Question

Halverstein Company's outstanding stock consists of 9,450 shares of cumulative 5% preferred stock with a $10 par value and 4,050 shares of common stock with a $1 par value. During the first three years of operation, the corporation declared and paid the following total cash dividends. Year Dividend Declared 2015 $0 2016 $6,000 2017 $32,000 The amount of dividends paid to preferred and common shareholders in 2016 is:
a. $3,500 preferred; $2,500 common.
b. $3,000 preferred; $3,000 common.
c. $0 preferred; $6,000 common.
d. $4,200 preferred; $1,800 common.
e. $6,000 preferred; $0 common.

Answer 1

Answer:

e. $6,000 preferred; $0 common.

Explanation:

The Preference Stock holders hold first preference during payment of dividends followed by the Common Stockholders.

Note also that Cumulative Preference Stock can have their dividends accumulated and paid in the latter years when funds become available.

Amount of Preference Stock dividend is fixed and calculated as follows:

9,450 shares × $10 × 5% = $ 4,725

2015

Cash dividends                                  = $0

Preference Stock dividend Paid      = $0

Preference Stock dividend Arrears = $ 4,725

No Common Stock Dividend

2016

Cash dividends                                  = $6,000

Preference Stock dividend Paid      = $6,000

Preference Stock dividend Arrears = $ 3,450

No Common Stock Dividend