The balance sheet's components each capture distinct aspects of a company's finances. While you've mentioned 'income accounts', these actually fall under the Equity section.

A balance sheet has three primary segments, corresponding to the accounting equation:

  - Assets
  - Liabilities
  - Equity

Specifically, you seem to be focusing on:

--Assets: Cash and cash equivalents--

This indicates a company's liquid position. To understand cash flow changes over a given period, compare the differences in 'cash and cash equivalents'.

-- Equity: Retained earnings–-

This reflects accumulated income. To gauge profit changes over a time frame, observe the variations in Retained Earnings. (This is accurate provided no dividends were distributed during that period.)