What method compares each account from the same financial statements over two or more accounting periods?

The correct choice involves a method known as horizontal analysis, which focuses on comparing financial statements over multiple accounting periods. This analysis allows for the evaluation of trends and growth patterns by assessing how figures change over time. For example, when analyzing revenue or expenses over several years, horizontal analysis highlights increases or decreases in specific accounts, providing valuable insights into the company's performance.

This method is especially useful for identifying trends that can inform investment decisions, operational improvements, and strategic planning. By measuring changes over periods, companies can also assess whether their financial position is improving or deteriorating. In contrast, vertical analysis, trend analysis, and pro forma analysis serve different purposes. Vertical analysis looks at relationships within a single financial statement, trend analysis can involve both horizontal and vertical comparisons but is not limited to just examining account changes over time, and pro forma analysis focuses on projected future financial performance rather than historical account comparisons.