This concise and informative guide to the financial statements of companies has been thoroughly revised and updated for this new edition. The language of accounting and finance is presented in a clear and accessible manner. No previous knowledge of accountancy is assumed and the emphasis is on analysis and interpretation rather than accounting techniques. Referring throughout to the financial statements of actual companies, Professor Parker shows not only how to read a balance sheet but also what investors should look out for. He explains many important financial and accounting concepts, and deals with taxation, audit, profitability and return on investment, liquidity and cash flows, sources of funds and capital structure.