What are Retained Earnings, and why are they important for a business?

accountingbyte

New member
retained earnings represent the cumulative net income a company has earned over time, minus any dividends distributed to shareholders. Essentially, it is the portion of profits that a company reinvests in its business rather than distributing it. Retained earnings are a key component of a company's equity and appear on the balance sheet under shareholders' equity.

They are important because they provide a source of internal funding for business growth, such as investing in new projects, paying down debt, or maintaining operations during downturns. Retained earnings also indicate the company’s profitability and how effectively it manages its earnings over time. A healthy retained earnings balance can reflect financial stability and increase investor confidence in the company’s future.
 
Верх