What type of system-generated financial report measures the accounting equation 'assets = liabilities + owners’ equity'?

The balance sheet is the financial report that explicitly measures the accounting equation 'assets = liabilities + owners’ equity.' This fundamental accounting principle outlines the relationship between a company's resources (assets), the claims against those resources by creditors (liabilities), and the owner's interest in the company (owners' equity).

On the balance sheet, assets are listed on one side, while liabilities and owners’ equity are represented on the other side. This structure ensures that the equation remains in balance, as the total amount of assets is always equal to the combined total of liabilities and equity. By presenting this critical financial snapshot at a specific point in time, the balance sheet aids stakeholders in understanding the financial stability and structure of the organization, making it an essential tool for decision-making.

Other financial reports, such as the income statement, focus on a company's profitability over a specific period and do not directly measure the accounting equation. Similarly, the cash flow statement tracks the inflows and outflows of cash, and the statement of changes in equity reflects changes in equity but does not encompass the complete relationship of assets, liabilities, and equity as represented on the balance sheet.