Since retained earnings has no connection to net-cash flow, it does not appear on the cash-flow statement that lists all changes in cash and cash equivalents for the period.

Companies may prepare a separate statement of retained earnings to show the derivation of the ending retained-earnings balance.

Over the course of the fiscal year, the retained earnings statement shows that the company added $12.193 billion in profits to its initial retained earnings.

Appropriated retained earnings are retained earnings that are specified by the board of directors for a particular use.

Unappropriated retained earnings are the earnings left over after a company has decided how to reinvest its profits. Here's how they affect shareholders.