What is the primary purpose of an income statement?

The primary purpose of an income statement is to display the financial performance of a company by outlining its revenues and expenses over a specific period. This financial statement provides a summary of how much money the company earned through its operations (revenues) and how much it spent (expenses), which ultimately leads to the determination of net income or loss for that period.

By focusing on revenues and expenses, the income statement allows stakeholders, including management, investors, and analysts, to assess the company's profitability and operational efficiency over time. This insight is crucial for making informed decisions regarding investments, budgeting, and strategic planning.

In contrast, other choices do not align with the fundamental purpose of the income statement. While tracking a company's assets and liabilities is the role of the balance sheet, inventory levels are monitored through specific inventory management reports, and customer feedback is typically assessed through surveys or customer satisfaction reports, none of which pertain to the income statement's focus on financial performance.