What is the purpose of a statement of retained earnings?

The purpose of a statement of retained earnings is to connect the income statement to the balance sheet by providing a summary of the changes in retained earnings over a specific period. This statement reflects how the company's net income, dividends paid, and any other adjustments have affected the retained earnings account, thereby illustrating how much profit has been reinvested in the business instead of distributed as dividends.

Retained earnings serve as a component of shareholders' equity on the balance sheet, linking the profitability reported on the income statement with the equity section of the balance sheet. Therefore, this statement is crucial for understanding the overall financial health of the company and how its earnings are being utilized.

Other options, such as showing cash flow, outlining assets and liabilities, or displaying cash receipts and payments, focus on different financial aspects. The statement of retained earnings specifically addresses how profits are retained or distributed, serving as a bridge between two key financial statements.