What indicates that credit analysis looks at a company holistically?

The approval of a loan despite slowing financial growth indicates that credit analysis takes into account a comprehensive view of the company's overall situation, rather than relying solely on one aspect of its financial performance. A holistic approach in credit analysis means evaluating various factors that contribute to a company's creditworthiness, such as management quality, industry conditions, future growth potential, and specific business risks, along with financial metrics.

In this case, even if a company's financial growth is slowing, other positive indicators, such as strong cash flow, sound management practices, or a favorable market position, may lead a credit analyst to approve a loan. This illustrates how credit analysts look beyond mere numbers and consider the broader context of the company's business model and prospects.

The other options point to a narrower focus that doesn't reflect a holistic approach. For instance, relying solely on historical financial data does not account for future potential or current market conditions. Similarly, relying purely on industry averages can overlook specific strengths or weaknesses unique to the company. Emphasizing recent scandals focuses too much on specific events rather than assessing overall company health and viability.