How is the balance sheet different from the income statement?

The balance sheet and the income statement are both important financial statements, but they serve different purposes and provide different information.

The balance sheet provides a snapshot of a company’s financial position at a specific point in time. It shows the company’s assets, liabilities, and equity. The balance sheet does not show any information about the company’s income or expenses, and it does not show how the company has performed over a period of time.

On the other hand, the income statement shows a company’s financial performance over a period of time, usually one year. It shows the company’s revenue, expenses, and net income (or loss) for that period. The income statement does not show the company’s assets or liabilities.

In summary, while the balance sheet shows the financial position of a company at a point in time, the income statement shows the company’s financial performance over a period of time. The two statements provide different information that is important for investors, creditors, and other stakeholders to evaluate a company’s financial health and make informed decisions.