# Reading different kinds of companies

Informational only - not investment advice.

Book: [Reading Financial Data - Step by Step](/guide/)

The same label can mean different things for a retailer, bank, REIT, or insurer.

## Lessons
- [Reading a bank](/guide/company-types/reading-a-bank/): A bank's financial statements use the same page layout but different business economics.; as of 2026-02-13
- [Reading a REIT](/guide/company-types/reading-a-reit/): A REIT owns or finances real estate, so its revenue is tied to property activity.; as of 2026-02-13
- [Reading an insurer](/guide/company-types/reading-an-insurer/): An insurer's statements combine insurance activity with a large investment balance sheet.; as of 2026-02-19