What is the term for the amount earned by a corporation and not yet distributed to stockholders?

The correct term for the amount earned by a corporation that has not yet been distributed to stockholders is retained earnings. Retained earnings reflect the cumulative total of a company's profits or losses after dividends have been paid out to shareholders. This figure is critical as it represents the reinvestment of profits into the company for growth, expansion, or to cover future losses, rather than being returned to shareholders.

Other terms mentioned do not accurately describe this concept. Gross profit refers to the revenue remaining after the cost of goods sold has been deducted, which does not consider operating expenses or distributions to shareholders. Net income is the total profit of a company after all expenses, taxes, and costs have been subtracted from total revenue, which can include amounts that are subsequently distributed as dividends. Shareholder equity represents the total value of a company to its shareholders, which includes both retained earnings and invested capital, but it does not specifically identify earnings that have not been distributed. Thus, retained earnings is the most precise descriptor for the amount earned but not yet distributed to stockholders.