1. According to Gordon's Dividend Growth Model, the market value of a share depends on:
Only the current dividend.
Book value of assets.
Only the retention ratio.
Dividend per share, Cost of Equity, and Growth rate.
Explanation:
Gordon's Formula: P = D1 / (Ke - g). It values a stock based on the next expected dividend (D1), the cost of equity (Ke), and the constant growth rate (g).
2. According to Walter’s Model, if the firm’s Return on Investment (r) is greater than its Cost of Capital (k), the firm should:
It does not matter.
Distribute 100% dividend.
Distribute 50% dividend.
Retain 100% earnings (0% dividend).
Explanation:
If r > k, the firm can earn more on the money than the shareholders can earn elsewhere. Therefore, to maximize value, the firm should retain all earnings and reinvest them.
3. According to the "Residual Theory of Dividends", a firm should pay dividends only when:
Competitors are paying dividends.
Profits are high.
Shareholders demand it.
There are earnings left over after financing all acceptable investment opportunities.
Explanation:
This theory views dividends as a passive residual. Priority is given to reinvesting in profitable projects. Only if funds remain, dividend is paid.
4. A Share Buyback is economically equivalent to:
Rights issue.
Paying cash dividend.
Issuing bonus shares.
Stock split.
Explanation:
Buyback returns excess cash to shareholders, similar to a dividend. However, it provides tax advantages (Capital Gains tax vs Dividend Tax) and signals management confidence.
5. Issuing Bonus Shares results in:
Decrease in Share Capital.
Capitalization of Reserves without affecting Net Worth.
Cash outflow from the company.
Increase in Net Worth.
Explanation:
Bonus shares convert free reserves into share capital. The total Net Worth (Capital + Reserves) remains the same; only the composition changes.
6. A policy of "Stable Dividend" usually means:
Paying a fixed percentage of earnings (Constant Payout) or a fixed amount per share.
Fluctuating dividend based on daily profits.
Paying 100% profits as dividend.
Paying no dividend.
Explanation:
Companies maintain stable dividends to signal consistency and reliability to investors, avoiding sharp drops even when profits dip temporarily.
7. The "Modigliani-Miller (MM) Dividend Irrelevance Theory" assumes:
Perfect capital markets and no taxes.
High taxes on dividends.
High transaction costs.
Investors prefer dividends over capital gains.
Explanation:
MM argue that in a perfect world without taxes or transaction costs, dividend policy does not affect share price; investors can create their own dividends by selling shares.
8. A Stock Split (e.g., 1 share of ?10 becomes 2 shares of ?5) results in:
Increase in Reserves.
Cash outflow for the company.
Decrease in Face Value per share, but Total Share Capital remains same.
Increase in Paid-up Capital.
Explanation:
Stock split increases the number of shares and reduces the face value per share proportionately. It does not change the total capital or reserves, unlike a Bonus Issue which capitalizes reserves.
9. A policy of paying a low constant dividend per share plus an extra dividend in years of high profit is called:
Constant Payout Ratio.
Residual Dividend Policy.
Stable Dividend Policy.
Low Regular Dividend plus Extra Dividend Policy.
Explanation:
This policy gives shareholders a reliable steady income while allowing the firm to share prosperity in boom years without committing to a permanently high dividend.
10. According to the "Tax Preference Theory", investors may prefer low dividends and high retained earnings if:
There is no tax.
Dividends are tax-free.
The company is making losses.
Capital Gains tax is lower than Dividend Income tax.
Explanation:
Retained earnings lead to share price appreciation (Capital Gains). If capital gains are taxed at a lower rate than dividend income (or deferred), investors prefer retention over payout.
11. The "Bird-in-the-Hand" theory of dividend policy implies that:
Investors prefer capital gains for tax reasons.
Investors are indifferent between dividends and capital gains.
Investors prefer current dividends (certain) over future capital gains (uncertain).
Dividends reduce the value of the firm.
Explanation:
Proposed by Gordon and Lintner, this theory argues that dividends are less risky than future capital appreciation. Therefore, a higher dividend payout reduces the cost of equity and increases share price.
12. The "Clientele Effect" suggests that:
Companies should change their dividend policy frequently.
Different groups of investors prefer different dividend policies (e.g., retirees prefer high dividends, young investors prefer growth/capital gains).
All investors want high dividends.
Dividends are irrelevant.
Explanation:
Firms attract a specific clientele based on their payout policy. Changing the policy might alienate the existing shareholder base and affect the stock price.
13. Can a company declare dividends if it has incurred a loss in the current year?
No, strictly prohibited.
Yes, out of accumulated free reserves, subject to certain conditions.
Yes, out of Capital.
Yes, by taking a bank loan.
Explanation:
Companies Act allows declaring dividend out of reserves if current profits are insufficient, provided conditions regarding rate of dividend and withdrawal amount are met.