How can values for the same item be different with each data provider?

For most companies, all our providers should have the same income statement figures for the top line (that is, Net sales or Revenue) and the bottom line (that is, Net income or Net profit). Differences are possible for in-between income statement items such as:

• Non-operating income and expenses
• Cost of goods sold (COGS)
• Selling, general and administrative expense (SG&A)
• Research and development
• Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)
• Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)

The reason for differences lies in how financial statements are standardized.