Which financial statement provides a summary of assets, liabilities, and equity?

The balance sheet is the financial statement that provides a summary of an organization's assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific point in time. It offers a snapshot of a company’s financial position, detailing what the company owns (assets), what it owes (liabilities), and the residual interest of the owners (equity) in the assets after deducting liabilities. This structure is crucial as it demonstrates the accounting equation: Assets = Liabilities + Equity, ensuring that the balance sheet remains balanced. The information presented is vital for investors, creditors, and stakeholders to assess the financial health and liquidity of the business.

In contrast, the income statement focuses on the company's performance over a period by reporting revenues and expenses, which culminates in the net income or loss. The cash flow statement tracks the inflow and outflow of cash over a period, showing how cash is generated and used in operating, investing, and financing activities. Lastly, the statement of retained earnings summarizes the changes in a company’s retained earnings over a specific period, including net income and dividends, but it does not provide a full view of the company’s financial position like the balance sheet does.