, Partner

Want More Insights?

The Active Share podcast explores less obvious insights in a world that’s always changing.

Listen Now