What is the primary purpose of disclosures in financial statements?

The primary purpose of disclosures in financial statements is to provide additional context about accounting policies and risks. Disclosures serve to enhance the understanding of the financial statements by offering clarity regarding the entity's accounting choices, the assumptions made, and the risks that could affect future performance.

By including these details, financial statements do not just present numbers but also outline how those numbers were derived and what they may signify about the business’s future. This context is vital for users such as investors, analysts, and regulators, who rely on financial statements to make informed decisions.

Effective disclosures help users interpret the financial data accurately, understand the company’s financial position, and assess its profitability and risk exposure, which is essential for robust financial analysis and decision-making.