What are the three primary types of financial statements?

The three primary types of financial statements are the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Cash-flow Statement.

The Balance Sheet provides a snapshot of a company’s financial position at a specific point in time, detailing its assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity. This statement demonstrates how much the company owns versus what it owes, indicating financial stability.

The Income Statement, also known as the Profit and Loss Statement, summarizes the company’s revenues and expenses over a particular period, culminating in the net profit or loss. This statement is vital for understanding how well the company generates profit from its operations.

The Cash-flow Statement tracks the cash inflows and outflows within the company during a specific time frame. This statement is essential for assessing the liquidity and financial flexibility of the business, as it shows how well a company can generate cash to meet obligations.

These three statements together provide a comprehensive view of a company’s financial health and performance, making them critical for stakeholders, including management, investors, and creditors. Understanding all three statements is crucial for making informed financial decisions and assessing the overall viability of a business.