Hernandez Company has 350,000 shares of $10 par value common stock outstanding. During the year, Hernandez declared a 10% stock dividend when the market price of the stock was $30 per share. Four months later Hernandez declared a $.50 per share cash dividend. As a result of the dividends declared during the year, retained earnings decreased by:. a. $1,242,500.
b. $525,000.
c. $192,500.
d. $175,000.

b. $525,000.

Explanation:

Dividends distributions are always made out of the distributable profits found in the Retained Earnings.

The first step thus is to calculate the amount of dividends distributed.

1st Declaration :

Dividends = 350,000 shares x $10 x 10% = $350,000

2nd Declaration :

Dividends = 350,000 shares x $0.50 = $175,000

Therefore,

Total Dividends = $350,000 + $175,000 = $525,000

Conclusion :

As a results of the dividends distribution, retained earnings decreased by $525,000.

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