What Is a Financial Statement?

What Is a Financial Statement?

By Charles Joseph | Editor, Financial Affairs
Reviewed by Corey Michael | Senior Financial Analyst

A financial statement is a comprehensive report that provides information about a company’s financial health. It is made up of balance sheets, income statements, and a cash flow statement. In detail, a balance sheet includes assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity. The income statement outlines revenues, costs, and expenses to showcase a company’s profitability. Lastly, a cash flow statement tracks cash inflow and outflow, helping understand where money is being made and spent.

Related Questions

1. What is an income statement?

An income statement, also known as a profit and loss statement, provides a summary of a company’s revenues and expenses for a specific period. It helps determine the net income or net loss of a company, reflecting its profitability during that period.

2. Can you explain what a balance sheet is?

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A balance sheet provides a snapshot of a company’s financial position at a specific point in time. It consists of assets (what the company owns), liabilities (what the company owes), and shareholder’s equity (the net amount invested by the shareholders).

3. What is a cash flow statement?

A cash flow statement is a financial document that shows how changes in balance sheet accounts and income affect a company’s cash and cash equivalents. It is divided into three parts: cash flows from operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities.

4. Why is a financial statement important?

Financial statements are crucial because they provide detailed information about a company’s financial health. This information helps investors and creditors to make informed decisions about investing or lending to the company. It also enables the company’s management to evaluate business performance and plan for the future.

5. Are financial statements mandatory for all businesses?

Yes, all businesses are required to prepare financial statements to comply with financial reporting standards and regulations. These statements are necessary to provide transparency to shareholders, investors, and tax authorities about a company’s performance and financial condition.



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