Which metric best indicates the financial health of a subscription-based business?

Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) is the most pertinent metric for indicating the financial health of a subscription-based business. MRR provides a clear and consistent view of the revenue generated from subscriptions on a monthly basis, allowing businesses to project future income and understand their growth trajectory. It accounts for the predictable and recurring nature of subscription models, making it easier to track performance over time and make informed decisions about resource allocation, marketing strategies, and scaling operations.

In contrast, while churn rate does offer insights into customer retention, it does not directly quantify the revenue generated by the business. Gross margin is essential to understanding profitability but does not specifically address the subscription revenue model's stability or growth. Net Promoter Score (NPS) focuses on customer satisfaction and loyalty rather than direct financial metrics, making it less relevant for evaluating financial health in the context of subscription revenue. Overall, MRR encapsulates the essential aspects of financial performance specific to subscription businesses.