4 Common Types of Financial Statements for Businesses

Financial statements are essentially a set of structured reports that provide a summary of a company's financial performance and position. These documents are meticulously prepared to reflect a company's financial activities, presenting a clear, concise, and standardized view of its fiscal vitality.

For those not fluent in the language of finance, deciphering these statements can be akin to cracking a complex code. This is where our journey begins – by breaking down the most important types of financial statements and unraveling the key insights they offer.

This blog explores the four fundamental types of financial statements that are vital for individuals and businesses alike.

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Role of Maintaining Proper Financial Statements - A Case Study:

The importance of financial statements in businesses is exemplified by the way Toshiba used them wrongly. In 2015, Toshiba Corporation, a renowned Japanese conglomerate, became embroiled in a major accounting scandal. It was revealed that Toshiba had overstated its profits by approximately $1.2 billion over seven years. The company had manipulated its financial statements by inflating profits through improper accounting practices, including booking future profits early and delaying the recognition of expenses. This fraudulent reporting misled investors and stakeholders about Toshiba's financial health and profitability.

The consequences were severe for Toshiba. The scandal led to a significant loss of investor confidence, resulting in a plunge in Toshiba's stock price and costly legal settlements. It also prompted investigations by regulators and forced Toshiba to overhaul its corporate governance and accounting practices to restore trust. (Source: Investopedia) 

Significant 4 Types of Financial Statements

Here is a list of types of financial statements:

1. Income Statement

The income statement, often called the Profit and Loss Statement or P&L, is one of the fundamental types of financial statements used to assess a company's financial performance. It provides a concise summary of a business's revenues, expenses, and net income over a certain period, typically a quarter or a fiscal year. The need for the income statement is to offer stakeholders, including investors, creditors, and management, an overview of the company's profitability and its ability to generate a profit from its core operations.

Key components of the income statement include:

• Revenues: This section details the money earned by the company through its primary activities, such as selling products or services.
• Expenses: Here, the statement itemizes the costs incurred in running the business, such as operating expenses, interest, and taxes.
• Gross Profit: This represents the variance between revenues and the cost of goods sold (COGS), representing the basic profitability of the company's core operations.
• Operating Income: This figure further deducts operating expenses from the gross profit, revealing the profit generated from day-to-day business activities.
• Net Income: The net income is the ultimate measure of a company's profitability, as it accounts for all expenses, including interest and taxes.

Investors and analysts utilize the income statement to evaluate a company's performance, assess its efficiency in managing costs, and determine its capacity to generate earnings for shareholders. It's a crucial tool for making informed financial decisions and comparing a company's financial health over time or against its competitors. 

How to use an income statement? An Example

To understand an income statement, let's look at a simple example of a fictional small business, ABC Bakery:

ABC Bakery Income Statement For the Year Ended December 31, 2025

Revenue: Sales - Cakes $50,000 Sales - Pastries $30,000 Total Revenue $80,000

Expenses: Cost of Goods Sold $25,000 Rent $8,000 Salaries $20,000 Utilities $2,000 Advertising $3,000 Total Expenses: $58,000

Net Income: $22,000

Explanation:

• Revenue: This section shows how much money ABC Bakery earned from selling cakes and pastries during the year. In this case, they earned $50,000 from cakes and $30,000 from pastries, totaling $80,000 in revenue.
• Expenses: These are the costs incurred by ABC Bakery to operate the business. This includes costs like the ingredients used to make the cakes and pastries (Cost of Goods Sold), rent for the bakery space, salaries paid to employees, utilities such as electricity and water, and money spent on advertising to attract customers. The total expenses for the year amount to $58,000.
• Net Income: This is the bottom line of the income statement and represents the profit (or loss) made by ABC Bakery after deducting all expenses from the revenue. In this example, the net income is $22,000, which means ABC Bakery made a profit of $22,000 during the year.

2. Balance Sheet

The balance sheet, also called a Statement of Financial Position, is another essential and one among the common types of financial statements that delivers a snapshot of a company's financial position at a specific point in time. Unlike the income statement, which covers a specific period, the balance sheet is a static representation of a company's liabilities, assets, and shareholders' equity at the end of a reporting period, such as the end of a quarter or fiscal year.

Key Components of the Balance Sheet Include:

• Assets: This section lists all the resources owned by the organization, such as cash, accounts receivable, inventory, property, and investments.
• Liabilities: Here, the statement itemizes all of the company's obligations, including accounts payable, loans, and other debts.
• Shareholders' Equity: This represents the residual interest in the company's assets after deducting liabilities. It consists of common and preferred stock, retained earnings, and other equity components.

The balance sheet follows the fundamental accounting equation, which states that the total assets must equal the total liabilities plus shareholders' equity. This equation underscores the principle of "balance" in the balance sheet.

The balance sheet is crucial for understanding a company's financial health, as it shows its available resources (assets) and the obligations it needs to fulfill (liabilities). It is particularly useful for assessing liquidity, solvency, and the overall financial stability of a business. Investors and creditors use this statement to gauge a company's ability to fulfill its short-term and long-term obligations and to make informed decisions about investing or extending credit to the company.

