What is a Multi-Step Income Statement?: Format, Explanation, Examples

Typically, larger companies will use the multi-step income statement as it provides more valuable details to its many investors and lenders. Like COGS, operating expenses are an integral part of the core operating activities of a company. However, operating expenses are not directly related to the revenue model of the company. The third section is the non-operating head, which lists all business incomes and expenses that are not related to the principal activities of the business. An example of a non-operating expense is a lawsuit claim paid by the company as compensation to an aggrieved party after losing in a court case. Also, a non-operating income can be an insurance compensation paid by an insurance firm to the company’s account as settlement proceeds for damage or loss of a company’s asset.

As you can see, the multi-step income statement gives the reader much more information about the company’s financial position than the single step income statement. A multi-step (or single-step) income statement is one of three core financial statements. The other core financial statements are the balance sheet and cash flow statement.

Why is the multi-step income statement generally accepted as the best format?

Such transactions are what you observe under Sales Return and Allowances account.

Its emphasis on operating and non-operating activities provides a comprehensive view for stakeholders aiming to make informed decisions based on a company’s financial health. Understanding this statement and its significance in financial reporting is essential for robust financial analysis and decision-making. A multi step income statement is a company’s financial statement in a format presenting revenues, costs, and expenses for a specific reporting period. It provides a more detailed breakdown of expenses than a single-step income statement and uses a variety of equations to determine the net income of a business. The importance of operating income extends beyond a mere metric on the financial statements; it serves as a cornerstone in the overall profitability assessment of a company. Isolating the profits generated from core business activities provides a clearer picture of the company’s financial health, unclouded by the influence of non-operating income and expenses.

Single-Step vs. Multi-Step Income Statement

It is formatted with operating revenues and operating expenses separate from the non-operating revenues, non operating expenses, gains, and losses. With a multi-step income statement, income, expenses, gains, and losses are categorized into operating and non-operating to show a business’s financial performance. The major sections of a multi-step income statement are the revenue, cost of goods sold, gross profit, operating expenses, operating income, and net income. While the multi-step income statement provides granular insights into a company’s financial landscape, the single-step income statement offers a general overview. The latter may be more suitable for smaller businesses with straightforward structures where a detailed breakdown might be unnecessary. The multi-step income statement offers a multifaceted approach that brings several advantages, enhancing a company’s financial performance analysis.

The cost of goods sold is separated from the operating expenses and listed in the gross margin section. This is particularly important because it gives investors, creditors, and management the ability to analyze the financial statement sales and purchasing efficiency. Skynova is dedicated to demystifying small business accounting, allowing for more streamlined bookkeeping.

Tools and software for creating multi-step income statements

Small businesses with a simple operating structure, including sole-proprietorships and partnerships, can choose between creating single-step or multi-step income statements. Businesses that are looking to raise the multi step income statement is also known as funds from investors and creditors are likely to use multi-step income statements as well. When you are trying to ask for money, any smart creditor or investors will want to see how your business is operating.