Custom field based off search - shows on item record but not when returned in a search???

I created a custom item field that shows either the Available Qty (if an inventory item) or the "buildable qty (If a Kit Item).  When I look at the item record itself, the value is correct but if I run a search, the values are null.
I was under the impression (or my memory is bad) that the custom field would be returned even in a search.  Am I incorrect or did something change?