The beginning balance of retained earnings will be greater than the ending balance if: The company issues additional shares of stock during the period The company has a net income greater than dividends paid The company has a net income less than dividends paid The revenues earned for the period are greater than the expenses incurred and dividends paid Retained earnings are: The amount of cash that a company has. The earnings of a company that have been distributed to the owners. The earnings of a company that have been retained in the company. The amount of cash required for company investments