Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: Scientific Research and Development Services: Retained Earnings at End of Quarter
QFRD123547USNO • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
-320,353.00
Year-over-Year Change
67.12%
Date Range
10/1/2009 - 4/1/2025
Summary
This trend tracks retained earnings for U.S. corporations in scientific research and development services at the end of each quarter. It provides critical insight into the financial health and investment capacity of the research and technology sector.
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 cumulative net income that corporations choose to reinvest rather than distribute as dividends, reflecting strategic financial planning in research-intensive industries. Economists use this metric to assess corporate financial strategy, innovation potential, and sectoral investment trends.
Methodology
Data is collected through comprehensive quarterly financial surveys of U.S. corporations in scientific research and development services, compiled and standardized by federal economic reporting agencies.
Historical Context
This trend is used by policymakers, investors, and economic analysts to evaluate technological innovation capacity, sectoral economic health, and potential future research investments.
Key Facts
- Reflects financial resources available for future research and development
- Indicates corporate investment strategy in scientific and technological domains
- Provides insight into potential technological innovation capacity
FAQs
Q: What do retained earnings indicate about a research company?
A: Retained earnings suggest a company's capacity to fund future research projects and its financial stability. Higher retained earnings typically indicate stronger financial health and potential for innovation.
Q: How often is this data updated?
A: This data is typically updated quarterly, providing a current snapshot of financial trends in scientific research and development services.
Q: Why are retained earnings important for research companies?
A: Retained earnings allow research companies to fund new projects, invest in advanced technologies, and maintain competitive edge without external financing.
Q: How do policymakers use this data?
A: Policymakers analyze this trend to understand technological innovation potential, inform science and technology policy, and assess sectoral economic health.
Q: What are the limitations of this metric?
A: While informative, retained earnings alone do not capture the full complexity of research investment and innovation potential. Complementary metrics provide a more comprehensive view.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: Scientific Research and Development Services: Retained Earnings at End of Quarter [QFRD123547USNO], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025