Which of the following is NOT a reason why managers use financial statement analysis?

• A. To assess the company's ability to meet its short-term obligations
• B. To compare the company with industry benchmarks
• C. To evaluate the company's financial performance over time
• D. To determine the physical flow of inventory in the warehouse

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of financial statement analysis. Financial statement analysis is used by managers to evaluate a company's financial health, performance, and position. It helps in decision-making related to operations, investments, and financing.
2. Step 2: Review the common reasons for financial statement analysis. Managers typically use it to assess the company's ability to meet short-term obligations (liquidity analysis), compare the company with industry benchmarks (competitor analysis), and evaluate financial performance over time (trend analysis).
3. Step 3: Identify the option that does not align with the purpose of financial statement analysis. Determining the physical flow of inventory in the warehouse is an operational task and is not directly related to financial statement analysis, which focuses on financial data rather than physical inventory movement.
4. Step 4: Clarify the distinction between operational tasks and financial analysis. Operational tasks, such as tracking inventory flow, are typically handled through inventory management systems and are not part of the financial statement analysis process.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is 'To determine the physical flow of inventory in the warehouse,' as it does not pertain to the financial evaluation or analysis of the company's statements.