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

QFRD123INFUSNO • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

752,427.00

Year-over-Year Change

26.22%

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 reinvestment strategies.

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 strategic purposes. Economists analyze this metric to understand corporate investment behavior, financial stability, and potential future growth trajectories.

Methodology

Data is collected through comprehensive corporate financial reporting and aggregated by the U.S. Federal Reserve using standardized accounting methodologies.

Historical Context

This trend is crucial for policymakers, investors, and analysts in assessing corporate financial strategies, economic resilience, and potential investment climate signals.

Key Facts

  • Represents accumulated profits not distributed as dividends
  • Indicates potential for corporate reinvestment and growth
  • Provides insights into corporate financial decision-making

FAQs

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

A: Retained earnings suggest a company's ability to generate profit and reinvest in its own growth without external financing. Higher retained earnings often signal financial strength and strategic investment potential.

Q: How do retained earnings differ from net income?

A: Net income represents profits for a specific period, while retained earnings accumulate over time, reflecting the company's total historical profitability after dividend distributions.

Q: How frequently is this data updated?

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

Q: Why do investors care about retained earnings?

A: Investors use retained earnings to assess a company's long-term growth potential, financial discipline, and management's ability to generate value without relying on external capital.

Q: What are potential limitations of this metric?

A: Retained earnings alone do not tell the complete financial story and should be analyzed alongside other financial indicators for comprehensive insights.

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Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: All Information: Retained Earnings at End of Quarter [QFRD123INFUSNO], retrieved from FRED.

Last Checked: 8/1/2025