Profit and Loss Statements, also commonly known as P&L or income statements, show you the profitability of your business over a given period of time.
The Profit and Loss Statements are usually prepared monthly, quarterly, and yearly.
The Importance Of Profit and Loss Statements
First and foremost, companies are required by law to complete their Profit and Loss statements annually. This information is required to file for the annual corporate tax.
The Profit and Loss statement will also allow you to review the performance of your business over the given period of time and to make strategic business decisions.
If you are looking to obtain a business loan or to pitch to potential investors, they will also require to look at your Profit and Loss statement to gain an insight to the financial health of your business.
Understanding Your Profit and Loss Statements
Let us run through some of the common terms found in a typical Profit and Loss statement.
- Revenue – all the income generated from sales during the given period
- Cost Of Goods Sold – costs exclusively attributed to the production or sale of a product or service
- Gross Margin – Revenue less Cost Of Goods Sold
- Depreciation – the attribution of the loss of value of your fixed assets over time.
- Expenses – money spent on the general maintenance of your business
- Net Profit/Loss – Gross Margin less (Expenses + Depreciation). This figure (surplus or deficit) determines the profitability of your business for the given period.
It is important to prepare your Profit and Loss Statements in the best possible manner so that it accurately reflects the condition of your business.
When in doubt, seek legal advice or consult an experienced ACRA Filing Agent.
Yours Sincerely,
The editorial team at Acra Filing Agent
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