Question

Swifty Corporation, has 14100 shares of 4%, $100 par value, cumulative preferred stock and 61000 shares of $1 par value common stock outstanding at December 31, 2021. There were no dividends declared in 2019. The board of directors declares and pays a $101000 dividend in 2020 and in 2021. What is the amount of dividends received by the common stockholders in 2021

Answer 1

Answer: $32,800

Explanation:

Every year, the preference shareholders are entitled to the following in dividends;

= 14,100 * 4% * 100

= $‭56,400‬

These shares are cumulative which means that if dividends are not paid in one year, they will have to be accured and paid in another.

No dividends were paid in 2019.

In 2020, dividends were $101,000

Preference shareholders would get dividends for both 2019 and 2020 from here so;

= 56,400 + 56,400

= $112,800

They will take all $101,000 and still be owed;

= 112,800 - 101,000

=$ 11,800

In 2021, their Preference dividends will be;

= 56,400 + 11,800

= $68,200

Amount left for Common shareholders in 2021 will therefore be;

= 101,000 - 68,200

= $32,800