ABC had the following net income (loss) the first three years of operation: $7,100, ($1,600), and $3,600. If the Retained Earnings balance at the end of year three is $1,100, what was the total amount of dividends paid over these three years?

Total amount of dividends paid over these three years is equal to the values of accumulated net income or losses less the balance of Retained Earnings.

This value is $7,400 (7,100+3,000-1,600) - 1,100.

Explanation:

Retained Earnings are the total amounts from net income or loss that are not distributed to stockholders. They are usually re-invested in the company to earn more income.

The allocation of surplus income between retained earnings and dividends is one of the decisions that a company makes to balance stockholders' expectation for immediate returns and long-term growth of their investments. It is a very delicate decision that must be taken to meet the varying expectations of stockholders.

The total amount of dividends paid over these three years: $8000

Explanation:

Net income (loss) in three years

$7,100, ($1,600), and $3,600

=> the total net income is the first three years of operation is:

$7,100 - ($1,600) + $3,600

= $9,100

This money is not kept in the Retained Earnings because it is used for dividend payment. But Earnings balance at the end of year three is $1,100, so the total amount of dividends paid over these three years:

= Total net incomes - Retained Earnings

= $9,100 - $1,100,

= $8000

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