We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Finance

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Comprehensive Income Statement?

K.C. Bruning
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,107
References
Share

A comprehensive income statement shows all gains, minus losses, for a certain period. Overall, it is a statement of financial performance. It will usually have two major sections, one for income and the other for expenditures. A typical statement will be prepared annually.

In most cases a comprehensive income statement will be presented in a table. These are typically prepared in spreadsheet programs. Often a column down the left side of the document will detail categories and subcategories, while a horizontal field over the top will indicate different time periods. Other kinds of reports may have different entities within the organization across the top of the document.

The level of detail and number of categories on a comprehensive income statement can vary widely, depending upon the size and complexity of the organization. Common income categories include gains for products and services, interest on investments, and miscellaneous income such as tax refunds. Categories commonly found in expenditures include expenses for administration and production, losses on investments, and any write-offs from that period.

A comprehensive income statement can be used to report on a wide array of entities. Most commonly, it is a method of demonstrating the financial performance of a company. In some cases, it could also be used to report performance of a group of companies. This is known as a consolidated comprehensive income statement. The report may also be used to detail the performance of a specific group or department, but this is less common.

In many cases a comprehensive income statement will be accompanied by an analysis of expenses from that period. Typically an organization will choose whether to conduct the analysis based on the nature or function of the expense. The nature of an expense is essentially the name of the item, such as cost of materials or employee benefits. When analyzing the function of an expense, it is put into the general category to which it applies. For example, all expenses related to sales, whatever their type, are put under that category.

The proper format for a comprehensive income statement depends upon a variety of factors, including company procedure and government regulations. While the essential format is generally the same for different organizations and nations, there are often details that must be reported a certain way for particular entities. It is typically advisable to keep apprised of various requirements and potential changes in structure as they affect an organization.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
K.C. Bruning
By K.C. Bruning
Kendahl Cruver Bruning, a versatile writer and editor, creates engaging content for a wide range of publications and platforms, including WiseGeek. With a degree in English, she crafts compelling blog posts, web copy, resumes, and articles that resonate with readers. Bruning also showcases her passion for writing and learning through her own review site and podcast, offering unique perspectives on various topics.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
K.C. Bruning
K.C. Bruning
Kendahl Cruver Bruning, a versatile writer and editor, creates engaging content for a wide range of publications and...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-comprehensive-income-statement.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.