It's not a good thing if you know what you're looking at. Of course, the average investor doesn't have a clue. Half the problem is that there's a lot that can't be conveyed in financial statements. I've worked for companies that I would never buy any stock in because it's like you get there and realize that they completely destroyed any chance at long term viability for some small short term gains. Even if they're profitable. Corporations that focus on building a high quality, sustainable business that aims to earn a modest profit are an exceptionally rare breed.