A firm has an outstanding issue of 1,000 shares of preferred stock with a $100 par value and an 8 percent annual dividend. The firm also has 5,000 shares of common stock outstanding. If the stock is cumulative and the board of directors has passed the preferred dividend for the prior two years, how much must the preferred stockholders be paid prior to paying dividends to common stockholders at the end of third year?

“Hence, the amount that must be paid to the preferred stockholders be paid prior to paying dividends to common stockholders at the end of third year = $24,000”

Explanation:

The Paid-up value of Preferred Shares = $100,000 [1,000 Shares x $100]

The Amount of Preferred Dividend per year = $8,000 [$100,000 x 8%]

The amount that must be paid to the preferred stockholders be paid prior to paying dividends to common stockholders at the end of third year

= Cumulative Preferred Dividends payable for the 2 years + Current Year Dividend

= [$8,000 x 2 Years] + $8,000

= $16,000 + 8,000

= $24,000

“Hence, the amount that must be paid to the preferred stockholders be paid prior to paying dividends to common stockholders at the end of third year = $24,000”