Net earnings


Profit

A company's total revenue less its operating expenses, interest paid, depreciation, and taxes. For example, suppose a widget manufacturer earns $1,000,000 in total revenue. The widgets cost $200,000 to make and his administrative and payroll expenses total $250,000. He also must subtract $50,000 in depreciation on his widget manufacturing equipment and pay $200,000 in taxes. His net income is stated as: $1,000,000 - $200,000 - $250,000 - $50,000 - $200,000 = $300,000.

Net earnings.

Net earnings, also known as retained earnings, are a corporation's profits after paying all of its expenses. This money is available to pay dividends on common stock, make acquisitions or expand operations without incurring debt or issuing additional stock, or buy back outstanding shares.