The bank gave particular attention to the debt position and current ratio of the business. It noted the ready market for the company's products at all times and the fact that sales prospects were favorable. The bank's investigator reported: "Sales are expected to reach $3.6 million in 2011 and may exceed this level if prices of lumber should rise substantially in the near future. On the other hand it was recognized that continuation of the current general economic downturn might slow down the rate of increase in sales. Butler Lumber's sales, however, were protected to a considerable degree from fluctuations in new housing construction because of the relatively high proportion of its repair business. Projections beyond 2011 were difficult
to make, but the prospects appeared good for a continued growth in the volume of Butler Lumber's business over the foreseeable future.