Sycamore Networks (Sycamore Networks) Retained Earnings : $-1,158.88 Mil (As of Jan. 2013)

Sycamore Networks Retained Earnings Chart

Sycamore Networks Annual Data
	Trend	Jul03	Jul04	Jul05	Jul06	Jul07	Jul08	Jul09	Jul10	Jul11	Jul12
Retained Earnings		Get a 7-Day Free Trial					-1,047.78	-1,101.36	-1,116.16	-1,133.96	-1,146.88

Sycamore Networks Quarterly Data
	Apr08	Jul08	Oct08	Jan09	Apr09	Jul09	Oct09	Jan10	Apr10	Jul10	Oct10	Jan11	Apr11	Jul11	Oct11	Jan12	Apr12	Jul12	Oct12	Jan13
Retained Earnings	Get a 7-Day Free Trial															-1,139.27	-1,144.36	-1,146.88	-1,153.64	-1,158.88

Sycamore Networks Retained Earnings Calculation

Retained Earnings is the accumulated portion of net income that is not distributed to shareholders. Because the net income was not distributed to shareholders, shareholders' equity is increased by the same amount.

Of course, if a company loses, it is called retained losses, or accumulated losses.

Sycamore Networks  (OTCPK:SCMR) Retained Earnings Explanation

Historically profitable companies sometimes have negative retained earnings. This is because they have cumulatively paid out more to shareholders than they reported in profits.

For example, in 2011, Microsoft had negative retained earnings. This does not mean the company lost more money than it made over the years. It just means it paid out more money than it earned.

If a company has negative retained earnings, investors should check the 10-year financial results. They should not assume that negative retained earnings prove a company has generally lost money in the past.

Of course, many companies with negative retained earnings have indeed lost money in the past.

Retained Earnings: Warren Buffett's Secret.

One of the most important indicators of durable competitive advantage. Net earnings can be paid out as dividends, used to buy back shares or retained for growth.

If the company loses more than it has accumulated, retained earnings is negative.

If a company isn't adding to its retained earnings, it isn't growing its net worth.

Rate of growth of retained earnings is good indicator whether it's benefiting from a competitive advantage.

Microsoft is negative because it chose to buyback stock and pay dividends.

The more earnings retained, the faster it grows and increases growth rate for future earnings.

Sycamore Networks (Sycamore Networks) Business Description