Which of the following financial statements would give an investor an overall picture of a company's value in the market?

• A. Balance Sheet
• B. Income Statement
• C. Statement of Cash Flows
• D. Statement of Retained Earnings

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of each financial statement: The Balance Sheet provides a snapshot of a company's financial position at a specific point in time, showing assets, liabilities, and equity. The Income Statement shows the company's profitability over a period. The Statement of Cash Flows details cash inflows and outflows, and the Statement of Retained Earnings explains changes in retained earnings over time.
2. Identify which financial statement provides an overall picture of a company's value in the market: The Balance Sheet is the most relevant because it includes the company's assets, liabilities, and equity, which collectively represent the company's net worth or book value.
3. Consider the role of the Income Statement: While it provides information about profitability, it does not directly show the company's market value or financial position at a specific point in time.
4. Evaluate the Statement of Cash Flows: This statement is useful for understanding liquidity and cash management but does not provide a comprehensive view of the company's market value.
5. Analyze the Statement of Retained Earnings: This statement focuses on changes in retained earnings and does not provide an overall picture of the company's value in the market. Therefore, the Balance Sheet is the most appropriate financial statement for this purpose.