It’s not just about having great ideas, strategies, tactics or plans. But, it is also about how you deal with numbers. You must have a basic understanding of financial indicators before you can start a business.

Retained earnings is one of the most important economic indicators. It shows how a company’s business is operating effectively. We will discuss the meaning, calculation, and implications for retained earnings in today’s article.

What is retained earnings?

Retained earnings are simply cumulative earnings that the company has not paid to distribute to investors or for expenses. This portion of the net profit of the company is often used for reinvestment in the business. Also known as retained earnings, accumulated earnings, or retained capital, these earnings can be referred to as retained earnings.

By definition, a corporation has shareholders that have a partial ownership by investing money in it. These shareholders are entitled to a portion of the company’s net earnings, which can be paid as stock dividends or cash dividends.

The business management has many options when a company makes positive earnings (profits). This profit is often distributed to shareholders as dividends. They can also choose to keep this surplus for future growth.

The remaining net profit, after dividends have been paid to investors is considered retained earnings for the reporting period. This amount is added to the retained earnings for the preceding period.

The reasons for holding these earnings back vary from one company to the next. Some companies use the money to purchase new equipment and machinery. Some companies spend it on research and development. Our mutual goal is to increase our future earnings.

Depending on the company’s financial situation, it will determine when and how much money it spends. Sometimes it’s a good idea to wait a few months or even years before spending the money.

Retained earnings are not fixed. It is often adjusted to reflect changes in company strategies and operations. Retained earnings can be converted into retained losses, or accumulated losses if the company experiences a net loss.

If the business believes it will not earn enough return on its investment, they may choose to share those earnings with stockholders.

How is retained earnings represented in financial statements?

The amount of retained earnings is shown in financial statements under the stockholders equity section. They are usually reported for each accounting period. This is usually monthly, quarterly and yearly. Some companies include retained earnings in their income statements.

Firms also prepare statements of retained earnings as it is an important indicator of financial performance that measures the economic value over time. These statements show changes in retained earnings amounts over a particular accounting cycle.

To improve stockholders and the market, corporations release statements of retained earnings.

These statements can be used to help investors assess the potential of a business.

These statements are also reviewed by creditors before issuing credit to a company.

To locate their internal resources, the board of directors examines statements of retained earnings.

We have now given you an overview of retained earnings. Let’s dive into it by briefly comparing it with other financial terms.

A summary of retained earnings

Comparison of retained earnings and reserves

Although they may look similar, reserves and retained earnings are not the same. Retained earnings include reserves.

Reserves are a portion or net earnings that is kept aside before paying dividends. Meanwhile, retained earnings are what’s left after paying dividends.

Reserves are kept by corporations to help improve the company’s financial position and cover any future losses.

Retained earnings vs. revenue

Revenue is a number that reflects a company’s financial performance. Revenue is also known as gross sale in retail businesses. Revenue can also be used to refer to total income, as it includes all sales and any other activities.

Before operating expenses, revenue is calculated. The retained earnings represent a percentage of the revenue but are after all distributions and expenses are paid.

Comparison of retained earnings and net income

Net income is the bottom line figure that shows the financial performance of an organisation. This is the net income after subtracting operating expenses, payroll and taxes.

Net income and retained earnings have a close relationship. Any change in net income will directly affect the retained earnings balance.

Dividends vs. retained earnings

Dividends are regular payments of a portion of company profits to stockholders. Dividends may be paid in cash or in stock. The net profit less dividends is the retained earnings.

Both types of dividends decrease the retained earnings balance. Cash dividends reduce the company’s balance sheet asset by generating cash outflows. Stock dividends are a reallocation of retained earnings to common stocks, which reduces the stock price per share.

What are negative retained earnings

Retained earnings can often be negative. The statement of retained earnings records a business’s loss. These retained earnings are considered negative if the net loss is greater than the retained earnings. This is a case of an accumulated deficit.

Negative retained earnings can even be reported by a profitable business. This happens when the company distributes less dividends than is available.

Negative retained earnings may be a sign of possible bankruptcy. This can indicate a series or losses.

How do you calculate retained earnings?

Calculating retained earnings involves adding the current net income and the previous accumulated retained earnings together. Then subtract the dividends.

Here’s the formula for retained earnings:

Retained earnings = Starting retained earnings + Net income/loss + Dividends paid

We’ll take a closer look at each component in the retained earnings formula.

Start retained earnings

The ending balance of retained earnings for the previous accounting period is the beginning of retained earnings. This figure can be taken from the balance sheet for the previous reporting period. This number will be zero if your business is just starting. If your initial retained earnings are negative, label it correctly.

Net income

The net income or net earnings of your company is your net profit. It is the sum of revenue less expenses, interest and taxes. If your company has made profits, this number will be positive. It will be negative if it has lost money. This number can be found at the bottom of your income statement.

Dividends paid

Dividends are payments made to the stock owner of your company. Dividends may be paid in cash, stocks, or any other form. Dividends are determined by the board and approved by shareholders.

Most companies pay dividends quarterly. Others pay semi-annually or monthly. The board usually declares information about dividends. It only includes the price per share. You need to multiply the price per share by the number of shares.

Example of calculation for retained earnings

Now it’s time for you to perform the calculations together in order to gain a better understanding. Let’s assume that for the current period, your business has these numbers:

• Start retained earnings at $30,000
• Net income/loss: $26,000
• Dividends paid: $18,000

These numbers are used to calculate the retained earnings.

Retained earnings = $30,000 (Beginning retention earnings) + $26,000 Net income/loss – $18,000 Dividends paid

• Earnings Retained = $38,000

Now, your company has $38,000 in retained earnings. This money can be reinvested into your business, such as buying equipment or enhancing your website.

Why are retained earnings important?

The company’s financial health is determined by the retained earnings

Retained earnings, which your company holds back as a percentage of its net income, can give you a better picture about your business’ financial performance.

Month-to-month fluctuations in indicators such as revenue, expenses, and net income are common. Retained earnings provide a more detailed view of how your company earned, invested, and reserved its money.

Potential investors will therefore carefully review retained earnings when reviewing your financial statements.

The long-term fund source for funds is the retained earnings

It is possible to believe that retained earnings refers to surplus cash, or cash that remains after dividends have been paid. They are not. Retained earnings are how a company uses its profits.

To grow and expand, a company must invest in its operations and in new products and services. Businesses that are capital-intensive and growing tend to keep more of their profits. The stock value of a company that spends its retained earnings well will rise significantly.

Retained earnings are subject to limitations

It may not be possible to get enough insight from the absolute number of retained earnings for a particular period. The observation of retained earnings over a longer period might not provide enough insight.

Both the investor and the board should pay attention to the returns on investment from retained earnings. It is important to assess how the company used the retained earnings. To assess the effect of stock price changes on retained earnings, you can use the market value calculation to calculate the company’s net earnings.

Conclusion

Profits are used by companies to not only pay dividends to shareholders, but also to expand the business. From one year to another, the growth pattern between current and beginning retained earnings can be represented by the difference in retained earnings.

We hope you now have some knowledge and practice in the area of retained earnings. If you have any questions, we would love to share them with you!