RETAINED EARNINGS Definition

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RETAINED EARNINGS are profits of the business that have not been paid out to the owners as of the balance sheet date. The earnings have been "retained" for use in the business (Retained Earnings is an account in the equity section of the balance sheet). It is comprised of the balance, either debit or credit, of appropriated or unappropriated earnings of an entity that are retained in the business. A good rate of growth in retained earnings is an indicator that the firm enjoys a sustainable competitive advantage. NOTE: Appropriated earnings are not available for dividends, but may be used to reduce a deficit or may be transferred to stated capital. Other appropriations of profits require a vote of the shareholders.

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AXIOM, generally, it is a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits; in logic, it is a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof; its truth is assumed to be self-evident.

CORPORATE BOND is evidence of debt owed by a corpora­tion, issued for the purpose of borrowing money, and promising to return the face value of borrowed money at maturity. Corporate bonds usually pay interest at regular intervals twice each year.

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