Which statement about the income statements is most correct?

• A. It reports the economic profitability of an organization.
• B. It shows cash flows from financing activities.
• C. It lists only assets and liabilities.
• D. It provides information on market value of assets.

Answer: (A)

The income statement shows profitability over a period by matching revenues and expenses to reveal net income or loss. This is how it captures economic profitability—the organization’s ability to generate profit from its operations during that time frame. Cash flows from financing activities belong to the cash flow statement, not the income statement. Assets and liabilities are shown on the balance sheet, not the income statement, and market value of assets isn’t the primary focus of the income statement. So the statement that the income statement reports the economic profitability of the organization is the best description.