
Earnings Reports Mastery Guide
How do you master earnings reports? Master earnings reports → requires understanding → three financial statements The income statement reveals net income through revenue minus expenses. The balance sheet displays total assets against total liabilities. The cash flow statement tracks actual cash movements through operating activities. Smart investors → analyze → profit margins deeply Look past headline earnings to examine gross margins and operating margins. Study revenue recognition policies in quarterly filings. Calculate free cash flow after capital expenditures. Warren Buffett once said he reads footnotes first. These sections hide accounting changes and one-time charges. Compare GAAP earnings against non-GAAP metrics carefully. Berkshire Hathaway → generated → $30.8 billion in operating earnings in 2023 Watch for declining receivables turnover or rising inventory levels. These balance sheet items signal operational problems before they hit income statements. Professional analysts → focus on → sustainable earnings power Strip out extraordinary items and stock compensation expenses. Track same-store sales growth for retail companies. Monitor loan loss provisions for financial institutions. Did you know McDonald’s Corporation reports comparable