Which of the following is not an objective of financial statement analysis?

Increase the profitability of a concern

The correct answer is option 4-  Increase the profitability of a concern.

Analysis of financial statements helps in assessing the profitability not increasing it.

Financial analysis is the process of identifying the financial strengths and weaknesses of the firm by properly establishing relationships between the various items of the balance sheet and the statement of profit and loss. The Financial Statement analysis is undertaken to serve the following purposes (objectives):
* to assess the current profitability and operational efficiency of the firm as a whole as well as its different departments so as to judge the financial health of the firm.
* to ascertain the relative importance of different components of the financial position of the firm.
* to identify the reasons for change in the profitability/financial position of the firm.
* to judge the ability of the firm to repay its debt and assessing the short-term as well as the long-term liquidity position of the firm.