Download Net Income Retained Earnings Formula Images. Because all profits and losses flow through retained earnings, essentially any activity on the income statement will impact the net income portion of the retained earnings formula. The retained earnings formula is fairly straightforward:
Some people refer to them as the earnings surplus. The retained earnings formula calculates the balance in the retained earnings account at the end of an accounting period. Retained earnings can be used to pay additional dividends, finance business growth, invest in a new product line, or even pay back a loan.
Companies often track net income and the ratio of retained earnings to total dividends paid over time.
Because all profits and losses flow through retained earnings, essentially any activity on the income statement will impact the net income portion of the retained earnings formula. This money is usually reinvested into the company, becoming the primary fuel for the firm's. How to calculate retained earnings. Like the retained earnings formula, the statement of retained earnings lists beginning retained earnings, net income or loss, dividends.