In: Finance
The financial planning committee of Nickel News, Co. has projected a Growth Rate of 8% for both Sales and Operating Costs for the upcoming year. No external capital will be required, and currently prevailing Interest Rates and Tax Rates are not expected to change.
Nickel News Company
Income Statement
For the (Current)Year Ended ________________
Sales …..................................................... $ 240,000,000
Operating Costs ….................................... 113,000,000
Operating Income …................................ $ 127,000,000
Interest Expense ….................................. 27,000,000
Pre-Tax Income …................................... $ 100,000,000
Income Taxes …....................................... 33,000,000
Net Income …........................................... $ 67,000,000
Preferred Stock Dividends for the current year totaled $ 10,000,000. Common Stock Dividends for the current year totaled $ 16,000,000. If management is expected to give Common Stockholders an 8% increase in Dividends Per Share, calculate the rate at which Retained Earnings will grow for the upcoming year.