Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: All Other Information: Retained Earnings at End of Quarter

QFRD123519USNO • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

207,238.00

Year-over-Year Change

-15.85%

Date Range

10/1/2009 - 1/1/2025

Summary

This economic indicator tracks the cumulative net earnings retained by U.S. corporations at the end of each quarter. It provides critical insight into corporate financial health and strategic investment decisions.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

Retained earnings represent the portion of net income not distributed to shareholders as dividends but instead reinvested back into the company's operations or used for debt reduction. Economists analyze this metric to understand corporate financial strategy, investment potential, and overall economic resilience.

Methodology

Data is collected through comprehensive corporate financial reporting and aggregated by federal economic research institutions.

Historical Context

This trend is used by policymakers, investors, and economic analysts to assess corporate financial strength and potential economic growth trajectories.

Key Facts

  • Represents accumulated profits not distributed as dividends
  • Indicates corporate financial reinvestment strategies
  • Provides insight into long-term corporate financial health

FAQs

Q: What do retained earnings indicate about a company's financial strategy?

A: Retained earnings suggest a company is reinvesting profits for growth rather than immediately distributing them to shareholders. This can signal confidence in future expansion opportunities.

Q: How often is this data updated?

A: The Quarterly Financial Report is typically updated on a quarterly basis, providing a current snapshot of corporate financial performance.

Q: Why are retained earnings important for economic analysis?

A: Retained earnings reflect corporate investment capacity and potential economic growth, serving as a key indicator of business confidence and future economic performance.

Q: Can retained earnings vary by industry?

A: Yes, retained earnings can significantly differ across industries based on capital intensity, growth stage, and business model.

Q: What are the limitations of this economic indicator?

A: While informative, retained earnings represent aggregate data and may not capture individual company nuances or short-term financial fluctuations.

Related News

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: All Other Information: Retained Earnings at End of Quarter [QFRD123519USNO], retrieved from FRED.

Last Checked: 8/1/2025