For a statement of retained earnings ...

For a statement of retained earnings:

• If running at a loss, then “Less: Net loss”
• Cash dividends are a distribution of net income to the owners of the corporation, not an expense. 
• If purchasing treasury stock, then “Less Purchase of treasury stock”
• Property dividends are an alternative to cash or stock dividends and reduce retained earnings by the fair market value upon declaration.
• A change in accounting estimate is not considered a prior-period adjustment, and is handled on a prospective basis only. To not be shown on the Statement of Retained Earnings.
  

 
Therefore an example of a statement of retained earnings can have the following dynamics: (Minus) Net Income -> (Minus) cash dividends on preferred stock -> (Minus) Purchase of treasury stock -> Minus declaration of property dividend (at FMV)

​cc: Reporting