Which document articulates a company's financial position on a specific date?

Which document articulates a company's financial position on a specific date?

• A. Income Statement
• B. Cash Flow Statement
• C. Balance Sheet
• D. Budget Report

Answer: (C)

The correct choice is the Balance Sheet, as this document provides a snapshot of a company's financial position at a specific point in time. It lists the company’s assets, liabilities, and equity, allowing stakeholders to assess the overall financial health and stability of the business. The balance sheet follows the accounting equation: Assets = Liabilities + Equity, and it reflects the company's ongoing financial status, showing what the company owns and owes on that particular date. In contrast, the Income Statement summarizes revenues and expenses over a period of time, illustrating the company's performance and profitability but not providing a point-in-time view. The Cash Flow Statement focuses on the inflows and outflows of cash within a particular time frame, detailing how cash is generated and used, rather than showing financial standing on a specific date. Lastly, the Budget Report outlines expected income and expenditures but is a forward-looking plan rather than a reflection of current financial status. Hence, the Balance Sheet is the only document among the options that accurately articulates a company's financial position on a specific date.

The correct choice is the Balance Sheet, as this document provides a snapshot of a company's financial position at a specific point in time. It lists the company’s assets, liabilities, and equity, allowing stakeholders to assess the overall financial health and stability of the business. The balance sheet follows the accounting equation: Assets = Liabilities + Equity, and it reflects the company's ongoing financial status, showing what the company owns and owes on that particular date.

In contrast, the Income Statement summarizes revenues and expenses over a period of time, illustrating the company's performance and profitability but not providing a point-in-time view. The Cash Flow Statement focuses on the inflows and outflows of cash within a particular time frame, detailing how cash is generated and used, rather than showing financial standing on a specific date. Lastly, the Budget Report outlines expected income and expenditures but is a forward-looking plan rather than a reflection of current financial status. Hence, the Balance Sheet is the only document among the options that accurately articulates a company's financial position on a specific date.