Accounting Online Program Certification Practice Test 2026 - Free Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct component included in the changes reflected in retained earnings is net income. Retained earnings represent the cumulative amount of earnings that a company has retained in the business after distributing dividends to shareholders. Net income plays a crucial role in this calculation because it directly affects the overall profitability of the company during a specific period.

When calculating retained earnings, the formula generally starts with the beginning balance of retained earnings, adds net income (or subtracts net losses) for the period, and then deducts any dividends paid out. Thus, net income functions as a key driver of retained earnings, indicating how much profit the company has retained for reinvestment or other uses instead of distributing it to shareholders.

In contrast, gross revenue, operating expenses, and current liabilities are not components of retained earnings. Gross revenue represents total sales before any deductions, operating expenses are costs associated with running the business, and current liabilities are obligations due within a year. These elements play roles in the overall financial statements and performance but do not directly impact the retained earnings calculation.