Where Did Those Numbers Come From?

I recently saw a report in which a startling conclusion was made as to whether or not an organization's on-going practice was producing a loss rather than a gain in income.

How that conclusion was reached, however, was not disclosed. That was troubling because it is fairly easy to think of different ways in which one can play with the numbers to produce a particular outcome. The proponents of the conclusion would have strengthened their argument - and reduced suspicion - by showing the basis for their conclusion. I would hope that by doing so, they also would be better prepared to address likely challenges.

I'm an old dog. I want to know where those numbers came from.