What is the primary purpose of an income statement?

The primary purpose of an income statement is to report a company's revenues and expenses over a specific period, ultimately determining the net income or loss for that period. This financial statement provides a detailed overview of how much money a company earned (revenues) and how much it spent (expenses), enabling stakeholders to assess the company’s profitability and operational efficiency. By analyzing the income statement, investors, management, and other interested parties can gain insights into the company’s financial performance and make informed decisions regarding investments, budgeting, and strategic planning.

While other financial statements, such as the balance sheet and statement of cash flows, serve different purposes, the income statement's focus on revenues and expenses is essential for understanding a company's operational results over time.