Which financial statement would you consult to see a company's assets, liabilities, and equity at a given date?

• A. Income Statement
• B. Balance Sheet
• C. Cash Flow Statement
• D. Statement of Changes in Equity

Answer: (B)

The balance sheet presents a company’s financial position as of a specific date, showing what it owns (assets), what it owes (liabilities), and the owners’ claim on the business (equity). This is a snapshot at a point in time and reflects the accounting equation: Assets = Liabilities + Equity. It’s the go-to statement for assessing liquidity and overall financial position at that date.

By contrast, the income statement covers performance over a period, detailing revenues and expenses to show net income. The cash flow statement tracks how cash moves in and out during the period, and the statement of changes in equity shows how owners’ equity changes over time due to things like share issuance, profits, and dividends.