What is the primary purpose of a balance sheet?

• A. To provide a forecast of future earnings
• B. To summarize a company's cash flow over a period
• C. To give a snapshot of assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific point in time
• D. To analyze stock performance and market share

Answer: (C)

The primary purpose of a balance sheet is to give a snapshot of a company's assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific point in time. This financial statement is fundamental in understanding the financial position of a business. It allows stakeholders, such as management, investors, and creditors, to assess the resources the company owns (assets), what it owes (liabilities), and the residual interest of the owners (equity).

By presenting this information in a structured manner, the balance sheet enables users to evaluate the liquidity, solvency, and overall financial health of the organization. This snapshot is crucial for making informed decisions about investments, credit, and management strategies, as it reflects the company's financial stability and operational efficiency as of a particular date.

Other options focus on future projections, cash flow analysis, or market performance, which are important but pertain to different financial statements or analyses. The balance sheet specifically captures the static position of a company’s finances at a particular moment, distinguishing its purpose from those other financial perspectives.