Colson Inc. declared a $320,000 cash dividend. It currently has 12,000 shares of 7%, $100 par value cumulative preferred stock outstanding. It is one year in arrears on its preferred stock. How much cash will Colson distribute to the common stockholders

The divided for common stockholders is $152000

Explanation:

The preferred stock is cumulative whch means any arrears in preference dividend will be paid whenever the dividend is declared.

The amount of yearly preference dividends is = 12000 * 100 * 0.07 = 84000

Thus, when 320000 cash dividend is declared, 2 years (current year and arrear year) preference dividend will be paid first and the remaining will be distributed among common stock holders.

The dividedn for common stockholders is 320000 - (84000 * 2) = $152000