The shareholders’ equity of Tru Corporation includes $540,000 of $1 par common stock and $1,140,000 par of 7% cumulative preferred stock. The board of directors of Tru declared cash dividends of $144,000 in 2018 after paying $54,000 cash dividends in each of 2017 and 2016.
What is the amount of dividends common shareholders will receive in 2018?

$12,600

Explanation:

Annual Dividend to preferred stock = $1,140,000 × 7%

                                                           =  $79,800

A schedule of preferred stock dividend in Arrears is as follows :

               Dividend              Paid                Arrears

2016        $79,800           $54,000           $25,800

2017        $79,800           $54,000           $51,600

2018        $79,800           $131,400                 0

Dividends of $131,400 has to be paid in 2018 to cover all the arrears.

Principle : Preference dividends (and their arrears if cumulative) are paid first before dividends distribution to common stock holders.

Common Stock Holders receive the remaining amount of dividends of $12,600 ($144,000 - $131,400)

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