itsual Financial Statements
Overview
Financial statements are the formal language of business performance and position. Understanding how P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow interlock is foundational to every finance decision.
When to Use
- Analyzing company or business-unit performance
- Preparing management or board packs
- Explaining results to operators and executives
- Linking operational drivers to financial outcomes
Core Statements
- Income statement (P&L) — revenue, costs, profit over a period
- Balance sheet — assets, liabilities, equity at a point in time
- Cash flow statement — operating, investing, financing cash movements
Principles
- Profit is not cash — always reconcile
- Accrual vs cash timing drives many “surprises”
- Read statements with the business model in mind
- Notes and policies matter as much as the totals
Verification
- Articulates how the three statements connect
- Separates accounting profit from cash generation
- Highlights material line items and movements with drivers