Corporate Finance Explained: Analyzing Financial Statements

In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down the fundamentals of financial statement analysis—a vital skill for corporate finance professionals, investors, and business leaders.

We start by exploring the three core financial statements:

• Income Statement – Reveals a company's profitability by detailing revenues and expenses over a specific period.
• Balance Sheet – Provides a snapshot of the company’s financial position, outlining assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity.
• Cash Flow Statement – Tracks cash inflows and outflows to assess liquidity and financial stability.

Next, we dive into key analysis techniques, including:

• Ratio Analysis – Evaluates profitability, efficiency, and solvency using financial ratios.
• Trend Analysis – Identifies patterns over multiple periods to assess financial trajectory.
• Vertical & Horizontal Analysis – Helps compare financial data as percentages or across different timeframes for better context.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding financial statements is crucial for assessing a company’s financial health.
2. Applying analysis techniques like ratio and trend analysis uncovers insights into profitability, liquidity, and efficiency.
3. Regular financial statement analysis enables better decision-making for both internal teams and external stakeholders.