Which of the following questions is most likely to be asked by an investor when reviewing a company's financial statements?

• A. How many employees does the company have?
• B. What is the company's net income for the year?
• C. How often are inventory counts performed?
• D. What is the company's policy on employee benefits?

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of an investor: Investors are primarily interested in assessing the financial performance and profitability of a company to make informed decisions about investing in it.
2. Identify the relevance of net income: Net income is a key indicator of a company's profitability and is found on the income statement. It reflects the company's ability to generate profit after all expenses, taxes, and costs have been deducted.
3. Evaluate the other options: Questions about employee count, inventory counts, and employee benefits policies are operational or managerial concerns and are less relevant to an investor's primary focus on financial performance.
4. Recognize the importance of financial statements: Financial statements, such as the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, provide critical information about a company's financial health, which is what investors analyze.
5. Conclude that the most relevant question for an investor is 'What is the company's net income for the year?' because it directly relates to the company's profitability and financial success.