What does a financial statement review involve?

A financial statement review primarily involves re-assessing the cash flow and financial position of the borrower. This process is crucial for lenders and analysts because it provides insight into the borrower's ability to meet financial obligations and manage operations effectively.

By examining key components such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, analysts can evaluate the liquidity position, operational efficiency, and overall financial health of the business. This review helps identify trends, potential risks, and opportunities that can influence credit decisions, such as loan approvals or adjustments in credit terms.

Understanding cash flow is particularly vital, as it indicates how well the company generates cash to pay its debts and fund its operations. A reliable cash flow analysis can reveal the actual available financial resources, rather than just relying on projections or assumptions, which is critical during credit assessments.