Investopedia

Financial Statements

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Financial Statements'

Records that outline the financial activities of a business, an individual or any other entity. Financial statements are meant to present the financial information of the entity in question as clearly and concisely as possible for both the entity and for readers. Financial statements for businesses usually include: income statements, balance sheet, statements of retained earnings and cash flows, as well as other possible statements.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Financial Statements'

It is a standard practice for businesses to present financial statements that adhere to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), to maintain continuity of information and presentation across international borders. As well, financial statements are often audited by government agencies, accountants, firms, etc. to ensure accuracy and for tax, financing or investing purposes. Financial statements are integral to ensuring accurate and honest accounting for businesses and individuals alike.

Articles Of Interest

  1. Analyzing A Bank's Financial Statements

    A careful review of a bank's financial statements can help you identify key factors in a potential investment.
  2. Evaluating Your Personal Financial Statement

    Determine your net worth by making your own cash flow statement and balance sheet.
  3. Breaking Down The Balance Sheet

    Knowing what the company's financial statements mean will help you to analyze your investments.
  4. 12 Things You Need To Know About Financial Statements

    Discover how to keep score of companies to increase your chances of choosing a winner.
  5. The Importance Of Corporate Transparency

    Clear and honest financial statements not only reflect value, they also help ensure it.
  6. Financial Statement Manipulation An Ever-Present Problem For Investors

    The SEC has taken steps to eliminate this type of corporate fraud, but it remains a real risk for investors.
  7. Common Clues Of Financial Statement Manipulation

    Search for the "bloody" fingerprints in accounting crimes.
  8. Navigating Government And Nonprofit Financial Statements

    Learn how to trace where your tax dollars and charitable donations are going.
  9. An Investor's Checklist To Financial Footnotes

    Footnotes to the financial statements contain very important information, but reading them takes skill.
  10. If You Don't Mind Volatility, Deere Could Still Do Alright

    Though Deere's shares sold off after earnings, the business model is sound and rolling along.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions
  1. Cost-Push Inflation

    A phenomenon in which the general price levels rise (inflation) due to increases in the cost of wages and raw materials.
  2. Happiness Economics

    The formal academic study of the relationship between individual satisfaction and economic issues, such as employment and wealth.
  3. Affluenza

    A social condition arising from the desire to be more wealthy, successful or to "keep up with the Joneses." Affluenza is symptomatic of a culture that holds up financial success as one of the highest achievements.
  4. Icarus Factor

    The term Icarus factor describes a situation where managers or executives initiate an overly ambitious project which then fails. Fueled by excitement for the project, the executives are unable to reign in their misguided enthusiasm before it is too late to avoid the failure.
  5. Angelina Jolie Stock Index

    An index made up of a selection of stocks from companies associated with actress Angela Jolie.
  6. Consequential Loss

    The amount of loss incurred as a result of being unable to use business property or equipment.
Trading Center