Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: All Manufacturing: Retained Earnings at Beginning of Quarter
QFRD119MFGUSNO • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
4,529,133.00
Year-over-Year Change
22.61%
Date Range
10/1/2000 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic indicator tracks the retained earnings of U.S. manufacturing corporations at the start of each quarter, representing the cumulative net income that companies have chosen to reinvest rather than distribute as dividends. It provides critical insight into corporate financial health, investment strategies, and potential future growth in the manufacturing 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 reflect a company's financial strategy and capacity for internal investment and expansion. Economists analyze this metric to understand corporate profitability, reinvestment patterns, and overall economic resilience in the manufacturing industry.
Methodology
Data is collected through comprehensive quarterly financial reports submitted by manufacturing corporations to regulatory agencies, then aggregated and standardized by economic research institutions.
Historical Context
This trend is used by policymakers, investors, and economic analysts to assess manufacturing sector financial performance, potential capital expenditures, and broader economic development strategies.
Key Facts
- Represents cumulative net income retained by manufacturing corporations
- Indicates potential for internal investment and corporate growth
- Provides insight into manufacturing sector financial health
FAQs
Q: What do retained earnings indicate about a company's financial strategy?
A: Retained earnings show how much profit a company is reinvesting instead of distributing to shareholders, reflecting its growth and expansion priorities.
Q: How often is this data updated?
A: The data is typically updated quarterly, providing a current snapshot of manufacturing corporations' financial positions.
Q: Why are retained earnings important for economic analysis?
A: Retained earnings help economists understand corporate investment capacity, potential economic growth, and sector-wide financial trends.
Q: How do retained earnings impact investment decisions?
A: Investors use retained earnings to assess a company's financial strength, potential for future growth, and strategic reinvestment capabilities.
Q: What are the limitations of this economic indicator?
A: While informative, retained earnings represent only one aspect of corporate financial health and should be analyzed alongside other financial metrics.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: All Manufacturing: Retained Earnings at Beginning of Quarter [QFRD119MFGUSNO], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025