What is the primary objective of financial reporting?

• A. To provide information useful for making investment and credit decisions
• B. To ensure the company pays the correct amount of taxes
• C. To determine the market value of the company's shares
• D. To report the company's compliance with government regulations

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of financial reporting: Financial reporting is primarily aimed at providing stakeholders, such as investors, creditors, and others, with relevant and reliable information about a company's financial performance and position.
2. Identify the key users of financial reports: Investors and creditors use financial reports to make informed decisions about investing in or lending to the company.
3. Analyze the options provided in the question: Evaluate each option to determine which aligns with the primary objective of financial reporting. For example, ensuring tax compliance or determining market value are secondary objectives, not the primary focus.
4. Focus on decision-making utility: The primary objective of financial reporting is to provide information that is useful for making investment and credit decisions. This aligns with the needs of stakeholders who rely on financial reports for decision-making.
5. Conclude based on the analysis: The correct answer is the option that emphasizes the usefulness of financial information for investment and credit decisions, as this is the fundamental purpose of financial reporting.