What is meant by the term "Bottom Line"

[BootCamp]

I am writing my operation manual. It is pretty tough going as I havent been able to find a template, only a list of headings.

One of the headings is Bottom Line, and I havent a clue what that means, anyone?

 

[cmcp]

In business or accounting terms net profit.

In general terms folk talk about the bottom line being the main point in talking.

 

[Minuteman Press]

Yep - gross profit - p&l.

 

[BootCamp]

hmmmm, doesnt really make much sense in the context of this manual then. Ill delete it

 

[cmcp]

Could it be the general meaning then?

If you were telling a story and you wanted to outline the main point you'd say "and the bottom line is..."

It's like the upshot of the story.

 

[deniser]

From answers.com









http://www.answers.com/library/Dictionary-cid-9998






http://www.answers.com/


n.

1. The line in a financial statement that shows net income or loss.
2. The final result or statement; upshot: "The bottom line, however, is that he has escaped" (David Wise).
3. The main or essential point: "A lot can happen between now and December, but the bottom line-for now-is that the city is still heading toward default" (New York).

bot·tom-line adj.

1. Concerned exclusively with costs and profits: bottom-line issues.
2. Ruthlessly realistic; pragmatic: a bottom-line political strategy.

bottomline bot'tom-line' v.

 

[Cornish Steve]

If you look at a company's annual report, the financials are presented in a standard way - so it's possible to compare one company's results with another. In that standard format, the line at the very bottom shows net income (revenue less costs and other adjustments). Hence the phrase "bottom line".

Incidentally, the first line in that standard layout shows operating revenues - the total amount of money received before any costs etc. are taken into account. Some people will refer to the "top line" when referring, for example, to increased sales. Of course, if those sales incur greater costs, the increased "top line" may not lead to an improved "bottom line".

To see an example, go here and view the top of p40.

 

[BootCamp]

Cheers Steve, I still don't get the context it wants from me for this though

 

[Maslins]

The greatest sportsman of all time, The Rock, used to say "the bottom line is..." a lot before explaining the main point of his hilarious ramblings.

I'm guessing it perhaps simply means that, and is perhaps the beginning of a brief summary as to what the article was about.

That's based on what you've said though, I'm an accountant so my first thought was "net profit"!

 

[KidsBeeHappy]

Cheers Steve, I still don't get the context it wants from me for this though

So, ignore the template, after all that's what it is, a template, and write your own heading that suits you better. Templates never "fit" all situations, don't follow them heedlessly.