In: Finance
Alternative dividend policies Over the last 10 years, a firm has had the earnings per share shown in the following table:
Year | Earnings per Share | Year | Earnings per Share |
2019 | $1.50 | 2014 | $2.19 |
2018 | $3.93 | 2013 | $1.18 |
2017 | $3.76 | 2012 | $1.18 |
2016 | $3.99 | 2011 | -$1.07 |
2015 | $3.93 | 2010 | $0.85 |
a. If the firm's dividend policy were based on a constant payout ratio of 40% for all years with positive earnings and 0% otherwise, what would be the annual dividend for 2015?
b. If the firm had a dividend payout of $1.00 per share, increasing by $0.10 per share whenever the dividend payout fell below 50% for two consecutive years, what annual dividend would the firm pay in 2015?
c. If the firm's policy were to pay $0.50 per share each period except when earnings per share exceed $3.00, when an extra dividend equal to 80% of earnings beyond $3.00 would be paid, what annual dividend would the firm pay in 2015?
d. Discuss the pros and cons of each dividend policy described in parts a through c.
a. Annual dividend for 2015 :- $1.572
b. Annual dividend for 2015 :- $1.00
c. Annual dividend for 2015 :- $1.244
d. Pros and Cons of all three dividend policies are described in below attached solution sheet
Detailed solution has been attached here :-