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How to use a balance sheet? An Example

ABC Bakery Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2025

Assets: Cash $10,000 Accounts Receivable $5,000 Inventory $15,000 Total Assets $30,000

Liabilities: Accounts Payable $3,000 Bank Loan $7,000 Total Liabilities $10,000

Owner's Equity: Owner's Capital $20,000

Total Liabilities and Owner's Equity: $30,000

Explanation:

• Assets: These are the resources owned by ABC Bakery that provide future economic benefits. In this example, the bakery has $10,000 in cash, $5,000 owed to it by customers (accounts receivable), and $15,000 worth of unsold cakes and pastries (inventory). The total assets are $30,000.
• Liabilities: These are the obligations or debts that ABC Bakery owes to external parties. Here, it owes $3,000 to suppliers (accounts payable) and has a bank loan of $7,000. The total liabilities amount to $10,000.
• Owner's Equity: This represents the owner's investment in the business. ABC Bakery's owner has invested $20,000 of their own money (Owner's Capital) into the bakery.
• Total Liabilities and Owner's Equity: This is the sum of all liabilities and owner's equity, which must equal total assets. Here, it confirms that ABC Bakery's assets of $30,000 are financed by $10,000 in liabilities and $20,000 in owner's equity.

According to Harvard Business School, analyzing the financial statements offers key insights into a company's status, such as:

• The financial obligations and the capacity to meet them.
• Profits and/or losses for a specific quarter or year.
• Whether there has been an upturn or downturn in profitability when compared to previous accounting periods.
• The amount of capital needed to sustain or expand the business.
• Operational costs, particularly in relation to the income generated from those expenditures.

3. Cash Flow Statements 

The cash flow statement, also known as the Statement of Cash Flows, is one of the key types of financial statements that provides a detailed breakdown of a company's cash inflows and outflows over a specific period, typically a quarter or fiscal year. The income statement and balance sheet focus on profits and financial positions, whereas the cash flow statement emphasizes the movement of cash, offering valuable insights into a company's liquidity and its ability to generate and manage cash.

Three Key Categories of the Cash Flow Statement are:

Operating Activities: This section details cash flows from the core operating activities of the business. It includes cash received from customers and payments made to suppliers, employees, and other operational expenses. It reflects the company's ability to generate cash from its primary business operations.

Investing Activities: In this section, the statement outlines cash flows related to investment activities, such as the purchase or sale of assets such as equipment, property, or investments. It provides information about how a company is allocating its capital to long-term assets.

Financing Activities: This section discloses cash flows associated with financing activities, including the issuance or repurchase of stock, payment of dividends, and borrowing or repaying debt. It helps assess the company's financing structure and its ability to attract external capital.

The cash flow statement is necessary for evaluating a company's cash management practices and its ability to sustain operations, pay debts, invest in growth, and provide returns to shareholders. Investors and creditors use this statement to assess a company's liquidity and its overall financial health. It is also a valuable tool for identifying potential financial issues, such as cash flow problems or excessive reliance on debt for financing.

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How to use a cash flow statement? An Example

ABC Bakery Cash Flow Statement For the Year Ended December 31, 2025

Operating Activities: Cash Receipts from Sales $80,000 Cash Payments for Operating Expenses: - Cost of Goods Sold ($25,000) - Rent ($8,000) - Salaries ($20,000) - Utilities ($2,000) - Advertising ($3,000) Net Cash Flow from Operating Activities $22,000

Investing Activities: Purchase of Equipment ($5,000) Net Cash Flow from Investing Activities ($5,000)

Financing Activities: Bank Loan Proceeds $7,000 Owner's Capital Contribution $10,000 Net Cash Flow from Financing Activities: $17,000

Net Increase in Cash: $34,000

Cash at the Beginning of the Year: $10,000

Cash at End of Year: $44,000

Explanation:

• Operating Activities: This section shows the cash generated or used from ABC Bakery's core business operations. It includes cash received from sales and cash payments for operating expenses such as cost of goods sold, rent, salaries, utilities, and advertising. In this example, the net cash flow from operating activities is $22,000, indicating that operating activities generated $22,000 in cash for ABC Bakery during the year.
• Investing Activities: This section reflects cash flows from buying or selling long-term assets like equipment. ABC Bakery spent $5,000 on purchasing equipment, resulting in a net cash outflow of $5,000 from investing activities.
• Financing Activities: This section shows cash flows from financing the business, including activities like borrowing money (bank loan proceeds) and contributions from the owner (owner's capital contribution). In this example, ABC Bakery received $7,000 from a bank loan and $10,000 from the owner, resulting in a net cash inflow of $17,000 from financing activities.
• Net Increase in Cash: This is the overall change in ABC Bakery's cash position during the year, calculated by adding net cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities. Here, ABC Bakery's cash increased by $34,000.
• Cash at the Beginning and End of Year: These figures show the amount of cash ABC Bakery had at the beginning and end of the year. At the beginning of the year, ABC Bakery had $10,000 in cash, and by the end of the year, it increased to $44,000 after accounting for all cash flows.

