Three basic ideas cover most of what a beginner needs. Revenue, sometimes called the top line, is the total amount a company sells before any costs. Profit, or net income, is what remains after all costs, interest and tax are taken out, and it shows whether the company actually makes money. The balance sheet lists what the company owns and what it owes, giving a sense of its financial strength and how much debt it carries.
From these figures come many of the measures used to compare companies. Growth in revenue and profit shows whether a business is expanding or shrinking. Comparing profit to the share price, through measures such as the price-to-earnings ratio, hints at how expensive the shares are relative to what the company earns. Looking at debt shows how much risk sits in the finances of the company if conditions worsen.
No single number tells the whole story, and figures are best read together and compared with similar companies in the same industry. The financial data on this site is there to make this easier, but it is a starting point for your own judgement rather than a verdict on whether a company is a good investment.
This content is general information, not investment advice.