What is the primary use of financial statements for investors?

Financial statements are essential tools for investors because they provide comprehensive insights into a company's financial health and performance. By analyzing financial statements like the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, investors can evaluate a company's profitability, examining metrics such as revenue, net income, and profit margins. These assessments help investors understand how well a company can generate profits relative to its revenue and expenses.

Furthermore, these financial documents offer indicators of a company's potential for future growth. For instance, trends in revenue and earnings growth can suggest whether a company is expanding its market share, innovating, or effectively managing its resources. Investors can also look at key ratios derived from financial statements, such as return on equity or earnings per share, to gauge efficiency and growth potential, ultimately informing their investment decisions.

While other options mention important aspects of business analysis, such as market trends, market share, and competitive positioning, they do not focus on the core purpose of financial statements for investors, which is primarily to assess profitability and the potential for growth. Thus, the emphasis on profitability and growth in financial statements directly aligns with what investors seek when evaluating investment opportunities.