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 Statement of Cash Flows explains the inflows and outflows of cash, detailing operating, investing, and financing activities. The Income Statement summarizes revenues, expenses, and profits over a period. The Statement of Stockholders' Equity shows changes in equity, including retained earnings and dividends.