CPA Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
Certified Public Accountant Financial Accounting and Reporting examination.
Practical Applications
Analyzing Real-World Financial Statements
Putting Theory into Practice
Analyzing financial statements is a vital skill for any accountant or investor. By breaking down the numbers, you can uncover a company's strengths, weaknesses, and future prospects.
Steps to Analyze
- Review key ratios like current ratio, debt-to-equity, and gross margin.
- Compare trends over several years to spot growth or trouble.
- Examine notes for hidden risks or opportunities.
Real-World Use
Whether you're considering investing in a company or advising a client, financial statement analysis helps you make informed, confident decisions.
Examples
A student reviews Apple Inc.’s balance sheet to assess its liquidity and financial health.
An analyst discovers a company’s increasing debt levels by comparing its financial statements year-over-year.