Financial statements are summaries of financial and accounting information about an organization that also include details on its performance and financial status over the course of a specific accounting period (commonly a calendar year).

Big corporations that create more complicated financial statements may additionally include supplemental notes and be subject to an independent external audit to confirm their accuracy and fairness of presentation. The accounts and financial data in the main reports mentioned above are thoroughly explained in these notes.

According to accounting standards like Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), financial statements and their supplemental notes are prepared. Companies based in the United States prepare their financial accounts in accordance with GAAP.

Types of Financial Statements

The three main types of financial statements are mentioned below. A company’s assets, liabilities, revenues, outlays, and cash flows from financing, investing, and operating activities are all shown in these three statements taken together.

The Balance Sheet

As of the report date, it displays an entity’s assets, liabilities, and stockholders’ equity. The total of all purchases must equal the sum of all liabilities and equity in this report. Current and long-term assets are separated in the asset information on the balance sheet. The liability information is split into current and long-term obligations in a similar manner. The liquidity of a business can be ascertained with the help of this categorization. The total of all current liabilities should ideally be more than the total of all current liabilities, indicating that a company has enough assets to cover its current liabilities. To determine if a company’s level of leverage is suitable, the balance sheet is also used to compare debt levels to the amount of equity invested in the company.

The Income Statement

The income statement is yet another financial statement. It displays the outcomes of the operational and financial activities of a business for the reporting period. It typically includes the results for the previous month or year, with the option of having additional time periods for comparison. It is generally organized so that all revenues come first, followed by all selling, general, and administrative expenses, from which the cost of items sold is deducted. After deducting income taxes, the outcome is either a profit or a loss. This report is intended to assess a company’s ability to turn a profit.

The Statement of Cash Flows

The statement of cash flows is the last financial statement. It displays adjustments to an entity’s cash flows during the course of the reporting period. These cash flows are broken down into operating cash flows, investing cash flows, and financing cash flows. The operating activities section of a financial statement often contains the majority of all cash flows. Here, it details the cash inflows and outflows connected to the company’s core operations, including those resulting from adjustments to the receivables, inventory, and payables balances. Cash flows from the purchase or sale of investment instruments, assets, or other enterprises are included in the investing activities section. Cash flows from the purchase or repayment of the debt, dividend payments, stock sales, and other financial activities are included in the financing activities section. The provided data can be used to determine a company’s funding condition as well as the sources and uses of cash.

What is a Financial Report?

The Financial Report of the United States Government (Financial Report) is the federal government’s general-purpose report that aims to hold it accountable for its financial decisions, much as an annual report would. The Financial Report precisely does the following:

Offers a comprehensive overview of the federal government’s annual financial performance, state of affairs, and position, including its capacity to pay its bills. For example,

• The Statement of Net Cost gives details on the annual expenses related to running the federal government;

• The Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Position discloses the amount of taxable income received by the federal government as well as the “bottom line” net operational revenue or cost of the federal government after deducting net costs;

• As of the end of the fiscal year, the balance sheet details the federal government’s assets and liabilities, as well as its overall financial position and condition;

• The Statement of Long-Term Fiscal Projections and the Statement of Social Insurance contain information on the financial standing, viability, and future direction of the federal government, as well as forecasts of anticipated future revenues and expenditures.

Sections of the Financial Report

There are five main sections in the financial report.

Management’s Discussion

Offers management’s perspective on the data in the consolidated financial accounts of the federal government.

Financial Statements

Provide a comprehensive picture of the federal government’s financial activities, state, and position by presenting consolidated financial data that encompasses all federal agencies and fiscal sustainability data.

Additional Information

To improve comprehension of the financial operations, state, and position of the federal government, additional information is provided on significant subjects such as fiscal sustainability and social insurance.

Stewardship Information

Highlights significant government investments that will benefit society in the long run. Such as initiatives involving nonfederal real estate, human resources, and R&D.

Government Accountability Office Report

Outlining the findings of the GAO’s examination of the consolidated financial statements and related notes of the federal government.

The Five Financial Statements

The five financial statements are collectively referred to as the accrual-based consolidated financial statements, and the additional three financial statements together referred to as the sustainability financial statements. These make up the close financial accounts of the federal government.

The consolidated financial statements are accrual-based.

• Summary of Net Costs
• Statement of Operations and Net Position Changes
• Budget Surplus (or Deficit) and Net Operating Revenue (or Cost) Reconciliation
• Cash Balance Statement of Changes from Budget and Other Activities
• Account Statement

The sustainability financial statements are:

• Statement of Long-Term Fiscal Projections
• Statement of Social Insurance
• Social Insurance Statement of Changes in Amounts

The accrual-based consolidated financial statements, which include the assets, liabilities, revenue, and net cost of the federal government, are based on historical data, whereas the sustainability financial statements are based on estimates of future income and expenditures. Later in this guide, it is covered how the sustainability financial statements interact with each other as well as how the accrual-based consolidated financial statements do.

Advantages of Financial Statements

Review of Cash Flow:

It demonstrates the company’s financial stability and ability to meet its obligations. The statement of cash flow separates the statement’s operating, investing, and financial components. We can determine whether the company is run on a constant revenue model or a cyclical revenue stream structure by looking at the cash flow. Additionally, it helps the company maintain its expenses and keep them consistent with the revenue model it uses.

Examining Liability:

The business’s short- and long-term responsibilities are shown in the financial statements. If the business owner wishes to grow, he must examine the financial situation statements and determine whether he should reduce current liabilities in order to apply for more capital development. Based on income, assets, and obligations, lenders analyze the financial accounts to assess the viability of the business.

Review of Inventory and its Movement:

The opening and closing stock levels stated as a percentage of purchases and sales, as well as variations and fluctuations in the stock levels during the year, reveal the nature and capabilities of the firm. It shows whether goods are in demand, whether they are moving rapidly or slowly, whether sales trends have altered, and so on. When products move slowly compared to the rest of the market, it is thought to be bad for business growth.

Identification of Trends:

To discover business trends, the business owner should prepare and compare financial accounts for various time periods. This enables the company to identify which divisions are expanding, which goods are selling well, and which business segments require immediate complete exit or further review and reinvestment. The performance of the firm is governed by trends. Therefore, identifying trends is essential for the company to maintain growth and generate larger earnings.

Making a Budget:

Every company needs a vision. In order to prepare a vision, the company’s aims and objectives must be clear. Financial statements are intended to serve as a road map for the future by analyzing previously produced and audited financial accounts. Budgets aid in keeping spending in check with earnings and sales. The financial statements that have been prepared are used to forecast the budgets.

Conclusion

Financial statements are a critical tool for understanding the financial health and performance of a company. They provide valuable information about a company’s revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, and cash flow, which can be used to make informed business decisions.

There are three main types of financial statements: the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. Each of these statements provides different information, but together they offer a comprehensive view of a company’s financial position and performance.

Income statement shows how much money a company has earned or lost over a specific period. Balance sheet shows the company’s assets, liabilities, and equity. Lastly, Cash flow statement shows how cash moves in and out of the company.

It’s important to review financial statements regularly and compare them to industry standards and previous periods to track the company’s performance over time and identify any potential issues. Financial statements should be read and understood by not only business owners and managers, but also investors, creditors and any other stakeholders.

In summary, financial statements are a vital component of financial reporting and provide a comprehensive view of a company’s financial position and performance. Regularly reviewing and analyzing financial statements can help business owners and stakeholders make informed decisions and identify potential issues.