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Retained earnings is the accumulated portion of net income that is not distributed to shareholders. China Eastern Airlines's retained earnings for the quarter that ended in Mar. 2026 was $-8,444 Mil.
China Eastern Airlines's quarterly retained earnings
declined
from Sep. 2025 ($-7,825 Mil) to Dec. 2025 ($-8,470 Mil) but then
increased
from Dec. 2025 ($-8,470 Mil) to Mar. 2026 ($-8,444 Mil).
China Eastern Airlines's annual retained earnings
declined
from Dec. 2023 ($-7,352 Mil) to Dec. 2024 ($-7,873 Mil) and
declined
from Dec. 2024 ($-7,873 Mil) to Dec. 2025 ($-8,470 Mil).
China Eastern Airlines (OTCPK:CHEAF) 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.
China Eastern Airlines Retained Earnings Historical Data
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The historical data trend for China Eastern Airlines's Retained Earnings can be seen below:
* For Operating Data section: All numbers are indicated by the unit behind each term and all currency related amount are in USD. * For other sections: All numbers are in millions except for per share data, ratio, and percentage. All currency related amount are indicated in the company's associated stock exchange currency.
China Eastern Airlines 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.
What does a Retained Earnings of $-8,444 Mil mean?
China Eastern Airlines (CHEAF) has a Retained Earnings of $-8,444 Mil as of Mar. 2026. Retained earnings is the amount of net income not issued to shareholders. View historical data on China Eastern Airlines and its competitors.
Is China Eastern Airlines' Retained Earnings too high?
China Eastern Airlines' current Retained Earnings is $-8,444 Mil. Overall, China Eastern Airlines has a GF Score™ of 57/100 and is considered Possible Value Trap, reflecting its overall financial health beyond just this single metric.
How does China Eastern Airlines' Retained Earnings compare to DAL and UAL?
China Eastern Airlines' Retained Earnings of $-8,444 Mil can be compared against companies in the Transportation industry. See the competitive comparison table and distribution chart on this page for a detailed peer-by-peer breakdown.
What is a good Retained Earnings for a Transportation company?
A good Retained Earnings depends on the Transportation industry context. However, Retained Earnings should not be evaluated in isolation — investors should consider it alongside profitability, growth, and financial strength metrics. Use the industry distribution chart on this page to see where any company falls relative to its peers.
What does a high Retained Earnings mean?
A high Retained Earnings can signal that a stock is expensive relative to its fundamentals. Retained earnings is the amount of net income not issued to shareholders. View historical data on China Eastern Airlines and its competitors. China Eastern Airlines's current Retained Earnings is $-8,444 Mil. However, context matters — high-growth companies often justify higher valuations. Always evaluate alongside other metrics like GF Score™ and GF Value™.
Is China Eastern Airlines stock overvalued right now?
Based on GuruFocus' analysis, China Eastern Airlines (CHEAF) is currently considered Possible Value Trap. The stock's GF Value™ is $0.66, compared to a current price of $0.40 — trading 39.7% below its estimated fair value. The current Retained Earnings is $-8,444 Mil. China Eastern Airlines' overall GF Score™ is 57/100 with 5 warning signs to review. Investors should evaluate multiple metrics — including profitability, growth, and financial strength — before making a decision.
How is Retained Earnings calculated?
Retained Earnings is calculated from a company's financial statements. For China Eastern Airlines (CHEAF), the current Retained Earnings is $-8,444 Mil as of Mar. 2026. GuruFocus calculates this using data sourced from SEC filings and annual reports. See the calculation section and 30-year financial data on this page for the full breakdown.
Is China Eastern Airlines (CHEAF) Overvalued in 2026?
Based on GuruFocus' analysis, China Eastern Airlines stock appears to be undervalued.
The current stock price of $0.40 is trading 39.7% below its estimated GF Value™ of $0.66.
GuruFocus considers China Eastern Airlines to be Possible Value Trap.
Key valuation signals for CHEAF:
Retained Earnings: $-8,444 Mil
GF Value™: $0.66 vs. price of $0.40 (39.7% below fair value)
No single metric tells the full story. See the CHEAF stock analysis page for a complete view including 30-year financials, guru trades, and insider activity.
China Eastern Airlines Corp Ltd principally engaged in the operation of civil aviation, including the provision of passenger, cargo, mail delivery and other extended transportation services, also manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft and aviation equipment, agency services, import and export business, tourism and hotel business; and other businesses related to air transportation. The Group has two reportable segments. Airline transportation operations mainly comprise the provision of passenger, cargo, mail delivery, and ground services. Other services, including tour operations, air catering, and other miscellaneous services, are not included within the airline transportation operations segment. Geographically, the company operates Domestic, Regional and International.
57GF Score
Get the complete analysis for CHEAF
Retained Earnings is just one metric. See GF Value™, 30-year financials, guru trades, warning signs, and more.
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