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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about dividends is true?
A
Dividends are recorded as an expense on the income statement.
B
Dividends are always paid in the form of additional shares of stock.
C
Dividends must be paid to common shareholders before preferred shareholders.
D
Dividends are distributions of a corporation's earnings to its shareholders.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of dividends: Dividends are distributions of a corporation's earnings to its shareholders, typically as a reward for their investment in the company.
Clarify the accounting treatment: Dividends are not recorded as an expense on the income statement. Instead, they are recorded as a reduction in retained earnings on the balance sheet.
Recognize the forms of dividends: Dividends can be paid in various forms, such as cash, additional shares of stock (stock dividends), or other assets. However, they are not always paid in the form of additional shares of stock.
Understand the priority of payment: Preferred shareholders typically have priority over common shareholders when it comes to receiving dividends. Dividends must be paid to preferred shareholders first if the company has issued preferred stock.
Conclude with the correct statement: Dividends are distributions of a corporation's earnings to its shareholders, which is the accurate description among the options provided.