About Lesson
Point in Time vs Period of Time
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) classifies elements of financial statements into two categories:
- Moment in Time (Position)
Assets, liabilities, and equity represent values at a specific point in time (say December 31), typically at the end of a reporting period like a fiscal year or quarter.
- Period of Time (Performance)
The other elements of financial statements describe transactions, events, and circumstances that affect the company over a period of time (say January 1 – December 31). This includes revenues, expenses, gains, losses, investments by owners, distributions to owners, and comprehensive income. Anything relating to activities and outcomes of the company’s operations, investments, and financing activities during a specific reporting period (e.g., a year or quarter).