Gains and Losses:
The gain / loss shown on the M1 Finance platform is the unrealized gain from owning the individual holding or portfolio. An unrealized gain/loss is a profit/loss that exists on paper, resulting from your investments. A gain/loss becomes realized once the position is sold for a profit/loss.
Unrealized Gain/ Loss = Value of Investment - Cost of Investment
Unrealized Gain/Loss % = (Value of Investment - Cost of Investment) / Cost of Investment
Total Gains:
Total gain is a combination of all capital gains and dividends earned
Capital Gains:
The increase or decrease in value of your investment. Capital gains are either unrealized or realized. An unrealized capital gain is a position in a stock or fund that has yet to be sold. A realized capital gain is the profit or loss experienced when a position has been both bought and sold.
Example:
| Date | Activity | Share Price | Shares Owned | Value | Realized Gain | Unrealized Gain | Capital Gain |
| April 1 | Bought Share | $110 | 1 | $110 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| May 1 | $115 | 1 | $115 | $0 | $5 | $5 | |
| June 1 | Sold Share | $120 | 0 | $0 | $10 | $0 | $10 |
Dividends:
The interval cash payments made by companies to their current shareholders