General-purpose financial statements are designed to provide information primarily to which group?

• A. Internal managers
• B. Customers
• C. External users such as investors and creditors
• D. Regulators

Answer: (C)

General-purpose financial statements are designed to provide information primarily to external users such as investors and creditors. These outside parties need a broad view of the company’s financial position, performance, and cash flows to decide whether to invest or lend money and to assess the company’s ability to generate returns and meet obligations. Internal managers typically rely on internal reports tailored for planning and control, while regulators may review financial statements for oversight, and customers focus more on products and services than on financial health.