What are the three key financial statements mentioned in the chapter, and what type of information does each provide to corporate managers and investors?

The three key financial statements are the balance sheet, the income statement, and the statement of cash flows. The balance sheet provides information on a company's assets and liabilities at a specific date, the income statement shows the company's sales, costs, and profits over a period, and the statement of cash flows details the cash inflows and outflows during a period.

The balance sheet presents a snapshot of the company's financial position, indicating what assets it owns and the claims against those assets at a given date. The income statement summarizes the company's financial performance over a specific time frame, detailing revenues, expenses, and net income. The statement of cash flows illustrates how cash is generated and used in operating, investing, and financing activities, providing insight into the company's liquidity and cash management.