Comprehensive income is a broader measure of a company's financial performance that includes all non-owner changes in equity. It includes items that are not included in net income, such as unrealized gains or losses on investments, foreign currency translation adjustments, and changes in the market value of certain financial instruments.
While comprehensive income does not directly impact net income or retained earnings, it is reported on the company's financial statements and disclosed to provide a more comprehensive view of the company's financial performance to stakeholders. It is more of a supplementary measure to net income and retained earnings.