A firm has 20 million common shares outstanding. It currently pays out $1.50 per share per year

Question:

A firm has 20 million common shares outstanding. It currently pays out $1.50 per share per year in cash dividends on its common stock. Historically, its payout ratio has ranged from 30% to 35%. Over the next five years it expects the earnings and discretionary cash flow shown below in millions.
a. Over the five-year period, what is the maximum overall payout ratio the firm could achieve without triggering a securities issue?
b. Recommend a reasonable policy for paying out discretionary cash flow in years 1 through 5.
1 2 3 4 5 Thereafter
Earnings 100 125 150 120 140 150+ per year
Discretionary cash flow 50 60 50 20 15 50+ per year
Dividend
A dividend is a distribution of a portion of company’s earnings, decided and managed by the company’s board of directors, and paid to the shareholders. Dividends are given on the shares. It is a token reward paid to the shareholders for their...