In short
Financial analysis in the Maldives examines the figures a business already has, its financial statements and management accounts, to explain profitability, cash flow and financial health. DBS Maldives analyses your existing statements and reports what they show and what to do next. We do not prepare or audit them.
What is financial analysis?
Financial analysis is reading a business's financial statements and records to understand how it is really performing. Financial analysis in the Maldives helps owners who have a set of accounts but are not sure what they say, and businesses preparing to approach a lender or investor.
We work from the statements and records you already have, prepared by you or your accountant. DBS Maldives does not prepare, keep or audit financial statements.
What does a financial analysis look at?
- Profitability. Which products, outlets or services earn money and which do not, and how margins are moving.
- Ratios. Liquidity, borrowing levels, return on assets and efficiency measures, explained in plain terms.
- Cash flow. Where cash comes from, where it goes and why profit and cash differ.
- Trends. How results compare across periods and seasons.
- Cost structure. Fixed and variable costs, and where savings may be possible.
Why get a financial analysis before applying for a loan?
Lenders assess the business model, risks, revenue model and management capability of each proposal, and they will form a view from your past figures. A lender-readiness review lets you see what the lender will see first, explain unusual items and address weaknesses before you submit an SME business loan application.
An analysis is also the starting point for a business valuation and for realistic financial planning.
How the analysis works
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Agree the purpose
We confirm whether the analysis is for your own decisions, a lender, an investor or a partner.
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Collect the figures
You share financial statements, management figures and bank statements. We note any gaps.
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Analyse
We calculate ratios, compare periods, break down margins and trace the cash.
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Explain
We present the findings in a short written report and a meeting, with practical recommendations.
What documents do I need for a financial analysis?
- Financial statements for recent years, as prepared by you or your accountant
- Management accounts or sales reports for the current year
- Bank statements for the period being reviewed
- A list of loans and financing agreements
- Any breakdown of sales by product, outlet or customer that you keep
Common mistakes to avoid
- Looking only at profit. A profitable business can still be short of cash, and lenders notice.
- Reviewing one year in isolation. Trends tell you more than a single result.
- Leaving unusual items unexplained. A one-off loss or large owner withdrawal needs a clear explanation before a lender asks.
- Analysing incomplete records. If figures are missing or unreconciled, conclusions will be unreliable; resolve this with your accountant first.
To arrange a review, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What is financial statement analysis?
Financial statement analysis is the review of a business's profit and loss statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement to understand its performance and financial health. It uses ratios, trends and comparisons to show how profitable, stable and cash-generative the business is, and where it is exposed.
Does DBS Maldives prepare or audit financial statements?
No. DBS Maldives does not provide audit, bookkeeping, accounting or tax filing. Our financial analysis uses the statements and records you already have, prepared by you or your accountant, and explains what they show about your business.
Which financial ratios matter most to lenders?
Lenders generally look at how easily a business can meet its short-term obligations, how much it already owes, how profitable it is and whether its cash flow can cover repayments. Each lender has its own approach, so we explain your ratios in plain terms and how a lender is likely to read them.
Why is my business profitable but short of cash?
Profit and cash differ because of timing and spending that does not appear as a cost straight away. Customers paying late, stock building up, loan repayments and equipment purchases all use cash without reducing profit. A cash flow analysis shows exactly where the money is going.
How often should a business review its financial performance?
Most owners benefit from a short monthly look at sales, costs and cash, and a fuller review at the end of each financial year. A review is also worthwhile before applying for finance, bringing in a partner or making a large investment.
Last reviewed 6 October 2026. Requirements change; we confirm the current rules with you before any application.