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August 28, 2008

What is the difference between net income and comprehensive income?

The difference between net income and comprehensive income is known as other comprehensive income.

Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in securities, foreign currency items, and certain pension liability adjustments.

Net income is reported on the income statement and is included in the retained earnings section of stockholders’ equity. Other comprehensive income items are not reported on the income statement, and are included in the accumulated other comprehensive income section of stockholders’ equity.

The accounting for comprehensive income is provided in the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, available for reading at www.FASB.org/st.




Comments

6 Responses to “What is the difference between net income and comprehensive income?”

  1. Alieu on September 5th, 2008 3:34 am

    i found the information every helpful.

  2. Atasi on September 5th, 2008 10:54 am

    contents are extremely relevant and helpful

  3. Terry on March 19th, 2009 1:26 pm

    Apparently, with the pending revision in FASB 157, the difference is about to become fantasy (net income) vs. reality (comprehensive income).

    Allowing corporations to market their assets to just about any value they want is a gross disservice to their shareholders, lenders, and other potential investors.

  4. Odelia on June 28th, 2009 2:52 am

    how do i calculate profit/lossfor shares?

  5. eligio from philippines on July 12th, 2009 5:20 am

    this is so helpful to me because i will report on class about statement of comprehensive income…. tnx

  6. VISIOM on August 26th, 2009 4:12 am

    AM doing BCOMPT accounting first year ,and i will like u to assist me in any way.thx

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