What is the primary purpose of the income statement?

The income statement serves as a key financial document that summarizes a company's performance over a specific period, typically a fiscal quarter or year. Its primary purpose is to display revenues and expenses, ultimately providing insight into the operating profit or loss during that time frame.

By detailing how much money a company earned (revenues) and how much it spent (expenses), the income statement allows stakeholders—such as investors, creditors, and management—to assess the profitability and financial health of the business. It highlights not only the gross income but also the various levels of net income after accounting for operating costs, taxes, and other expenses. This comprehensive view of income and expenditure enables decision-makers to gauge operational efficiency and assess future financial viability.

In contrast, a balance sheet focuses on a company's assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity at a particular date, which is not relevant to the income statement's purpose. Similarly, cash flow activities are detailed in a cash flow statement, and shareholders' equity is reported separately in the balance sheet. Thus, the income statement is distinct in its focus on profitability through revenues and expenses, making the identification of operating profit a central theme.