Answer (A) is correct . The dividend declaration decreased retained earnings and increased current liabilities by $750,000. The subsequent payment decreased both current assets and current liabilities by $750,000. Before the dividend declaration, the current ratio was 3.03 (5,431,000 ¡Â $1,789,000). The declaration increased current liabilities to $2,539,000, and the new current ratio was 2.14 ($5,431,000 ¡Â $2,539,000). The payment reduced current assets to $4,681,000 and current liabilities to $1,789,000. Thus, after the payment, the current ratio was 2.61 ($4,681,000 ¡Â $1,789,000).< Answer (B) is incorrect because A dividend declaration reduces the current ratio. Answer (C) is incorrect because Payment of the dividend increased the ratio. Reducing the numerator and denominator by equal amounts always increases a ratio that is greater than 1.0. Answer (D) is incorrect because The current ratio is reduced, not increased, by a dividend declaration.
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