What are Non Operating Expenses & How to Calculate: Examples, Meaning, & Formula

Companies frequently incur expenses that are outside the day-to-day operations of the business. These are classified as non-operating expenditures or expenses, and it is best practice to account for them individually on a business's income statement; this makes it simpler for financial investors, managers, and other stakeholders to understand the business's performance.

In this article, we will delve into non-operating expenses meaning, including special considerations to keep in mind, examples of non-operating costs, and how they differ from operating expenses.

What Are Non-Operating Expenses?

Non-operating expenses are generally perceived as one-time or occasional expenses that do not contribute to the business's revenue and are not directly related to the core business operations of a company. These are costs incurred by a company for activities that are not considered part of its routine business operations.

Non-operating expenses commonly include interest, asset sale losses, foreign exchange losses, or lawsuits. For example, a company may be required to pay interest on a loan obtained to acquire a new property. While this expense is necessary to complete the purchase, it is not regarded as a core business activity of the company.

Special Considerations

When analyzing a business's financial statements, some special considerations regarding non-operating expenses must be considered. 

First and foremost, it is critical to understand that non-operating expenses can majorly impact a business's overall financial health. Although they do not generate revenue, they can impact a business's bottom line.

Second, the timing of non-operating expenses must be considered. For instance, a company may incur a significant one-time expense in one quarter, harming its financial statements. However, this was a one-time expenditure, so it may not reflect the business's overall financial health.

Finally, the nature of non-operating expenses must be considered. A business, for instance, may incur a one-time fee due to a lawsuit. While this expense is unrelated to the business's core business activities, it must be considered because a court case may indicate a more significant issue within the company, which may impact the business's overall financial health.

Non-Operating Expense Examples

As previously stated, there are many different types of non-operating expenses that a company can incur. Here are some common examples:

1. Payments of Interest

Loans are sometimes used to fund the processes of businesses. Every month, a certain amount of interest is charged on this corporate debt. These are non-operating expenses because they do not explicitly contribute to the company's overall operation.

2. Relocation expenses 

Sometimes businesses must occasionally relocate their entire operation from one venue to another. This relocation includes several unusual costs, such as transportation, relocation incentives for current employees, recruitment costs, etc.

3. Accounting Methods Changes

Certain company financial records inconsistencies can occur when accounting techniques change. As a result, several unusual and difficult-to-account-for expenses may arise. Before producing the final reports, these costs can be added to the non-operating expense category.

4. Currency conversion

When a company conducts business with any international bodies, currency exchange loss occurs. When the currency of the host economy fluctuates concerning the home currency, costs can rise unexpectedly. These additional costs are then classified as non-operating expenses.

5. Disaster-related losses

Now and then, a natural disaster may result in irreparable harm to non-insured corporate assets. The cost of replacing that property results in a loss for the business. This unusual cost can be classified as a non-operating cost by finance departments.

What Is the Difference Between Operating and Non-Operating Expenses?

Operating expenses are expenses that are directly related to running the business. Still, they do not include costs of goods sold (COGS), typically listed individually on a business's income statement.

What Exactly Is an Operating Expense?

Operating expenses include various day-to-day expenses, such as sales and administrative costs. Here are some examples:

• Salaries for employees
• Office equipment
• Costs associated with sales, like commissions, advertising, and marketing.
• Costs of R&D (research and development).
• Rent, insurance, and utility costs.
• Routine equipment maintenance.
• Travel expenses incurred as a result of normal business operations

Non-operating costs, on the other hand, are not separate from the day-to-day financing needs of running a company. They are one-time or unusual expenses. As a result, the primary distinction between non-operating and operating expenses is their relation to revenue-generating activities. Non-operating expenses do not affect revenue, whereas operating expenses do.

Conclusion

Because some of the events are unpredictable, it is entirely possible for businesses that operate a sound company to incur unexpected expenses. These expenditures are generally classified as non-operating expenses because they are unrelated to the business's core operations. 

When non-operating expenditures are shown individually on an income or financial statement, investors, managers, and other stakeholders can better evaluate the performance of the business.