I am trying to simply get the highest value in a column.

I have tried both MAX & MAXA functions, as well as ensured the values are
formatted as a number (although maxa doesn't seem to require this).

The values in the column are derived from another via the mid text function,
but the cells are in fact formatted as numbers.

There are 300 rows evaluated in the formula, but even when I try just 3
values, I still get the same 0 answer. I've also done the "show precedents"
arrows, and I am evaluating the correct ranges. I've even checked that I have
automatic calculation enabled. No error messages are coming up.

Any help is appreciated.