4. Statement of Shareholders' Equity

The Statement of Shareholders' Equity, known as The Statement of Changes in Equity, or otherwise The Statement of Stockholders' Equity, is one of the primary types of financial statements that provides a summary of how a company's equity has changed during a specific period, such as a quarter or fiscal year. This statement highlights the various transactions and events that affect the company's equity, which includes common and preferred stock, retained earnings, and any other comprehensive income.

Key Components of the Statement of Shareholders' Equity Include:

• Beginning Shareholders' Equity: This is the opening balance of the shareholders' equity at the beginning of the reporting period, which is typically carried over from the previous period's closing balance.
• Common Stock: This section outlines any changes in the common stock account, such as the issuance of new shares or repurchases.
• Preferred Stock: Similar to common stock, any changes in the preferred stock account, including issuances or repurchases, are detailed here.
• Additional Paid-In Capital (APIC): This accounts for any additional amounts received by the company from the issuance of stock above the par value.
• Retained Earnings: This section highlights the changes in retained earnings, which include net income, dividends paid to shareholders, and any prior period adjustments.
• Other Comprehensive Income (OCI): OCI reflects gains and losses that bypass the income statement. This section records items like changes in the fair value of available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments.
• Ending Shareholders' Equity: This is the closing balance of shareholders' equity at the end of the specific reporting period, representing the result of all the changes and transactions.

The Statement of Shareholders' Equity is vital for stakeholders, particularly investors and analysts, as it provides insights into how the company's equity structure has evolved over time. It's a crucial tool for assessing the company's financial health, dividend distribution practices, and changes in equity resulting from profits, losses, and various equity-related transactions. By examining this statement, stakeholders can better understand the company's strategy for capital allocation and growth.

How to Use a Statement of Shareholders' Equity? An Example

ABC Bakery Statement of Shareholders' Equity For the Year Ended December 31, 2025

Owner's Capital, January 1, 2025: $10,000

Net Income for the Year: $22,000

Owner's Capital Contribution: $10,000

Total Comprehensive Income: $32,000

Owner's Capital, December 31, 2025: $42,000

Explanation:

• Owner's Capital, January 1, 2025: This is the amount of capital the owner had invested in ABC Bakery at the beginning of the year, which is $10,000 in this example.
• Net Income for the Year: This is the profit earned by ABC Bakery during the year from its operations. In this case, the bakery made a net income of $22,000.
• Owner's Capital Contribution: This represents any additional investment made by the owner into the bakery during the year. Here, the owner contributed an additional $10,000 to the business.
• Total Comprehensive Income: This figure combines the net income and any other comprehensive income items, though, in this simple example, it reflects the total increase in the owner's equity due to net income and capital contribution.
• Owner's Capital, December 31, 2025: This shows the owner's equity in ABC Bakery at the end of the year after accounting for the net income and any capital contributions. In this example, the owner's capital at the end of the year is $42,000.

Conclusion

The future of financial statements is set to undergo significant transformation driven by technological advancements and evolving regulatory requirements. While this evolution promises greater transparency and accuracy, it also presents new challenges in managing financial data. The sheer volume of data, complex financial instruments, and global operations will make financial reporting more intricate. Additionally, the need to comply with ever-changing accounting standards, data security concerns, and the risk of errors due to manual processes will heighten the challenges.

Delegating the preparation and management of various types of financial statements to third-party firms is emerging as a viable solution. These firms specialize in data management, have access to advanced accounting software, and possess the expertise to navigate complex regulations.

Invensis is at the forefront of the evolving financial reporting landscape. Our team of experts and advanced technology ensure accurate and compliant financial analysis and reporting services. We navigate the challenges posed by complex financial data and changing regulations to manage the different types of financial statements.

Contact us today to optimize your financial reporting and stay ahead with the different types of financial statements!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the basic 3-statement financial model?

A basic 3-statement financial model integrates a company's 3 different types of financial statements, income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, into one dynamic financial forecast. It enables analysis of financial performance, projecting revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and cash flows. By linking these statements, the model provides a comprehensive view of a company's financial health, facilitating decision-making, investment analysis, and strategic planning. It is essential for financial planning and analysis.

2. What is the difference between the balance sheet and the income statement?

The balance sheet provides a snapshot of a company’s financial position at a specific point in time, detailing assets, liabilities, and equity. In contrast, the income statement shows the company’s financial performance over a period, summarizing revenues, expenses, and profits. The balance sheet reflects what the company owns and owes, while the income statement tracks earnings and expenditures.

3. What is the difference between a balance sheet and a cash flow statement?

A balance sheet summarizes a company's assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific point in time, providing a snapshot of its financial health. In contrast, a cash flow statement tracks the inflows and outflows of cash over a period, detailing how cash is generated and used in operating, investing, and financing activities.

4. What are the three main concepts of financial statements?

The three main types of financial statements are:

1. Assets, Liabilities, and Equity: Presented in the balance sheet, these show what the company owns, owes, and the owner's residual interest.
2. Revenues and Expenses: Detailed in the income statement, these indicate the company’s financial performance by tracking income and costs over a period.
3. Cash Flows: Shown in the cash flow statement, this tracks the company's cash inflows and outflows, highlighting operational efficiency and liquidity.