Financial statements are the bedrock of understanding a business's health and performance. They provide a quantitative view of a company's financial activities, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions. This document explores the key financial statements and how to interpret them effectively.

The Three Core Financial Statements

There are three primary financial statements that every business produces:

1. Balance Sheet: A snapshot of a company's assets, liabilities, and owner's equity at a specific point in time. It adheres to the accounting equation: Assets = Liabilities + Owner's Equity.

2. Income Statement (Profit and Loss Statement): Shows a company's revenues, expenses, and profit or loss over a period. It demonstrates the profitability of a business.

3. Cash Flow Statement: Reports the cash generated and used by a company during a period. It categorises cash flows into operating, investing, and financing activities.

Analysing the Balance Sheet

The Balance Sheet provides insights into a company's financial position.

Assets - What the company owns (e.g., cash, accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant, and equipment). Current Ratio (Current Assets / Current Liabilities)

Liabilities - What the company owes to others (e.g., accounts payable, loans, deferred revenue). Debt-to-Equity Ratio (Total Debt / Shareholder's Equity)

Owner's Equity - The residual value of assets after liabilities are paid, representing the owners' stake in the company. Return on Equity (Net Income / Shareholder's Equity)

Understanding these components helps in assessing liquidity, solvency, and capital structure.

Interpreting the Income Statement (P&L)

The Income Statement reveals a company's financial performance over a period.

• Revenue: The total amount of money generated from sales of goods or services.

• Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): The direct costs attributable to the production of the goods sold by a company.

• Gross Profit: Revenue minus COGS.

• Operating Expenses: Costs not directly related to production (e.g., salaries, rent, marketing).

• Operating Income: Gross Profit minus Operating Expenses.

• Net Income: The company's profit after all expenses, including taxes and interest, have been deducted.

Analysing the P&L helps evaluate profitability trends and operational efficiency. 

Understanding the Cash Flow Statement

The Cash Flow Statement is crucial for understanding how a company generates and uses cash.

Operating Activities Cash generated from normal business operations. Indicates the core business's ability to generate cash.

Investing Activities Cash flows from the purchase and sale of assets (e.g., property, equipment). Shows how a company invests in its future.

Financing Activities Cash flows related to debt, equity, and dividends. Reveals how a company raises capital and pays back investors.

A healthy cash flow from operating activities is often a sign of a strong business. 

Key Financial Ratios

Financial ratios provide a standardised way to compare a company's performance over time or against competitors.

• Profitability Ratios: Gross Profit Margin, Net Profit Margin.

• Liquidity Ratios: Current Ratio, Quick Ratio.

• Solvency Ratios: Debt-to-Equity Ratio.

• Efficiency Ratios: Inventory Turnover, Accounts Receivable Turnover.

These ratios offer powerful insights when used in conjunction with a thorough understanding of the business context.