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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes 'dividends in arrears' on cumulative preferred stock?
A
Unpaid dividends on cumulative preferred stock that must be paid before any dividends can be paid to common shareholders.
B
Dividends that are paid in advance to preferred shareholders.
C
Dividends that are only paid if the company has sufficient profits in the current year.
D
Dividends that have been declared but not yet paid to common shareholders.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of cumulative preferred stock: Cumulative preferred stock is a type of preferred stock where unpaid dividends accumulate and must be paid before any dividends are distributed to common shareholders.
Define 'dividends in arrears': Dividends in arrears refer to unpaid dividends on cumulative preferred stock from previous periods that have not yet been paid by the company.
Clarify the priority of payment: For cumulative preferred stock, dividends in arrears must be paid first before any dividends can be distributed to common shareholders.
Eliminate incorrect options: Review each option and eliminate those that do not align with the definition of dividends in arrears. For example, dividends paid in advance or those dependent solely on current-year profits are not relevant to this concept.
Select the correct answer: Based on the explanation, the correct description of dividends in arrears is 'Unpaid dividends on cumulative preferred stock that must be paid before any dividends can be paid to common shareholders.'