Statement of Retained Earnings - Requirements of IFRS

Requirements of IFRS

IAS 1 requires a business entity to present a separate Statement of Changes in Equity (SOCE) as one of the components of financial statements.

The statement shall show: (IAS1.106)

1. total comprehensive income for the period, showing separately amounts attributable to owners of the parent and to non-controlling interests
2. the effects of retrospective application, when applicable, for each component
3. reconciliations between the carrying amounts at the beginning and the end of the period for each component of equity, separately disclosing:

• profit or loss
• each item of other comprehensive income
• transactions with owners, showing separately contributions by and distributions to owners and changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries that do not result in a loss of control

However, the amount of dividends recognised as distributions, and the related amount per share, may be presented in the notes instead of presenting in the statement of changes in equity. (IAS1.107)

For Small and Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs), the Statement of Changes in Equity should show all changes in equity including:

• total comprehensive income
• owners' investments
• dividends
• owners' withdrawals of capital
• treasury share transactions

They can omit the statement of changes in equity if the entity has no owner investments or withdrawals other than dividends, and elects to present a combined statement of comprehensive income and retained earnings.