How does sustainable income differ from actual net income?

Sustainable income refers to the level of income that a business can maintain over the long term without relying on one-time gains or non-recurring revenue sources. In contrast, actual net income includes all revenues and expenses for a specific period, which may include irregular or extraordinary items. While actual net income can fluctuate significantly due to various factors, sustainable income provides a clearer picture of ongoing financial health and operational performance. This distinction helps stakeholders assess the viability of a company's earnings beyond short-term gains.