What is the primary purpose of an income statement?

The primary purpose of an income statement is to show profits and losses over a specific period. This financial statement details the revenues generated by a business and the expenses incurred during that same period, ultimately leading to an understanding of the company's profitability. It provides crucial insight into how well the business is performing financially by reflecting key information such as net income or loss, which is essential for management, investors, and stakeholders to make informed decisions about the company's future operations and strategies. Understanding profit margins, trends in expenses, and revenue sources are all derived from the data presented in the income statement, making it a vital tool for evaluating the financial health of a business.