top line
a company's total revenue
In more detail
1. (noun) the first line of a financial document showing the most important total income or revenue
2. (noun) the main or most important information about something
Examples
- 1. The company's top line grew by 10% this year.
- 2. The top line is that we need to finish the project by Friday.
How to use top line
Top line refers to the gross revenue or most critical headline figure in financial reporting, typically the first line on an income statement. In broader usage, it describes the principal information or main takeaway from any document or situation. It contrasts with bottom line, which refers to net profit after expenses.
Common phrases
- top line growth
- top line revenue
- top line results
- impact the top line
- improve the top line
Synonyms
bottom line · headline · headline figure · key figure · main point
Word family
top-line (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse top line with bottom line; top line is gross/total revenue before costs, while bottom line is final profit after all deductions.
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