Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: $ 14 Million
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
We translate dividend percentages into absolute payouts using the number of shares and their par values. The remainder of the profit (after total dividends) is transferred to the reserve fund. This is a straightforward allocation question in corporate finance arithmetic.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Preferred dividend = count * (rate * par). Common dividend = count * (rate * par). Total dividend = preferred + common. Reserve = total profit − total dividend.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Preferred dividend = 10,000 * (0.12 * 100) = 10,000 * 12 = $120,000Common dividend = 50,000 * (0.176 * 100) = 50,000 * 17.6 = $880,000Total dividends = $120,000 + $880,000 = $1,000,000Reserve fund = $15,000,000 − $1,000,000 = $14,000,000
Verification / Alternative check:
Per-share dividends: $12 (pref) and $17.6 (common). Multiplying by counts confirms the totals.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
$5M–$6.5M reserves would imply much larger dividend payouts; our exact calculation shows $14M remains.
Common Pitfalls:
Applying percentages to market prices, or assuming the “Millions” scale changes per-share calculations.
Final Answer:
$ 14 Million
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