Statement of Retained Earnings Triplette, Corp. began the year 2008 with –$5 million in retained earnings. The firm earned net income of $10.1 million in 2008 and paid $2.1 million to its preferred stockholders and $1.1 million to its common stockholders. What is the year-end 2008 balance in retained earnings for Triplette? possible answers $5 million $18.3 million $8.3 million $1.9 million.