Two accountants for the firm of Elwes and Wright are arguing about the merits of presenting an income statement in a multiple-step versus a single-step format. The discussion involves the following 2014 information related to P. Bride Company ($000 omitted).

                                    

Instructions
  (a) Prepare an income statement for the year 2014 using the multiple-step form. Common shares outstanding for 2014 total 40,550 (000 omitted).
  (b) Prepare an income statement for the year 2014 using the single-step form.
  (c) Which one do you prefer? Discuss.