An income statement, also known as a profit and loss statement or P&L, is a financial statement that shows the revenue and expenses over a specific period of time. It's an essential document for tracking a business's financial health, as it helps to determine the profitability of the organization. Other synonyms for an income statement include an earnings statement, a statement of operations, and a statement of income. Some businesses might refer to it as a revenue statement, an expense statement, or a statement of financial performance. No matter what it's called, the income statement gives insight into the overall financial performance of a company, making it a crucial tool for decision-making.