How to Read Financial Statements 2026

Ever wonder how to decode the story behind a company’s financial health? Join us to unlock the key information hidden in financial statements and learn how to quite literally read between the lines.

Financial statements provide essential insights into a company’s financial performance and are considered the language of business. Understanding them is crucial for structuring financial transactions and litigating business disputes. However, many attorneys lack training in this area. This half-day program was designed as a primer for those looking to learn exactly how to read financial statements and who may be unfamiliar with them. An engaging panel of experts will discuss the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows, highlighting the critical information each communicates. By the end of this session, you will be able to identify red flags in financial reports, ask informed questions during due diligence, and confidently advise clients on financial matters. This program will provide you with the foundational knowledge to read and interpret financial statements, empowering you to make informed decisions and deliver better solutions to your clients.

After completing this program, participants will be able to: 

• Understand how to read, understand, and perform basic analyses of balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.

• Relate assets, liabilities, and owner's equity in the basic accounting equation: Assets = liabilities + owner's equity.

• Relate revenues, expenses, and net income in the income statement: Revenue–expenses = net income.

• Understand the three fundamental areas of financial analysis: Liquidity, leverage risk, and profitability.