Question

Indicate the effect of each of the following transactions on total assets, total liabilities, and total stockholdersâ equity. Select + for increase, - for decrease, or No Effect.

Transaction Total Assest Total Liabilities Total stockholders' Equity
Issue common stock
Issue preferred stock
Purchase treasury stock
Sale of treasury stock
Declare cash dividend
Pay cash dividend
100% stock dividend
2-for-1 stock split

Answer 1

Transaction Assets Liabilities Stockholders' Equity

Issue common stock Increase NE Increase

Issue preferred stock Increase NE Increase Purchase treasury stock Decrease NE Decrease

Sale of treasury stock Increase NE Increase Declare cash dividend NE Increase NE

Pay cash dividend Decrease Decrease NE

100% stock dividend NE NE NE

2-for-1 stock split NE NE NE

When shares are sold or issued, they increase the stockholders equity as people buy these shares. They also increase assets because cash comes into the company when the shares are sold. This is why the Issuing of preference and common stock as well as the sale of Treasury shares had the same effects.

When cash dividends are declared, they become a liability that is owed to equity holders.

When these dividends are then paid, they remove the liability but reduce assets as cash is used to pay the dividends.

100% stock dividend reduces retained earnings but increases equity so stockholders equity does not change.