Income statement categories

In its 2008 annual report, which included a statement of comprehensive income, Bristol-Myers Squibb reported the following items (dollars in millions):

Net earnings from discontinued operations

$ 113

Research and development

(3,585)

Foreign currency translation

(123)

Net gain on disposal of business

1,979

Provision for restructuring

(218)

Gain on sale of assets

159

Cost of products sold

(6,396)

Litigation charges

(33)

Equity in net income of affiliates

617

REQUIRED:

a. Explain the nature of each item, describe where they would be disclosed on the income statement (including comprehensive income), and state whether or not they would be reported net of taxes.

b. Discuss each item in terms of its persistence.