What is a simple definition of earnings?

Earnings refer specifically to the amount of profit a business generates after subtracting expenses from its total revenues. This definition captures the essence of what earnings represent in a financial context, emphasizing that it is the resulting figure from the operational performance of the business. It highlights the business's ability to generate profit, which is a key indicator of its financial health and operational efficiency.

While total revenue reflects the overall money collected by a business, and total expenses indicate the costs incurred, neither of these figures alone represents earnings. Net worth, on the other hand, refers to the value of the business's assets minus its liabilities, which is a different financial concept that encompasses more than just earnings. Understanding earnings is critical, as it provides insights into a company's profitability and is often a focal point for investors evaluating business performance.