Answer: $540,000
Explanation:
Given that,
Fair value of the common stock = $30 per share
Common stock, $10 par value, authorized 200,000 shares;
issued and outstanding 120,000 shares = $1,200,000
Additional paid-in capital on common stock = $150,000
Retained earnings = $700,000
Total stockholders' equity = $2,050,000
Declared a dividend of 15%:
= 120,000 × $30 × 15%
= $540,000
Since, dividends are paid out Retained earnings. Therefore, retained earnings will decrease by an amount of $540,000.