Final answer:
A business prepares the income statement, statement of retained earnings, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows after making adjustments to the trial balance. These adjustments ensure the accuracy of the financial statements in reflecting the company's financial performance and position.
Step-by-step explanation:
After making necessary adjustments to the trial balance, a business prepares four primary financial statements: the income statement, statement of retained earnings, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows. These reports reflect the company's financial performance over a specific period (income statement, statement of retained earnings, cash flows) and its financial position at a point in time (balance sheet).
Income Statement
The income statement shows the company's revenues, expenses, and net profit or loss over the reporting period. It gives stakeholders insights into the company's operational efficiency and profitability. Adjustments such as bad debt expense and depreciation are made to account for the accurate measures of income.
Statement of Retained Earnings
The statement of retained earnings reconciles the beginning and ending retained earnings for the period, reflecting changes due to net income and dividends. It essentially communicates how much of the profits were reinvested in the business versus distributed to shareholders.
Balance Sheet
The balance sheet details the company's assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity at a specific point in time. It is adjusted to realign the totals due to the recognized revenues and expenses, revealing the company's net worth in terms of book value.
Statement of Cash Flows
The statement of cash flows tracks the inflows and outflows of cash within the business in operating, investing, and financing activities. It is crucial for assessing the liquidity and long-term solvency of the enterprise.