What does a comprehensive income statement include?

A comprehensive income statement provides a complete view of a company's financial performance by including not just the net income but also other comprehensive income items that can affect a company's equity. This broader perspective captures all changes in equity during a period that are not the result of transactions with owners.

These additional items can include unrealized gains and losses on certain investments, foreign currency translation adjustments, and gains or losses from pension plans, among others. By including these elements, the comprehensive income statement ensures stakeholders have a full understanding of the operational and economic factors influencing the company's financial situation, beyond what is captured through the net income alone.

In contrast, focusing solely on net income limits the view to operational performance without accounting for other significant aspects that impact overall equity. Therefore, the inclusion of both net income and these other comprehensive income items provides a more holistic and informative financial reporting perspective.