Question

Identifying and Analyzing Financial Statement Effects of Cash Dividends Freid Corp. has outstanding 6,000 shares of $50 par value, 6% preferred stock, and 40,000 shares of $1 par value common stock. The company has $328,000 of retained earnings. At year-end, the company declares and pays the regular $3 per share cash dividend on preferred stock and a $2.20 per share cash dividend on common stock. a. Using the financial statement effects template, illustrate the effects of these two dividend payments.

Answer 1

Answer:

Assets              =                Liabilities          +               Equity

cash (18,000)                       NA                          Retained earnigns (18,000)

cash (88,000)                      NA                          Retained earnigns (88,000)

Retained earnings is an equity account and any cash dividends paid either to preferred or common stock will decrease cash and retained earnings, remember that both sides must balance.