Retained earnings are yet another equity component that builds up from your earnings for the period and accumulates over time. The only components taken out from retained earnings are dividends. Now, that’s the general content when it comes to retained earnings. Yes, there may be other components that are related to adjustments, changes in policies etc. however we’ll not go into too much detail at this point.  

As with other equity accounts you should disclose the beginning balances and changes over the period. Note here that the information should also be disclosed for the prior period just as well.

Provided there are other movements in addition to profit just being added to the balance you should as always disclose more information about the change. For an example, in the case it is dividends paid you should state the total amount being paid, amount per share paid and any other relevant information i.e. when the payment is done etc.

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