What is the primary function of financial statements?

The primary function of financial statements is to summarize a company's financial performance and position. These statements provide key insights into how well a company is doing financially by presenting data on revenues, expenses, profits, assets, liabilities, and equity. This summary enables stakeholders—such as management, investors, creditors, and regulators—to assess the company’s financial health, make informed decisions, and evaluate its overall effectiveness in generating wealth.

Financial statements typically include the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, each serving a specific purpose in providing a holistic view of the company's financial status. For instance, the income statement shows profitability over a specific period, the balance sheet reflects the company’s assets and liabilities at a single point in time, and the cash flow statement details the cash inflows and outflows, crucial for understanding liquidity.

In contrast, while tax information and employee compensation plans may be relevant aspects of a company's financial analysis, they do not encapsulate the overarching purpose of financial statements. Similarly, forecasting future market trends is a function of market analysis and strategic planning rather than the primary purpose of consolidating financial results. Therefore, summarizing financial performance and position stands out as the essential role of financial statements.