Question

A firm has issued cumulative preferred stock with a $100 par value and a 10 percent annual dividend. For the past three years, the board of directors has decided not to pay a dividend. At the end of the current year, the preferred stockholders must be paid ________ prior to paying the common stockholders.

Answer 1

$30/share

Step-by-step explanation:

Calculation to determine the amount the preferred stockholders must be paid

First step is to calculate per year dividend using this formula

Per year dividend = Stock value × Dividend payment rate

Let plug in the formula

Per year dividend = $100 × 10%

Per year dividend = $10

Second step is to calculate the Total unpaid dividend using this formula

Total unpaid dividend for 2 years = Per year dividend × 2 year

Let plug in the formula

Total unpaid dividend for 2 years = $10× 2years

Total unpaid dividend for 2 years = $20

Now let calculate the Cumulative Preferred Dividend

Using this formula

Cumulative Preferred Dividend = Current Year Dividend + Total unpaid dividend for 2 years

Let plug in the formula

Cumulative Preferred Dividend = $10 + $20

Cumulative Preferred Dividend = $30

Therefore At the end of the current year, the preferred stockholders must be paid $30/share prior to paying the common stockholders.