At January 1, 2023, Ming Limited’s outstanding shares included the following:

280,000 $50 par value, 7%, cumulative preferred shares 900,000 common shares

Net income for 2023 was $2,130,000. No cash dividends were declared or paid during 2023. On February 15, 2024, however, all preferred dividends in arrears were paid, together with a 5% stock dividend on common shares. There were no dividends in arrears before 2023.

On April 1, 2023, 550,000 common shares were sold for $10 per share, and on October 1, 2023, 310,000 common shares were purchased for $20 per share.

The financial statements for 2023 were issued in March 2024.

Instructions

a. Calculate the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2023.

b. Calculate earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2023. Round to the nearest cent.

c. What is the significance of the declaration and payment date of February 15, 2024, for the dividend on preferred shares? What effect, if any, will this transaction have on the December 31, 2023, financial statements?

d. Would your answer in part (b) change if the dividend arrears on preferred shares were for two years as at December 31, 2023?